Sola Publishing News and Feedback http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/feed.html News, devotions and feedback blog for Sola Publishing en-us The Smalcald Articles – part 74 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 14 May 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Ephesians 2:4–5

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Others become blind and arrogant, having the opinion that they can and do keep the law by their own powers, as was said above about the scholastic theologians. This is how hypocrites and false saints are produced.

Pulling It Together: Justification always comes through faith in God’s gracious promises in Christ. Being right with God is never a result of one’s devotion to God. The opposite is the case on two levels. One, the blindest and most arrogant people are created when they believe their righteous standing before God is the result of their piety. I once knew a woman who never sinned. That is what she insisted. Blinded by her own goodness, she no longer had use for the Savior. Two, justification comes to us because of God’s devotion to us—not the reverse.

Prayer: I need you, Jesus, because I am a sinner. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The ReClaim Hymnal for Church and Home contains three Communion Settings along with liturgies for Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, Funerals, and other occasional services. It also includes the Small Catechism, as well as 275 beloved hymns from various hymn traditions. It is a resource that would be suitable for confirmation and graduation gifts as well as congregational use. 

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The Smalcald Articles – part 72 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 13 May 25 00:00:00 -0400

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Galatians 2:20–21

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles – part 72

These and many similar fictions have resulted from misunderstanding and ignorance concerning both sin and Christ, our Savior. These things are truly heathen doctrines, which we cannot endure. If this teaching is correct, then Christ has died in vain, since there would be no defect or sin in the human race for which Christ should have died. Or, he would have died only for the body, but not for the soul, inasmuch as the soul is sound, and only the body is subject to death.

Pulling It Together: It is not in our nature to love God or do good. That old nature must die, so that a new nature may be formed in us—a righteous nature given to us, one that may love God. Working at it will not make us God fearing or good people. We must be given a new life and being, a righteousness through faith. If it were otherwise, Scripture is untrue, and Christ has died for no reason whatsoever.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the faith to believe. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Journey Through the Bible is a twenty-session series written by Tony Stoutenburg, intended as a video study guide for watching the made-for-television miniseries, "The Bible" — a ten-part video available on DVD and Blueray. (Note: For those who do not have access to “The Bible” Miniseries, it is certainly possible to substitute other videos or clips to tell the same stories. The classroom portion of this book also can be used as a stand-alone, 10-session study.)

Alternating between classroom discussion and video viewing sessions, the goal is to visually expose students to the stories of the full Biblical narrative across the Old and New Testaments. The curriculum is aimed at the middle-school age level for use as an introductory pre-confirmation Bible overview or as a year-long Confirmation unit. (Click HERE to purchase the Leader's Guide.)

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The Smalcald Articles – part 71 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 12 May 25 00:00:00 -0400

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John 15:5

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

7. That it is not found in Scripture that the Holy Spirit and his grace are necessary for the doing of a good work.

Pulling It Together: We may do some good on our own. For example, our own free will may be at work in civil matters. We may determine whether or not we will pay our taxes or stop when the light is red or if we will provide some service to our country. These are not spiritual matters; they have nothing to do with rebirth. God is necessary for our doing anything that is called good when it goes beyond mere civil works.

We can do no good apart from God. This is clear enough in Scripture. All we do that is good, flows from the Spirit of God who lives within us (Rom 8:9). We cannot love the Father or keep the other commandments without Christ’s help. What is more, we would not claim to be able to, as the notion that one can do these truly good works on his own, points to the deeper belief that doing so earns one some favor with God. The person who believes God is behind his good works would not then claim responsibility and recognition for those works. That would be tantamount to saying, You did this but I deserve the credit. Anyone who claims that she is able to do good works is really only wanting favor from God (and neighbor) for doing them. Luther was teaching us what Scripture clearly says, along with the underlying precept, that God is deserving of all our praise and honor.

Prayer: I want to live in and through you, Lord. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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The Smalcald Articles – part 70 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 11 May 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 11:27–30

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

6. Again, if one wishes to go to the Sacrament, there is no need of an intention to do good, but it is sufficient if there is no wicked intention to commit sin, since human nature is entirely good and the Sacrament so able to produce its result.

Pulling It Together

You will recall that we are dealing with theological errors that Luther refuted in his “Smalcald Articles.” We have seen that these errors were largely due to being in conflict with the chief article: “That Jesus Christ, our God and Lord, died for our sins, and was raised again for our justification.” These benefits are received by faith, otherwise it is not Christ’s dying and rising that makes the difference. We continue.

Like all things, faith must be worked in, else the Word is not present. The Word and its promises may be spoken throughout the service of worship but if it is not heard with ears of faith, the forgiveness of sins is withheld. The Word is not a magical incantation that is effective whether you wish it to be or not. It must be received with faith; otherwise, the wine is simply wine, and the bread merely bread, and the one who eats and drinks, only an unforgiven sinner who would have duped God.

Because faith is present, there is an intention to cease from sin and do good. We come to the altar, asking the Lord’s forgiveness of our sins, not his permission to persist at sinning. Be careful though, lest you begin to think that your good works and morality are why you are forgiven. You are forgiven through faith in Christ alone. But that faith — real faith — desires to do God’s will. True faith is not present if the intention is to remain faithless.

Prayer: Help me examine myself so that I may earnestly eat and drink. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Not My Will, But Yours is a six-week study that explores the topic of the “free will” from a biblical perspective, looking at what Scripture has to say about the bondage of the human will, and how Jesus Christ has come to deliver us from ourselves.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 69 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 10 May 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 3:21–22 

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

3. Again, that people are able by their natural powers to observe and keep all the commandments of God.

4. Again, that by their natural powers, people are able to love God above all things and their neighbors as themselves.

5. Again, if people do as much as they can, God will certainly grant them his grace.

Pulling It Together

We have already seen how human nature is not equal to the task. But even if some person is able to live a perfectly sinless life, that person was born into sin (original sin), and so, remains a sinner. No one is exempt (Rom 3:23). Moreover, the ability to be sinless — which again, no one has — is not a virtue that earns them favor with God. There is no such human virtue. There is nothing in human nature, abilities, intentions, or accomplishments that moves God to grant people his grace. It is his love for humanity that moves him to freely offer his grace, yet also justly so, forgiving and making righteous those who have faith in Christ (Rom 3:26).

Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, for I am a sinner. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Journey Through the Bible is a twenty-session series written by Tony Stoutenburg, intended as a video study guide for watching the made-for-television miniseries, "The Bible" — a ten-part video available on DVD and Blueray. (Note: For those who do not have access to “The Bible” Miniseries, it is certainly possible to substitute other videos or clips to tell the same stories. The classroom portion of this book also can be used as a stand-alone, 10-session study.)

Alternating between classroom discussion and video viewing sessions, the goal is to visually expose students to the stories of the full Biblical narrative across the Old and New Testaments. The curriculum is aimed at the middle-school age level for use as an introductory pre-confirmation Bible overview or as a year-long Confirmation unit. (Click HERE to purchase the Leader's Guide.)

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The Smalcald Articles – part 68 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 09 May 25 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Corinthians 2:14–16

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles – part 68

2. Again, that people have free will to do good and avoid doing evil, and on the other hand, to refrain from good and do evil.

Pulling It Together: People are able to choose to do some good but they are incapable of being good. Likewise, they are able to leave off from doing some evil, while remaining incapable of not being being sinners. This is rooted in original sin. People begin life dead in their sins, and continue through life in one after another outright trespasses against God’s will and Word. They are helpless to do otherwise. One example from the greatest commandment will suffice. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deut 6:6). Or perhaps you prefer the Greek version: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matt 22:37). You cannot do it without God’s help. Who loves the Lord with a whole heart? No one. We cannot perfectly love God, so we ask him in the liturgy for the grace to do so. The rebirthed mind of Christ comprehends sin and the need of God’s grace. The natural person is simply hell-bent on being good—or not.

Prayer: Help me see my need for you, Lord. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

All God’s Critters is a Sunday School series designed for young students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children. This curriculum is fully reproducible and is designed with the particular needs of small churches, mission congregations, and house churches in mind. Check out some sample pages by clicking here.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 67 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 08 May 25 00:00:00 -0400

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Isaiah 50:4-5, 10

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Therefore, what the scholastic theologians have taught regarding this article is nothing but error and blindness, namely:

1. That since the fall of Adam the natural powers of humankind have remained entire and uncorrupted, and that, by nature, they have sound reason and a good will, as the philosophers teach.

Pulling It Together: Though this passage in Isaiah depicts the coming Messiah, it may also be seen as a model for the godly life. Within it, we see that human beings have the capacity to learn and to think. They may learn to fear, love, and trust God. Yet, though they have the capacity, it must be developed by the grace of God. When convicted of their darkness and sin, they may find light and life only when the Lord opens their ears to hear his Word. When they trust him instead of their own reasoning, be calls them from their darkness and into his marvelous light (1 Pet 2:9). 

Prayer: Incline my ear to your Word, Lord, that I may find light, and life, and rest in you. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

      

Sola Publishing carries four workbooks to help you with house church and small group ministry. Rev. Tom Hilpert's Experiencing Life Together is a 15-week curriculum designed for those who want to experience Christian worship in the context of a small group meeting within the homes of participants. Rev. Stéphane Kalonji's Word of Life series is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is also an excellent tool for evangelism.

Experiencing Life Together   • Come and See!   • Go and Tell!   • Dwell in My Love!

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The Smalcald Articles – part 66 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 07 May 25 00:00:00 -0400

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Matthew 16:17

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

This hereditary sin is so deep a corruption of nature that it cannot be understand with reason. It must be believed from the revelation of the Scriptures (Psa 51:5; Rom 6:12ff; Exod 33:3; Gen 3:7ff).

Pulling It Together: The kingdom of God cannot be stormed by reason. Human reason is strong but it cannot bring itself to believe in the unseen, the unprovable. Moreover, human nature is blind to itself. A man may eventually yield to his own wrongdoing because of its sheer repetition, but then say, It wasn’t so bad, or Who did it harm? Or perhaps he does not even view his offenses as sin. He is merely trying to relieve his guilt when he proclaims, Sin is just a construct of religion. Reason brings us all to this terrible place. It locks the door on this self-centered prison where guilt festers and the lies are multiplied. Only God is able to break us free.

By God’s grace alone, we are enabled to come out of our cells and into the light. His grace provides us with the faith necessary to believe the unbelievable. And what is more unbelievable than that sinners like us may be forgiven, made righteous, and be loved by the Father of lights (James 1:17)? Such faith is the foundation of the Father’s family.

Prayer: Give me faith, Lord, by your Word. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Where Two or Three Are Gathered is a guide for what Luther referred to as "mutual conversation and consolation" among believers. These are the times we come together one to one, as people of faith, to talk about our lives and struggles, and strengthen one another in prayer with the promise of God's grace and mercy. This devotional conversation guide may be used for a number of purposes and applications where people are looking for some help in structuring conversations on the practical and spiritual dimensions of Christian discipleship.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 65 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 06 May 25 00:00:00 -0400

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Exodus 20:1

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

The fruits of this sin are the ensuing evil deeds that are forbidden in the Ten Commandments, such as unbelief, false faith, idolatry, being without the fear of God, presumption, despair, blindness, and in short, not knowing or regarding God — and further: lying, swearing by God’s name, not praying or calling upon God, disregard for God’s Word, disobedience to parents, murder, unchastity, thievery, deceit, and so forth.

Pulling It Together: Near the beginning, Adam and Eve paid no attention to what God spoke. He told them that they may eat of all manner of things in the garden of Eden, but that they must not eat from the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. So, what did they do? Yes, they ate of that tree but of more import, they did not listen. They gave the Lord no heed, and the result was sin.

This sin is a sin we all share. At our sinful core, we do not care what God says. We — each and all — neglect God’s Word. Without his grace, we would have nothing to do with it — or him. The result of this old Adam within us, is a profusion of sin which we must drown with daily repentance and sorrow, putting it to death so that under the promise of Christian baptism, the new Adam (Eph 2:14–16) may continue to rise up and live before God in the righteousness and purity Christ provides through forgiveness and sanctification.

Prayer: Give me such faith, Lord, that I may continue to believe in your Word. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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The Smalcald Articles – part 64 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 05 May 25 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 5:12

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Part III. Article I. Concerning Sin.

1. Here we must confess, as Paul says in Romans 5:12, that sin came from one man, Adam, by whose disobedience all people became sinners, and subject to death and the devil. This is called original or prime sin.

Pulling It Together: The prime sin, which brought all sin into the world, is a hereditary sin, making us all sinners, persons with a built-in desire to sin. We look at newborn babies and wonder how such a thing can be. We know it to be so, not because we have witnessed every so-called perfect little baby whom we have ever known to grow up and become an expert sinner, but because this original sin is revealed to us in the Scriptures (Psa 51:5; Jer 17:9; John 8:7; Rom 7:18–19, 23; 1 John 1:8–10). Sin abounds, not only in the world, but in each person. All this, and death too, is a result of one sin of disobedience by one man, on one day a very long time ago. 

Prayer: Lead me to, and keep me in, faith in you, O Christ. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

In One Word” is a Christmas program that tells the story of the nativity in the fictionalized format of a first century game show. The script is reproducible for use of the children. The program is able to accommodate eight character parts, plus a primary narrator (also able to be divided among multiple students). Simple biblical costuming and props are suggested. The script also includes music lead sheets for the Christmas carols that are a part of the program.

Click HERE to see the introduction and a couple of sample pages.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 63 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 04 May 25 00:00:00 -0400

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Mark 7:31–35

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

The Third Part

The following articles deal with matters that may be considered with learned and reasonable people, or among ourselves. The pope and his government do not care much about these things, since the conscience is nothing to them, while money, honors, and power are everything.

Pulling It Together: What can you do with those who cannot or will not hear? If they will not listen, as reasonable people make a point to do, how will they be able to obey God’s Word? In Hebrew, the word for “listen,” also means “obey.” To truly listen to God’s Word means obedience to his word. It is no wonder some will not listen to the words of Scripture. Their ears are plugged and they like it that way. This is a real disability, but one that Jesus can easily heal. Jesus will open the ears of those who would truly hear, making them also able to speak plainly with others.

Prayer: Open my ears, Lord, so that I may obey your word. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Disciples of the Cross is a two-part Bible study addressing the topic of Christian discipleship from a uniquely Lutheran perspective. Part 1: Who We Are is an introduction to the theology of discipleship, laying the biblical groundwork for what it means to be called to live the life of faith as a follower of Jesus. 

The study may be used in conjunction with various discipleship programs and studies to highlight themes from the Lutheran tradition that are not often addressed in many discipleship materials. These include: a Theology of the Cross, the centrality of the Word and Sacrament, an understanding of the Means of Grace, and a recognition of the Christian as both "Saint and Sinner."

Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 62 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 03 May 25 00:00:00 -0400

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Ephesians 1:11–12

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles – part 62

We will not stand at this council before an emperor or a secular magistrate, as at Augsburg, where the emperor published a courteous summons, and caused matters to be considerately heard. Now we will stand before the pope and the devil himself, who intends to hear nothing, but merely condemn, murder, and force us into idolatry. Therefore, here we should not kiss his feet, or say, “You are my gracious lord,” but speak as the angel in Zechariah spoke to Satan: “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan!” (Zech 3:2).

Pulling It Together: Luther knew well where these charges came from, praying the Lord’s censure of Satan. This simply means Luther recognized that, though the devil was behind it, the Lord was in control. This is a sound reason for us to have hope and trust in the midst of our fears and anxieties. There are many things in life that would reduce us to trembling and ineffective faithlessness. But God is in control, using even things we wished had never occurred to his own purposes. We usually do not understand how—and we surely wish we did not have to experience it—but we may, nevertheless, go through any ordeal, trusting God with our futures.

Prayer: See me through this day, O Lord, with trust in you and therefore, peace. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

All God’s Critters is a fully reproducible Sunday School series designed with the particular needs of small churches, mission congregations, and house churches with students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 61 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 02 May 25 00:00:00 -0400

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Revelation 22:20–21

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

The Council will have enough to condemn in these four articles, as they cannot and will not concede to us even the least point in one of these articles. We should be certain of this, and stir up the hope of Christ within us: that our Lord has attacked his adversary, and will prevail by both his Spirit and coming. Amen.

Pulling It Together: If we are looking for things to go our way in a public election, in the choice of a church leader, or in an assembly’s vote, we should not get our hopes up. Despite the outcome, our hope remains the same. When things do not turn out the way we would have them, we must remember where our real hope lies. Edward Mote wrote these encouraging words of reminder: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Jesus reigns—not councils, assemblies, polls, and courts. All is not finished because of a Church Council’s decisions. The world has not come to an end because a pastoral search did not end with the call you would have made. Would that this world would come to an end over such a thing. “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

Prayer: Jesus, Conqueror, be Lord of my life. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Rejoice in the Lord, Always! is a nine week study examines some of the most treasured verses in Scripture, in ways that are encouraging and realistic about our life in faith. Celebrating both the tensions and the joys of discipleship, Paul reminds us of Who it is that makes us a community as we share our lives together in a common commitment to Christ.

Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 60 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 01 May 25 00:00:00 -0400

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2 Peter 2:1–3

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Lastly, it is nothing less than diabolical for the pope to insist on his falsehoods concerning masses, purgatory, the monastic life, human works and services (the essence of the papacy), which are over and against God, while condemning, murdering, and torturing all Christians who do not applaud and honor these abominations above all things. Therefore, just as little as we can worship the devil himself as Lord and God, are we able to endure his apostle, the pope or Antichrist, in his rule as head or lord. For deceit, murder, and the eternal destruction of body and soul are what his papal government really consists of, as I have very clearly shown in many books.

Pulling It Together: There is no teaching more false, no heresy more despicable, than for a representative of the Church to teach that salvation comes in any other manner than by God’s grace alone, through faith in Jesus Christ. Distorting scriptural truth for one’s own pleasure and glory, or for the building of an institution or empire, is the fundamental nature of false gospels and religion. We have been warned to be on the watch for this sort of exploitation in the Church. But how does one spot this treachery? Look for blasphemy.

False teachers promote themselves instead of Jesus. They may use his words but they twist them to their own ends. If they promote any other way of salvation than faith in God’s grace alone, they deny the very one who redeemed them. Beware.

Prayer: Help me to pray, Lord, with my eyes wide open. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

God's Reluctant Leaders is a nine-session Bible Study that focuses on the stories of three biblical characters: Jonah, Gideon, and Moses. Sessions explore how God works to create faith within those whom He calls to serve His mission. The study is written at an introductory level, to be led by a lay leader or pastor in a small-group question and discussion format. It would serve as an excellent resource for monthly women's group meetings, or in an informal small-group setting.

Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 59 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 30 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400

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John 5:39–40

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

When we distinguish the pope’s teaching from, and compare it to Holy Scripture, it is clear that the pope’s teaching, at best, has been taken from the pagan law of the empire. It deals with political matters, judgments, and rights, as the decretals show. Consequently, it teaches about ceremonies of the churches, vestments, food, staff, and numerous other trivial, theatrical, and comical things. In all these things, nothing at all is mentioned about Christ, faith, and the commandments of God.

Pulling It TogetherSola Christus (Christ alone) was a predominant teaching of the Reformation. It should still be the foremost teaching of the Church today, as Christ is the central teaching of Scripture, and because the Church should always be reforming (Ecclesia semper reformanda est). Reformation happens when Christ is the chief teaching of the church. When matters of performance and concerns over procedure are dominant, they can eventually be considered central to salvation. Sola Christus means that salvation is located in Christ alone, not in mundane civil, or even religious, concerns.

Prayer: Reform your Church, O Lord, through Christ alone. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Music Series offers simple collections of easy-to-play worship music, including new songs and arrangements of old favorites. Based in a confessional theology and a respect for the historical and sacramental liturgy, these resources do not require a high level of musical expertise. Written in a simple and straight-forward style, these songs are intended for congregations that would like to explore a less formal musical style in worship, while still maintaining the integrity of the traditional order of worship. Such music would fit into what is sometimes referred to as "contemporary" or "blended" worship, without necessarily requiring a full band of experienced musicians and singers to lead the songs. Providing lead sheets for guitar and vocals, along with full scores for piano, Sola Publishing grants to those who purchase this volume the permission to reproduce words and music of the songs within for local congregational use.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 58 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 29 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400

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Luke 22:24–27

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles – part 58

All this is a result of the pope desiring to be called the supreme head of the Christian Church by divine right. Accordingly, he had to make himself equal to and higher than Christ, then proclaimed the head of the Church, then her lord, and finally of the whole world—an earthly god who has even dared to issue commands to the angels in heaven.

Pulling It Together: The priesthood of believers (1 Pet 2:5, 9) leaves no room for airs, for the pretense of one Christian being greater than another. When this happens, the Church will squabble, as any family would in such circumstances, and be of no use to God. So, Jesus demonstrated how the greatest in the kingdom is really the one we would least expect. The greatest is the servant of all. No one has been the servant of all save Jesus, who came to earth to serve by giving his life as ransom (Mark 10:45) in order to create a kingdom of priests before God (Rev 5:9).

Prayer: Give me a towel and a heart to serve, Lord. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

In One Word” is a Christmas program that tells the story of the nativity in the fictionalized format of a first century game show. The script is reproducible for use of the children. The program is able to accommodate eight character parts, plus a primary narrator (also able to be divided among multiple students). Simple biblical costuming and props are suggested. The script also includes music lead sheets for the Christmas carols that are a part of the program.

Click HERE to see the introduction and a couple of sample pages.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 57 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 28 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word: 11 He is the stone that was disdained by you, the builders, which was become the headstone of the corner. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:11–12)

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Even the Turks and the Tartars, opposed to Christians as they are, do not do this, but permit those who believe in Christ, and receive physical tribute and obedience from Christians. The pope, however, will not permit this faith, saying that people must obey him in order to be saved. This we are unwilling to do, even if we must die for it in God’s name.

Pulling It Together: Salvation does not come by attending a particular church or belonging to a certain denomination. It does not happen because you follow a particular teacher or church leadership. It does not happen even if you prefer Paul over Peter or John over them both. Salvation comes through one name alone. It is not the name of your pastor, a priest, the pope, the name Lutheran or Roman Catholic or Baptist. The name by which all are saved is Jesus. He is the one who holds us all, and in him, all things hold together, for he is the head of the body (Col 1:17–18).

Prayer: Keep me in your name, O Lord. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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The Smalcald Articles – part 56 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 27 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400

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2 Thessalonians 2:3–4

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles – part 26

This teaching powerfully demonstrates that the pope is the actual Antichrist, who has exalted himself above and set himself against Christ. For the pope will not allow that Christians are saved unless by his power, which nevertheless, amounts to nothing, being neither ordained nor commanded by God. He is actually doing what Paul says is exalting oneself above all that is called god (2 Thes 2:4).

Pulling It Together: We cannot have it both ways. Either Christ is head of his Church, or the pope is. It was claimed that the pope was supreme in the Church. Furthermore, it was declared that this must be believed in order to be saved. None of this is found in Scripture. It is not only outrageous; it must be firmly refuted by all Christians, for this is the very spirit of the one we are warned to expect at the end, and that is already in the world (1 John 2:18).

Prayer: Lord, prepare me for the end by keeping me through faith, now and always. Amen.

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A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

• Leader's Guide   • See also: Sola Scriptura, Part 2: The Norm of Faith

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The Smalcald Articles – part 55 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 26 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Colossians 1:17–18

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

So, the Church cannot be better governed and preserved than by us all living under one head, Christ, and by all the bishops being equal in office (though they are unequal in gifts), and diligently joined together in unity of doctrine, faith, Sacraments, prayer, works of love, and so forth. St. Jerome writes that the priests at Alexandria governed the churches together and in common, as the apostles also did, and afterwards all bishops throughout Christendom, until the pope raised his head over them all.

Pulling It Together: It is one thing to have a leader in the Church. It is another thing altogether to have that leader make claims that supersede Scripture, create new doctrines for the Church, and have power over others whom God himself has called to leadership. The easiest way around this problem is to have all bishops ruling together for the common good. More to the point, may their rule be displayed through faith in Christ our Head, by teaching the Scripture instead of dogma, administering the Sacraments rather than decrees, and by prayer and love for all the people.

Prayer: Hold your Church together, Lord, sending pastors to preach the Word and administer the Sacraments under your headship. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Learning About Communion teaches the meaning of Holy Communion according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Fifth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture andLuther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons emphasize the sacramental promise of the forgiveness of sins conveyed to us in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. This booklet was designed to be used as a Sunday School unit, or for classes to prepare students for their First Communion.

Teacher's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 54 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 25 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 24:10–13

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Even if he did, Christianity would not be helped. More sects would arise than before. People would have to be subjects to this head, not from God’s command, but out of their own good pleasure. In short order, he would easily be despised and have no followers. Nor would he need to be confined forever to Rome or any other place, but might be wherever and in whatever church God would grant a person fit for the office. Oh, the complicated and confused state of affairs that would be!

Pulling It Together: Things are bound to get worse. That was Jesus’ message too. Yet, within his message was a word of hope and assurance: “the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Is this promise of salvation for the ones who weather the storms caused by sects and disunity, who find a way to get along despite the seemingly purposeful poor leadership and doctrine that can plague any human institution, even the church? That is no hope, unless you are so arrogant as to place your hope in yourself. Jesus was not giving a pep talk. He was not saying anything like Knute Rockne’s, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” He was not saying, “Just hang in there.”

He meant that, the ones who keep their faith in him, despite the troubles that will come, will be saved. Assurance of salvation lies in Christ alone, not in a system of church governance, and certainly not the head of the Church—unless the Head is Christ.

Prayer: Keep the eyes of my heart fixed upon you, Lord. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Not My Will, But Yours: A Bible Study on the Bound Will explores the theme of human bondage seen throughout Scripture. From the Old Testament examples of people held in slavery whom God came to set free, to the New Testament examples of Jesus healing illnesses and casting out demons, we witness the Lord’s power of deliverance. Ultimately, all these stories point to the greatest act of God’s redemption in the cross, where Christ rescued us from our captivity to the powers of sin, death, and the devil.

Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 52 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 24 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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John 10:27

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Imagine that the pope would yield this claim: that he is not sovereign by divine right or by God’s command. Suppose instead, that we must have a head to whom all the rest adhere in order that the unity of Christendom may be preserved against sects and heretics, and that if such a head were elected, that it was within the power of those people to change or remove that head. This is what happened at the Council of Constance in reference to the popes, deposing three and electing a fourth. Suppose, I say, that the pope and see at Rome would yield and accept this hypothesis (which, nevertheless, is impossible; for he would have to suffer his entire realm and estate to be overthrown and destroyed, along with all his rights and claims — a thing which, to speak in few words, he cannot do).

Pulling It Together: Oh, that Christ were head of the Church. We have no need of another. Christ has given his churches pastors, who are bishops or overseers of those congregations. Let them plainly and truly teach the Word of God. And let us have Christ as overseer of all bishops and their congregations. This is the best and simplest attempt at unity and purity of doctrine, for it is all that Scripture instructs. Anything else is human invention.

Prayer: Permit me to follow you, Lord, and no other. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

If you are a pastor or Council member, you know it is close to budget preparation time for the coming year. Please consider adding Sola Publishing to your benevolence. You may also securely donate as an individual by clicking the red donate button above. 

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The Smalcald Articles – part 52 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 23 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 23:9

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

The papacy is of no use in the Church because it is not a Christian office. Accordingly, it is necessary for the Church to move on and continue to exist without a pope.

Pulling It Together: In The Lord of the Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien describes 20 rings of power that were forged to rule the inhabitants of Middle Earth. One ring and its wearer was to rule over the other 19 and their wearers. Eventually, the rest of the peoples of Middle Earth would be bound in evil and darkness by this one, supreme power. Oh, the trouble that always happens when one person, having been given imaginary and unchallenged power, rules over the rest. The trouble becomes demonic when that person is allowed divine power such as establishing articles of faith, which may only come from Scripture. The office is not found in Scripture, neither in title nor responsibility.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, keep me steadfast in your Word. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

   

Disciples of the Cross is a two-part Bible study addressing the topic of Christian discipleship from a uniquely Lutheran perspective. Part 1: Who We Are is an introduction to the theology of discipleship, laying the biblical groundwork for what it means to be called to live the life of faith as a follower of Jesus. Part 2: What We Do is an introduction to the practice of discipleship, using the Lord's Prayer to take us through key aspects of our life of faith as followers of Jesus.

The study may be used in conjunction with various discipleship programs and studies to highlight themes from the Lutheran tradition that are not often addressed in many discipleship materials. These include: a Theology of the Cross, the centrality of the Word and Sacrament, an understanding of the Means of Grace, and a recognition of the Christian as both "Saint and Sinner."

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The Smalcald Articles – part 51 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 22 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Revelation 12:1–6

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

All the pope’s bulls and books exist, in which he roars like a lion (as the angel in Rev 10:3 depicts him), that no Christian can be saved unless by obeying him and being subject to him in all things that he wishes, that he says, and that he does. All of this amounts to nothing less than saying: Although you believe in Christ, and have everything in him that is necessary to salvation, yet it is nothing and all in vain unless you regard me as your god, and are subject and obedient to me. Yet it is obvious that the holy Church was without a pope for more than five hundred years at the least, and that the churches of the Greeks and of many other languages have never been under the pope and remain so even to the present day.

Besides, as often noted, the papacy is a human fabrication that is not commanded, and is unnecessary and useless. The holy Christian Church can exist very well without such a head, and certainly would have been better if such a head had not been raised up by the devil.

Pulling It Together: The “great red dragon” of Revelation 12 is depicted as a beast that has situated itself in such a way that it may easily devour the child about to be born into the world. The dragon and its spawn will do everything in their power to prevent the great salvation promised through that child. Despite his efforts, the child was born and ruled his kingdom invincibly, even overcoming death and ascending to the throne of God. Despite the dragon’s continuing efforts to destroy Christ’s Church, like the ancient Hebrews, they will live out their time in a wilderness where God will supply their every need. We have faith in this Papa, and no other.

Prayer: Give me faith in you alone, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

All God’s Critters is a Sunday School series designed for young students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children.

The All God’s Critters curriculum is fully reproducible and is designed with the particular needs of small churches, mission congregations, and house churches in mind. Check out some sample pages by clicking here.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 50 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 21 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Jude 3

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

It follows from this that everything the pope has undertaken and carried out, from such false, mischievous, blasphemous, and arrogant authority have been and still are purely diabolical affairs and transactions (with the exception of such things as pertain to secular government, where God often permits much good to be effected for a people, even through a tyrant and scoundrel) for the ruin of the entire holy Christian Church (as far as it is in his power) and for the destruction of the first and chief article concerning redemption through Jesus Christ.

Pulling It Together: The real issue was, and will always be, in regards to redemption. How is one forgiven and saved? Does this happen because of our good works, religious services, the works of others, declarations of indulgence? Or are we forgiven and saved because we have faith in what Christ did? Do we slowly whittle down our sin debt to zero, even if in a purgatory? Or has Christ done this once and for all on Calvary?

Any doctrine or policy that attributes the work of salvation to anyone other than Christ, is wrong policy and heresy. Any declaration of forgiveness that is contrary to Scripture is arrogant, as it attempts to usurp God’s Word. God help the Church when human policies are authoritative and God’s Word is spurned. So, we must contend for that great truth once delivered to the saints: faith in Christ—not people, not works, not services. Solus Christus!

Prayer: Teach me, Lord, from your holy Word. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Go and Tell, unit 2 in the Word of Life Series, is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meant for use in Small Group gathering, each of the six sessions is based on a primary Scripture text, with intentional time for reflection. There are questions, prayer, faith sharing, and mini evangelism case-studies. The series would be helpful for those involved in starting a Bible study fellowship, house church, or mission congregation. It can also be used by established congregations to aid in establishing a small group ministry.

• Unit 1  • Unit 2  • Unit 3

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The Smalcald Articles – part 49 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 20 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Micah 5:2–5

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Today, none of the bishops dare to address the pope as brother as once was done. They must call him “most gracious lord,” even if they are kings or emperors. We will not, cannot, must not take this upon our consciences. Let those, however, who would do this, do so without us.

Pulling It Together: This is not a matter of being unwilling to grovel. Rather, we should not address brothers and sisters in the Lord as though they were anyone but family. Moreover, it is the Lord who is our master and ruler, not someone chosen by vote. We stand before God, not by virtue of a religious office but, because of God’s might and his great name. Only in God’s name, his reputation—not a human’s—is our salvation and hope and peace.

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to be true to your Word and give you alone my obeisance. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Where Two or Three Are Gathered is a guide for what Luther referred to as "mutual conversation and consolation" among believers. These are the times we come together one to one, as people of faith, to talk about our lives and struggles, and strengthen one another in prayer with the promise of God's grace and mercy. This devotional conversation guide may be used for a number of purposes and applications where people are looking for some help in structuring conversations on the practical and spiritual dimensions of Christian discipleship.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 48 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 19 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Psalm 118:19–24

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Concerning the Papacy

The pope is not, according to divine law or the Word of God, the head of all Christendom, as this position only belongs to the one whose name is Jesus Christ. The pope is only the bishop and pastor of the churches in Rome and those that voluntarily or through a human institution (that is, a secular power) have attached themselves to him. They are not under a lord, but with him as fellow Christians and comrades, as the ancient councils and the age of Cyprian establish.

Pulling It Together: There is only one who is the head of the Church (Col 1:18). Jesus Christ must be given this honor, for the Father has conferred that authority and power on him alone (Matt 28:18). Furthermore, he has earned the title and the honor (Phil 2:8–9). Let us commit it to him alone. Otherwise, humans begin to believe they have the power to make up new rules and rites in the Church, things that have no basis in Scripture, or are even opposed to the clear teaching of God’s Word. This too, removes the honor from Christ alone. When his Word is dishonored, the Chief Cornerstone is rejected.

Prayer: Open to me, Lord Jesus, the gates of your righteousness. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Please consider adding Sola Publishing to your church's benevolence. You may also securely donate as an individual by clicking the red donate button above. 

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The Smalcald Articles – part 47 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 18 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Mark 10:46–52 

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

If monasteries and convents will not serve this purpose, it is better that they be abandoned or demolished, rather than continue with their blasphemous services invented by people, claiming to be something better than the ordinary Christian life and the offices and callings ordained by God. All this is also contrary to the first, chief article concerning redemption made through Jesus Christ. Besides this, like all other human inventions, these have not been commanded, and are needless and useless. Furthermore, they cause dangerous and vain efforts, such services as the prophets call aven, that is, deception and evil behavior.

Pulling It Together: Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for well-meaning people to be caught up in religious practices, thinking they are doing right, while acting unrighteously. Add to this that they are deceiving themselves. Yet, at the base of all these actions is generally the notion that there is some benefit to come from these so-called services for God. The prosperity gospel, which is no gospel at all, promises good fortune if you sow a seed in the collection plate. Living the monastic life falsely promises favor from God, and the hope of becoming a saint through communal service.

All the while, it is ordinary Christians who are already saints, living the lives to which God has called them. They are not saints because they live these lives and perform acts of devotion to God. They are saints because God has made them holy by the single virtue of his Son. It is faith in Jesus that makes us well (ESV, NASB, RSV), heals us (NIV), makes us whole (KJV, ASV), or saves us (σ?σω, Mark 10:52). This is where holiness comes from—not from works, lest anyone should boast (Eph 2:9) and fall into sin.

Life, crazy as every day may be, lived in Christ Jesus makes one holy, not a life lived in the ordered world of a cloister.

Prayer: I take heart at your word, Lord, and will follow you with the help of your Spirit. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Disciples of the Cross is a two-part Bible study addressing the topic of Christian discipleship from a uniquely Lutheran perspective. Part 2: What We Do is an introduction to the practice of discipleship, using the Lord's Prayer to take us through key aspects of our life of faith as followers of Jesus.

Click HERE to download a sample session.

The study may be used in conjunction with various discipleship programs and studies to highlight themes from the Lutheran tradition that are not often addressed in many discipleship materials. These include: a Theology of the Cross, the centrality of the Word and Sacrament, an understanding of the Means of Grace, and a recognition of the Christian as both "Saint and Sinner."

Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 46 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 17 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Kings 19:1–8

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Concerning Chapters and Cloisters

Chapters and cloisters, that in the past, were founded with the good intention of educating learned men and virtuous women, should be returned to this use, so that we may have pastors, preachers, and other ministers for the churches, others necessary for secular government of cities and countries, and well-educated young women for mothers, housekeepers, etc.

Pulling It Together: Monasteries and convents had become, by Luther’s time, places to earn one’s salvation. In other words, the sacrifice of living such a life was a merit of one’s virtue, imagined as deserving salvation. Luther viewed this, not only as distracting from the truth that we are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ but, as unpractical. The various vocations of life needed well-trained people, from those making proper homes, including the schooling of children within those households, to civil servants and ministers of the Church.

Luther was taking on a dragon here. Cloistered orders were part of the fabric of society. What Luther proposed amounted to ripping that cloth from top to bottom. Sixteen years earlier, the Edict of Worms decreed that Luther be arrested and punished, probably by death as a heretic. Yet, he continued to champion the gospel by preaching, teaching, and writing about salvation by faith in Christ alone. God’s grace is the only food by which we are sustained for the journey to eternal life.

Prayer: Sustain me, Lord, by your grace. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 45 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 16 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Psalm 145:10–13

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

In short, we cannot support the Mass and anything that proceeds from it or is attached to it. We must condemn these things so that the holy Sacrament is purely and certainly retained, according to the institution of Christ, administered and received through faith.

Pulling It TogetherHabemus ad Dominum. This is part of the Preface prayer, just before we sing “Holy, Holy, Holy” in the liturgy. In English, we sing, “We lift them to the Lord.” We lift our hearts to the Lord, not to saints or angels or any other created thing. This adoration and invocation of saints is a byproduct of the larger corruption of the Mass that we have been discussing. The Lord’s Supper is the Lord’s, and must be retained as he instituted, so that we may receive him through faith. Be careful that you lift a thankful heart to the Lord, and no other.

Prayer: I give you thanks, O Lord, for the powerful effect of your body and blood. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power” (1 Cor 6:14).

Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 44 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 15 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Mark 6:53–56

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

As a Christian and saint upon earth, you may pray for me, not only for one, but for many needs. I am not obliged to adore and pray to you because you do, nor celebrate festivals, fast, make oblations, hold masses for your honor, and put my faith in you for my salvation. I can honor, love, and thank you in Christ in other ways. If such idolatrous honor were withdrawn from angels and departed saints, the remaining honor would cause no harm and be quickly forgotten. When spiritual and physical reward and assistance are no longer expected, the saints will not be troubled, either in their graves or in heaven. For not many will remember, or esteem, or honor them out of pure love unless there is a reward.

Pulling It Together: Jesus’ disciples had just seen him walking on the sea, did not recognize him, and were terrified. Yet the people of Gennesaret “immediately recognized him” and were overjoyed at his presence. As though his disciples were not even present, the people hurried to bring their sick to Jesus. Why? Because they knew that wherever Jesus went, he would heal their sick. Jesus loves to heal people with faith in him, for such faith makes them well (Mark 5:34; Luke 17:19).

Like the townspeople, we are expected to bring out the sick and present them before Jesus (James 5:14–16). We may confidently pray to the Lord for one another, since his Word urges us to do so. However, Scripture does not have us pray to saints or expect anything from them. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). Pray to him.

Prayer: Give me faith to believe, Lord God, that you hear my prayers—and answer. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Disciples of the Cross is a two-part Bible study addressing the topic of Christian discipleship from a uniquely Lutheran perspective. Part 1, Who We Are, is an introduction to the theology of discipleship, laying the biblical groundwork for what it means to be called to live the life of faith as a follower of Jesus. Part 2, What We Do, is an introduction to the practice of discipleship, using the Lord's Prayer to take us through key aspects of our life of faith as followers of Jesus.

The study may be used in conjunction with various discipleship programs and studies to highlight themes from the Lutheran tradition that are not often addressed in many discipleship materials. These include: a Theology of the Cross, the centrality of the Word and Sacrament, an understanding of the Means of Grace, and a recognition of the Christian as both "Saint and Sinner."

• Part 1 Participant's Workbook  • Part 1 Leader's Guide

• Part 2 Participant's Workbook  • Part 2 Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 43 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 14 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 8:33–37

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Although the angels of heaven pray for us (as Christ himself also does), as well as the saints on earth, and perhaps in heaven too, it does not then follow that we should invoke and adore angels and saints, holding fasts and festivals, celebrating Mass in their honor, making offerings, and establishing churches, altars, divine worship, serving them in still more ways, while regarding them as patrons and intercessors in times of need, and ascribing to them all manner of help, assigning to each one a particular form of assistance, as the papists teach and do. This is idolatry. Such honor belongs to God alone.

Pulling It Together: Only Jesus Christ is our mediator. If he intercedes for us (and he does), we need no other. He requires no assistance; he is up to the task. So, give him the honor of calling upon him in your time of need. New religious items are not required; Jesus alone is necessary. Indeed, these fasts and services and offerings not only do not help, they are a hindrance. If one depends on anything or anyone other than Jesus, they have done two things wrongly. First, they have called upon ones who cannot help. Second, they have dishonored Christ and spurned his love. He has promised to hear our prayers (1 John 5:14), so pray to him.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your listening love. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Basics of the Christian Faith is an edition of the catechism that is aimed at seekers, visitors, and those that may not come from a Lutheran background. It is recommended for use in outreach, as a visitor welcome gift, or in new member packets.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 42 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 13 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Philippians 3:8–11

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Concerning the Invocation of Saints

The invocation of saints is also one of the abuses of the Antichrist. It conflicts with the chief article, and subverts the knowledge of Christ. It is neither commanded nor counseled, and there is no example of it in Scripture. Even if prayer to saints was a precious thing—which it is not—we have everything a thousandfold better in Christ.

Pulling It Together: Lutherans commend honoring the saints by remembering them, and emulating godly lives. We disapprove of praying to saints and angels. Scripture does not in any way teach us to do so. Furthermore, it takes the honor from Christ. He alone is our mediator. Praying to saints removes proper focus. Do not go to Saint Nick or Saint Anne; go to Jesus. He is the one to be on speaking terms with and to know in ever deeper ways. Nothing is worth more than knowing Jesus through faith.

Prayer: Lord, I want to know you and the power of your resurrection. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is an advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

• Part 1 Participant  • Part 1 Leader
• Part 2 Participant  • Part 2 Leader
 

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The Smalcald Articles – part 41 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 12 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Timothy 2:5–6

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Sixth are the precious indulgences granted (but only for money) both to the living and the dead, by which the miserable Judas, or pope, has sold the merit of Christ, together with the superfluous merits of the saints and of the entire Church, etc. All these things are not to be endured. They not only lack the authority of the Word of God, are unnecessary, and not commanded, but are in opposition to the chief article. For the merit of Christ is not obtained by our works or pennies, but by grace through faith. It is not offered through the power of the Pope, but without money and merit through the preaching of God’s Word.

Pulling It Together: God determines the payment for sin. The Church does not do so, nor does a pope. We know this because this is what the Bible teaches. God’s Word does not teach us to trust in the goodness of either religion or religious people. We are taught to trust in the merits of Jesus Christ. This is reliable instruction because the Word of God tells us that people, even so-called saints, are not good (Rom 3:10), and that Christ is so especially good that he is sufficient to cover the sins of the world (Heb 10:14; 1 John 2:2). Christ alone is our indulgence, freely given (Eph 1:7). This is taught in Scripture, even if not in commentaries and canons. This is written by the hand of the prophets and apostles, even if not not by popes and professors.

Prayer: Empower me through Christ and his salvation to do what you have created me to do. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes music for use in worship, drawing upon the Reclaim Hymnal, original texts set to music in the public domain, as well as biblical texts set to familiar tunes. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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The Smalcald Articles – part 40 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 11 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 5:8–11

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Fifth are relics, in which there is found so much dishonesty and nonsense about the bones of dogs and horses, that even the devil has laughed at such deceit. Even if there were some good in them, they should have been condemned long ago. This is especially so since they have no basis in the Word of God. Being neither commanded nor counseled, they are entirely unnecessary and useless things. But the worst is that these relics are said to produce indulgence and the forgiveness of sins, that like the Mass, etc., they are a good work and service of God.

Pulling It Together: There is a painting that hangs above the altar in St. Peter and Paul Church in Weimar, Germany. In that painting, Luther is pointing to an open Bible in his hand. No doubt, the painter, Lucas Cranach the elder, and his son who finished the painting, meant to remind us to look to the Word of God. We must rely on what is written, not what is fabricated. Further, the painting makes clear that what Luther is pointing to is Scripture, that tells us how we are justified with God. The blood of Jesus Christ is central in the painting. Everything points to the cross—even the Word of God. We must remember that nothing else washes away sin but the blood of the Lamb of God.

Prayer: Help me remember, Lord Jesus, that you alone justify me to your Father. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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The Smalcald Articles – part 39 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 10 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Acts 8:20–22

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

The fourth are fraternities. Monasteries, chapters, and vicars have contracted and conveyed (by legal contract and sale) all Masses, good works, and so forth, both for the living and the dead. This is not only sheer human rubbish, without the Word of God, entirely unnecessary, and not commanded, but also contrary to the chief article, “Concerning Redemption.” Therefore it is in no way to be tolerated.

Pulling It Together: The Mass had become property, something to be bought and sold. Huge sums were brought into the churches through the sale of the forgiveness of sins. We should continue to teach against this in our churches, since it is all too easy to slip back into this disgraceful practice. It is easy because we innately believe the old saying: nothing in this world is free. So, we naturally think we must pay for anything of value, and that anything free is not worth having. Nonetheless, there is one thing of immense value that is entirely free. God freely gives eternal life to all who have faith in Christ (Rom 6:23). Nothing may be paid for this free gift—not a deed, nor a rite, nor indeed, a payment for someone else to perform them.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for your abounding grace. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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The Smalcald Articles – part 38 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 09 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Revelation 14:6–7

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Pilgrimages is the third. Masses, forgiveness of sins, and the grace of God were sought in this too. The Mass controlled everything. Now it is certain that such pilgrimages have not been commanded by the Word of God, nor are they necessary, since we can have these things in a better way, thereby eliminating these pilgrimages without any sin and danger. So, why do they desert their own parishes, the Word of God, wives, children, etc.—which are essential and commanded—and run after these unnecessary, uncertain, pernicious will-o’-the-wisps of the devil? They do this because the devil was driving the pope, causing him to praise and establish these practices, so the people would turn from Christ to their own works, and worst of all, became idolaters. In any case, it is unnecessary, not commanded, senseless, uncertain, and harmful. So, here too, there can be no yielding or surrender. Let this be preached and then, see what becomes of these pilgrimages.

Pulling It Together: We are all on pilgrimage—to appear before God in judgment. That Day is approaching, whether or not we feel its nearness. Every day, we are miles closer in our journeys. We are not drawing near to relics, cathedrals, or shrines, hoping that we will find forgiveness and peace in these things. Indeed, we do not need to (nor should we) arrive at the gates of heaven to receive forgiveness. The gospel is eternal: not only unchanging, but present with us. Forgiveness of sin and eternal life are given to us now, in Christ alone. They are not guaranteed by a place or a thing; the gospel promises us these gifts here and now, so that we may live lives of fearful hope within the vocations of marriage, work, and other necessary and blessed duties.

Prayer: Lord, give me faith to fear, love, and trust you both now and forever. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes liturgies and services for your use. There are ready-to-copy settings for Holy Communion, services, services of the Word, Vespers, occasional services, funerals, and seasonal services. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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The Smalcald Articles – part 37 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 08 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 10:14–17

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Secondly, as consequence of their doctrine, evil spirits performed devilry by appearing as the souls of the departed, and with unspeakable lies and tricks, demanded masses, vigils, pilgrimages, and other alms. We had to accept all these things as articles of faith, and live accordingly. The pope confirmed these things, the Mass too, and all other abominations. Here, too, there must be no compromise or surrender.

Pulling It Together: Again, what has this to do with Scripture? What does the Word of God say about the matter? Someone says that a spirit told them to do something. How convenient. They may as well say, “God told me you’re supposed to do this.” They should ignore the voices in their heads and supposed spirits, and start listening to the Spirit of God. The only objective way to hear God is in his Word, not in one’s imagination.

Prayer: Speak to me, O Word of God. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Getting to Know Martin Luther is a five-lesson Confirmation workbook about Martin Luther's life that will help confirmands get a better glimpse into what faith means for their own lives by searching and understanding the Word of God, trusting in Christ alone for our salvation, standing up for what they believe in, and helping others to learn the truth about God.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 36 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 07 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Galatians 1:8 

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

It will not do to make articles of faith from the works or words of the holy Fathers. If we did, what they ate, what they wore, the kinds of houses they lived in, etc., would have to become articles of faith, as was done with relics. The rule is: the Word of God shall establish articles of faith—no one else, not even an angel.

Pulling It Together: We have a rule to live by: sola Scriptura. This does not mean, as some think, that we speak only where Scripture speaks and are silent on all other matters. It means that the writings of the Old and New Testament are “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged” (Formula of Concord). It goes to the “what is written.” Is a teaching in line with what the Word of God teaches? Yes? Then you may live by such a teaching. No? It may be discarded without guilt or regret.

But what if my bishop told me to follow this teaching? What is written? What if my conscience tells me to do it? What does the Scripture teach? What if my pastor and church Council say I have to do it to be a member of the congregation? Does the Word teach otherwise? But I heard the voice of an angel telling me to believe thus and so. What do you hear in the Scripture alone? Does the Word of God agree with the voice of the angel, your conscience, Council, pastor, bishop?

Prayer: Help me live my life in accord with your Word, Lord. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

  

A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is an advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

• Part 1 Participant  • Part 1 Leader  • Part 2 Participant  • Part 2 Leader

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The Smalcald Articles – part 35 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 06 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 11:23–26

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Our papists, however, cite such human opinions so that people will believe in their horrible, blasphemous, and cursed traffic in masses for souls in purgatory, etc. But they will never substantiate these things with Augustine. Now, when they have abolished their traffic in masses for purgatory, of which Augustine never dreamed, we will then discuss with them whether statements Augustine made without support of Scripture are to be admitted, and whether the dead are to be remembered at the Eucharist.

Pulling It Together: See where human reason takes you without the Word of God? One invention demands another until you have a system of traditions that cannot be supported from the Scripture. God’s Word tells us that he forgives the sin of those who have faith in his Son. Further, God is just to do so, because of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice for the world. Now, enter human reason. Surely, Christ must be sacrificed again and again because I sin again and again. Now that the death of Christ has been so trivialized, it opens the door to the idea of our own works paying the price of sin. Well, what if we have not done enough good to counter the bad? Does one go to heaven or hell? Scripture is clear; human reason, not so much. So, purgatory is invented. Here one may continue to pay the price until all one’s sins have been purged. Now, the sacrifice of the Mass is ready to offer extra help to those languishing in purgatory. Special masses are held in remembrance of loved ones.

None of this is supported in Scripture. Christ died once for everyone, and this grace is apprehended through faith alone. Without faith in Christ, one will continue to live apart from God in an eternity called hell. With faith in his Christ, one will live in eternal fellowship with God in heaven. We are kept in his grace through the body and blood of Jesus in the Sacrament. And, indeed, a remembrance is to be held every time the Sacrament is celebrated. “Do this in remembrance of me.”

Prayer: Lord, make my eating and drinking be a proclamation of your death to those I love. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power” (1 Cor 6:14). 

Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 34 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 05 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 lick for larger image

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Revelation 22:18–19 

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

At this point, the papists quote Augustine and some of the Fathers who are said to have written about purgatory. They think that we do not understand for what purpose and to what end they wrote as they did. St. Augustine does not write that there is a purgatory, nor does he cite Scripture that would have him believe there is, but leaves it in doubt whether there is one, and mentions that his mother asked to be remembered at the altar or Sacrament. Now, all this is nothing but the devotion of certain individuals. It does not establish an article of faith, which is the prerogative of God alone.

Pulling It Together: What is written? One must look to the Scripture, then to the Church Fathers, and only listen the Fathers when they have heard the Word. We might be satisfied with the notion of a purgatory if two matters could be settled. First, if the idea of a purgatory were established in Scripture, we could be persuaded to investigate this fictitious place further. For example, the word “trinity,” is not found anywhere in Scripture, yet the Trinity is found throughout (eg: Matt 28:19). We are not looking for the word “purgatory;” just show where this place is taught in Scripture. Second, if it were written about in Scripture, we could be enticed to consider further if faith were not countermanded by such a place. Works are required for release from purgatory. Mere faith in Christ would keep one out, if it existed.

Prayer: O Lord, give me faith from your Spirit working through your Word alone. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Not My Will, But Yours is a six-week study that explores the topic of the “free will” from a biblical perspective, looking at what Scripture has to say about the bondage of the human will, and how Jesus Christ has come to deliver us from ourselves.

Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 33 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 04 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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22 And as they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and blessing it, he broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And taking a cup, and giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” (Mark 14:22–25)

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

In addition to all this, this dragon’s tail, the Mass, has spawned a brood of vermin and manifold idolatries. Purgatory is the first. They have carried their trade into purgatory with masses for souls, vigils, weekly, monthly, and yearly celebrations of requiems, and finally through the common week, All Souls’ Day, and soul baths, so that the Mass is used almost exclusively for the dead, even though Christ instituted the Sacrament only for the living. Therefore purgatory, and all its pomp, services, and commerce, should be regarded as nothing but a specter of the devil. For it conflicts with the chief article that Christ alone, not the works of men, helps souls. Besides, we have not been commanded or taught about the dead in this regard. Therefore, all this may be safely done away with, even if it were not heresy and idolatry.

Pulling It Together: What Christ actually instituted is sometimes quite different from what is practiced. So, let us be clear on what was actually done by our Lord, instead of what has been invented since. As Jesus and his disciples were eating the Passover meal together, Jesus took the table bread, blessed it, broke it, and distributed it to his disciples. As he gave it to them, he not only told them to take it, he also instructed them, saying, “This is my body.” In doing so, he established a communion, not only between himself and his disciples but between his body and the bread. Those words, “This is my body,” are as emphatic and effective as, “Let there be light” (Gen 1:14). God’s word accomplishes what he desires (Isa 55:11).

Then he took the cup, gave thanks, gave it to them, and they all drank the Passover wine. More instruction accompanied the cup. Jesus said it was his blood of the covenant. His sacrifice of his own body and blood would establish the meal he instituted with his followers. All of this was done for the living, with no instruction in the gospels or elsewhere in Scripture to commune the dead, those in a fancied purgatory—for which there is also no teaching or ground in Scripture.

Prayer: Help me believe what is written in your word. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Ten Commandments is a ten-week unit in the Sola Confirmation Series. It includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 32 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 03 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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11 And I looked, and I heard around the throne a voice of many angels and living creatures and the elders, numbering ten thousand ten thousands, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 12 “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” (Revelation 5:11–12)

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

This article about the Mass will be the whole business of the Council. If it were possible for them to concede to us all the other articles, they would not concede this one. At Augsburg, Campegius said that he would be torn to pieces before he would give up the Mass. By the help of God, I too, would rather be reduced to ashes than allow a hireling of the Mass, be he good or bad, to be made equal to or exalted over Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior. So, we are and remain eternally divided and opposed to one another. They know well enough that when the Mass falls, the papacy lies in ruins. Before they would let that happen, they would put us all to death if they could.

Pulling It Together: Millions of angels bow before Christ, who is worthy to be exalted over all creation. This is heard in Revelation’s septave of complete praise: power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing. No one else in all creation is worthy of such honor, yet it is afforded to priests. As long as one group believes Christ’s work is incomplete and therefore, further sacrifices for sin must be repeatedly offered, while another believes Christ’s single sacrifice perfects forever those who are being sanctified (Heb 10:14), there will be division in the Church. Such division is not a bad thing; it is necessary so that apostolic truth may be understood (1 Cor 11:19). Meanwhile, like the author of Hebrews and Luther and the Reformers with him, we must insist that priestly sacrifices, “offerings for sin” (Heb 10:18), are no longer necessary, and are even reprehensible.

Prayer: Help me trust in your sacrifice, Jesus, my High Priest. Amen.

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A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, presented in a question and discussion format. The Leader's Guide that accompanies this study is a resource for those facilitating group discussion, or may serve as a reader's commentary for those who are studying the Book of Concord on their own.

Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 31 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 02 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 18:20

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Some rationalize that administering the Sacrament, or Communion, to themselves is an act of personal devotion. This is disingenuous, for if they sincerely wish to commune, the surest and best way is in the administration of the Sacrament according to Christ’s institution. Communing oneself is a human notion, uncertain, unnecessary, and even prohibited. They do not know what they are doing, since they are following a false, human opinion and invention without the authority of the Word of God. It is not right (even if the matter were otherwise correct) for one to use the common Sacrament belonging to the Church, for private devotion, trifling with it outside the Word of God and the communion of his Church.

Pulling It Together: We confess in the Third Article of the Creed that we believe in the communion of saints. Personal Communion would say otherwise. Luther’s instruction on the Third Article is helpful. God “calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and preserves it in unity with Jesus Christ in the one true faith” (Luther’s Small Catechism). The Sacraments are always given and received in the community of Christians: the holy, catholic Church. Christ is present in this communion of saints where we freely receive his grace in the forgiveness of sins and the promises of resurrection and eternal life. Let those who are earnest in faith, come to the altar with the rest of the Church.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for being present with your Church. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Sola’s Word of Life series is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meant for use in small group gatherings, each of the six sessions in Dwell in My Love is based on a primary Scripture text, with intentional time for reflection. There are questions, prayer, faith sharing, and mini evangelism case-studies. The series would be helpful for those involved in starting a Bible study fellowship, house church, or mission congregation. It can also be used by established congregations to aid in establishing a small group ministry.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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The Smalcald Articles – part 30 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 01 Apr 25 00:00:00 -0400

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John 1:29

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles – part 30

Fifthly, the Mass is and can be nothing else than a human work (even when performed by wicked scoundrels, as Church law and all books declare). By it, one attempts to reconcile himself and others to God, and to obtain and deserve the forgiveness of sins and grace (for this is how the Mass is observed when it is observed at the very best; otherwise what purpose would it serve?). This is the very reason it should and must be condemned and rejected, as it directly conflicts with the chief article, which states that it is the Lamb of God, the Son of God, who bears away our sins—not either a wicked or a godly hireling of the Mass by what he does.

Pulling It Together

The mission of Jesus was to take upon himself the sin of the whole world (those who have ever lived, as well as those who ever will). The righteous, sinless Son of God bore the sin of all humanity, so that those who believe in him, may justly be considered righteous before God. He is our righteousness (1 Cor 1:30). He has done this for us; no one else does, nor can they. Any other religious form must be rejected. Holy Communion celebrates what Christ has done, not what someone else does. Christ alone was able to make this sacrifice, and he has done so. It is finished (John 19:30).

Prayer: Lamb of God, give me confidence in what you have done for the world, and even for me. Amen.

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The kind of church we see in the New Testament is different from what most modern people imagine when they think of “going to church.” Experience Life Together: Experiencing House-Church Ministry, by Rev. Tom Hilpert, is a 15-week house-church curriculum designed for pastors, lay leaders, and churches interested in getting a taste for what church in the home is really like. Whether referred to as a house-church, organic church, alternative church, or cell church, this material applies well to any group that wants to experience Christian worship in the context of a small group meeting within the homes of the participants.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 29 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 31 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400

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John 14:6

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Fourthly, since such innumerable and unspeakable abuses have resulted throughout the world because of the buying and selling of Masses, the Mass should justly be renounced, if for no other purpose than to prevent abuses, even if it had something advantageous and good. The more we should reject it, and escape forever these horrible abuses, when it is altogether unnecessary, useless, and dangerous, and when we may obtain everything by a more necessary, profitable, and certain way without the Mass.

Pulling It Together

The principal abuse of the Mass itself, was that it took the glory away from Christ. People are justified through faith in Christ alone, without the merit of additional sacrifices and works. So to say that they are justified, forgiven, and saved through any other sacrifice, even disguised in the robes of Christ himself, robs him of the honor, and us of what is promised.

Within the whole system of the Mass, was the outworking and the evidence of how wrong the Mass was, and why it should be abandoned. Because the Mass was a doing of a thing, a mere ritual performed, the logical result was the buying and selling of Masses. Without faith being necessary—faith in Christ’s one sacrifice, carried out a sufficient once for a whole world—it becomes necessary to perform the sacrifice over and over for the multitudes, even for the dead, whether they have faith or not. Furthermore, because there is no faith to grasp the extent of God’s mercy, the sacrifice must also be performed each time one has sinned again (since the last sacrifice). The sacrifice of the Mass was not the receiving of forgiveness and the reassurance of the certainty of salvation as instituted by Christ; it was the temporary purchase of these things, as dictated by humans.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for being the better and only way. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The goal of the Personalities of Faith youth Bible study series is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith." By showing biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 28 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 30 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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John 19:28–30 

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles – part 28

Let it be publicly preached that the Mass is a human deception, and may be neglected without sin, that no one will be condemned for not observing it. One may be saved in a better way without the Mass. I predict that the Mass will then collapse by itself, not only among the rude, common people, but also among all pious, Christian, reasonable, God-fearing hearts—particularly when they hear that the Mass is a dangerous thing, fabricated and invented without the will and Word of God.

Pulling It Together

Justification is the thing around which all else circles. Look to any doctrine or practice of a church and observe how a person is justified to God. You will soon enough see whether that teaching or ritual is heresy or not. Does the praxis teach the apostolic faith, or has it shifted to human inventions, to heresy? In this case of the Mass, Luther is concerned about just this: justification. If the Mass centers around a fiction—indeed, a lie—then, is it truly the Lord’s Supper, a holy communion? If it is not, then it may be avoided without concern. There is a better way; that way being the Lord’s Supper, wherein one believes on Jesus Christ through faith and freely receives God’s grace and the forgiveness of sin. But if one has come to a sacrifice that frees us from our sins, then justification is not free at all. The Roman Mass was an activity that was said to merit the forgiveness of sins. Holy Communion is something remarkably other, in which we freely receive forgiveness from him whose merit affords it for us. “It is finished” (John 19:30). We can add nothing to Christ’s “finished.”

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for your free gifts through Christ. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Come, Holy Spirit! is a workbook-style Bible study about the work of the third Person of the Trinity being connected to the work of the Father and the Son. From the beginning, the Holy Spirit was actively involved in creation in giving life and breath. Throughout the Old Testament, the Spirit revealed truth to people and empowered people to do God's will by speaking through the prophets. In the same way, the New Testament show that the Spirit is at work in the hearts of all believers as the source of our life in faith.

Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 27 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 29 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Mark 14:22–24

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles – part 27

Thirdly, the Sacrament may be received in a better and more blessed way: according to the institution of Christ. So, why do they drive the world to woe and misery on account of a fictitious, unnecessary matter, which may be easily obtained in another and more blessed way?

Pulling It Together: Christ’s words stand on their own; we do not need—nor should we—add anything to them in order to make them effective. The reason for this, is that it is his word that makes them effective. Consider creation. All things that have been made were spoken into existence by the Word (John 1:3). We contributed nothing to make creation what it is; God’s word alone was required. It is the same with Holy Communion. We add no works of our own and we add nothing to Christ’s words. We simply believe his word through faith, receiving his true body and blood in the bread and wine as a means of grace.

Prayer: Thank you, Living Word, for dying for me. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Full-Color Catechism Posters (Set of Seven)  These glossy full-color 11"x 17" posters feature the main texts from the six parts of Luther's Small Catechism, and are designed for use in homes and churches to help children memorize these important and timeless words. Posters include: Holy Baptism, The Lord's Prayer, The Ten Commandments (standard), The Ten Commandments (simplified),The Apostles Creed, Holy Communion, and Confession & Forgiveness. Each poster features a picture of "Luther's Small Cat" and matches the colors of the corresponding booklet from Sola's Luther's Small Cat Series.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 26 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 28 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Hebrews 6:1–6

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles – part 26

Secondly, this is an unnecessary thing, which may be omitted without sin and danger.

Pulling It Together: While it may be “omitted without sin and danger,” it may not be done without danger of sin. If people believe that Holy Communion is a work, a sacrifice done by a priest, and a service performed by themselves to receive God’s grace and forgiveness, then they are in real danger. If they believe that God’s free grace is something that must be merited, then they reject Christ; they refuse his mercy and grace. They spurn Christ’s crucifixion, his death, and his resurrection, if they insist this sacrifice of the Mass must be performed again and again (Heb 9:28). This crucifying of Christ makes mockery of him, all for the sake of being religious. The irony is, this false religion affords no certain hope of real forgiveness or eternal life. Its adherents are always concerned whether they have done enough to compensate for their sins. All the while, Jesus has done everything.

Prayer: Restore to me, Lord Jesus, the joy of your salvation. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Why Did Jesus Have to Die? is a six-week Bible Study that examines the most profound event of salvation history — the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ — exploring from a biblical perspective what is known as the doctrine of the Atonement.

Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 25 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 27 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Isaiah 29:13–14

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

If there were reasonable papists, we could speak reasonably and in a friendly way, asking why they so rigidly uphold the Mass. For they are strictly a human invention, not having been commanded by God. We may discard every human invention, as Christ declares: “In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men” (Matt 15:9).

Pulling It Together

Luther speaks here of the money-making Roman Mass. We have dealt earlier with masses paid for in order to absolve the dead, or others not present. Such things are religious and may make one feel faithful, yet they are not commanded by God. Indeed, in the case of this so-called Mass, it is evil because it does not require faith, since the dead, those not present, and even people who did not want a Mass paid for and said for them, are neither confessing their sins nor having faith in Christ. Ironically, it is through the pure Lord’s Supper that God does something wonderful, freely giving his grace to those with faith in Christ.

Prayer: Help me live by faith, Lord, not by religious works. Amen.

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Combining the message of salvation in Christ with personal witness, The Gospel in Miniature is a Lutheran guide for evangelism. 

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The Smalcald Articles – part 24 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 26 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Peter 1:18–19

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles – part 24

Part II, Article II: Of the Mass

The Mass must be considered as the greatest and most horrible abomination in the papacy, because it directly and powerfully conflicts with this chief article. It has been the principal and most specious of papal idolatries, above and before all others, for it is held that this sacrifice or work of the Mass (though it be offered by a wicked scoundrel) frees men from sins, both in this life and also in purgatory. Yet, only the Lamb of God can and must do this, as has been stated above. Nothing is to be surrendered or conceded in this article, because the first article does not allow it.

Pulling It Together: Jesus Christ paid the price for our sin. The blood of the perfect Lamb of God was the redemption price, liberating us from not only sin, but death and the devil to boot. This is not an act in a play, a drama to be reenacted by priests. For Christ laid down his life one time, a sufficient quantity for the life of a world (Heb 9:28).

Prayer: Thank you for my freedom, Lord. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Who is Jesus? is a five-session study, meant to serve as an introduction to what the Bible says about Jesus Christ—who he is and what it means to trust in him as Savior and Lord.

Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 23 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 25 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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John 20:31

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Nothing in this article can be yielded or surrendered, though heaven and earth, or any other transient thing should pass away. As Peter says, “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). “With his wounds we are healed” (Isa 53:5). On this article depends everything we teach and practice in opposition to the pope, the devil, and the world. Therefore, we must be certain about this doctrine, and not doubt. Otherwise all is lost, and the pope, the devil, and all others gain the victory over us.

Pulling It Together: Faith. Faith in Christ. Faith in Christ alone. This must not be yielded, or else anything may be believed. A system of law, or works, or any human tradition could be said to lead to salvation. But what is written? We have life in his name. Eternal life, salvation, righteousness, and justification all come through faith in Christ alone. Everything depends upon this doctrine. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6); there is no other name by which we are saved.

Prayer: Give me the assurance of your salvation, Lord, and the peace that comes only from your Spirit. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Pastor Kent Groethe's study of the Book of Acts, Acts - Old Places, New Facesfocuses on the life of the early church as a model for church life today. The message and power of the church today needs to be revitalized and renewed by the power of God's Spirit, just as it was in the early church.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 22 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 24 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 John 1:7–9

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles – part 22

Now, because this can not be acquired or apprehended by any work, law, or merit, but must be believed, it is clear and certain that only this faith justifies us. St. Paul says, “For we hold that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law” (Rom 3:28). A few verses earlier, Paul states that, God alone “is righteous and that he justifies him who has faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:26). 

Pulling It Together: Divine justice owes humanity nothing. We do not deserve to be justified to God because of anything we do. Indeed, our sin and sinfulness deserve exactly the opposite. This is not a system of quid pro quo, as though one good deed makes up for one bad, or that a promise to do better, along with a little community service, gets one off the hook. We are on sin’s hook from the get-go. The only way we are gotten off that hook is through faith in God’s justice, his system of merit. We confess our sins and have faith that God will do as he promised: forgive us of our sins and purge us of all unrighteousness. He is not merely faithful to do so but also just, not because we have earned it but, for Christ’s sake. 

Prayer: Help me to walk in the light—not any dim ray from my own deeds, but in the full, glorious light of Christ alone. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

We Still Believe is offered as a resource for reflecting on key themes in biblical, Lutheran doctrine that are at risk in the Church today. It is offered in the hope that it will inspire individuals and congregations to examine the core beliefs of traditional Lutheranism and how these beliefs apply to our own present context. Written in a question and discussion style, the participant's book includes an introduction to and copy of the faith statement known as the Common Confession.

Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 21 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 23 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 3:23–25a

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

3. Likewise, “all have sinned” and “are justified” without merit “by his grace,” “through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” “in his blood” (Rom 3:23-25a).

Pulling It Together: The justification of sinners is received as God’s gift, not because of religious or moral activity. Justification is a legal term, appropriated by the Apostle Paul to express God’s great gift. It means that a person is vindicated of a crime. So, let us imagine what that looks like. You are served an arrest warrant, brought to the courthouse, and appear before the judge. The judge reads the charge: you have committed crimes against the state—and there is substantial evidence to prove the veracity of the charge. You are indeed this criminal, and the penalty is death. As your life flashes before your eyes, you try to make sense of the words you now hear coming from the judge’s mouth. You have been forgiven your crime. No fee need be paid—not even court costs. No jail time or community service will be required. It is only the good grace of the judge, freely offered to you, that now makes you a just person. Now, the judge is not being impulsive or unjust. Your punishment has been paid by another; the court is satisfied.

This is what happens through the grace of God by the blood of Christ. You are guilty as charged but the Judge absolves you because Christ has satisfied the righteous requirement of the law. You have been justified “by faith” in the Son of God. Christ earned your salvation. Not you. Christ alone.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the great gift of your redeeming love. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Hymns and Spiritual Songs from The North is a compilation of Nordic hymns. In the spirit of Martin Luther, such a hymn is usually a meditation or sermon on a Biblical text that grows out of the text for a Sunday. Sometimes it is long and slow, even mournful, giving singers the possibility of meditating on God's Word in their own context. Less often it is joyful, but it is always filled with longing and hope. We can imagine the grandma, during long dark winters, sitting by the fire, spinning or knitting as she sang stanza after stanza of an old favorite hymn or spiritual song, teaching her grandchildren to sing along with her. When they learned to lisp those words with her, they were learning how Scripture could be used to meet the deepest sorrows and the greatest joys of life.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 20 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 22 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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John 1:29 

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

2. And he alone is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29); and God has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isa 53:6).

Pulling It Together: In this great, narrative sentence, there is one subject and a countless number of direct objects. Let us begin with the objects of the subject. Sinners are the direct objects in the story of God. Since the beginning, sin had been met with sacrifice to appease God’s holiness. So much blood has been spilled for a world of sinners, “for all have sinned” (Rom 3:23). As God is the subject of creation, acting on chaos to bring order, he is also the subject of recreation, bringing forgiveness and justification where there had been judgment and alienation. 

Sinners could not take away the sin of the world; the direct object cannot act upon itself. But God laid the sin of us all upon himself, bearing the iniquity of a world of lost sinners, the objects of his love.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your great and saving love. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Sola Publishing’s Alphabet Soup is a Sunday School series designed for young students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. 

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The Smalcald Articles – part 19 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 21 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 4:20–25

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles – part 19

The Second Part

The second part deals with the articles that relate to the office and work of Jesus Christ, to our redemption.

The first and chief article:

1. That Jesus Christ, our God and Lord, died for our sins, and was raised again for our justification (Rom 4:25).

Pulling It Together: Faith in God is essential. Without faith, we are like ships tossed about on the waves (James 1:6). But if Christ was not raised from the dead, our faith is futile. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are essential. He died for our sins, but if he stayed dead, we remain dead in our sins. His resurrection proves his power to save, not only himself but, us. His resurrection shows that he is “able to do what he had promised”: raise us up from the death of sin and thereby, justify us with God.

Prayer: God, give me the faith of Abraham. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes a limited selection of music for use in worship, drawing primarily upon texts and music in the public domain, along with biblical texts set to familiar tunes. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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The Smalcald Articles – part 18 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 20 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 14:19 

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

There is no contention or dispute about these articles, since we confess them on both sides. Therefore, it is not necessary to deal any further with them now.

Pulling It Together: Luther wanted unity in the Church, but not if it meant sacrificing the very truths that upheld that Church. Three memorable, Latin slogans that came out of the Lutheran reform movement can help us determine when we are parting from Christian truth: sola gratia, sola fide, and sola Scriptura. We believe that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, that is based on the Scripture alone. Since it is impossible to earn God’s forgiveness, his freely given grace furnishes confident hope for sinners. This grace is freely given for Christ’s sake, not because we have contributed in any way to our salvation. God’s grace is only apprehended by faith in Jesus Christ. The basis for these beliefs is the Word of God—only the Word of God. We must be careful to add nothing to the Scripture, such as church traditions, councils, or even modern critical interpretative tools, for they can be, and have been, very wrong. It is the Scripture alone that brings us back to God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Help me, God, to pursue peace that is in accord with Christ Jesus. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. 

SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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The Smalcald Articles – part 16 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 19 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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From the Word: For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the stomach of the giant fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (Matthew 12:40)

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles – part 17

IV. That the Son became man in this manner: he was conceived by the Holy Spirit, without the cooperation of man, and was born of the pure, holy, and virgin Mary. Afterwards, he suffered, died, was buried, descended to hell, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, sits at the right hand of God, will come to judge the living and the dead, etc., as the Apostles’ Creed, as well as that of St. Athanasius, and the Catechism in common use for teaching children.

Pulling It Together: The force of Luther’s writing up to this point is that the German reformers and the church in Rome held to the same basic, credal beliefs. As we shall see, how those beliefs were put into practice, or what they were interpreted to mean, would make a great difference. Nonetheless, these are important points of doctrine, and needed to be stated, even if Rome agreed.

Let us address just one point, however, because it bothers some folks. Jesus descended into hell. It should be a great comfort to everyone that Jesus descended into hell, but some just cannot stomach the idea of Jesus being in hell. Take a moment and consider that hell could not contain him. Jesus had to overcome sin and death—and that means conquering hell and its devil. It is good news that hell could not keep him because that means it cannot keep you who believe in him who rose from the place of the dead. Because Jesus conquered hell, that place may not have you. Just as the great fish could not suffer Jonah, Jesus spent only a few days in the belly of the earth—long enough to rescue the faithful who had awaited that day for so long.

Prayer: Help me appreciate all you endured, Lord, for a sinner like me. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Ambidextrous Christianity is a nine-session Bible Study that explores nine key questions of faith and life, letting our Lord direct us in navigating the narrow path of faith. In studying God's Word with other believers, we seek to grow in our ability to move forward in our journey together, no matter what the road presents.

Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 16 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 18 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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John 1:1, 14 

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles

III. That only the Son became man, not the Father nor the Holy Spirit.

Pulling It Together: When we confess that we “believe in God,” we are saying that we believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Only one of these persons “was made man.” We call this the “incarnation,” or the “in the flesh” of God. God was made flesh; “by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary.” As the Nicene Creed further states, God became man “for us and for our salvation.” God came down from heaven to enter this world as mortal flesh so that sinful humanity might be redeemed. No sinful person could deliver the human race from sin. God needed to descend from heaven to conquer sin and death as a being who is fully God while fully human. This too, is a divine mystery that may only be apprehended by faith.

Prayer: Help me believe the truth of the mystery that is you, Lord. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

In the Luther Household is a six-session Bible study on the Lutheran understanding of marriage and family. Based on foundational texts from Scripture, the study also draws from the real-life experience of Martin and Katie Luther, who were not only husband and wife, but the parents of several children. It includes excerpts from Luther's personal writings to family and friends as they faced the good and bad that come in everyday living.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 15 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 17 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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John 15:26

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

II. That the Father was begotten of no one; the Son is begotten of the Father; the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.

Pulling It Together: With the Nicene Creed, Luther confessed that God the Father is eternal, that the Son is eternally begotten of the Father, and that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son. Though the clause “and Son,” added to the Nicene Creed, caused such great debate in the Church that it led to a division into Eastern and Western churches just after the first millennium of Christianity, Scripture clearly teaches that the Holy Spirit is sent from both the Father and the Son, and that as God (Acts 5:3–4), the Spirit proceeds from them in eternity.

Prayer: Blessed Trinity whom the Church calls God, help me bear witness to your truth. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Este pequeño manual, conocido como El Catecismo Menor de Martín Lutero, ha sido utilizado por los Luteranos durante siglos como una herramienta de enseñanza, especialmente en la instrucción de la confirmación. El pequeño manual pretende dar a los lectores un breve resumen de las enseñanzas de la Biblia, viendo algunos ejemplos de versos bien conocidos por los cristianos, oraciones y elementos de adoración.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 14 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 16 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 1:20 (ESV)

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

The First Part

The first part of the sublime articles deal with the divine majesty, specifically:

I. That Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three distinct persons in one divine essence and nature, are one God, who has created heaven and earth.

Pulling It Together

Luther begins with the beginning: that God is that One God, the Only God, who has created everything. This beginning includes the great mystery of the Christian faith, that the One God, while being truly single, not only in essence, but by nature, is at the same time three distinct persons, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. This is what the Scripture teaches us; this is what Luther confesses. Just as the universe begins, so begins good theology: with God.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me confess what the Bible teaches. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Teach Us to Pray is an eight lesson curriculum based around Luther's Small Catechism.  Each lesson has a Bible study connected to the article of the Lord's Prayer covered. A section entitled "About Prayer"  teaches students helpful items about a solid prayer life and a prayer assignment for the coming week.  A major goal of this material is to help kids experience prayer and practice it in a variety of ways. This book could be used as part of a larger Confirmation series, or as a "pre-confirmation" Sunday School series for Jr. High and Middle School youth.

Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 13 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 15 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Hebrews 9:28 

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

O Lord Jesus Christ, convene your own Council, delivering your servants by your glorious advent! The Pope and his adherents are ruined, for they will have none of you. Help us then, who are poor and needy, who sigh to you and earnestly implore you according to the grace which you have given us through your Holy Spirit, who lives and reigns with you and the Father, blessed forever. Amen.

Pulling It Together: Oh! the dawn of that glorious Day! When Jesus returns, what need will there be of Councils? Every knee will bow before him (Isa 45:23; Rom 14:11; Phil 2:10) and his word will be enough for all. There will be no shrewd neglect of God’s word and will then. Save us from this world, Lord. Save us from ourselves. Come soon (Rev 22:20) and save us.

Prayer: I eagerly await your return, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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The Smalcald Articles – part 12 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 14 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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John 14:15, 21 

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

I have written only a few articles since, even without these, we have so many commands of God to observe in the Church, the state, and the family that we can never fulfill them. What is the use, what gain comes of many decrees and statutes made in a Council, especially when the chief matters, those commanded by God, are neither regarded nor observed? Do we actually think God is obligated to reward our guile while we tread his solemn commandments under foot? Our sins weigh upon us and keep God from being gracious to us, as we do not repent, and even want to defend our every abomination.

Pulling It Together: We busy ourselves with a kind of mundane yet exuberant piety, the machinations of religion, so that we might deceive ourselves (and others, I suppose) into thinking we are holy and righteous. God is not deceived (Gal 6:7). Neither, frankly, are we. So, we make more noise, more pretense, more outward show, hoping to drown out the reality that God’s will and commandments are ignored and not observed. Only when we are quiet before the Lord, do we know that he is God (Psa 46:10) and we are sinners.

Prayer: Help me, Lord God, to trust in your word instead of my works. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 11 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 13 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 23:24–25

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

If the Council were to consider the chief matters that are contrary to God in the spiritual and worldly estates, they would have their hands so full that the child’s play and absurdity of long gowns, large tonsures, broad cinctures, bishops’ or cardinals’ hats or maces, and similar foolishness would soon be forgotten. If we would first act on God’s command and rule in the spiritual and secular estates, we would find time enough to reform food, clothing, tonsures, and surplices. But if we wish to swallow such camels and strain at gnats, allowing beams to stand in judgment of motes, we may as well be satisfied with the Council.

Pulling It Together: All those things that Luther denounced were outward displays. They ought to be fixed, but dealing with those outer matters neglects the more important things, the inner matters that end up improving the outer. It is that form of micromanagement that has others so busy fixing the myriad little things in their lives that they have no time or energy to see the large things that are wrong. Obsession with petty, outward pietism obscures the deep, spiritual matters that concern God.

Prayer: O Lord God, give me ears that hear your will, and a spirit that seeks to obey. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Full-Color Catechism Posters (Set of Seven)  These glossy full-color 11"x 17" posters feature the main texts from the six parts of Luther's Small Catechism, and are designed for use in homes and churches to help children memorize these important and timeless words. Posters include: Holy Baptism, The Lord's Prayer, The Ten Commandments (standard), The Ten Commandments (simplified),The Apostles' Creed, Holy Communion, and Confession & Forgiveness. Each poster features a picture of "Luther's Small Cat" and matches the colors of the corresponding booklet from Sola's Luther's Small Cat Series.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 10 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 12 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Ephesians 4:22-23 

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Besides such necessary concerns in the church, there are also innumerable improvements needed in the political estate. There are disagreements between the princes and the states. Lending and greed have burst in like a flood, and have become legalized. Wantonness, lewdness, extravagant clothing, gluttony, gambling, conceited display, all kinds of bad habits and wickedness, insubordination of subjects, of domestics and laborers, extortion in every trade and among the peasants have increased so much that they could not be corrected by ten Councils and twenty Diets.

Pulling It Together: The more things change, the more they stay the same. The old adage rings as true today as it seems it did in Luther’s day. His complaints could easily be applied to our own society. Committee meetings will not fix it all (sometimes it seems to make matters worse). City Councils care little for such matters, nor do the highest assemblies in the land. Church conferences will not fix it all. So, let us be content with the Word. A little every day, received by each of us, will go the furthest in correcting what is wrong with both church and culture. The change we desire all around us begins within us.

Prayer: Let it begin with me, Lord. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Luther's Small Cat Discovers: The Seasons of the Church Year is written for 4th grade level students. This book takes students through the church year, accompanied by Luther’s Small Cat — a character who is just as inquisitive and precocious as the students. May your journey through the church year bring you closer to Christ, who walks through each moment of life alongside you.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 11 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 9:35–38 

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Returning to the subject, I sincerely desire to see a truly Christian Council so that many matters and persons might be helped. Not that we need it, for by God’s grace, our churches are now so enlightened and equipped with the pure Word and right use of the Sacraments, with an understanding of the various callings and of right works, that we ask for no Council for our sake. We have no hopes or expectations from a Council. But we see so many vacant and desolate parishes throughout the Church’s districts that it breaks our heart. Yet neither the bishops nor canons care how these poor people live or die. Though Christ has died for them, they are not permitted to hear him speak with them as the true shepherd with his sheep. This makes me shudder and fear that at some time he may send a council of angels upon Germany, utterly destroying us like Sodom and Gomorrah, because we so deliberately mock him with the pretense of a Council.

Pulling It Together: It was after Jesus saw the desolate villages, the “sheep without a shepherd,” that he called the twelve disciples. God equips his Church with a variety of vocations, and is concerned that one of these callings, the office of Word and Sacrament, opens his Word to the people. How else will the people be taught? How else will they have spiritual leadership from actual shepherds instead of those who extort them? The apostolic word is that we are to be devoted to public reading of Scripture, preaching and teaching from those texts (1 Tim 4:13). How can this happen when the sheep have no shepherd?

Prayer: Lord, send workers into your harvest, shepherds for every flock. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Luther's Small Cat Series from Sola Publishing is a graded elementary-aged Sunday School curriculum based on the sections of the Small Catechism, with each lesson focusing on an applicable story from the Bible. This easy-to-use workbook style curriculum, allows kids to have a keepsake of the memory piece they master for the year.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 10 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger graphic

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Luke 13:3

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

I must tell a story. There was a doctor here in Wittenberg, sent from France, who said before us publicly that his king was beyond convinced that there is no church among us, no government, no married life, that all live promiscuously like cattle, and each one does as he pleases. Imagine now; how will they face us on that day before the judgment seat of Christ, who by their writings have instilled such gross lies into the king and other countries, as if their lies were pure truth? Christ, the Lord and judge of us all, well knows that they lie and have lied. I know that they in turn will hear his sentence. May God convert to repentance those who may yet repent. Suffering and regret will be the eternal condition of the rest.

Pulling It Together: The Spirit of God often uses new situations to change our perspective, to bring us to repentance. We are all sinners, so we are all in need of daily and constant repentance. Just as Ecclesia semper reformanda est—the Church must always be reformed—we always stand in need of repentance. Until that great Day, we must always be turning in the waters of our baptism, remembering Christ, facing him again, knowing that he forgives us. This is the hope of sinners: Christ forgives, so repent!

Prayer: Lead me, Lord, in a life of daily repentance. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Why Did Jesus Have to Die? is a six-week Bible Study that examines the most profound event of salvation history — the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ — exploring from a biblical perspective what is known as the doctrine of the Atonement.

• Participant's Book    • Leader's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 09 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Ephesians 4:11–16

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

I often think of the good Gerson, who doubted whether good writing should be published. If it is not published, many souls are neglected who might have been saved. If it is published, the devil is there with innumerable wicked and malignant tongues to poison and corrupt everything, so that fruit is prevented anyway. Yet what they gain by doing so is unmistakable. For while they have so shamefully slandered us and used their lies to keep the people, God has constantly advanced his work, and has been making their following ever smaller and ours greater, and by their lies has caused and still causes them to be brought to shame.

Pulling It Together: God uses his Word and Sacraments to grow our faith, and increase and unify the Church. Nevertheless, his Word and Sacraments are distributed by the work of his Spirit through people. If God has called you to the work of an evangelist, spread his Word. If he has given you the gift of teaching, build up the Church. God works through the ministry of Word and Sacrament to make each and every one of his people grow up in faith, so that they may work together in his kingdom. It is human nature to be concerned if our words or works will be rejected, but the results are God’s business.

Prayer: Help me, Holy Spirit, do what you have called me to do. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, presented in a question and discussion format. The Leader's Guide that accompanies this study is a resource for those facilitating group discussion, or may serve as a reader's commentary for those who are studying the Book of Concord on their own.

Teacher's Guide

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The Smalcald Articles – part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 08 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 5:3–5

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

I imagine I should reply to everything while I am still living. But how can I alone stop all the mouths of the devil—especially those (as they are all poisoned) who will not listen or notice what we write? Their sole labor is shamefully perverting and corrupting our every word and letter. I will allow the devil to answer them—or in the end, God’s wrath—as they deserve.

Pulling It Together: Luther is still speaking primarily of the fanatics, the schwärmerei, those who used Luther’s words to their own ends. They twisted his teachings, bringing division to the church instead of reform. How could Luther correct people who were devoted to spinning the truth? Denying them worship and fellowship, putting them out of the community of faith, is a last resort. Luther’s only recourse may have been having nothing to do with them himself. Perhaps in this way, those whose faith were disasters might come under the conviction of the Law and come to repentance and restoration. Being put out of the church or at the arm-length of Luther, they, at very least, stood less chance of bringing the faith of others to shipwreck.

Prayer: O Lord, help me appreciate the joy of your people. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

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The Smalcald Articles – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 07 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Galatians 2:4–5

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

What can I say? Why should I complain? I am still living, writing, preaching, and lecturing daily. Yet there are such spiteful people—not only among our opponents, but also false fellows who profess to be on our side—who dare to cite my writings and doctrine directly against me. Although they know very well that I teach otherwise, they let me look on and listen. They adorn their venom with my labor, misleading the poor people in my name. Imagine what will happen when I am dead!

Pulling It Together

Luther taught that we are only able to know God as God makes himself known to us: through his Word and through the Sacraments. There was no room for special revelation, or for earning our way to God through good deeds or forms of worship that were outside of God’s revelation. Yet, there were some among the Protestants who professed such things. Luther called them schwärmerei, relating them to swarms of annoying and harmful insects. These fanatics claimed God had given them personal knowledge or experience. But for Luther, the Word alone was the way to objectively know God’s truth.

Prayer: Keep me, O Lord, always in the truth of the gospel. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The goal of Personalities of Faith, a ten-session Bible study for youth, is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith." Using biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

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The Smalcald Articles – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 06 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Isaiah 1:18

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

But the court in Rome is dreadfully afraid of a free Christian Council, and shamefully shuns the light. Even those who are on its side, have been discouraged of hoping it will ever permit a free Council, much less that it will hold one. They are deeply offended and greatly troubled because of this, since they realize that the Pope would rather see all Christendom perish and all souls damned rather than suffer himself or his adherents be reformed even a little, which would limit his tyranny. Nevertheless, I have determined to publish these articles in plain print, so that, if I die before a Council is convened (as I fully expect since the rogues who flee the light and shun the day take such wretched pains to delay and prevent the Council), those who live after me may have my testimony and confession—in addition to the confession I previously issued. This will show how I have lived so far, and by God’s grace, will continue to live.

Pulling It Together: There is only one thing worse than not being permitted to meet with those who disagree with you. Meeting with them, only to hear them speak in a manner that is unreasonable, is even worse. Perhaps, Luther had things a bit better than might have been if he had met with a Council. How well had such meetings gone for him in the past? He was driven into exile at the Wartburg, but God used him there to produce German Scriptures for the people. This time, while awaiting a possible Council of the Church, he would prepare and publish—Council or not—a printed Confession, and hope for reform. If the powers at Rome would not reason with the reformer, he was determined to put what remained of his life to good and reasonable service for the Lord (Rom 12:1, KJV).

Prayer: Teach me your way, Lord, and reform my life. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Word of Life Series is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ, to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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The Smalcald Articles – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 05 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 Peter 3:14–15

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Accordingly, I have compiled these articles and presented them to our delegates. They have accepted them, and unanimously received them as our confession. It has been resolved that they be publicly delivered as the Confession of our Faith, if the Pope and his adherents should ever be so bold as to seriously and in good faith, without lying and cheating, to hold a truly free Christian Council.

Pulling It Together: When you are brought before a group you should not have anxiety about what you should testify, since the Spirit will teach you in the moment the words that need to be spoken (Luke 12:11-12). But if you have the time to get prepared, study and write for the benefit of anyone called to make the good confession (Matt 16:16; 1 Tim 6:12). This is precisely what Luther did for his contemporaries—and for all who would make the good confession that we are saved through faith in Christ alone. Beyond that confession, there is no hope.

Prayer: Give me peace, Lord, to honor you in my heart and with my mouth. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Word of Life Series is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ, to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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The Smalcald Articles – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 04 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click above for larger graphic  •

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2 Timothy 2:23–26

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

Pope Paul III called a council to assemble last year at Mantua during Whitsuntide, but later transferred it from Mantua, so that it is not yet known where he will or can hold the council. We had to expect that we would be summoned to the council or be condemned without being summoned. So, I was directed to compose and compile articles of our doctrine in case of deliberation, showing what and how much we would be both willing and able to yield to the papists, and in what points we intended to persevere and abide to the end.

Pulling It Together: Up to this point in the Lutheran Confessions, we have largely had the writings of Philip Melancthon, professor of Greek at the University of Wittenberg, and friend of and collaborator with Martin Luther in the Protestant Reformation. Other reformers and Saxon notables reviewed his documents and assigned their signatures as approval. Nonetheless, the Elector John Frederick of Saxony eventually called upon Martin Luther to put into his own words what he considered the chief articles and concerns of the Reformation. Things seemed to be coming to a head with the church in Rome, and the Elector wanted to be certain where the reformer stood on each point of doctrine, so that there could be a unified front at any possible convening of a council. Perhaps the church could yet come to its senses and be reformed, if only the truth of Scripture were permitted to rule the day.

Prayer: Give me proper repentance, Lord, that I might hear your truth and do your will. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Word of Life Series is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ, to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Power – part 16 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 03 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Psalm 119:105

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Power 

Those who originally condemned clear truth, and are now persecuting it with greatest cruelty, will give an account for the schism that has taken place. In any case, are there no scandals among our opponents? What evil there is in the profiteering, blasphemous profanation of the Mass! What a great disgrace is celibacy! But let us forget comparisons. For the time being, this is our reply to their Confutation. We leave it to the judgment of all godly people as to whether our opponents are correct in boasting that they have actually refuted our Confession with the Scriptures.

Pulling It Together: We cannot reason our way to God. Nor can traditions light the way to divine truth. Human institutions are unable to direct us to God. We stumble after forgiveness, justification, sanctification, eternal life, and similar things as though walking through a dense forest on a starless, moonless night. We cannot find our way; we need Gods’ help. The manner he has has chosen to show us the way is by his Word. If you find yourself falling back on some church tradition, cast it aside and listen to the Word. If you catch yourself thinking, “But the church teaches me to think this way,” then hear the word of Christ. You cannot be sanctified except by truth, and that truth is the Word of God (John 17:17). Open the Book and it will light your way.

Prayer: Lord, put within me a deep love of your Word. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The biblical focus in The Adventures of Paul, a five-session VBS book, is on the life of the Apostle Paul, with lessons from the Book of Acts. Here Scripture tells the story of serious man named Saul, who worked to silence Christianity — until the risen Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus and changed his life. With his new name Paul, this one who had persecuted the Church went on to become one of the greatest apostles.

Sola’s Versatile Budget Series is a simple and flexible educational Vacation Bible School curriculum designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations. The flexible format works well for groups with limited budgets, or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. Unlike more elaborate and expensive VBS kits, this book is meant to serve as an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains can be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

More from the Versatile Budget Series

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Power – part 14 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 02 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Acts 5:29–31

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Power 

We make the same reply to Matthew 23:3. “Practice and observe whatever they tell you,” is clearly not a universal command to observe all things since elsewhere, Scripture tells us to “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Therefore, when they teach wicked things, they are not to be heard. But these are wicked things: that human traditions are worship of God, that they are necessary, and that they merit the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

Pulling It Together

The old saying, “Do as I say but not as I do,” is applicable to pharisaical instruction. Jesus is teaching that we ought to observe right teaching of the Scripture, though not necessarily imitate the actions of those teaching. However, if someone’s teaching is contrary to God’s Word and command, that person’s teaching is to be censured. In particular, if anyone’s teaching declares that a human regulation or ritual must be done before God will forgive, that doctrine should be rejected outright. It is easy to determine what is right doctrine in these matters, by applying the rule of faith. Does a doctrine require you to add anything to faith in God before you may be forgiven or know the assurance of eternal life? Does a teaching demand you do something before your faith in Christ is acceptable? If a doctrine of forgiveness and salvation calls for anything to be added to faith, do not observe such a wicked teaching. If you do, you are obeying people instead of God.

Prayer: Lord, give me a spirit that hears your holy Word. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The biblical focus of Mary, Martha & Many Faithful Women, a five-session VBS book is found in the gospels. Through the eyes of sisters, Mary and Martha, we get a look at the ministry of Jesus. We see him as both human and as God. Along with some of Jesus' other female friends, we follow Jesus to the cross where he suffered a horrendous death to pay the price for our sins. From the darkness of the cross, we join the women at the tomb with Mary Magdalene as the mystery and victory of Easter morning unfold.

Sola’s Versatile Budget Series is a simple and flexible educational Vacation Bible School curriculum designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations. The flexible format works well for groups with limited budgets, or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. Unlike more elaborate and expensive VBS kits, this book is meant to serve as an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains can be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

More from the Versatile Budget Series

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Power – part 13 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 01 Mar 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Galatians 1:8–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Power 

They also quote Hebrews 13:17: “Obey your leaders and submit to them.” This passage requires obedience to the Gospel. For it does not establish an authority of the bishops apart from the Gospel. Nor should bishops create traditions contrary to the Gospel, or interpret their traditions contrary to the Gospel. When they do this, obedience is prohibited, according to Galatians 1:9: “If any one is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed.”

Pulling It Together: Christians are called to lives of submission. We are to honor our parents (Exod 20:12), deferring to their authority. We are to obey earthly authorities (Rom 13:1-7), as well as church leadership (Heb 13:17). We are also and chiefly commanded to submit to God, from whom these other commands come. It dishonors God if we submit to earthly and ecclesial authority when those authorities are operating in opposition to God. If earthly government orders you to do something against God’s word, you must honor God, even if it means disobedience to civil law. Just so, if church leadership insists you do something adverse to the gospel, obey the gospel instead of the ecclesial power. One authority is higher than the other, as the other receives its authority from the one. Both civil and church leadership get their authority from God, so when they act contrary to God, their authority becomes loathsome.

If any ruler, civil or ecclesial, would have you follow a way different than the gospel, that ruler should be considered by you as accursed. The word “accursed” (Greek, anathema) in Galatians 1:9 means it is dedicated to destruction by divine wrath. One would do well to not associate with, let alone follow and obey, the damned.

Prayer: Strengthen me, Lord, and give me the courage to obey your Word. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The biblical focus of The Adventures of Paul, a five-session VBS book, is the life of the Apostle Paul, using lessons from the Book of Acts. Here Scripture tells the story of serious man named Saul who worked to silence Christianity—until the risen Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus and changed his life. With his new name Paul, this one who had persecuted the Church went on to become one of the greatest apostles. 

The price of the book includes permission to reproduce the worksheets and handouts for local use. For smaller churches in a "one-room schoolhouse" setting, only one book is necessary. For churches with multiple grade levels and individual classes, we suggest that each teacher have a copy of the curriculum book.

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Power – part 12 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 28 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Luke 10:16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Power 

This is the simple manner of interpreting traditions: we should not understand them as necessary acts of worship, yet observe them properly for the sake of avoiding offenses. Many great and learned men in the Church understood traditions this way. We do not see what can be said to the contrary. For it is certain that the expression, “He who hears you hears me” (Luke 10:16), does not refer to traditions, but is primarily directed against traditions. For it is not a mandatum cum libera (a bestowal of unlimited authority), as they call it, but it is a cautio de rato (a caution concerning something prescribed), namely, concerning a special command, that is, a testimony given to the apostles so that we believe them with respect to another’s Word, instead of to their own. For Christ would assure us, as is necessary, that when people deliver the Word it is efficacious, and that no other word from heaven need be sought.

“He who hears you hears me” cannot be applied to traditions. Christ requires them to teach in a manner such that he is heard, for he says, “He...hears me.” Therefore he wishes his own voice, his own Word, to be heard—not human traditions. Yet, these stupid men take a saying that is especially favors our confession, it containing the most important consolation and teaching, and misuse it for the most trifling matters: the distinctions of food, clothing, and so forth.

Pulling It Together: The Lutheran reformers wanted to proclaim a clear word of Scripture. Human traditions that promised God’s favor were summarily dismissed in favor of God’s gracious favor being freely given through faith, for Christ’s sake. Therefore, to imagine that one, because of position or job title, may create some new command or doctrine that is to be received as if it were “gospel,” is outrageous. Just because a pope, bishop, priest, or pastor says it, does not mean it is the word of Christ. However, if one speaks the word of Christ, then surely, Christ is heard as if he himself stood before that person speaking.

Prayer: Speak, Lord, through your Word, and I will hear. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Connections Magazine features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design.

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Power – part 11 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 27 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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2 Corinthians 13:12–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Power 

The use of such ordinances, therefore, should be left free, provided that offenses are avoided, and that they not be judged as necessary acts of worship. The apostles themselves prescribed many things that have been changed with time, since they did not hand them down in such a way that they were not to be changed. For they did not disagree with their own writings, in which they worked hard so the Church would not be oppressed by the opinion that human rites are necessary acts of worship.

Pulling It Together: It is amusing to consider the things that each Christian group focuses on, as though they were God’s perpetual commandments. Do this particular thing or else you are not really a Christian—or at least not a very “good” one. Let us imagine that one of today’s verses, verse twelve, was the dogmatic focus of a church. The exhortation to “greet one another with a holy kiss” is also found in three other New Testament letters of Paul (Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:20; 1 Thes 5:26). He told the churches four times to greet one another this way. But if the “holy kiss,” or even a hug or a handshake, were regarded as an ongoing and necessary act of worship, this would become a burden to the churches that has nothing to do with faith in God.

Prayer:On that Day, Jesus, joy of heaven, greet me with the eternal kiss of grace. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Wise & The Foolish is a nine-session Bible study that focuses on Jesus' "people parables" — or what might be described as discipleship parables. These are the character stories that focus on the nature of discipleship and what it means to be a wise and faithful follower of Jesus.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Power – part 10 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 26 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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James 1:25

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Power 

Still, we have added in the Confession the extent to which they may legitimately make traditions, namely, not as necessary services, but so that there may be order in the Church, for the sake of peace. These traditions should not ensnare consciences, as though ordering necessary acts of worship. This is what Paul teaches when he says, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Gal 5:1).

Pulling It Together: What right does anyone have to insist that we do certain things in order to be forgiven? Christ has set us free; so we are truly free (John 8:36). God does not tell us that certain sins cannot be forgiven or that our quantity of sins is too heavy, too grave to forgive. Nor does he tell us to get our acts together before he will forgive. So, we must be careful to not allow anyone to deceive us, taking our consciences captive to human traditions. The Gospel, that perfect, liberating law of God, declares that God freely forgives us for Christ’s sake. Believe and be at peace with God.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord God, for love that is conditional on Christ alone. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

This six-session Bible study focuses on the Godly vocations of marriage and family. Based on foundational texts from Scripture, the study also draws from the real-life experience of Martin and Katie Luther, husband and wife, and also the parents of several children. The Luther Household includes excerpts from Luther's personal writings to family and friends as they faced the good and bad that come in everyday living.

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Power – part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 25 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Acts 6:1–4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Power 

We have stated in the Confession what power the Gospel gives to bishops. Those who are presently bishops do not perform their duties according to the Gospel. They may be bishops according to canonical polity, which we do not criticize, but we are writing about a bishop according to the Gospel. We are content with the ancient division of power, into power of the order and power of jurisdiction. Therefore bishops have the power of the order: the ministry of the Word and Sacraments; they also have the power of jurisdiction: the authority to excommunicate those guilty of public transgressions, and to absolve them if they are converted and request absolution. But their power is not to be tyrannical, that is, without a fixed law, nor regal, that is, above law. They have a fixed command and a fixed Word of God, according to which they ought to teach, and according to which they ought to exercise their jurisdiction. Therefore, even though they should have some jurisdiction, it does not follow that they are able to institute new acts of worship. Such services are not under their power. They have the Word: they have the command concerning how far they should exercise their jurisdiction, namely, when anyone does something contrary to that Word which they have received from Christ.

Pulling It Together: Let the power of bishops—indeed, the power of the whole Church—reside in the Word alone, sola Scriptura. If the Spirit cannot make his case through the Word alone, is a bishop able to make new laws that are effective where God is not? For example, in Holy Communion, we have the promise of God in his Word that attend the Sacrament. This is enough. If people believe the Word attached to the bread and wine, God’s grace is there. No one needs to concoct penitential acts or other forms of worship or devotion to supplement faith. Faith alone, sola fide, is sufficient. Bishops—overseers, elders, pastors—should devote themselves to the ministry of the Word and prayer, so that the Word of God will increase and people may come to faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 6:7).

Prayer: Help me follow you through your Word alone, Lord. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Getting to Know Martin Luther is a five-lesson Conformation workbook about Martin Luther's life that will help confirmands get a better glimpse into what faith means for their own lives by searching and understanding the Word of God, trusting in Christ alone for our salvation, standing up for what they believe in, and helping others to learn the truth about God.

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Power – part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 24 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 John 2:24–27

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Power 

However, since the Gospel clearly testifies that traditions should not be imposed upon the Church to merit the forgiveness of sins or to be services that God shall approve as righteousness, or to burden consciences by calling it sin if these traditions are excluded, the adversaries will never be able to show that the bishops have the power to institute such services.

Pulling It Together: What is it that you heard from the beginning other than that you are saved by believing on Jesus Christ? That you must or must not do certain things in order to be forgiven and saved came later when people tried to foist their religious brand upon you. Do not be led astray; remain in the Word, and the Holy Spirit will teach you all things necessary for both salvation and the working out of his salvation through keeping the faith and doing those good works for which you were created (Phil 2:12; Eph 2:10). Yet, do not trust in these works, nor in performing human traditions. Trust instead, in the promise given you at your baptism.

Prayer: Keep me in your Word, Lord, and protect me from those who would have me trust in anything other. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Power – part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 23 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Colossians 2:20–23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Power 

Earlier, they also condemned Article XV, in which we declared that traditions do not merit the forgiveness of sins. They say here that traditions contribute to eternal life. Do they merit the forgiveness of sins? Are they services of worship that God approves as righteousness? Do they vivify hearts? Paul says to the Colossians that traditions gain nothing with respect to eternal righteousness and eternal life since food, drink, clothing and the like are things that perish with the using (Col 2:20–23). But eternal life is formed in the heart by eternal things: by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. Therefore, let our opponents explain how traditions are conducive to eternal life.

Pulling It Together: Eternal life begins during this earthly life. It starts within us by faith. First, we are forgiven and made righteous before God through faith in his Son. These things which make our hearts eternally alive happen because God does them. No effort of our own can ever make us live forever. That is an absurd notion, and is obvious enough. Only the eternal Spirit can give such life to our spirits. What we eat and drink, or abstain from, has nothing to do with eternity; food and drink are things of this life. What we wear, or do not wear, also have nothing to do with salvation—unless we are speaking of being clothed with Christ (Gal 3:27). Special services of worship performed for the benefit of forgiving the sins of others who are not even present, or who do not even believe, may have a religious appearance. Nevertheless, without faith in Christ no one is saved.

Prayer: Clothe me, Lord Jesus, with your righteousness. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

One For All is a nine-session Bible study explores the center of the Christian faith by focusing on the unique and exclusive promise of Jesus. It examines not only the claims that Christ made about himself in Scripture, but the claim that the Lord makes on our lives as well. By focusing on the Gospel message of salvation in Christ alone, the study seeks to show how God makes us a part of His mission to the whole world, and how "the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all."

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Power – part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 22 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Acts 15:6–11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Power 

So, the bishops have no right to make traditions, claiming they merit the forgiveness of sins apart from the Gospel, nor services of worship that assert to please God as righteousness. Bishops have no right to burden consciences with these human traditions as though it would be a sin to ignore them. All this is taught by that one passage in Acts, where the apostles say that hearts are purified by faith (Acts 15:9), then forbid imposing a yoke, demonstrating how great a danger this is, emphasizing the sin of those who burden the Church. “Why are you testing God?” they ask (Acts 15:10). Our opponents, who violently defend their traditions and godless opinions, are not terrified in the least by this thunderbolt.

Pulling It Together: The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Rom 1:16). Nothing needs to be added to the Gospel in order to make it effective for the forgiveness of sins, justification, or eternal life. No traditions need to be added, nor are special acts of devotion or services of worship necessary for hearts to be purified. The Word of God is the means that makes us clean before God (John 15:3). In other words, God makes us clean—not the things we do or the human traditions that we maintain. We cannot keep them, even if they could keep us pure. But God can keep his word, and he has done so through Jesus Christ. Let us add nothing to Christ alone.

Prayer: O Living Word of God, help me trust in you. Amen.

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This pocket edition of Luther's Small Catechism includes quotations from the English Standard Versions (ESV) of Scripture, and the traditional ICET liturgical texts (as used in the Lutheran Book of Worship). The primary verses of Scripture, Creed, and Prayers are printed in italics; Luther’s explanations are printed in plain text. Luther’s explanations are formatted with a mid-sentence break, to highlight contrasting phrases and to aid in memorization.

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Power – part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 21 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500

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1 Corinthians 8:8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Power 

We must retain this doctrine in the Church: that we receive the forgiveness of sins freely through faith for Christ’s sake. We must also retain this teaching: that human traditions are useless acts of worship, and therefore neither sin nor righteousness depends upon food, drink, clothing, and similar things. Christ leaves us free to use such things when he says that it is “not what goes into the mouth [that] defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man” (Matt 15:11). Paul says, “For the kingdom of God is not food and drink” (Rom 14:17).

Pulling It Together: What should shine forth from the Church above all other things? Buildings? Traditions? Fund raisers? The pastor? Denominational programs? The youth group? Style of worship? Number of people? Or even peculiar doctrines that set one church apart from another? No, and forever no! The clearest thing, that teaching and clarion cry of every Christian congregation, should be the Gospel. The Gospel, that we are forgiven and saved for eternal life with God through faith in Jesus Christ, is what truly sets us apart as Christian people.

Prayer: Help your Church focus, Lord, upon the good news of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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The Sola Online Worship Resource is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Power – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 20 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.solapublishing.com/sola-scriptura-part-2:-the-norm-of-faith-leader's-guide-_A-7035

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Galatians 1:6–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Power 

Even though we have embraced various topics in this article of the Confessions, our opponents make no reply, except that bishops have the power of rule and forceful correction, in order to direct their subjects to the goal of eternal blessedness, that the power to rule requires the power to judge, define, distinguish, and institute those things which are serviceable or conducive to the aforementioned end. These are the words of the Confutation, in which our opponents instruct us that the bishops have the authority to create laws useful for obtaining eternal life. That is the point of controversy.

Pulling It Together: No pastor, bishop, priest, or pope has the right to determine rules for apprehending eternal life when those rules have no authority from the Gospel. What we preach and teach must not be of our own creation. It should not be a “different gospel” (Gal 1:6). We are saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph 2:8–9). Human rules and traditions cannot save us from sin and death. In too many cases, human institutions move us away from the clear call of Scripture, distorting the Gospel (Gal 1:7). The Gospel of Christ declares that God saves us through the agency of the cross. The one who preaches a contrary gospel is cursed.

Prayer: Help me to listen to and hear the clear voice of your Word, Lord. Amen.

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The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Power – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 19 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Hebrews 4:12–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Power 

The people urgently desire teaching on the most important and difficult controversies so that they may have something certain to follow. Rather than freeing minds tortured with doubt, they call to arms. In obvious matters they present decrees written in blood, threatening people with horrible punishments unless they act with clear defiance to God’s command. Here, on the other hand, you should see the tears of the poor, and hear the pitiable complaints of so many good people. God undoubtedly considers and regards them all, and one day it will be to him you will submit an account of your stewardship.

Pulling It Together: The Reformation slogan, sola Scriptura, should be kept close in our thoughts. Much doubt and anxiety may be avoided, if God’s Word is our rule of faith and practice. Do our faith or practices depend upon tradition alone, while being in opposition to Scripture? Then we ought to answer, “Sola Scriptura!” This, not only clears up matters of practice, it being God’s Word, will bring peace to troubled consciences. If people are anxious because they cannot keep certain traditions that are taught to be essential to salvation, sola Scriptura! The Word alone! Let the Scriptures teach us, and human traditions will be found out.

Prayer: God, keep me steadfast in your Word. Amen.

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The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes hundreds of hymns and songs for use in worship, organized by season and theme, available in full score, lead sheets, image files, and text only. These include popular hymns and songs, as well as new hymns from the lectionary texts and set to familiar tunes. 

SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, graphics, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Power – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 18 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 5:20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Power 

On the other hand, if only our opponents would hear the complaints of the churches and godly minds. Our opponents courageously guard their own dignities and wealth while neglecting the condition of the churches. They take no care for the churches to be rightly taught, and the Sacraments duly administered. They admit all sorts to the priesthood without discrimination. Then they impose intolerable burdens on them, as though they were delighted with the destruction of their fellowmen. They demand that their traditions be observed far more accurately than the Gospel.

Pulling It Together: If our righteousness must exceed that of religious experts, then what are we to do? We are to understand what righteousness actually is. Righteousness is not the fruit of good deeds or even correct doctrine, dogma, or traditions. Righteousness is being properly related to Jesus. If Jesus considers us his friends (John 15:15), we are righteous indeed. We cannot earn righteousness; it is given to us. We are made right with God because of being rightly related to Jesus through faith. This is the good news of peace and reconciliation that sinners—especially self-righteous sinners—need to hear.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for calling believers your friends. Amen.

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Holy Families! is an initiative of the North American Lutheran Church provided through a generous grant from the Thrivent Foundation, in honor of the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation (1517 AD to 2017 AD). Produced by Sola Publishing, this special initiative includes a number of Lutheran discipleship resources for families and congregations, including Daily Family Prayer Resources, Parent Pages, Faith Formation downloadable pages for children/families, Educational Videos, Parents' Video/Discussion Series on Faith Formation, and the Reformation Bible Study: In the Luther Household

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Power – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 17 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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John 3:16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Power – part 1

Here our opponents carry on about the privileges and immunities of the ecclesiastical estate. They add the conclusion: “Everything presented in the present article against the immunity of the churches and priests is false.” This is sheer defamation, since we have disputed other things in this article. Besides, we have frequently testified that we do not find fault with political ordinances, nor the gifts and privileges granted by princes.

Pulling It Together: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession concludes with a word on the power of the church. It insists that the church was corrupt and that this was harmful to the people in the church. Of particular interest will be the power of its bishops to determine how to obtain eternal life. So, we ought to be reminded, before we go much further, precisely how one is forgiven, justified, and saved. Those who believe on the Son whom the Father sent will have eternal life. This is not a special favor from the church, nor the result of acts of devotion. Salvation is apprehended only by faith in the Father’s great love, love that sent the Savior.

Prayer: Keep me focused on your love, Father. Amen.

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This book and the one on The New Testament would be good individual studies for adults too. 

Sola offers a Bible Overview year to its Confirmation Series, with two ten-session booklets — one on The Old Testament and one on the New Testament. These books provide a step-by-step overview of the history and geography of the Scriptures, exploring the various time periods and sections of the Bible and how they connect to one another. The goal is to give students a sense for the over-arching story of Scripture, fulfilled in the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

OT Leader's Guide  • NT Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 46 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 16 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Isaiah 64:6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

We have recounted some of our reasons, and in passing, have confuted the objections of our opponents. We have collected all of this, not only for our opponents, but even more so that godly minds would know why they ought to disapprove of hypocrisy and false monastic worship, all of which Christ overturns with this one saying: “In vain they do worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt 15:9). Therefore the vows themselves, along with the observances of foods, lessons, chants, vestments, sandals, and cinctures, are useless services in God’s sight. Let every godly mind know with certainty that these views are simply pharisaic and condemned: that these observances merit the forgiveness of sins, that because of them we are accounted righteous, that we obtain eternal life because of them, instead of through mercy for Christ’s sake.

Holy men who observed this kind of life must have learned to reject any confidence in such observances, understanding that they received the forgiveness of sins freely, that for Christ’s sake through mercy they would obtain eternal life—not because of these services—because God only approves of services instituted by his Word, and that are used in faith.

Pulling It Together: May we all come to this understanding: that we despair of any way of life we may have imagined would save us. May we consider all our works as filthy garments, especially if they are performed as some hypocritical worship or service to God. Let us cast aside these false vestments, and hold fast to the promise of grace that we have in Christ alone through faith.

Prayer: Lord, I ask you again: help me to trust in you—only you. Amen.

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Reading and Discussion of Luther's Catechisms is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, each presented in a question and discussion format. 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 45 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 15 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 5:33–37

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

If our opponents wish to misapply this passage to vows, they must also misapply the prohibition that no “widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age” (1 Tim 5:9). Vows made before this age would therefore be invalid. But the Church did not yet know of these vows. Paul does not condemn widows because they marry (he commands the younger widows to marry [1 Tim 5:14]) but because they became wanton while being supported at the public expense and thus, abandoned faith. He clearly does not call this “first pledge” (1 Tim 5:12) a monastic vow, but a Christian oath. He understands faith in this sense in the same chapter: “If any one does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his own family, he has disowned the faith” (1 Tim 5:8). Paul speaks of faith differently than the sophists. He does not ascribe faith to those who have mortal sin. Accordingly, he says that those who do not care for their relatives have abandoned faith. In the same way, he says that wanton women reject faith.

Pulling It Together: These older widows had promised to not remarry so that they could receive assistance from the church. Remarrying was seen as breaking that “oath”—the same word translated as “faith.” It is better to make no oath at all, yet sometimes, when life presses us hard, it is difficult to trust in God’s providence.

But let us not be sidetracked in this discussion. What we are actually dealing with here, is the wrong use of Scripture. We must not use a verse to prove our point when the Scripture is not not even referring to our particular cause. In this case, Paul is speaking of the pledges made by widows over 60 years of age. He is not speaking of monastic vows made by men of any age during a time when the church knew nothing of monasticism.

Prayer: Help me trust in you, Lord. Amen.

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Sola VBS Series

Find all of Sola's Vacation Bible School offerings here.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 45 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 14 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 John 2:25

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

They also cite 1 Timothy 5:11–12 about the widows who served the Church but were supported at the public expense, where it is said: “They desire to marry, and so they incur condemnation for having violated their first pledge.” First, let us suppose that the Apostle is speaking here of vows. This passage will still not back up monastic vows that are made concerning godless worship, and with the opinion that they merit the forgiveness of sins and justification. For Paul clearly condemns all worship, all laws, all works, if they are observed in order to merit the forgiveness of sins or to obtain eternal life for us on account of them, instead of through mercy for Christ’s sake. So, the vows of widows, if there were any, must have been unlike monastic vows.

Pulling It Together: It is clear enough from the context that these widows whom Paul spoke of were simply women the Church supported unless they remarried. Then their husbands would support them. Yet, this is not the real issue here. Let us not conceal the actual subject of our concern—the concern of Paul and of all Scripture. We are forgiven, justified, and given eternal life because of Christ alone. We are not saved from death and damnation because of our vows. Rather, we are saved because we believe the promises of God in Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, promise of eternal life, train the eyes of my heart upon you. Amen.

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Moses and the Great Escape is an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains may be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

The biblical focus in the five-session Moses and the Great Escape VBS book is found in the Old Testament book of Exodus. God has a grand plan for humankind—a plan he enacts through the Hebrew people. He created Moses to be instrumental in this plan.

All of Sola's VBS materials are here.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 44 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 13 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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2 Timothy 4:7–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

But then, the custom also had a particular purpose. Because they were foreigners, not Israelites, it seems their father wished to distinguish them by certain signs from their countrymen, so that they might not relapse into the ungodliness of their countrymen. By these, he wished to caution them of the teaching of faith and immortality. This is a lawful purpose. But far different purposes are taught in monasticism. They imagine that the works of monasticism are acts of worship that merit the forgiveness of sins and justification. Therefore, the example of the Rechabites is unlike monasticism. We omit here other evils presently inherent in monasticism.

Pulling It Together: We need all the help we can get. No one would deny this to be true. But if the help obscures Christ, it is not help; it is a great evil. Anything that hinders you keeping the faith is, at very least, a serious temptation. If it persists, it is dire. Keeping the faith does not mean that one has maintained certain traditions or a lifestyle. It means that faith has been kept in its proper place, that it is in Christ alone, not human practices and institutions. The crown we seek is not a reward for our accomplishments. It is a crown of righteousness—not our own righteousness, but the righteousness of Christ that he gives us for having and keeping faith in him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I look to you to show me the lane to the finish line. Amen.

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The biblical focus of The Adventures of Paul, a five-session VBS book, is the life of the Apostle Paul, using lessons from the Book of Acts. Here Scripture tells the story of serious man named Saul who worked to silence Christianity—until the risen Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus and changed his life. With his new name Paul, this one who had persecuted the Church went on to become one of the greatest apostles. 

Sola’s Versatile Budget Series is a simple and flexible educational Vacation Bible School curriculum designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations. The flexible format works well for groups with limited budgets, or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. Unlike more elaborate and expensive VBS kits, this book is meant to serve as an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains can be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 43 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 12 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger graphic

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Galatians 3:22–26

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

It is a certainty that our observances do not merit the forgiveness of sins or justification. Therefore, when the Rechabites are praised, we observe that they observed their tradition, not because they believed that by it they earned forgiveness of sins, or that the work itself was a justifying service or by which they obtained eternal life—rather than by God’s mercy, for the sake of the promised Seed. But because they had the command of their parents, their obedience is praised, for this is the commandment of God: “Honor your father and your mother” (Exod 20:12).

Pulling It Together: We have a shared promise through Christ since we are all sons of God through faith in him. As such, all believers are joint heirs of the promise made to Christ, the Seed of Abraham. We too possess the oath made to Christ. It becomes for us “a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” (Heb 6:19), a certain hope to hold on to, certain because it was promised by God who cannot lie (Heb 6:18). So, we see that the blessings promised to Abraham and his Seed are obtained through faith in the promise, or rather, in the one who promised, not through any effort of our own.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me keep the faith and receive the promise, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

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Mary, Martha & Many Faithful Women is a five-session VBS book designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations with a limited budget or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. This resource includes worksheets and handouts that may be reproduced, Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

Other VBS programs

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 42 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 11 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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2 Peter 3:15–18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

They also cite the Rechabites, who had no possessions and did not drink wine (Jer 35:6f). Yes, the example of the Rechabites really does fit beautifully with our monks, whose monasteries surpass the palaces of kings and who live most splendidly! Though the Rechabites experienced poverty in all things, they nevertheless married. Though abounding in every delight, our monks profess celibacy.

Besides, examples ought to be interpreted according to the rule, that is, according to sure and clear passages of Scripture, not contrary to the rule, that is, contrary to the Scriptures.

Pulling It Together: It is remarkably easy to take a verse or two from the Bible and construct a doctrine or a whole way of life. The safeguard to doing this, or falling prey to its adherents, is to, as we say, “be in the Word”—all of God’s Word. Still, there are parts of the Scripture that are difficult to understand, as Peter admits. It is okay for us to admit this too. After years of being immersed in Scripture, we may come to understand some of those difficult passages. All the while, God is teaching us what is necessary to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Though we may not understand certain verses, instead of twisting them to fit our lifestyle, we may trust God that, with prayerful reading, the Spirit will open the Scripture to us in a manner that shows us the way forward and gives understanding (Psa 119:105, 130)

Prayer: Lord, give me patience to hear your Spirit. Amen.

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A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, presented in a question and discussion format. The Leader's Guide that accompanies this study is a resource for those facilitating group discussion, or may serve as a reader's commentary for those who are studying the Book of Concord on their own.

Leadeer's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 41 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 10 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Titus 3:5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Here they present an example derived from the Law about the Nazarites (Num 6:2f). But the Nazarites did not take their vows with the opinions which, as we have said, we condemn in the vows of the monks. The rite of the Nazarites was an exercise or declaration of faith before people that did not merit the forgiveness of sins before God, nor justify before God. Just as circumcision or the slaying of victims would not be an act of worship now, so the rite of the Nazarites should not to be presented now as a service of worship, but ought to be judged simply as an adiaphoron. It is not proper to compare monasticism, devised without God’s Word, as a service that should merit the forgiveness of sins and justification, with the rite of the Nazarites, which had God’s Word, but without the purpose of meriting the forgiveness of sins. It was an outward service, just as other ceremonies of the Law. The same can be said concerning other ceremonies prescribed in the Law.

Pulling It Together: Our works, actions, and lifestyles do not make us right with God. Jesus Christ justifies us before God. This is why faith alone in the grace of God alone merits his forgiveness and salvation. Faith in what he has done—or more precisely, faith in him—because of his grace toward us must remain our focus. As soon as we begin to shift away from faith in him to faith in ourselves, in our works and services, we immediately rob God of glory, while placing our trust in the human instead of the divine. If one must fast, retreat, or perform some act of devotion, let him do so—but not imagining that it is a service to God that earns salvation.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for keeping your promise to give us your Savior. Amen.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 40 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 09 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Leviticus 5:4–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Lastly, the canons themselves release many who made their vows without good judgment, as they were enticed by the tricks of the monks, or made vows under coercion by friends. Not even the canons declare these to be vows. Considering all of this, it is apparent that there are many reasons that monastic vows, such as have been made to this point, are not vows, and for this reason, is a way of life full of hypocrisy and false opinions that may be abandoned without risk.

Pulling It Together: Sometimes people make bad decisions. We all do this but one wrong decision should not necessitate a lifetime of poor choices or actions. God has provided a way out of this guilt through confession and atonement. Whatever the reasons for your past choices, confess your sins to the Lord, who is your atonement and your High Priest. Then be at peace; you are forgiven for Christ’s sake.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for cleansing me of my sins. Amen.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 39 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 08 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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John 14:6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Thus the entire monastic life is filled with hypocrisy and false opinions. Added to all these, is this danger: that those in these orders are compelled to assent to those persecuting the truth. There are therefore, many important and persuasive reasons that release good people from an obligation to this kind of life.

Pulling It Together: Be sure that your commitments depend upon God’s promises, power, and faithfulness, instead of your own. Be doubly certain that you do not imagine keeping your promises is the way to salvation. The truth shall set you free (John 8:32). Jesus sets us free. There is no other way or life that brings us to the Father—and to his forgiveness and salvation—than Jesus.

Prayer: Be my life, Jesus. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

This edition of the Luther's Small Catechism is specifically designed to go with the Sola Confimation Series. The 2010 Sola/ReClaim Edition* is a faithful word-for-word translation from Luther's German Catechism. It also includes the section on the Office of the Keys, added later to Luther's Catechism.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 38 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 07 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Mark 7:6–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

We will not cover here the entire service of ceremonies: lessons, chanting, and similar things, which could be tolerated if they were regarded as exercises, like lessons in schools, designed to teach the hearers, and, while teaching, to move some to fear or faith. But now they pretend that these ceremonies are worship of God that merit the forgiveness of sins for themselves and for others. For this reason, they increase these ceremonies. If they undertake them in order to teach and exhort the hearers, brief and pointed lessons would be of more profit than these infinite babblings.

Pulling It Together: Religious acting can take the form of doing worship, that is, not worshiping at all. This often takes the form of a ritual that does not come from the heart. This is why people should be encouraged to use their service book instead of singing, reading, or praying from memory alone. While it is possible for people to say a creed, sing Scripture that is used weekly, and pray prayers that they have memorized from long use, seeing the words, helps the worshiper to engage with God on another level. Even paying close attention to punctuation helps. Why, I suppose I might thoughtfully pause here at this comma instead of blasting through as quickly as possible.

So, religious acting happens when worship does not come from the heart, but also when it does not come from God. If God commands one thing but we insist on another, then it is hypocrisy. If a style of worship or a human tradition becomes all-important while love of neighbor is ignored, then that tradition or style of worship, however fine it may be, is hollow and false. All of this finds its way back to the first table of the Commandments.

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to love you with all my heart, and my neighbor as myself. Amen.

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Holy Families! is an initiative of the North American Lutheran Church provided through a generous grant from the Thrivent Foundation, in honor of the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation (1517 AD to 2017 AD). Produced by Sola Publishing, this special initiative includes a number of Lutheran discipleship resources for families and congregations, including Daily Family Prayer Resources, Parent Pages, Faith Formation downloadable pages for children/families, Educational Videos, Parents' Video/Discussion Series on Faith Formation, Reformation Bible Study: In the Luther Household

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 37 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 06 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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2 Timothy 2:14–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Likewise, they do not hear or teach the gospel about the free forgiveness of sins for Christ’s sake, about the righteousness of faith, about real repentance, about works that have God’s command. They are occupied with either philosophical discussions or traditional ceremonies that obscure Christ.

Pulling It Together: The Word of God must be proclaimed with clarity, putting useless arguments aside in favor of the gospel. The best way to accomplish this is to cut a straight path through the Scripture, not turning to the side to chase rabbits. Our use of the Word must always cut straight to Christ. He is the goal of every verse. And so must be our worship. If hymns and prayers and preaching do not point to Christ and do so quickly and clearly, we are better off without them.

Prayer: Show me, O Lord, your truth, for Christ’s sake. Amen.

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Many Gifts, One Lord considers grace in relation to the gifts of the Holy Spirit in order to show that the grace of God is free to flow with all those gifts without causing division and disharmoney in the body of Christ. It is interesting that we really never seem to tire of gifts. Sad to say many go through life not even aware that they have specific gifts; which could not only be a blessing to themselves but to others. 

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 36 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 05 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Ecclesiastes 5:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Fourthly, those who live in monasteries are released from their vows by such godless ceremonies as the Mass being applied on behalf of the dead for the sake of profits. There is also the worship of saints, in which the fault is twofold: that the saints are put in Christ’s place, and that they are wickedly worshiped. So, the Dominicans invented the rosary of the Blessed Virgin, which is mere babbling, as foolish as it is wicked, and which nourishes a false assurance. These impieties are used only for the sake of gain.

Pulling It Together: Watch your step. When going before God in worship and prayer, we must be very careful. It is easy to walk into false doctrine, hypocrisy, and useless rituals. Thinking it devotion to God, we can get caught up in foolishness at best, and at worst, wicked foolishness. Any service or teaching that assigns to another the glory due to Christ falls is this sort of wicked foolishness. If we follow such services in order to obtain financial gain at the expense of others’ superstitions, we foster folly for them and for ourselves, since this encourages a false hope of forgiveness and salvation, that hope being built on the flimsiest of foundations: our own payment for God’s favor.

Prayer: Watch over my life, Lord, where I cannot see the way ahead. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Letters to a Young Christian is a ten-session Bible Study iIn the biblical letters of First and Second Timothy. It is recommended for high school youth groups as well as for Sunday School classes with young adults, focusing on the Word of God at work in our modern lives. 

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 35 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 04 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 John 5:1–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Thirdly, chastity is promised in monastic vows. We have said above, however, concerning the marriage of priests, that the law of nature that is at work in people cannot be removed by vows or legislation. Since the gift of continence is not given to everyone, many are unsuccessfully continent because of weakness. Neither, indeed, can any vows or laws abolish the command of the Holy Spirit: “But because of the temptation to immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband” (1 Cor 7:2). Therefore, this vow is not lawful for the weak who despoil themselves because they do not have the gift of continence.

Enough has been said about this entire topic. It is so strange, that with all the dangers and scandals occurring before them, that our opponents still defend their traditions, contrary to the unmistakable command of God. They are even unaffected by the voice of Christ scolding the Pharisees for establishing traditions contrary to God’s command (Matt 15:3, 23:13f).

Pulling It Together: Everyone who believes in Christ overcomes the world through faith. There is no need to leave the world in order to do so. There is no need for us to go to additional lengths in order to be forgiven. God’s grace assures us of forgiveness through faith, for Christ’s sake. There is no demand from God to add anything to this faith in order for his promise of salvation to be realized. Should we go further? Ought we add to our faith: virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2 Pet 1:5–7)? Certainly, but because everyone who has received faith (1 Pet 1:1) is commanded to add these qualities to the new “divine nature” (1 Pet 1:4) shared by those of faith. Those who believe are divinely reborn in Christ through the faith given to them. We are supplementing that faith given by the grace of God, not earning his grace.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for giving me faith of equal standing with the apostles, not because of my righteousness but because of his. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

In Harmony with the Word is an eight-session Bible Study focusing on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, from Matthew 5-7. It is written at an introductory level, to be led by a lay leader or pastor in a small-group question and discussion format. The study would serve as an excellent resource for monthly women's group meetings, or in an informal small-group setting.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 34 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 03 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 9:9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

An example of obedience in one’s calling is presented in this passage. And since callings vary, this calling does not apply to everyone, but to that person with whom Christ is speaking. We see that the calls of David to reign, and of Abraham to slay his son, are not our calls to imitate. Callings are personal, just as matters of business vary with times and persons. Yet the example of obedience is general. Perfection would have been his if that young man had believed and obeyed his calling. Even so, it is perfection for each one to obey his own calling with true faith.

Pulling It Together: Jesus saw Matthew, a tax collector, and told him to follow: to be his disciple. How would there have been perfection if Matthew continued to sit there? If he persisted at his government post, it would have been disobedience to the Lord. Even more, there would be no perfection, no improvement. How could there have been any advancement if he just sat there doing the same thing? Jesus tells us, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). He asks, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46). Perfection lies in having faith in the Lord who gives the call.

Prayer: Give me such courageous faith, Lord, that I obey you. Amen.

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Connections Magazine features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther's Small Catechism provides inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. Subscribe today.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 33 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 02 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Luke 14:26–27

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Therefore, since the abandonment of property is just a human tradition, it is a useless service. It is excessive to praise it as the “Extravagant” does by stating that abdicating ownership of all things for God is meritorious and holy and a way of perfection. It is quite dangerous to exalt a matter that conflicts with political order. But, they insist, that Christ speaks of it here as perfection. Yes, but violence is done to the text by quoting it in a mutilated form. Perfection lies in what Christ adds: “Follow Me.”

Pulling It Together: Are you willing to follow Jesus? If it means you would lose the civil right to buy and sell, to make a living, to provide for your family, would you still follow Jesus? If it meant that your family turned their back on you, would you still be his disciple? Perhaps you wanted to be a doctor but it became clear that Jesus wants you to be a missionary. Would you follow him when that would mean leaving income, property, and family behind? Whoever does not bear his particular cross and follow Jesus cannot be his disciple.

Yet, even such obedience is not so-called evangelical perfection. Perfection is not found in what we do or the sacrifices we make, even for God. Perfection is the grace of God poured out within us. His glorious grace is not dispensed when we have finally done enough. It happens at the moment of faith and while we keep faith in God—no matter where he leads us.

Prayer: Give me the strength of your Spirit, Lord, that I may carry my cross and follow you. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

A Listening Bible: Letters from Jesus in the Written Word, by Glen S.R. Carlson, helps you take time to LISTEN to what Jesus is saying to you from Romans to Jude (softcover; 692 pages). 

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 32 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 01 Feb 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 5:3

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Here is another passage cited concerning perfection: “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor...and come, follow me” (Matt 19:21). This passage has vexed many, who have imagined that perfection happens by discarding possessions and the control of property. Let us allow the philosophers to extol Aristippus, who cast a great weight of gold into the sea. Such examples do not pertain in any way to Christian perfection. The division, control, and possession of property are civil ordinances, approved by God’s Word in the commandment. “You shalt not steal” (Exod 20:15). The abandonment of property has no command or counsel in Scripture. Poverty of the gospel does not consist in the abandonment of property, but in lack of greed and the trust of wealth—just as David was poor in a very wealthy kingdom.

Pulling It Together: Having no bank account does not aid the spirit, though it may destroy the spirit if one takes pride in the so-called accomplishment of giving up money and property. Being poor in spirit is the goal of the Christian life. Comprehending and admitting one’s spiritual insolvency is the beginning of perfection. When we acknowledge our absolute inability to pay for salvation, we may be driven to despair—or we may be impelled to faith. When we have faith in God despite personal failure and sin, God’s holiness, righteousness, and perfection is freely given to those who believe because of what Christ has done for us all.

Perfection has nothing to do with giving up money, property, or family. It has everything to do with having faith in Christ, following him, no matter what happens with possessions and relationships. The spiritually poor trust in God above all things, finding perfection in his perfection, not their own.

Prayer: Help me rejoice and be glad, Lord, because my reward is in you. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Sola has certificates for all your services (Baptism, Baptismal Sponsor, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, and Membership). Sola Certificates are printed in color on heavyweight parchment paper, with a matching envelope to go with each certificate. The traditional 'half-sheet' size is perfect for inclusion in a picture album or scrapbook.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 31 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 31 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Mark 10:29–30

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

It is evident, therefore, that they wickedly distort Christ’s word by applying it to a monastic life, unless perhaps, the declaration that they “receive a hundredfold in this life” applies here. For many do not become monks for the sake of Gospel, but for sumptuous living and idleness, having ample riches instead of slender patrimonies. Just as the entire subject of monasticism is full of shams, they quote Scripture under false pretense. As a consequence, they sin doubly, deceiving people, and doing so under the pretext of the divine name.

Pulling It Together: I have known people who refused to work on Sunday. Some employers understood; others did not. I heard of one man who would not work on the Lord’s Day and as a result, lost his job. If your confession of the Gospel, whatever shape it may take, causes you loss of income or property, the Lord promises to more greatly supply your need in this life and bless you with eternal life as well. If following Jesus means family is left behind because they will not go where Jesus goes, our Lord promises to replace those with better relationships.

This is a plain understanding of Scripture. Now, if there are poor among us, let the Church care for them. But let us not consider those who receive these material gifts as acquiring that which merits forgiveness of sin and the gift of eternal life. These things can not be acquired by a monastic lifestyle because they are the free gift of God received through faith.

Prayer: Give me the fortitude, Lord, and the spirit to follow you. Amen.

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Rejoice in the Lord, Always! is a nine week study examines some of the most treasured verses in Scripture, in ways that are encouraging and realistic about our life in faith. Celebrating both the tensions and the joys of discipleship, Paul reminds us of Who it is that makes us a community as we share our lives together in a common commitment to Christ.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 30 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 30 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 6:33

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

We should even forsake our body for the gospel’s sake. But it would be ridiculous to think that suicide is a service to God, leaving the body without God’s command. Just so, it is silly to assert that it is a service to God to forsake possessions, friends, wife, children without God’s command.

Pulling It Together: God does not command certain pietistic practices of giving up property, friends, family, food, and clothing. Indeed, Jesus tells us to not be anxious about such things. A large part of the world is anxious about these things because they fear they will not have enough. There is, however, a smaller contingent who worries that by having these things at all, they are kept from righteousness. Life with God is not a matter of the body—of eating and drinking and clothing and shelter (Rom 14:13–23). Nor is it about the quantity of these things. Life in the Spirit is not about these things at all. Focusing on these externals blurs the proper focus. We ought to primarily seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness, remembering that his kingdom does not consist of food, drink, or clothing but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit (Rom 14:17).

Prayer: Give me joy, Lord, deep down in my heart. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Custom Designed presents guided questions, ancient wisdom, and insightful diagrams for understanding your unique individuality, recognizing God’s guiding hand, and even grappling with two of life’s more practical yet significant questions: “Who am I?” and “What am I to do?”

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 29 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 29 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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John 12:25–26

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

There are two kinds of “forsaking.” One occurs without a call, without God’s command. Christ does not approve, as the works chosen by us are useless services (Matt 15:9). The fact that Christ speaks of forsaking wife and children makes it even clearer that he disapproves of such flight. We know, moreover, that God’s commandment forbids forsaking wife and children.

The second kind of “forsaking” occurs by God’s command, when power or tyranny compels us either to leave or deny the Gospel. Here we have the command that we should bear injury instead, that we should rather suffer, not only wealth, wife, and children, but even life, to be taken from us. Christ approves of this kind of “forsaking.” Accordingly, he adds, “for the Gospel’s sake” (Mark 10:29 ASV, NASB), showing that he is not speaking about those who do injury to wife and children, but of those who endure injury because of the confession of the Gospel.

Pulling It Together: We must not forsake the gospel, even if it means loss of property, family, or even life. What is it that keeps you from following Jesus? That is what you leave behind if you do follow him. And follow you must, even if it means loss of income, or that family thinks you have left them, or that you suffer injury. Forsaking in order to follow Jesus can be simple things like choosing worship on the Lord’s Day instead of going to a child’s sporting event. Choosing worship over that game may seem to your child as though you do not love them. What does it mean to the Lord of your life?

Prayer: Help me to seek your kingdom first, Lord, and follow you for the sake of the gospel. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

    

The Sola "Word of Life" Series is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meant for use in Small Group gathering, each of the six sessions in each book is based on a primary Scripture text, with intentional time for reflection. There are questions, prayer, faith sharing, and mini-evangelism case-studies. The series would be helpful for those involved in starting a Bible study fellowship, house church, or mission congregation. They may also be used by established congregations to aid in establishing a small group ministry.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 28 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 28 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 19:29

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows – part 28

Again, the Confutation says that the monks merit a more abundant eternal life, quoting Scripture: “And every one who has left houses” etc. (Matt 19:29). Here also, therefore, it claims perfection for artificial religious rites. But this passage of Scripture is not even speaking of monastic life. Christ does not say that to forsake parents, wife, and siblings is a work that must be done to merit the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Such forsaking is accursed indeed. For the one who forsakes parents or wife in order to merit the forgiveness of sins or eternal life by this very work, dishonors Christ.

Pulling It Together: God’s commandments forbid the forsaking of parents. Yet in this teaching of Jesus about leaving one’s family—even children—for him, it is clear that Jesus is using hyperbole to make his point. His exaggeration helps us understand that we ought to “fear, love, and trust God above all things”—even family. Still, even this does not earn the forgiveness of sins or life eternal. Only Christ can do that for us; and he has done so. So, those who believe in Christ Jesus, despite the objections of family, even if it means being put out of their homes, receive far more than family and home can offer. Through their faith, they receive eternal life.

Prayer: Help me to honor and love my family, Lord, because I love you. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Great Commissions is a six-session Bible study drawing from all four Gospels, as well as the book of Acts and the writings of Paul, to focus on the calling that Jesus has given us and how it works in our everyday lives. Here is a sample PDF of the introduction and first chapter.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 27 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 27 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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2 Peter 1:3–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Although our opponents now moderate their praises about perfection, they actually think otherwise. Under the pretext that they are observing precepts and counsels, they sell merits and apply them on behalf of others. So, they actually believe that they have excess merits. If this is not claiming self perfection, what is? Again, their Confutation claims that the monks endeavor to live more nearly to the gospel. But they are ascribing perfection to human traditions if they think that living more closely to the gospel means not having property, being unmarried, and obeying the rule in clothing, meats, and similar trifles.

Pulling It Together: Does our virtuous lifestyle add anything to faith? To be sure, we are to furnish our faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, and brotherly and godly love. But can these qualities gain us salvation when we already have that promise from God himself? No. Rather, because God has already given us his great and precious promises of the forgiveness of sins, justification, sanctification, and eternal life, we are to supply our faith with characteristics appropriate to godly life. We have been filled with the Holy Spirit, so we ought to live as those who have a divine nature. This is what God expects of us (Luke 7:10) but living in this way does not give us any more merit than the perfection given us by Christ. So, a Christian lifestyle cannot provide us with superfluous merit to use for financial gain at the expense of the gullible.

Prayer: Help me to trust in your merit, Lord, above all else. Amen.

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The Wise & The Foolish is a nine-session Bible study that focuses entirely on Jesus' "people parables"—what might be descirbed as Discipleship Parables. These are the character stories that focus on the nature of discipleship and what it means to be a wise and faithful follower of Jesus. 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 26 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 26 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Philippians 2:3–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

In the histories of the hermits there are examples of Anthony and others which describe various vocations in life as equal. It is written that when Anthony asked God to show him the progress he was making in his kind of life, God showed him in a dream a certain shoemaker in the city of Alexandria to whom he should be compared. The next day Anthony went into the city and arrived at the shoemaker so that he might learn of his exercises and gifts. Having conversed with the man, Anthony heard nothing except that early in the morning the shoemaker prayed in a few words for the entire state, and then attended to his trade. This is how Anthony learned that justification is not to be attributed to the kind of life that one undertakes.

Pulling It Together: We are not justified before God because of a particular lifestyle, no matter how holy or special it may seem. God is able to make a child holy while that child, as yet, has no occupation. To think of one’s particular way of life as more holy than another is conceited. And how can conceit lead to holiness? Even more, to imagine that the things you do are what make you holy is robbery from God, who humbled himself so much as to become a man in order to save us. To think that we do this, steals from Christ the glory due him. This or that way of life life does not make one holy, nor do the things we do that are possible in a particular vocation. We are only made holy by God through faith in Christ.

Prayer: Spirit of God, give me the mind of Christ. Amen.

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Luther's Small Cat Discovers: Martin Luther and the Reformation. This five-week booklet in the Luther's Small Cat children’s series introduces Martin Luther and the era of the Reformation, and is written for upper elementary students. Designed to complement the original Luther's Small Cat series on the meaning of the catechism, this series looks at life in the Church and the unique heritage of the Lutheran faith tradition.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 25 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 25 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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2 Peter 3:14–18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

But our opponents cunningly try to seem as if they are modifying the common opinion about perfection. They say that the monastic life is not perfection, but that it is a state in which to acquire perfection. How charming. We remember that this correction is found in Gerson. It appears that circumspect people were offended by these overstated praises of monastic life. Yet since they did not presume to entirely withdraw the praise of perfection, they made the modification that monasticism is a state in which perfection is acquired. If we follow this line of thinking, monasticism is no better a state of perfection than the life of a farmer or mechanic. These are also states in which to acquire perfection. For all people in every vocation should seek perfection. That is, they ought to grow in the fear of God, in faith, in love of their neighbor, and similar spiritual qualities.

Pulling It Together: How may a person of faith be found on that Day “without spot or blemish”? Even more, how may one be certain that their life is so blameless that they are at peace with God? If you imagine that these things happen because of things you do, you will never have peace because you will always have a little (or a lot) more to do. If you think this perfect status with God is achieved by you overcoming your sins, then, sinner, you will never be spotless. Nevertheless, in whatever state of life you find yourself, whatever vocation you are following, you are in the perfect place to enjoy God’s grace—and to grow in his grace. His grace. His.

Wherever you are today—in prison or a factory, a field or another kind of lot, an office or a classroom, a home or a hospital—you are in a place to grow in his grace — freely provided to you with the forgiveness of sins and salvation, through faith in Christ alone (Eph 2:8–9). Be diligent to fear and love God above all things, and trust him with your salvation. He has more than enough merit to share with you.

Prayer: Help me to trust you above all things, Lord. Amen.

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Come, Worship the Lord (Sola Music Series, Vol I) The Sola Music Series offers simple collections of easy-to-play worship music, including new songs and arrangements of old favorites. Based in a confessional theology and a respect for the historical and sacramental liturgy, these resources do not require a high level of musical expertise. Written in a simple and straight-forward style, these songs are intended for congregations that would like to explore a less formal musical style in worship, while still maintaining the integrity of the traditional order of worship. Such music would fit into what is sometimes referred to as "contemporary" or "blended" worship, without necessarily requiring a full band of experienced musicians and singers to lead the songs. Providing lead sheets for guitar and vocals, along with full scores for piano, Sola Publishing grants to those who purchase this volume the permission to reproduce words and music of the songs within for local congregational use. This book includes music from "The Holy Cross Setting" available with a SOWeR subscription.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 24 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 24 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 6:5–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

We speak more briefly about these subjects because it is sufficiently clear that monastic vows are not a price to be paid for granting the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. This is evident from those things which we said earlier about justification, repentance, and human traditions. And since Christ calls traditions useless services, they are in no way evangelical perfection.

Pulling It Together: As we are not made impure by physical things that enter us from the outside (Matt 15:17–20; Luke 11:41; Acts 10:15), so we do not purge our impurity by doing physical things (Rom 2:25–29). Impurity is a heart matter; so is purification. Perfection does not result from a series of things we do that finally adds up to a sufficiency that results in either sanctification or salvation. Holiness is not a matter of works any more than is eternal life. Righteousness and life everlasting are the result of a foreign action—something done to us by another, not something we ourselves do. Anyone who believes otherwise, who imagines that new life, the Christian life, is accomplished through services performed by this flesh, does violence to Easter itself. Christ arose so that those who have died with him through faith, buried in Christian baptism, may live the resurrected life with their risen Lord. We are made pure and perfect for God through faith in Jesus Christ, the One he sent to work on us from the outside-in.

Prayer: Create in me a clean heart, O Lord. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is written in easy-to-understand language but is a challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, each presented in a question and discussion format. Click here to see the Table of Contents and a sample session.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 23 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 23 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Luke 17:5–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Thus those who teach that the monastic life merits the forgiveness of sins or eternal life are wholly suppressing the gospel about the forgiveness of sins and the promised mercy in Christ. They transfer the confidence due Christ to their foolish observances. Instead of freely apprehending Christ, they worship their own hoods and their own filth. Although even they need mercy, they act wickedly by concocting works of supererogation, then selling them to others.

Pulling It Together: How much faith is enough? Is there an admittance fee to heaven, but then you have to pay for any extras? Does a little more get you more once you get inside? Of course not. Jesus teaches that just a little faith is enough. Do you believe on Christ for forgiveness of your sins and salvation? It is enough. Even your little faith is sufficient for God to accomplish what seems impossible to you. Every act of faith is simply your duty (Luke 17:10) to him who has already rewarded your faith with the promise of eternal life. Believe!

Prayer: Increase my faith, O Lord, in you. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

In the Luther Household is a six-session Bible study on the Lutheran understanding of marriage and family. Based on foundational texts from Scripture, the study also draws from the real-life experience of Martin and Katie Luther, who were not only husband and wife, but the parents of several children. It includes excerpts from Luther's personal writings to family and friends as they faced the good and bad that come in everyday living. Some pastors use this study in marriage counseling.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 21 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 22 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Psalm 16:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

However, since we do not merit the forgiveness of sins or eternal life because of works of the divine law, but must seek the mercy promised in Christ, far less do monastic observances deserve this honor of meriting the forgiveness of sins or eternal life, since they are mere human traditions.

Pulling It Together: Where is your confidence, your trust? Is it your bank account or perhaps, your pension? Maybe it is the government, its promise to protect you while lowering taxes and providing new jobs. Of course, those things do us no good once we return to the earth. But there is a good so great that it benefits us even after physical death. Indeed, even those other goods are no good at all apart from the greatest good who is God. Apart from him, from he who created all good (1 Tim 4:4), even good is no good. Goodness and greatness become a trap, something we place our hopes in but, apart from God, will fail us. But if God is our refuge, instead of government and the things money can buy, then he is our good, our security, our hope and delight—in this life and the next.

Prayer: Lord, give me the strength and courage to trust in you alone. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Ambidextrous Christianity is a nine-session Bible Study that explores nine key questions of faith and life, letting our Lord direct us in navigating the narrow path of faith. In studying God's Word with other believers, we seek to grow in our ability to move forward in our journey together, no matter what the road presents.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 20 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 21 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 11:5–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

In the first place, it is certain that a monastic life does not merit the forgiveness of sins, for we obtain this freely by faith, as has already been said. Secondly, eternal life is granted for Christ’s sake by mercy to those who receive forgiveness through faith, not setting their own merits against God’s judgment. Bernard says this with great force: “First of all, it is necessary to believe that you cannot have the remission of sins unless by God’s indulgence. Secondly, you can have no good work whatever, unless he has also given this. Lastly, you can not merit eternal life by works, for this is also given freely.” We have quoted above the rest that follows to the same effect. Yet, Bernard adds at the end: “Let no one deceive himself, for if he carefully reflects, he will undoubtedly discern that he cannot with ten thousand soldiers meet God who comes against him with twenty thousand.”

Pulling It Together: What a joy it is to realize that God’s forgiveness and eternal life are gifts. Now, we all understand that one does not work for a gift; otherwise it is not a gift at all. Instead of a gift, it has become something we earned. Yet, forgiveness of sin and salvation cannot be earned. The Scriptures tell us over and over that these things are given to us freely by the hand of God (Eg: John 4:10; Rom 5:15-16, 6:23; Eph 2:8). Let us believe that God is the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17)—including forgiveness, justification, and salvation—and be thankful.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for your grace, given freely for Christ’s sake. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is written in easy-to-understand language but is a challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, each presented in a question and discussion format. Click here to see the Table of Contents and a sample session.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 20 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 20 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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2 Corinthians 4:3–4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Besides, they dishonor Christ when they say that men merit eternal life through monasticism. God has not even conferred his law the honor that of meriting eternal life. He clearly says so in Ezekiel 20:25. “Moreover I gave them statutes that were not good and ordinances by which they could not have life.”

Pulling It Together: Those who who do not believe in salvation for Christ’s sake, in other words, because of what God has done through his Son, are not only blind and witless, they have refused grace. When they trust in their own deeds instead of the great divine deed, they have renounced God’s blessing. Placing any merit in your own actions is apostasy. Salvation is completely in the hands of God, spread and nailed to a beam, folded over the chest in the grave, risen in victory toward heaven. Believe in that; believe in him. Then your good works (Eph 2:10) will follow your faith, but your faith will not be in your works, but his alone.

Prayer: Open the eyes of my heart and mind, Lord, to see and believe the gospel. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

This booklet teaches the meaning of Holy Communion according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Fifth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons emphasize the sacramental promise of the forgiveness of sins conveyed to us in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. This booklet was designed to be used as a Sunday School unit, or for classes to prepare students for their First Communion.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 19 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 19 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Exodus 20:12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Now hear the unworthy declaration our judges have recorded in the Confutation. Here is what they said. “It has been expressly declared in the Holy Scriptures that the monastic life merits eternal life if maintained by a due observance, which by the grace of God any monk can maintain. Indeed, Christ has promised this as much more abundant to those who have left home or brothers, etc.” (Matt 19:29). With these words our opponents first, most impudently claim that the Holy Scriptures state that a monastic life merits eternal life. Where do the Sacred Scriptures speak of a monastic life? This is the way our opponents plead their case, and how men of no account quote the Scriptures. Though everyone knows that the monastic life has only recently been devised, they still cite the authority of Scripture, and further add that their decree has been expressly declared in the Scriptures.

Pulling It Together: Does Jesus mean that dishonoring parents and dismissing the fourth commandment are of such great virtue that they merit eternal life? How absurd. Rather, the cited verse (Matt 19:29) shows us that, if family would ostracize us for Christ’s “name’s sake,” in other words, because of the Christian faith, then God will reward us for staying true to the gospel. The sacrifice of leaving behind family, friends, co-workers, or anyone because they insist we leave Christ, is a cost every Christian must consider. All Christians, in this sense, are called to renounce or leave everything they have and follow Jesus. We must follow Christ, no matter the cost (Luke 14:25–33).

Prayer: Give me the strength, Lord, and the courage to follow you. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Lord's Prayer workbook is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on the Introduction, one for each of the Petitions, and a one-session Conclusion. The Scripture focus in the Lord's Prayer unit in the Sola Confirmation Series is on the Parables of Jesus, with Bible Study lessons taken from the Gospels.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 18 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 18 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Philippians 3:12–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Virginity is recommended, but for those who have the gift, as has been said above. However, it is a most insidious error to believe that evangelical perfection lies in human traditions. If it did, then even the monks of the Mohammedans would be able to boast that they have evangelical perfection. Nor does it lie in the observance of other things which are called “adiaphora.” Because the kingdom of God is righteousness and life in the heart (Rom 14:17), perfection is growing in the fear of God, trusting the mercy promised in Christ, and devotion to one’s calling. Paul also describes perfection this way: “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Cor 3:18). He does not say that we are continually receiving another hood, or other sandals, or other girdles. It is deplorable that such pharisaic, even Mohammedan expressions should be read and heard in the Church: that the perfection of the gospel, of the kingdom of Christ, which is eternal life, should be placed in these foolish observances of vestments and of similar trifles.

Pulling It Together: I take a bit of exception to Melancthon’s verb choice—although I agree with him if I understand what he intended to say. I do not wish, however, to put my words in his mouth. When he says that perfection is growth, there is need for clarity. Can we become perfect in this life? Does this happen through such things as devotion? Perhaps a better question is: are we supposed to be perfect? Jesus said so: “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt 5:48). Jesus said that we must be perfect like God is perfect. That seems like a stretch for someone like me. Yet, all things are possible with God (Matt 19:26). Perhaps that is all Melancthon meant.

Like Paul, I confess that I am not perfect. Or am I? When I look in the mirror, I see a sinner—yet one who is baptized: a clean babe in the Father’s embrace. May I hold on to what I have already attained. No matter how I look to myself; how do I look to God? The Father sees me through rather rose tinted glasses, or more exactly, through blood stained lenses. I am clothed in Christ through baptism (Gal 3:27). This means that Christ is my righteousness—my perfection. It means that when the Father looks at me, he sees one dressed like his own Son, as though Christ were standing before him. God help me if this is not true.

Because I am a baptized child of God, this life is spent in striving to make Christ my own, just as he has made me his own. How can I do so except by fearing God, trusting his mercy that is promised for Christ’s sake, and remaining devoted to my calling into the family of God? If this must be called “growth,” then let us understand growth as maturing—through continued faith in Christ Jesus—into what what we already are through baptism: beloved children of the Father.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for making me your own. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sacraments is a ten-week study, including sessions on Baptism, Communion, and the Office of the Keys. The Bible Study lessons in the Sacraments unit of the Sola Confirmation Series emphasize the connection between Old and New Testaments, by drawing on sacramental themes foreshadowed in familiar Old Testament stories, and how the promises of God "for you" are expressed and fulfilled in Christ.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 17 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 17 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 Timothy 4:1–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

It is also untrue that monastic observances are works advised by the gospel. The gospel does not counsel distinctions of clothing and foods, or relinquishing property. These are human traditions, all being answered with, “Food will not commend us to God” (1 Cor 8:8). Therefore, they are neither justifying services nor perfection. Indeed, when they are presented under cover of these titles, they are mere “doctrines of demons” (1 Tim 4:1).

Pulling It Together

We easily see that Paul, himself of the pharisaic tradition (Phil 3:5), taught that Christians leave the faith when they devote themselves to legal requirements such as those under consideration. These things make us no more righteous before God than anyone else. What we do does not “commend us to God.” These actions do not provide us with any merit or virtue before him. Christ has done that for us; have faith in him, not in your religious acts. They are devils who suggest that Christ Jesus is unnecessary and superfluous since justification and life eternal may be had for a price or because of a religious lifestyle.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your Spirit who commends me to you for Christ’s sake. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Apostles' Creed book is a ten-week unit, with one session on the Trinity and three sessions on each article of the Creed. The Bible Study lessons in the Creed unit of the Sola Confirmation Series provide an overview of creation-redemption themes in Scripture, driving toward the promise of God at work in our present lives. Click here to see the introductory pages and a sample of session one.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 16 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 16 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Mark 12:30

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Just look at the impudence of our opponents! They not only teach that these observances are services that justify, they add that these services are more perfect—that they merit the forgiveness of sins and justification more than other kinds of life. Here they add many false and harmful views. They imagine that they observe precepts and counsels. So, imagining that they have the merits of supererogation, these liberal men then sell them to others.

These things are full of pharisaical vanity. It is the height of impiety for them to believe they satisfy the Decalogue in such a way that there are leftover merits when these commandments accuse everyone. “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might (Deut 6:5). “You shall not covet” (Exod 20:17; Deut 5:21; Rom 7:7). “All men are liars” (Psa 116:11); that is, they do not think correctly about God, do not sufficiently fear God, and do not believe him enough. Therefore, the monks falsely boast that they fulfill the commandments, and do more than what is commanded, by living a monastic life.

Pulling It Together: The most important commandment is greater than people are capable of apprehending in thought, let alone action. It is the height of theology. Every other doctrine in Scripture comes from this commandment. In the light of this greatest commandment, all must confess their sin. Even the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles recognized themselves as imperfect sinners. So, it is indeed pharisaical for monks or any others to say that they have kept this great commandment so perfectly that they have earned an abundance of merit. It is heretical to teach that such merit is even possible, let alone the supposed leftover merits be made available to others for a fee.

Prayer: Help me love you, Lord. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook     • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 15 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 15 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Colossians 2:6–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

There are liable to be good men engaged in the ministry of the Word in some places who use these monastic observances without wicked opinions. But to hold that these observances are works that make them righteous before God, and through which they deserve eternal life, conflicts with the gospel concerning the righteousness of faith, which teaches that righteousness and eternal life are given to us for Christ’s sake. It also conflicts with the saying of Christ: “In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men” (Matt 15:9). And it conflicts with this statement: “Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin” (Rom 14:23). How can they affirm that God approves monastic works as righteousness before him when they have no testimony from God’s Word?

Pulling It Together: There are good religious traditions, and those that are no good at all. The good ones found and construct you in the faith. These traditions are learned in the pure Word of God. Bad ones turn you away from the Word and tear down your faith. These traditions are learned in philosophies and human reasoning. In our current case of monasticism, because human reasoning led people to believe they could earn righteousness and salvation, what better way, you can almost hear someone thinking, than through a life of complete commitment to God? As impressive as such dedication may be, if it is believed that justification and eternal life are due because of this lifestyle, then it is a sinful tradition. It depends upon the works of humans instead of faith in God.

Prayer: Help me be committed to you, God, through faith in your Son. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Great Commissions is a six-session Bible study drawing from all four Gospels, as well as the book of Acts and the writings of Paul, to focus on the calling that Jesus has given us and how it works in our everyday lives. Here is a sample PDF of the introduction and first chapter.

Leader's Guide 

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 14 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 14 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 14:1–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Second, obedience, poverty, and celibacy, provided the latter is not impure, as disciplines, are adiaphora. Therefore, the saints may use these without sinning, just as Bernard, Francis, and other holy men used them. They were used for bodily advantage, so that they might have more leisure to teach and to perform other godly offices, not because the works themselves are services that justify or merit eternal life. Finally, they belong to the class of which Paul says, “Bodily training is of some value” (1 Tim 4:8).

Pulling It Together: Adiaphora are matters in which we should look for neither sin nor righteousness. They are non-essentials, things that have nothing to do with one’s standing before God. These non-essentials are typically traditions or customs. As a result, they are often considered quite essential by those who practice a particular tradition. On the silly end of the spectrum, just try to change the color of the carpet—or in a Lutheran church, the color of the front doors. Traditions can be intractable. Nonetheless, they are not essential, no matter how much weight people give them—because they are adiaphora.

So, one person may decide to fast a day each week in order to allow more time for prayer. Does that mean it should become a mandatory, church-wide affair? Someone else may resolve to skip television viewing in the evenings, making time to read the Bible. Are other people lesser Christians if they do not do the same? Others may quit their jobs and go to seminary to become a pastor, sell all they have to go into a mission field, or remain unmarried so they may focus on the Lord’s interests (1 Cor 7:32-35). Do such people have a better shot at heaven because they have done these things? No. These are adiaphora. They are non-essentials that have nothing to do with the forgiveness of sins, justification, and eternal life.

Prayer: Thank you for making me yours, Lord. Amen.

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We Still Believe is offered as a resource for reflecting on key themes in biblical, Lutheran doctrine that are at risk in the Church today. It is offered in the hope that it will inspire individuals and congregations to examine the core beliefs of traditional Lutheranism and how these beliefs apply to our own present context. Written in a question and discussion style, the participant's book includes an introduction to and copy of the faith statement known as the Common Confession.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 13 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 13 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500

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2 Corinthians 4:5–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Since we have already fully shown the wickedness of the opinion that we obtain the forgiveness of sins because of our works, we shall be briefer here. The discriminating reader will easily be able to agree that we do not earn the forgiveness of sins by monastic works. Accordingly, Thomas’ blasphemy of the monastic profession being equal to Baptism is also insufferable. It is lunacy to make human tradition, which has neither God’s command nor promise, equal to an ordinance of Christ, which has both God’s command and promise, and holds the covenant of grace and eternal life.

Pulling It Together: The “power belongs to God.” We are incapable of securing our own forgiveness and salvation. Imagine the person who looks in the mirror and declares, “I forgive you of your sins.” What authority backs up that pronouncement? Sadder still is the person who imagines a vocation or duty of such importance that part of the wage is salvation. This is found nowhere in Scripture. Indeed, the opposite is declared (Rom 6:23). But if human traditions are to be trusted, then one may believe anything. If human authority and promise are reliable in spiritual matters, then we may as well proclaim self. The reasonable person sees the blindness here.

So, the Lutheran reformers proclaimed Scripture alone, in which they read grace alone, which is received through faith alone. All of this comes into the world because of God, only through the work of Christ, never by our own good works. We are created to do good works (Eph 2:10) but not be forgiven and saved because of them. Christ alone is our grace and salvation.

Prayer: Give me such faith, Lord God, that I may trust in your grace because I believe your Word. Amen.

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Sola's Through This Vain World Bible study takes a Christ-centered approach by looking at the book of Ecclesiastes through the lens of the Cross. It asks the hard questions of purpose and meaning in a world that often seems empty and vain. From the perspective that Martin Luther called a "theology of the cross," the questions and discussion in this study focus on our calling to take up our cross and follow Christ in faith "through this vain world."

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 12 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 12 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Galatians 1:21–24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

But look, most clement Emperor Charles; look, princes; look, all people, at the great impudence of our opponents! Though we cited Paul’s supporting statement, they have written: “Those things that are here alleged against monasticism are wicked.” But what is more certain than that people receive the forgiveness of sins by faith for Christ’s sake? Yet, these scoundrels dare to call this a wicked opinion! Had you been advised of this passage, we do not doubt you would have made sure that such blasphemy was removed from the Confutation.

Pulling It Together: Before the advent of radio, television, and internet, news traveled slowly. In some circles, it travels more slowly today. A pharisee named Saul of Tarsus heard good news because a power greater than mass communications met him on the road to Damascus. It took a while for the churches to hear that Saul had become the Apostle Paul, a great preacher of faith in Jesus Christ. They thought he was still a law-focused hunter of Christians. Works-oriented folks seem to get the news about faith in Christ via slow transmission lines. Many of them want to destroy preachers of the faith like Paul. They may get rid of some preachers, but they can never eliminate the faith in Christ that they preach. They may as well seek to rid the world of God himself. For there is indeed, nothing more certain than this: that God wills to forgive the sins of all people through faith in Christ.

Prayer: Turn the hearts of willful people, Lord, to faith in you. Amen.

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A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is written in easy-to-understand language but is a challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, each presented in a question and discussion format. Click here to see the Table of Contents and a sample session.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 11 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 11 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Galatians 5:2–4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Of course, the monks live more closely in accordance with the gospel in their pretend life. But Christ does not follow Moses by forgiving sins because of our works, but by setting his own merits and his own propitiation against God’s wrath on our behalf so that we may be freely forgiven. Whoever places his own merits, apart from Christ’s satisfaction, against God’s wrath, who on account of his own merits endeavors to obtain the forgiveness of sins, whether through the works of the Mosaic Law, or of the Decalogue, or of the rule of Benedict, or of the rule of Augustine, or of other rules, cancels the promise of Christ, has rejected Christ, and has fallen from grace. This is Paul’s verdict.

Pulling It Together: Scripture is clear: those who try to justify their sin by their works have fallen from grace. We cannot balance the scales by placing good works against bad works. It is not a matter of weights and measures. The concern is holiness and righteousness. So, of course, people try to be righteous by doing good and being good. The problem is, they are not good. They are sinners. They may sin less than before, but in their essence, they are sinners. They were born to the condition.

God has solved this problem by replacing our unrighteousness with his own perfect righteousness. He has done this by the work of Christ alone. He did not require our assistance. Our help is still unnecessary since Christ’s work was wholly sufficient to the task. Anyone who believes otherwise has spurned Christ. We enjoy his grace and have the hope of eternal life only because of Christ (Rom 5:2).

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to love your law, but put my faith in you. Amen.

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Dwell In My Love! - Word of Life Series (Unit 3) is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meant for use in Small Group gathering, each of the six sessions is based on a primary Scripture text, with intentional time for reflection. There are questions, prayer, faith sharing, and mini evangelism case-studies. The series would be helpful for those involved in starting a Bible study fellowship, house church, or mission congregation. It can also be used by established congregations to aid in establishing a small group ministry.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 10 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 10 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Galatians 6:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Our opponents pretend that Paul abolishes the Law of Moses, and that Christ takes its place in such a way that he does not grant the forgiveness of sins freely, but because of keeping new laws that are devised. By this godless and fanatical illusion they conceal the benefit of Christ. Then they pretend that among those who observe this Law of Christ, the monks observe it more closely than others, on account of their poverty, obedience, and chastity—all of which are hypocrisies since indeed all these things are full of lies. They boast of poverty while enjoying an abundance of everything. They brag of their obedience, though no class of men has greater license than the monks. We do not like to speak about celibacy. Gerson indicates how pure this is in most of those who try to be chaste. But how many of them try? 

Pulling It Together

Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matt 5:17). Paul then said, “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Rom 10:4). So, we see that Jesus perfectly kept the law, fulfilling all righteousness not only for himself, but for we who believe. Being God and man, his death accomplished new life for all who believe on him (Rom 8:3). This new life in Christ is a life of righteousness—not a righteousness of our own but the righteousness of Christ within us (Rom 8:4). Righteousness is not through the keeping of the law but because we keep the Name: because we have faith in Christ.

But does this mean that we no longer keep the commandments? After all, Luther urges us to meditate on them daily. “I am also a doctor and preacher, indeed, as learned and experienced as all those who have such presumption and security. Yet I do as a child who is being taught the Catechism. Every morning, and whenever I have time, I read and say, word for word, the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Psalms, etc.” (The Large Catechism). He even teaches in The Large Catechism that children should be withheld food and drink until they can recite the commandments. That is a serious exhortation, and he exhorts adults along the same lines. Why? Does he do so because we need to have the knowledge, or because we need to know what God expects of us?

We are still required to keep the law—but not so that we will be saved. Christ has already saved us. So, he has given us a new law, “the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2). What is this law except a distillation of the whole law, or simply that first commandment that sums up all others? Jesus said as much when saying this is the most important commandment of all: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30–31). Love God and love your neighbor. In the ever popular parlance, “’Nuff said.”

Prayer: Help me to have faith in you, Lord, and to love those who irritate me. Amen.

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Personalities of Faith is a ten-session Bible study for youth. The goal of the series is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith." By showing biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 09 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Colossians 2:16–19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

When Paul denies that people merit the forgiveness of sins through the Law of Moses, he withdraws praise from human traditions even more, providing clear examples (Col 2:16). If the divinely revealed Law of Moses did not merit the forgiveness of sins, how much less do these silly observances earn the remission of sins, disinclined as they are to the pattern of public life?

Pulling It Together

If our religion is one that earns forgiveness of sin and eternal life through religious devotion, services, and other good works, then we slander Christ, just as the religious authorities in Jerusalem spurned Christ himself (Heb 13:12). If we imagine it is our virtue that earns divine reward, then we miss the point of what Christ has accomplished. We are left with food and drink, special days and ceremonies. In other words, we are left with a religion that describes reality but is itself not real. It is a shadow world where people live in the dream that they are accomplishing something magnificent while all along, they have not been realizing it at all. Life has been a sham, and not only an imitation but a mockery. Any worship that puts the works of human beings in place of the work of Christ jeers at God—even if its intentions are otherwise. Christ alone is the worth of our forgiveness. Ours is only to keep faith in God.

Prayer: O Substance and Virtue of God, thank you for giving your body for the sins of the world. Amen.

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Come and See - Word of Life Series is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 08 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500

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Ephesians 2:8–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

O Christ, how long will you bear these reproaches with which our enemies treat your gospel? We have said in the Confession that the forgiveness of sins is received freely for Christ’s sake, through faith. If this is not the very voice of the gospel, if it is not the judgment of the eternal Father, which you who are in the bosom of the Father has revealed to the world, we are justly blamed. But your death is a witness; your resurrection is a witness; the Holy Spirit is a witness; your entire Church is a witness, that it is truly the judgment of the gospel that we obtain forgiveness of sins, not because of our merits but, because of you, through faith.

Pulling It Together: Years ago, my Dad took me to a Cincinnati Reds baseball game. On the way, we ate at a restaurant he liked. Over his protests, I bought my meal. He had already purchased the tickets to the game and would not take my money for the ticket. So, I bought the game magazine. He liked to look up information on the players and especially to keep score. He loved to scratch hits and runs in those tiny boxes. Later in the game, he mentioned that a cup of coffee sounded good, so during the seventh inning stretch, I jumped up and went to the concession stand. He was disappointed when I handed him the cup, and said that he was going to get us each a cup when the concessions guy walked by. I could not, for the life of me, figure out why he was so disappointed—even disapproving.

After describing the day to my wife, she said something to the effect of, “Why didn’t you just let him treat you on your birthday?” I had no idea this had been my Dad’s attempt to say happy birthday. I got so caught up in my ability to pay my own way, that I missed out on the gift.

Prayer: Help me to receive your gift of grace, O Lord, with thanksgiving and humility. Amen.

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A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 07 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Exodus 20:2–3

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

But listen; hear how the composers of the Confutation take flight. They only apply this passage of Paul to the Law of Moses, adding that the monks observe all things for Christ’s sake, and endeavor to live more closely to the Gospel in order to merit eternal life. Then they tack on a horrible closing with these words: “Therefore, those things that are here alleged against monasticism are wicked.”

Pulling It Together: What does God want? What does he want more than anything? What does God want from us “above all things”? He wants us. He wants our hearts, our trust, so that he may bless us. We tend to think of it in reverse: we are to bless God by doing and being good. Then, perhaps he will have us in his company.

God joined the Hebrews, was determined to live among and bless them, before they had a thought of him. He gave himself to them: “I am the Lord your God,” just as he gives himself to us today: “Given for you.” So, God is not received by our doing but but our faith. What do you do to receive the body of the Lord? What do you do to receive his shed blood? They are given for you—not taken. We do not earn; we receive. God gives himself to us just as he has from the beginning. “I am the Lord your God.”

He is not God because we acquired him or decided he is the god we will have. He is our God for precisely the opposite reason: because he decided to have us. Now that he is our God, there are certain things he expects of us: nine things to be sure. But those nine commandments are all about faith—not works. You do not always honor your parents and spouse any more than you honor the name of God or the Sabbath rest. Sometimes you lie and covet. Nor do you always cherish human life. When you fail God by not keeping this simple, short list of commands, do you give up? Or, more to the point, does God give up on you?

When you fail the nine, return to the one, to the first commandment. That return or repentance takes faith. When you fail the “shalls” and the “shall nots,” have faith in the “I am.” God does not give up on you. He is the Lord your God, given in Christ Jesus for you. He is your merit. Have faith in him, not yourself, not your good deeds and religious service.

Prayer: Crush, O God, every thought of my goodness, so that I may rely on you who are my only good. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Why Did Jesus Have to Die? is a six-week Bible Study that examines the most profound event of salvation history — the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ — exploring from a biblical perspective what is known as the doctrine of the Atonement.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 06 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Galatians 5:4–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

First, it is certain that a vow is not lawful if by making it one thinks the forgiveness of sins before God, or satisfaction for sins before God are merited. This opinion is an obvious insult to the gospel, which teaches that the forgiveness of sins is freely given us for Christ’s sake, as has been said above at some length. Therefore, we have correctly quoted Paul’s declaration to the Galatians: “You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace” (Gal 5:4). Those who seek the forgiveness of sins by monastic works, instead of through faith in Christ, steal the honor from Christ, and crucify him anew.

Pulling It Together: Instead of “circumcision” (Gal 5:6), one might as well say “vows” or any other legalism—the idea is the same. Neither vows nor a lack of vows counts for anything. Only faith matters. The condition of the body or one’s position in society have absolutely no bearing on God’s grace. He freely gives his grace to those who believe in Christ Jesus, not to those who perform religious deeds or make vows of religious service. One might enter religious service without faith. More importantly, the one who thinks he earns virtue with God because of a vow made or a vow kept, falls from any grace he once enjoyed. He has snubbed Christ by considering him unnecessary. If one may gain eternal life through vows or other deeds, of what use is Christ? “If righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose” (Gal 2:21). But righteousness is bestowed by God, not earned. It is freely given through faith in Christ alone, not by works, vows, or the keeping of rules.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for your free gift of salvation. Amen.

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By What Authority is a book that confronts churches who no longer believe their own message. 

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 05 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 Peter 3:13–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

We have said many things in our Confession about such vows—that even the papal canons condemn. Nevertheless, our opponents demand the rejection of all things that we have produced. They used those very words. It is worthwhile to hear how they pervert our explanations, and what they assert to strengthen their own cause. Therefore, we will briefly run through a few of our arguments, and in passing, explain away our adversaries’ sophistries concerning them. Since, Luther carefully and fully dealt with this whole issue in his book titled Monastic Vows, we wish to be understood here as reiterating that book.

Pulling It Together: What a trial the Lutheran Reformers faced; we can hardly imagine such an issue in our modern culture. Back and forth the arguments went, first being written out, edited by peers, then written again and again until all could be in agreement with the document before sending it to Rome. Melancthon’s stomach must have been a continual abode of butterflies, having to constantly defend his and the Lutheran’s theological positions.

Yet, this is one way we honor Christ as Lord: we defend the gospel. Putting Christ first by not fearing the rebuke and rejection of others, we must be ready to defend the hope that God has put within us. We do so, not in a pushy way, but in response to their requests; and we do so with civility. Conscience is at risk otherwise. It would be self-defeating to defend the hope within you but not be able to defend your behavior.

Prayer: Prepare me, Lord, to share the hope of Jesus Christ with others. Amen.

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Not My Will, But Yours is a six-week study that explores the topic of the “free will” from a biblical perspective, looking at what Scripture has to say about the bondage of the human will, and how Jesus Christ has come to deliver us from ourselves.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 04 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 19:16–26

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

We are discussing the kind of doctrine that the composers of the Confutation are now defending, not the question of whether vows should be observed. For we hold that lawful vows ought to be observed. But do these services merit the remission of sins and justification? Are they satisfactions for sins? Are they are equal to Baptism? Are they the observance of commands and counsels? Are they so-called evangelical perfection? Do they have the merits of supererogation? Do these merits, when applied on behalf of others, save them? Are vows made with these opinions valid? Are they legitimate vows if taken under the pretext of religion, yet merely for the sake of the belly and idleness? Are they truly vows if they have been extorted either from the unwilling or from those who on account of age were not able to judge the kind of life parents or friends made for them, thrusting them into monasteries so that they might be supported at the public expense, without the loss of private patrimony? Are vows lawful if they openly point to an evil purpose, either because weakness prevents observance, or because members of these orders are compelled to approve and support the abuses of the Mass, the godless worship of saints, and counsels to rage against good men? These are the questions we are considering.

Pulling It Together

So-called evangelical perfection is the keeping of all God’s commands. Let us consider three points in this regard. First, being in a monastic order does not equal “evangelical perfection” any more than does membership in a particular denomination. Joining a group does not equate to perfection—particularly when the group is concerned with human traditions rather than God’s commands.

Two, faith is true evangelical perfection. Jesus teaches that God’s commandment is to believe in his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another (1 John 3:23). In other words, the Apostle John summed up all the commandments with a version of the greatest commandment. “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30–31). Keep believing in God and his Spirit will work in you to love your neighbor.

Three, Jesus always hammers people with the law when that is what they need. When people imagine that they may be perfect by doing the right things, Jesus always gives them the law so that they might discover how impossible it is to keep (Acts 15:10), then rely on God’s free gift of grace instead of their own imperfect works. So, in the case of the man in today’s gospel text, even if he could have given away all his wealth, would he have followed Jesus? Would he have faith in the one God sent? The law makes us see who we truly are; it demonstrates the mindlessness of the notion that we can save ourselves through good works, morality, and religion. We are not saved by letting go of wealth. But in the case of this man, seeing the impossibility of the task, he would have to turn to God instead of self.

When we have come to the end of the law’s rope, we find a noose—or we let loose of the rope and trust God. Believe in his Son; have faith; keep faith in him above all things. Even if you do not seem perfect in your own eyes—for you will always struggle in this imperfect nature—you have been perfected in Christ. So, remember your baptism and know that the impossible is possible with God—not with you or your good works.

Prayer: Give me your Spirit, God, that I may have faith in Christ alone. Amen.

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Written in honor of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, The Life of Martin Luthera nine-session adult study, takes participants through the circumstances and events of the life of Martin Luther as it reflects on the biblical themes underlying the Lutheran Reformation. 

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 03 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 15:7–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Once they were schools for Christian instruction. Now they have degenerated, as though from a golden to an iron age, or as the Platonic cube degenerates into bad harmonies, which Plato says brings destruction. Wealthy monasteries support an idle crowd that stuffs itself with the public alms of the Church. Christ, however, teaches that salt which has lost its savor should be cast out and be trodden under foot (Matt 5:13). Therefore, monks who act this way are signing their own fate.

In many places, they are the instigators of the death of good people. So, another sign is added, and God will undoubtedly avenge these murders soon enough. We do not find fault with everyone, for we are of the opinion that there are here and there some good men in the monasteries who hold moderate opinions about human and “factitious” services, as some writers call them, and who do not approve of the cruelty which the hypocrites among them exercise.

Pulling It Together

It is an easy enough trap to fall into. One imagines he is being religious but his religion is based on human traditions. Anything can happen now—and will, as was evidenced by Christians being slaughtered at the hands of the Church. When the doctrines of men are taught and worship is based on human customs, the savor of faith has been lost. However, it does not always seem so to those doing wrong. They tell themselves that they are in the right, even doing God’s work, but they deceive themselves. This kind of hypocrisy is rooted in an evil heart that trusts self instead of God, that obeys human rules over the Word of God.

Prayer: Give me your Spirit, Lord, so that I may honor you with my heart as well as my lips. Amen.

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This six-session Bible study focuses on the Godly vocations of marriage and family. Based on foundational texts from Scripture, the study also draws from the real-life experience of Martin and Katie Luther, husband and wife, and also the parents of several children. The Luther Household includes excerpts from Luther's personal writings to family and friends as they faced the good and bad that come in everyday living.

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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 02 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Luke 12:16–21

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

“But another one will come in 1516 AD,” he said, “who will destroy you. You will be unable to resist him.” Subsequently, his friends found this same opinion concerning the diminishing power of the monks, and this number of years, written by him in commentaries he had left about certain passages of Daniel. Though the outcome will tell how much weight should be given to his declaration, there are other signs that are no less certain than oracles which threaten a change in the power of the monks. It is obvious how much hypocrisy, ambition, and greed there is in the monasteries, how ignorant and cruel the illiterate among them, what vanity exists in their sermons, and how they continually devise new means of gaining money. There are other faults which we do not care to mention.

Pulling It Together

Greed always ends in activity that is unfitting for Christians and harmful to the Church. What begins in the heart seeps out into character and behavior. Perhaps the worst part of this is dependence on wealth instead of God. At its root, greed is a lack of faith. This lack of faith was plain to see in the monasteries at the time of the Reformation. It is also manifest in Church Councils of our own times. We should all take care to listen to Jesus. “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).

Prayer: Help me to trust in you alone, Lord. Amen.

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Click any of the covers for these new overviews of the
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Concerning Monastic Vows – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 01 Jan 25 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 15:4–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

Thirty years ago, in the Thuringian town of Eisenach, there was to our knowledge, a monk named John Hilten. His order threw him into prison because he had protested certain notorious abuses. We have seen his writings, from which the nature of his doctrine can be understood. Those who knew him testify that he was a mild, old man, serious but not morose. He predicted many things, some of which have already happened, while others are still pending. We do not wish to recite them all, lest it may be inferred that we are doing so because of anger or partiality toward anyone.

When he became ill, either because of his age or the unsanitary prison, he sent for the guard to tell inform him of his sickness. Inflamed with pharisaic hatred, the guard began to harshly reprimand the man because his doctrine seemed to be injurious to the kitchen. Without mentioning his sickness, Hilten sighed and said that he was patiently bearing these injuries for Christ’s sake, since he had not written or taught anything which could overthrow monasticism, but had only protested against some well-known abuses.

Pulling It Together

There are abuses in churches because there are people in churches. Sinners bring their problems and opinions with them and share them with everyone present. Of course, we should speak against certain abuses, using Scripture to reason with folks (Isa 1:18). Often enough, those people will have been doing and thinking about things in a certain way for so long that they do not want to hear what you or the Bible have to say. All one can do at that point, while not relenting, is prayerfully endure what frequently becomes hostility, encouraging unity and same mindedness, again through use of Scripture so that the Holy Spirit may be at work. The goal is not only right practice, but peace and good order in the church. At times, the best thing to do is move on, unless you are first thrown out—or cast into prison.

Prayer: Equip me, O God, with your endurance and the hope to persevere. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Minor Prophets in Sola's "Old Places, New Faces" series is a twelve lesson study that peeks at each of the dozen books we call the minor prophets, books that are often forgotten or neglected. Yet, their messages are deeply relevant for today's believer. The prophetical books contain God's call upon His followers of every century. These exhortations are either calls to positive actions that honor God or warnings to stop attitudes and behaviors that dishonor Him. As we rediscover these profound words, we will be reminded of what it means to follow and obey God, as well as be challenged to live a life that glorifies God in greater and more significant ways.

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Concerning the Mass – part 81 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 31 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Colossians 3:12–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

We have briefly stated these things about the Mass so that all good people in all parts of the world may be able to understand that we zealously maintain the dignity of the Mass, that we demonstrate its true use, and that we have the most just reasons for dissenting from our opponents. We would have all good people warned to not aid these adversaries in profaning the Mass, lest they burden themselves with other people’s sin. This is a great cause and a great issue, no less than the ministry of the prophet Elijah who condemned the worship of Baal. We have presented such an important case with the greatest moderation, and now reply without casting any rebuke. But if our opponents require us to compile all kinds of abuses of the Mass, the case will not be treated with such good nature.

Pulling It Together

It is a tightrope. We are taught to be patient and gentle, loving one another with humility and forgiveness. At the same time, we are to admonish one another from the Scripture. Often the two seem at odds, impossible to harmonize. Yet that is the task before us, as it was the labor of the Lutheran Reformers. How does one reform an errant church without people being offended? Nonetheless, that is precisely what we are to always do, as another saying of the Reformation states: semper reformanda, always reforming. The trick is to do so gently, patiently, humbly, and lovingly.

Prayer: Give me wisdom, Lord, to be faithful to your Word, and loving to all people. Amen.

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Where does the Bible come from? Who decided what should be included in it? How do we know it is reliable? Why should we even care what it says? And even if we do care, how can we make sense of of such a big and confusing book? Author and pastor Tom Hilpert takes readers on a journey of discovery through the world's best-selling and most-printed book. Written in clear, understandable language, Who Cares About the Bible? tackles the most important questions concerning this unique book. It is an excellent primer for anyone interested in what the Bible is, how to properly understand it, and how to deal with the vast amount of misleading information that has been spread about it.

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Concerning the Mass – part 80 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 30 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger imiage

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Romans 3:21–26

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

A false opinion about sacrifices existed among the godless priests in Judah, just as the worship of Baal continued in Israel. Nevertheless, God’s church was there, disapproving of godless services. Just so, Baalitic worship endures in the domain of the Pope, namely, through the abuse of the Mass, which they use to merit the remission of guilt and punishment for the unrighteous. It seems that this Baalitic worship will endure as long as the reign of the Pope, until Christ returns to judge, and by the glory of his advent, destroys the reign of Antichrist. Meanwhile, all who truly believe the gospel ought to condemn these wicked services that have been contrived against God’s command to obscure the glory of Christ and the righteousness of faith.

Pulling It Together: The righteousness of faith is a most blessed, gracious gift of God. Through this righteousness, we honor him and possess a constant comfort against sin and death. We honor him because we give credit where it is due. We honor him because we do not presume to usurp the glory for what God provides for us, what we could never supply ourselves. We honor him by receiving his gracious gifts in the sacraments. We dishonor him if we imagine we earn our righteousness simply by doing a religious ceremony. We honor him with the faith that it is he alone who freely gives us his grace, forgiveness, and eternal life.

This faith is a great benefit to the human heart. Armed with faith, we no longer fear judgment, for we fear God instead. Indeed, we “fear, love, and trust God above all things” (Martin Luther, Small Catechism, First Commandment). We should fear him enough that we do not institute false worship, whether it resembles the true faith or not. We should love him enough to know that he is a Father who provides for all our needs, not just food and drink and shelter, but righteousness and salvation. “He does this purely out of fatherly and divine goodness and mercy, though [we] do not deserve it” (Martin Luther, Small Catechism, First Article). We should trust him enough to have the faith that he will deliver us from sin and death as he promised. Trusting God instead of ourselves, we are at peace, knowing that sin, death, and the devil have no hold on those who are held in the embrace of God.

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, a sinner who would trust in you alone. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Exodus in Sola's "Old Places, New Faces" series is an adult Bible study that seeks to make the stories and places of the Bible a reality in our lives today. It makes the messages of Exodus relevant for today. This study relates to the Bible as a book that speaks clearly about present realities through stories of the past. Old places from within the Bible can come alive with present significance to new faces—us. 

Other books in the "Old Place, New Faces" series

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Concerning the Mass – part 79 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 29 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Judges 2:12–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

There was a similar persuasion held by the godless in the Old Testament. They thought that they merited the remission of sins through sacrifices ex opere operato, instead of freely by faith. So, they increased these services and sacrifices, instituted the worship of Baal in Israel, and even sacrificed in the groves of Judah. The prophets condemn this opinion, and battle not only with the worshipers of Baal, but also with other priests who made sacrifices ordained by God, yet with this godless view. This opinion that services and sacrifices satisfy God hangs on in the world, and always will. Carnal people cannot allow the sacrifice of Christ alone to be honored as a propitiation. This is because they do not understand the righteousness of faith, but ascribe equal honor to other services and sacrifices.

Pulling It Together

If you think that salvation is earned by the works you do, you either have become your own god or you have followed another false god. If you are able to save yourself from judgment by doing certain works, then being able to save yourself, you have become your own god, as you have determined that you need no god; you only need your religious works and your moral thoughts and actions.

The God of the Bible has always been the saving God. Because it is he who saves us—not we who save ourselves through works and character—he demands a certain kind of worship that looks quite different from a works-oriented, character-driven religion. Therefore, he prescribes the what and how of worship. The “what” includes Word and Sacrament: Baptism, confession, Holy Communion, preaching, singing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Eph 5:19), and prayer. The “how” is to worship “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24), in other words, by faith. If any of the “whats” are done without the “how” of faith, then those “whats” do not measure up to God’s demands for our worship. We may look right while not being right with God. We may have all the right practices without having righteous hearts.

Prayer: Restore to me, Lord, the joy of your salvation. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Learning About Communion teaches the meaning of Holy Communion according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Fifth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons emphasize the sacramental promise of the forgiveness of sins conveyed to us in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. This booklet was designed to be used as a Sunday School unit, or for classes to prepare students for their First Communion.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 78 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 28 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 Peter 1:8–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Our opponents also falsely cite against us the condemnation of Aerius, who they say was condemned because he denied that an offering is made for the living and the dead in the Mass. They frequently spin the ancient heresies, falsely comparing them to our cause in order to crush us. Epiphanius testifies that Aerius believed prayers for the dead are useless. He finds fault with this view. We do not favor Aerius either, but are contending with you who are defending a heresy that plainly conflicts with the prophets, apostles, and holy Fathers, namely, that the Mass justifies ex opere operato, that it merits the remission of guilt and punishment to whom it is applied—even for the impious, if they do not object. We reject these pestilent errors, as they detract from the glory of Christ’s passion, and entirely overthrow the doctrine concerning the righteousness of faith.

Pulling It Together

Aerius was a fourth century bishop of Sabaste in Pontus (modern day Sivas in the Black Sea area of Turkey). His teachings about offerings for the dead not being part of the Mass labeled his as a heretic by most of the church. But this reference to Aerius was subterfuge on the part of the Roman Catholic theologians. The real issue under consideration was whether or not the Mass justified persons simply by doing the ceremony. Also under consideration was whether that work could be worked into the life of another if they were not present or were even dead.

The Lutheran Reformers disapproved of these notions, appealing first to Scripture, not the Church Fathers. The theologians from the early centuries of the Church were only significant to the Reformers if they were in agreement with Scripture. Scripture assigns all honor to Christ, not to the work of priests. Furthermore, was faith in the work of Christ required for the Mass to be efficacious? God’s Word teaches that salvation is the outcome of faith in Christ. The outcome of ceremony without faith is condemnation (John 3:18).

Prayer: Thank you, Holy Spirit, for giving me eyes of faith so that my life is filled with the glory of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Concerning the Mass – part 77 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 27 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500

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John 4:23–24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Our opponents pray for the dead, which we do not prohibit; but we disapprove of the application ex opere operato of the Lord’s Supper on behalf of the dead. The ancients do not favor our opponents concerning the opus operatum. Even though they have the agreement of Gregory or modern theologians, we face them with the most clear and certain Scriptures. There is a great diversity among the Fathers. They were men, and could err and be deceived. If they could live again, and see their sayings used to support the notorious falsehoods which our opponents teach about the opus operatum, they would convey their thoughts far differently.

Pulling It Together

Worship in the New Testament is done “in spirit and truth.” This kind of worship means that the active agent is the Spirit of God—not us. Our works do not count for anything. So, we must worship God in faith. God does not delight in our works, but in our faith toward him. This is true worship, and the Lord is looking for those who would worship him in this way: from the heart and with faith.

Prayer: Fill me, Holy Spirit, so that I may worship you as you desire. Amen.

The Sacraments is one of four books in the Sola Confirmation Series and serves as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Each book in the series may be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

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Concerning the Mass – part 76 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 26 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500

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Psalm 50:14–15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

The Greek canon does not apply the offering as a satisfaction for the dead because it applies it equally for all the blessed patriarchs, prophets, and apostles. Therefore, it seems that the Greeks make an offering as thanksgiving, and do not apply it as satisfaction for punishments. Yet they speak not only of offering the body and blood of the Lord, but of the other parts of the Mass, namely, prayers and thanksgiving. For after the consecration they pray that it may profit those who partake of it. They speak of no others. Then they add that reasonable service does not mean the offering itself, but prayers and all things which are conducted there.

Pulling It Together

The ancients never intended to deliver the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles from a so-called purgatory. They only wished to offer up thanks together with them for the blessings that have been given to them and to us, the “household of faith” (Gal 6:10), the Israel of God (Gal 6:16), the whole Church.

These or similar words are spoken after the Lord’s Supper has been received: “The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.” Then thanks and prayer are offered for all those present. Such thanks and praise are our reasonable service of worship.

Prayer: I give you thanks and praise, O God, for all the blessings your people receive in Word and Sacrament through the Holy Spirit of Christ Jesus. Amen.


Pastor Kent Groethe's study of the Book of Acts, Acts - Old Places, New Facesfocuses on the life of the early church as a model for church life today. The message and power of the church today needs to be revitalized and renewed by the power of God's Spirit, just as it was in the early church.

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Concerning the Mass – part 75 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 25 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500

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Deuteronomy 4:2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

But let us return to the case. Since the Mass without faith, ex opere operato, is not a satisfaction for either punishment or guilt, it follows that its application on behalf of the dead is useless. So, there is no need here of a longer discussion. Clearly, this usage for the dead has no testimony in Scripture. Nor is it safe to establish forms of worship in the Church without the authority of Scripture. If it becomes necessary at any time, we shall speak at greater length about this whole subject. Why should we contend with opponents who do not understand the meaning of sacrifice, sacrament, forgiveness of sins, or faith?

Pulling It Together

Why is Scripture, or the Word of God, so important? Why is its authority paramount? It is the only objective way we have of knowing who God is, and of discerning his will among the countless voices demanding our attention. The three “solas” of the Lutheran Reformation help us understand. We are justified by the grace of God alone: sola gratia. This justification, or being made right with God, happens through faith alone: sola fide. But how do we know this to be the case except on the basis of Scripture alone: sola scriptura? It all breaks down without the Word. Indeed, the ceremonies are only uses of water, wine, and bread without the Word. But with the Word, these elements become Sacraments. Mere performance of the ceremonies is nothing without faith in the promises of God. This faith is provided to us by his grace alone.

Establishing new kinds of worship like masses for the dead, cannot be tolerated because they are based on the word and will of people. God’s Word is our only objective authority in such matters.

Prayer: Help me think of you properly, Lord, by giving careful attention to your Word. Amen.

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Sola carries an assortment of greeting cards

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Concerning the Mass – part 74 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 24 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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From the Word: 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our sins, 14 erasing the record of debt against us with its obligations, and has removed it, nailing it to the cross. (Colossians 2:13–14)

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

The faithful should be seized with the most bitter grief if they consider the fact that the Mass has been largely transferred to the dead and to satisfactions for punishments. This banishes the daily sacrifice from the Church. It is the kingdom of Antiochus, who transferred the most blessed promises concerning faith and the remission of guilt to the most vain opinions concerning satisfactions. This defiles the gospel and corrupts the use of the Sacraments. These are the ones whom Paul has said are “guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Cor 11:27). They have suppressed the doctrine about faith and the forgiveness of sins, and, under the pretext of satisfactions, have devoted the body and blood of the Lord to sacrilegious gain. Some day they will pay the penalty for this sacrilege. Therefore we and all godly consciences should be conscientious against approving of the abuses of our opponents.

Pulling It Together

Using the Sacrament in a way that Christ did not intend, abuses and profanes his Holy Supper. Offering his blessed promises to the dead and to those who do not believe makes it an occasion for sin and judgment. Teaching people that they must make satisfaction for punishments that await them beyond this life, makes mockery of Christ’s cross, as well as his promises. Of what use is the cross if I must now do other things to appease an angry God? This scoffs at Christ, teaching that he was not up to the task—but we are; it will just take some extra time.

No! God has accomplished all things through Christ. Our sin—every last bit of it—has been nailed to the cross. God made us alive in Christ while we were still sinners. Now that we are alive in Christ, are we to do things that make us live? Again, no! We are already alive through faith in God’s grace toward us. We can add nothing to the cross of Christ. Indeed, nothing needs to be added.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving us all we need in Christ alone. Amen.

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Connections Magazine features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Luther's Small Catechism provides inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design.

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Concerning the Mass – part 73 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 23 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500

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Isaiah 1:18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Now, we shall exclude the sort of proofs that our opponents have about purgatory, what kinds of punishments they think there are in purgatory, and what grounds the doctrine of satisfactions has, which we have confuted above. We present only this in opposition: It is certain that the Lord’s Supper was instituted for the purpose of forgiving guilt. For it offers the forgiveness of sins, so guilt must necessarily be truly understood. Nevertheless, it does not make satisfaction for guilt. If it did, the Mass would be equal to the death of Christ. Forgiveness of guilt may be received in no other way than by faith. Therefore the Mass is not a satisfaction, but a promise and Sacrament that require faith.

Pulling It Together

What consolation would we have if forgiveness of sin were offered in Holy Communion, yet there was no respite from and remission of guilt? Yet there is both respite and remission, for though we are scarlet sinners, our sin is snow-driven by the grace of God. We are so completely forgiven that we are atoned for, covered like a fresh fallen snow.

Now, if you believe the Father to be that caring and loving, I ask you, what need is there of a Purgatory. Besides Purgatory being extra-biblical, what logical need exists for such a place if sin and guilt are covered by the blessed work of Christ? “Come now, let us reason together.” Enjoy the snow. It reminds us of the Father’s love.

Prayer: I trust your love, Father, and am at peace because of Christ. Amen.

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Who is Jesus? is a five-session study, meant to serve as an introduction to what the Bible says about Jesus Christ—who he is and what it means to trust in him as Savior and Lord.

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Concerning the Mass – part 72 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 22 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500

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Romans 5:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

For a start, it is a dishonor to the gospel to assert that a ceremony ex opere operato is a sacrifice that reconciles God, and makes satisfaction for sins without faith. It is horrible to attribute as much to the work of a priest as to the death of Christ. Then again, sin and death cannot be overcome unless through faith in Christ, as Paul teaches. “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). So, the punishment of purgatory cannot be overcome by the application of the work of another.

Pulling It Together: Ceremonies and rituals are nice. But a ceremony or a ritual is not fine in and of itself. For example, if I go through the motions of living with my wife but do not believe that she loves me, consider the relational benefits alone that are absent to me. I may offer my paycheck, my chores, and even eat at the same table. Yet, if I do not believe that she loves me, what real profit is there in what amounts to ritual ceremony? I may have a nice house, pay all the bills, and have a full belly, but it would be a sad and lonely existence.

I might also go to church, sing the hymns, put money in the plate, and go forward to eat and drink a bit of bread and wine. Yet, if I have no faith in God, and do not believe that he loves me, all I receive is some nice music in my ears—though it would not move my heart—the satisfaction of helping some people have a place to meet, and the feeling of a not very full stomach. (No wonder some folks cannot wait for Sunday lunch.) I may even develop some meaningful relationships with folks in the congregation. Of what use is any of that if I do not have a loving relationship with God?

Believing in my wife’s love provides me with enough to sustain us even if we have no house, food, or the other things that money buys. Believing that God loves me provides even more. Faith in him turns ceremony and ritual into something that moves my soul. When faith is added to the ceremony, God gives me the confidence that he forgives my sins; I enjoy peace with him; and I know that he will keep all his promises to me, including salvation and eternal life.

This saving faith is in the gracious work of our Lord alone, not the rituals of priests and pastors.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for giving me faith in you. Amen.

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Alphabet Soup is a four-unit (seven lessons each) Sunday School series designed for young students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. 

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Concerning the Mass – part 71 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 21 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Exodus 20:7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Our opponents have no scriptural testimonies or commands for defending the application of the ceremony in order to liberate the souls of the dead, from which they obtain infinite revenue. Establishing such services in the Church without the command of God and without the example of Scripture, is not a petty sin. Applying the Lord’s Supper to the dead, when it was instituted for commemoration and preaching among the living is a violation of the Second Commandment, as it abuses God’s name.

Pulling It Together

It is obvious that there is no verse of Scripture that would have us celebrate the Sacrament in such a way that it promises benefits to those who are dead. Therefore, we are not commanded to do so. But where money may be gained, gullible souls are ready to pay. Profit seems to make the sin more reprehensible, if that is possible. For what could be worse than taking the name of the Lord in vain by swearing to unwitting people that they will emancipate the dead by purchasing a Mass?

The Sacrament of Holy Communion was instituted by Jesus for the benefit of the living. In it, he offers himself to those who believe, who have faith in him and his promised benefits. These benefits include the forgiveness of sins, peace with God, the blessed memory of Christ, communion with him and his people, strength, and eternal life. These are always offered to the living who believe, but never to the dead—whether physically or spiritually.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your promises, and for fulfilling them. Amen.

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I Am Who I Am is a six-week study that explores what it means to “not take the name of the LORD your God in vain” (Exod 20:7), while at the same time trusting the promise in Christ that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21).

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 70 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 20 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500

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Romans 12:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

The Greek canon also says many things about the offering, but it shows plainly that it is not speaking properly of the body and blood of the Lord, but of the whole service: of prayers and thanksgivings. It says: “And make us worthy to come to offer you requests and supplications and bloodless sacrifices for all the people.” This gives no offense when rightly understood. It asks that we be made worthy to offer prayers and supplications and bloodless sacrifices for the people. He even calls prayers bloodless sacrifices. A little later: “We offer this reasonable and bloodless service.” They misinterpret this as a reasonable sacrifice, and assign it to the very body of Christ, even though the canon speaks of the entire worship. Paul has spoken of logike latreia (reasonable service, Rom 12:1), as the worship of the mind, of fear, of faith, of prayer, of thanksgiving, and so forth, in opposition to the opus operatum.

Pulling It Together: The word “bodies,” used in nearly every English translation of Romans 12:1, does not mean body in the way we think. The Greek somata means more than the physical. In this case, body should be thought of in terms of a whole body of work, as in the entire corpus of the Bible. If thought of in that way, “body” works here. We are to offer our whole corpus to God—everything we are, not just our physical bodies but our thoughts, wills, and emotions too. This is why Paul slides so comfortably into speaking of the mind and the will in verse two. We are not transformed by the offerings of the flesh but by the renewing of the mind. How else would we discern the will of God? These bodies understand little, let alone the depth of God’s will.

This whole corpus then, our entire being, is what we offer to God as our sensible service of worship. It is our due service of the mind and will, not a sacrifice of blood. Otherwise, we would not be offering “all [our] faculties to Him” (Weymouth New Testament), let alone those sacrifices be considered “living.”

Prayer: I give myself to you, Lord, and ask your help in giving more. Amen.

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Of One Mind and Purpose is a six-session study examines the unique way in which the Bible describes being united in Christ. It explains how God’s Word can either divide people or bring them together in faith, showing how the relationship we have with one another in the Church comes through Christ alone.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 69 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 19 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 21:21–22

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Let us eliminate these trifles. It is ridiculous that our opponents produce such trifling conjectures about a matter of such great importance. For though the Mass is called an offering, how does that term support the imaginary opus operatum, and the imagined application that merits forgiveness of sins for others? It may be called an offering because prayers, thanksgivings, and the entire worship are offered, and so, it is also called Eucharist. But neither ceremonies nor prayers are profitable ex opere operato, without faith. Still, we are not disputing about prayers, but particularly about the Lord’s Supper.

Pulling It Together

There are many fine collections of prayers available. If a person reads those prayers but does not believe in God, are they effective prayers? According to Jesus, you must have faith in order for your prayers to be answered. Just doing the work of saying a prayer is powerless. If a person does the work of eating bread and drinking wine, but does not believe it is the body and blood of Christ, is his eating and drinking effectual? No, for faith is required, not the act alone. So, it is absurd to imagine the merits of the Eucharist are available to someone who does not believe, let alone is not present to eat and drink.

Prayer: Strengthen my faith in you, Lord, by the working of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Martin Luther's Small Catechism (Spanish/Español)

Este pequeño manual, conocido como El Catecismo Menor de Martín Lutero, ha sido utilizado por los Luteranos durante siglos como una herramienta de enseñanza, especialmente en la instrucción de la confirmación. El pequeño manual pretende dar a los lectores un breve resumen de las enseñanzas de la Biblia, viendo algunos ejemplos de versos bien conocidos por los cristianos, oraciones y elementos de adoración.

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Concerning the Mass – part 68 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 18 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Hebrews 10:11–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

It is a ridiculous inference that the Mass must be a sacrifice because the Holy Scriptures mention an altar. Paul refers to the altar by way of comparison. They also fabricate the term Mass from midzbeah, meaning altar. Why such a far-fetched an etymology, unless to show off your knowledge of Hebrew? Why seek the etymology from afar, when the term is found in Deuteronomy 16:10, where it means the collection or gifts of the people, not the offering of the priest? Individuals coming to the celebration of the Passover were obliged to bring some gift as a contribution. Originally, the Christians kept this custom. The Canons of the Apostles show that when they came together, they brought bread, wine, and other things. Part was to be consecrated; the rest was distributed to the poor. With this custom they also retained Mass as the name of the contributions. It appears that the Mass was elsewhere called agape because of these contributions, unless one would prefer that it was called Mass because of the common feast.

Pulling It Together

The origin and therefore, original meaning of the term “Mass” is widely disputed. That it originates in the Latin word missa is not disputed. That word means “sending” or “dismissal.” Research in the Oxford English Dictionary yields no conclusive or even straightforward etymology from its earliest usages in our language. What is clear is that it was used to refer to a worship service, particularly of the Eucharist. Melancthon seems to favor the idea that “Mass” is related to the dismissal at the end of the liturgy. If that is the case, worshipers would be sent out to love and serve the Lord by loving and serving their neighbors, using part of the offerings of the Church.

The real question, rather than this quick side note on etymology, is whether the Mass is our sacrifice, or a priest’s sacrifice of Christ, or a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice. It is the latter, at very least, because that is the one that requires faith in God. Moreover, it cannot be the second because it is in conflict with Scripture.

Prayer: Help me to remember you, Lord, and send me to bring others. Amen.

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This edition of the Luther's Small Catechism is specifically designed to go with the Sola Confirmation Series. The 2010 Sola/ReClaim Edition* is a faithful word-for-word translation from Luther's German Catechism. It also includes the section on the Office of the Keys, added later to Luther's Catechism.

This pocket edition features quotations from the English Standard Version (ESV) of Scripture, and the traditional ICET liturgical texts (as used in the Lutheran Book of Worship). The primary verses of Scripture, Creed, and Prayers are printed in italics; Luther’s explanations are printed in plain text. Luther’s explanations are formatted with a mid-sentence break, to highlight contrasting phrases and to aid in memorization.

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Concerning the Mass – part 67 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 17 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500

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Acts 2:42

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

There is no need of further proof, since readers of the Greek writers will find examples everywhere of the use of leitourgia for public, civil duties and assistance. Because there is a diphthong, grammarians do not derive it from lite, which means prayers, but from leita, meaning public goods. Leitourgeo means, “I attend to” or “administer public goods.”

Pulling It Together

So, we have come to see that the liturgy of the Church is not a sacrifice at all. It is the whole service of worship that is done for the good of all present. From the outset, the liturgy is confession and assurance of forgiveness (1 John 1:9). It is also hymn singing (Eph 5:19, Col 3:16), gracious greeting (2 Cor 13:14), prayers—sung, spoken, and silent—(Acts 16:25, 1 Cor 14:15, Rev 15:3), the reading of Scripture and preaching (2 Tim 3:16, 4:13), belief statements (1 Cor 15:13-14, Rom 10:9-10), offerings (Rom 12:1, 2 Cor 9:7, Heb 13:6), and the Great Thanksgiving, including Holy Communion (Acts 2:42, 20:7, 1 Cor 1:16, 11:23-24). The liturgy of the Church is worship for the common good or blessing from God.

Prayer: Bless us, O Lord, as we gather to worship you. Amen.

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Sola’s Confirmation workbook, The Lord's Prayer, is designed to be a small group Bible study, student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program.

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Concerning the Mass – part 66 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 16 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 12:1

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Thus the term leitourgia agrees aptly with the ministry. It is an old word, ordinarily employed in public civil administrations. To the Greeks, it meant “public duties” like taxes for the expense of equipping a fleet, or similar things. As Demosthenes’ speech Against Leptines shows, all of which is occupied with the discussion of public duties and immunities: “He will say that some unworthy men, having found an immunity, have withdrawn from public burdens.” This is how they spoke in the time of the Romans, as the rescript of Pertinax, “On the Law of Exemption” shows: “Even though the number of children does not liberate parents from all public duties.” The Commentary on Demosthenes’ Oration to Leptines states that leitourgia is a kind of tax: the expenses of the games, equipping vessels, attending to the gymnasia, and similar public obligations.

Paul use the word for a collection in 2 Corinthians 9:12. The taking of the collection supplies those things that are needed by the saints, and causes them to give more abundant thanks to God. In Philippians 2:25, he calls Epaphroditus a “minister to my needs,” where Paul certainly does not mean a sacrificer.

Pulling It Together: The sacrifice, or re-sacrifice, of Christ is not to be added to Holy Communion. It cannot be added, since it has already been accomplished. However, we may add our own sacrifice: the sacrifice of ourselves. Our sacrifice, such as faith, obedience, or other things, does not merit God’s forgiveness or our salvation. Yet sacrifice of self is the proper response to God’s mercy. It is “holy and acceptable to God,” but not as a work that earns us any standing with God. Rather, it is the reasonable response of those who have already been afforded such standing because of God’s mercy and grace.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your mercy in Christ and the work of your Spirit begun in my baptism and which you will finish on that Day. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

  

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

A separate Leader's Guide is available. 

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Concerning the Mass – part 65 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 15 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500

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Psalm 116:12–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

They say the Greek word leitourgia means sacrifice, and so they call the Mass a liturgy. Why do they omit the old name synaxis or “communion,” that shows that the Mass was formerly the communion of many? Still, let us speak of the word “liturgy.” This word does not signify a sacrifice, but rather the public ministry, and appropriately agrees with our position that a minister consecrates, then tenders the body and blood of the Lord to the rest of the people, just as one minister who preaches, tenders the gospel to the people. Paul says, “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor 4:1), that is, of the Gospel and the Sacraments. “So we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20).

Pulling It Together

Liturgy does not mean sacrifice. It never meant that in secular Greek and in biblical Greek it is a word related to the ministry of the Church. The term “liturgy” means a required, public service that is of benefit to others. So, it is not relegated to the service of Holy Communion but instead, to the whole ministry of the Church, including the Lord’s Supper. As such, Holy Communion is a service or ministry of all God’s people, the communion of many saints. Worship is our required service to the Lord.

So, the question is: what is that required service? What should we render to the Lord for all his great blessings to us? There is but one thing we can do. We lift up the cup of salvation, calling upon the name of the Lord in great thanksgiving.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for your many blessings. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Learning About Communion teaches the meaning of Holy Communion according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Fifth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture andLuther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons emphasize the sacramental promise of the forgiveness of sins conveyed to us in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. This booklet was designed to be used as a Sunday School unit, or for classes to prepare students for their First Communion.

 

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Concerning the Mass – part 64 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 14 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500

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1 Corinthians 11:26

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

The adversaries also refer us to philology. From names for the Mass they make arguments that do not require a long discussion. For though the Mass is called a sacrifice, it does not follow that it must confer grace ex opere operato, or that it merits the forgiveness of sins when applied on behalf of others.

Pulling It Together

Though some call it the sacrifice of the Mass, it still would not mean that this service of thanksgiving, or Eucharist, bestows God’s grace upon people whether they have faith in him or not. Even if it were a sacrifice, the doing of the ceremony does not deserve forgiveness and salvation for unbelievers, let alone for those not present or even dead. At any rate, Holy Communion is not a sacrifice. It is a service of great thanksgiving and communion among many people, a liturgy of the gratitude of God’s people and of blessing from God. We are not killing or sacrificing Jesus again and again at each communal remembrance. Instead, in the service of worship or liturgy, the congregation proclaims Christ’s one-time death until he returns.

Prayer: Strengthen me and keep me in your grace, Father, through faith in your Son. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

  

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power.” (1 Cor 6:14)

A separate Leader's Guide is available. 

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Concerning the Mass – part 63 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 13 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500

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Hebrews 11:6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

The ceremony itself, the giving of thanks, can not to be applied ex opere operato on behalf of others so that it merits the forgiveness of sins for them, or so that it liberates the souls of the dead. These things conflict with the righteousness of faith, as though, without faith, a ceremony can profit either the one performing it or others.

Pulling It Together

Faith is the byword of the Lutheran Reformation. The Church could only be reformed, shaped back to what it was meant to be, through faith in God. Each person receives forgiveness of sin when he has faith in the forgiving God. I cannot have faith for my neighbor or for my children or for my dead parents. That is or was a matter of their own faith in Christ. The benefits of the Sacraments require faith in what God has done for us. I cannot carry out a ceremony and it then, have a benefit for others simply because I performed a religious work on their behalf. Without faith, the ceremony is useless. The ceremony itself, is lifeless without faith. Without personal faith, forgiveness of sin is impossible and dead souls stay dead. Without faith in God, even religious and moral works are sheer presumption of one’s own righteousness.

Prayer: Reform my faith, Lord, so that I trust in you alone. Amen.

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All God’s Critters (unit 2 of 3) is a Sunday School series designed for young students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children.

The All God’s Critters curriculum is fully reproducible and is designed with the particular needs of small churches, mission congregations, and house churches in mind. Check out some sample pages by clicking here.

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Concerning the Mass – part 62 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 12 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500

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Romans 1:17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

There are other statements about thanksgiving, such as that most beautiful expression of Cyprian concerning the godly communicant. “Piety,” he says, “makes a distinction between what has been given and what has been forgiven, thanking the Bestower of such abundant blessing.” That is, piety considers both what has been given and what has been forgiven. It compares the greatness of God’s blessings and the greatness of our ills—sin and death—with each other, and gives thanks. Hence, the term Eucharist arose in the Church.

Pulling It Together

In Confession and Absolution, we are to carefully consider our sins. We stare squarely into our souls and see who we truly are, and recognize that we are sinners. After receiving the blessed absolution, the assurance of God’s forgiveness for Christ’s sake, we move forward to the table. There, we are to consider Christ alone. Only then may we apprehend the deep truth that he has made us a new people, the communion of saints—again, for his sake. Here, in the midst of this divine service, we see ourselves correctly as both sinners and saints, simul iustus et peccator. We are sinners saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This gracious gift of faith apprehends both its own sinfulness and God’s faithfulness to forgive. In other words, the truly righteous person is a sinner who lives by faith in God’s righteousness. What else would sinners do but raise the strain of thanksgiving?

Prayer: Thank you Father, for giving me faith to believe in your forgiveness through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord is a Lenten Sermon Series booklet that provides the background and thematic resources to allow a preacher to put together a five-week sermon series for Lent. The booklet uses a unique approach called the "Telemetry Method" for preaching that helps to visualize each sermon, including the launching point for the sermon, two nodal points along the trajectory of the message, the place where the good news touches the human heart by connecting believers to the heart of Christ, and then the landing place, which represents the sermon's conclusion. Also provided are "thoughts to ponder," theological reflection, as well as sample bulletins and hymn suggestions, making it easy to plan an entire Lenten series.

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Concerning the Mass – part 61 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 11 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500

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Luke 22:19–20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

The Fathers speak of a twofold effect: the comfort of conscience, and thanksgiving or praise. The former of these effects pertains to the nature of the Sacrament; the latter to the sacrifice. Of consolation Ambrose says, “Go to him and be absolved, since he is the remission of sins. Do you ask who he is? Hear him when he says, ‘I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst’” (John 6:35). This passage testifies that the forgiveness of sins is offered in the Sacrament, and that it is to be received by faith. Many testimonies to this effect are found in the Fathers, all of which the adversaries pervert to reinforce the opus operatum, and applying that opus on behalf of others, even though the Fathers clearly require faith, and speak of the appropriation of the consolation—not its transferal.

Pulling It Together

Do your sins torment you? Go to the forgiver of sin. Do you fear eternal death? Go to the source of life. Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness? Then go to the table where the righteousness of another is served. You go. You go for yourself. You cannot eat and drink his righteousness for another any more than you could eat this evening’s chicken and its nutritional benefits be experienced by your granddaughter. Jesus said, “This is my body which is given for you,” not for others—for you. “This cup that is poured out for you” is not transferable from those of faith to those who lack faith. The forgiveness of sin is transferable from the giver to those who have faith in him. New life and righteousness are given at the source; there is no middle agency.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your Bread of Life, given for me. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Reading and Discussion of Luther's Catechisms is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, presented in a question and discussion format. 

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 60 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 10 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Hebrews 13:10–15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

As there may be several purposes for a single act, thanksgiving is also added. After conscience has been encouraged by faith and perceives its freedom from terror, then it may fervently give thanks for the blessings of Christ’s suffering. It uses the ceremony itself to praise God, through this obedience showing its gratitude, and testifying to the high esteem it holds for the gifts of God. Thus the ceremony becomes a sacrifice of praise.

Pulling It Together

Faith is the very thing that determines the right to eat at the Lord’s table. A person must first examine himself to see whether he has faith to eat and drink (1 Cor 11:28). Dining without faith is not only useless, it is damnable. But when faith is present, so is peace, since one is liberated from the fear of sin, judgment, and death. Once a person is freed from such fears, praise and thanksgiving flow from the heart. Without faith, this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving are impossible.

Prayer: Open my heart, Lord, to declare your praise. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Written in clear, understandable language, Who Cares About the Bible? tackles the most important questions concerning this unique book. It is an excellent primer for anyone interested in what the Bible is, how to properly understand it, and how to deal with the vast amount of misleading information that has been spread about it.

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Concerning the Mass – part 59 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 09 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Psalm 111:4–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

The remembrance of Christ is not the unprofitable celebration of a show, or something established for the sake of example, such as a play in memory of Hercules or Ulysses. Rather, it remembers the benefits of Christ and receives them by faith, so they may make us live. Accordingly, the psalmist says, “He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful. He provides food for those who fear him” (Psa 111:4–5). This means that the will and the mercy of God should be discerned in the ceremony. The faith that apprehends mercy makes alive. This is the principal use of the Sacrament, through which it is apparent that terrified consciences are those fit for the Sacrament, and how they ought to use it.

Pulling It Together

Holy Communion is not effective because of motions and rituals. We are not accomplishing something because we have acted out a tragedy. We are remembering that it is Christ who has acted. In this remembering, we recall what God can never forget. We are remembering that he has promised to remember us. In this Holy Communion, we see God’s mercy—that he loves and forgives sinners like us. We also discern his will—that he would have us make use of this holy food and drink, that he himself has provided for those who fear, love, and trust him. The Father has bequeathed his own Son as a perpetual remembrance of his love to sinners who thankfully receive.

Prayer: Gracious and merciful Lord, I give you thanks for your unfaltering love. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship eResource (SOWeR) provides so many resources that it is hard to list them all. One of those resources is a growing section of liturgies and services that subscribers may use. These are ready-to-print service booklets like the Sola Scriptura Setting (a spoken liturgy for Holy Communion). 

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Concerning the Mass – part 58 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 08 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500

Click above for larger graphic.  • Original image   •  Index of Scripture Graphics and posts by Scripture reference

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Romans 2:25–29

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

This use of the Sacrament, when faith enlivens terrified hearts, is New Testament worship because the New Testament requires spiritual orientation, death, and new life. This is the use that Christ instituted, as he commanded: “Do this in remembrance of me” (1 Cor 11:24).

Pulling It Together

The New Testament teaches that the highest form of worship happens within, spiritually, in the heart. One may do all the outward, religious services but do so with a corrupt heart. This is mere performance, acting. But the pure heart, that spirit which is driven by the Holy Spirit, will render to God what he desires of a person. The former, while going through religious motions, hangs on to the old nature, never quite dying. The latter has died. While in this life, the old nature continues to die—by no work of its own. Through Word and Sacrament, God orients the human spirit to himself and gives it peace. This is God’s work within us through faith in him.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for giving me life by your Spirit. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Go and Tell - Word of Life Series (Unit 2) is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meant for use in Small Group gathering, each of the six sessions is based on a primary Scripture text, with intentional time for reflection. There are questions, prayer, faith sharing, and mini evangelism case-studies. The series would be helpful for those involved in starting a Bible study fellowship, house church, or mission congregation. It can also be used by established congregations to aid in establishing a small group ministry.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning the Mass – part 57 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 07 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500

Click above for larger graphic.  Index of Scripture Graphics and posts by Scripture reference

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Mark 9:23–24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Such faith encourages contrite minds. As the Word has been given to kindle this faith, so the Sacrament has been instituted so that the outward appearance will move the heart to believe what meets the eyes. For the Holy Spirit works through the Word and Sacrament.

Pulling It Together

The Word has been given to reveal God and to arouse faith in him. The Sacrament of Holy Communion was instituted so that, in remembering Christ, that faith may be strengthened. The outward appearance of the elements of bread and wine provide us focus on the body and blood of our Savior, which the Holy Spirit uses to help our unbelief. We cannot get enough of either. For the Word and the Sacrament work together through the power of the Holy Spirit to both give us faith and to strengthen the same in us.

Prayer: Lord, help my unbelief! Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Power of Lent is a series of lenten dramas pairing two characters each week from the story of Jesus' Passion; bearing witness to what they saw, heard, and felt. Each pair of biblical characters reflects upon a similar theme for the week, showing how the same events brought about very different reactions to Jesus and his identity.

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Concerning the Mass – part 56 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 06 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500

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Romans 5:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

The Sacraments are not merely signs among people, but are signs of God’s will toward us. So, it is correct to define the New Testament Sacraments as signs of grace. There are two parts to a Sacrament: a sign and the Word. In the New Testament, the Word is the added promise of grace. The promise in the New Testament is the forgiveness of sins, as the text says: “This is my body which is given for you... This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:19 KJV). So, the Word offers the forgiveness of sins, while the ceremony is a picture or seal, as Paul calls it (Rom 4:11), of the Word making known the promise. Therefore, just as the promise is useless unless it is received by faith, a ceremony is useless unless faith is present, truly believing that the forgiveness of sins is offered in the Sacrament.

Pulling It Together: Even the feeling of peace—let alone genuine peace—is not held for long by the mere use of signs. A husband may buy his wife diamonds, flowers, and many other things, but if his word does not accompany them, it is difficult to believe for long that these are signs of his love. He must also promise his love for her; he must tell her that he loves her. Then the gifts, the signs, may mean something—if the wife takes him at his word.

We gain access to God’s grace through faith in his word: his promise to forgive us. True peace is not had in any other way. As long as you depend upon signs alone, you will want to add your own assurances, such as good works and ceremonies. Faith in God’s promise must be added.

Prayer: I believe you, Lord; help my unbelief. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

In Harmony with the Word is an eight-session Bible Study that focuses on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, from Matthew 5-7. It is written at an introductory level, to be led by a lay leader or pastor in a small-group question and discussion format. The study would serve as an excellent resource for monthly women's group meetings or in an informal small-group setting.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 55 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 05 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500

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1 Corinthians 11:27–29

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Some clever people imagine that the Lord’s Supper was instituted for two reasons. First, that it might be a symbol and testimony of profession, just as a particular shape of hood is the sign of a particular profession. Then they think that such a symbol is especially pleasing to Christ because it is a feast that signifies mutual union and friendship among Christians, since banquets are signs of concord and friendship. But this is a secular view that does not show the chief use of the things delivered by God. It speaks only of the exercise of love, which is understood by profane and worldly people. It does not speak of faith, which few understand.

Pulling It Together

Drawing significance to professions, making divisions among ourselves, is the furthest thing from the focus of the Lord’s Supper. Christ is the emphasis of our communion. Christ is our communion. This is why faith is critical, why we must examine ourselves to be sure we are eating and drinking rightly. When our faith is in Christ, instead of our position in the church (or someone else’s), then we eat and drink in a worthy manner. We dishonor the communion of saints when these divisions are celebrated among us, when we separate ourselves into classes and ranks in the church, especially at the table. We are too much like secular institutions at this point. How can their be a communion of saints who commune with their Lord, when he is not present to them? If he is not the focus, but they and their trappings are, all is lost. Worse, they eat and drink judgment upon themselves. Eating and drinking in a worthy manner, requires faith in and focus upon the one who established the meal. All eyes on Christ! The banquet is prepared.

Prayer: Help me to believe, O Lord, and so, partake of you in a worthy manner. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Sola’s Confirmation workbook, The Lord's Prayer, is designed to be a small group Bible study, student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program.

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Concerning the Mass – part 54 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 04 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

Click above for larger graphic.  • Original image  • Index of Scripture Graphics and posts by Scripture reference

Romans 9:10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

This is a sufficient reply to our opponents about the sayings of the Fathers. It is certain that this fiction about the merit of the opus operatum is found nowhere in the Fathers. In order to better understand the whole case, we will also state those things about the use of the Sacrament that actually harmonize with the Fathers and Scripture.

Pulling It Together

The human heart, harder than diamonds, is determined to have its own way. Religious matters are not exempt from our hardness of heart. So, we bullheadedly set about working at being good people, participating in services, or buying things that make false promises, all in the hopes of pleasing God enough that we will deserve forgiveness and eternal life. We deserve no such thing. But because God loves us with the softest heart, he has made a way for us where we could never find or make a way. Forgiveness and salvation do not depend upon our will or labors. These depend upon a loving and merciful God

Prayer: Soften my heart, Lord, that I may have a heart of faith. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Upper Room is a six-part drama and sermon series for use during the weeks of Lent, in midweek or Sunday morning services. The stories in this series seek to focus our hearts and minds on the last days of Jesus, drawing us into a greater spiritual maturity that recognizes the blessings and responsibilities of this life of faith, as we walk with our Lord on the path to the cross.

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Concerning the Mass – part 53 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 03 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Colossians 2:6–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

We have already shown that a eucharistic sacrifice does not merit reconciliation, but is made by those who have been reconciled. Nor do afflictions earn reconciliation, but are eucharistic sacrifices when those who have been reconciled endure them.

Pulling It Together

Our sacrifices—on an altar or on the altar of life do not settle the score with God. As we have shown many times, Christ alone is the sacrifice that has reconciled God. Yet, he is not a continuing sacrifice, offered once again for sins in Holy Communion. He was sacrificed once, that sacrifice being sufficient to meet the sin-debt of a world. Now, faith must meet his sacrifice. When faith sees it can do nothing but come to the altar, believing in what has already been done, what should be brought—to the holy table and to life? We may offer thanks for the grace that has been extended to ourselves and others (1 Cor 1:4). Thanksgiving is not a saving sacrifice but an offering made by those who have been saved. We should be thankful even when sorely oppressed (1 Thes 5:18), again, this affliction not being a sacrifice that merits anything—other than our thanks to God for his mercy and grace.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your indescribable gift! Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Pilate's Investigation is a five-part series designed for use during Lent. Each of the dramas feature Pontius Pilate, seeking to learn the identity of the mysterious figure who has been brought to him for judgment. Scripture texts are assigned for each of the dramas, along with notes for the actors.

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Concerning the Mass – part 52 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 02 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Luke 22:19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Now that we have explained the passages of Scripture cited against us, we should also talk about the Fathers. We are know that the Fathers call the Mass a sacrifice. They do not mean that the Mass confers grace ex opere operato, that it merits the forgiveness of sins, guilt, and punishment when transferred to others. Where do the Fathers say anything so monstrous? Instead, they openly testify that they are speaking of thanksgiving. Accordingly they call it a “eucharist.”

Pulling It Together

The disciples gathered around their Lord, bringing nothing to the table. Christ Jesus brought it all. The disciples did nothing but receive with thankful hearts. Jesus set the example for this Eucharist, or thanksgiving. He took the bread and gave thanks. Then, he gave it to his disciples, and they received his body. Nowhere do they make a sacrifice. If this is the institution of the Holy Supper—and it surely is—then Christ has instituted no sacrifice other than his own. We disciples still bring nothing to the table but thanks.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Of One Mind and Purpose is a six-session study examines the unique way in which the Bible describes being united in Christ. It explains how God’s Word can either divide people or bring them together in faith, showing how the relationship we have with one another in the Church comes through Christ alone.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 51 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 01 Dec 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Luke 22:17–20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

These errors have produced endless others, such as the Masses being valid when applied for many just as much as when applied individually. The scholastics have particular degrees of merit, just as money-changers have weights for gold or silver. Then they sell the Mass as a price for obtaining what each one wants: to merchants for prosperous business, to hunters for successful hunting, and countless other things. Finally, they apply it to the dead, liberating souls from the pains of purgatory by the application of the Sacrament, though the Mass is of no use even to the living if they do not have faith. Our opponents are unable to produce even one syllable from the Scriptures in defense of their fables which they teach with great authority in the Church; nor do they have the testimonies of the ancient Church and the Fathers.

Pulling It Together

Besides the odious practice of marketing Christ’s body and blood, this commerce is based upon selfish desires, largely the freeing of departed loved ones from a place that does not exist. We do not come to the altar to receive worldly affluence. We come to receive the riches of God’s grace. Nor do we come to the altar for the sins of others; we come with faith, confessing our own sins, and receiving the assurance of forgiveness for those sins. Nowhere in our Lord’s institution or in apostolic instruction is there anything about this being done for others.

Though the Church Fathers are certainly not inspired and faultless, they carry great weight since they represent the thought and practices of the early Church, so we will next look into what they had to say on this matter. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for all you have given me—even giving your very self. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Power of Lent is a series of lenten dramas pairing two characters each week from the story of Jesus' Passion; bearing witness to what they saw, heard, and felt. Each pair of biblical characters reflects upon a similar theme for the week, showing how the same events brought about very different reactions to Jesus and his identity.

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Concerning the Mass – part 50 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 30 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

Click above for larger graphic.  • Index of Scripture Graphics and posts by Scripture reference

  Click for a recording of today's lesson. 

1 Corinthians 10:16–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Other common errors are also to be rejected, such as, that the Mass confers grace upon one using it ex opere operato, or that it merits the forgiveness of sins, guilt, and punishment when it is transferred to others, even for wicked persons, provided they do not interpose an obstacle. All these things are false and godless, recently invented by unlearned monks. They obscure the glory of Christ’s suffering and the righteousness of faith.

Pulling It Together

Holy Communion is the privilege of those who truly participate in the body and blood of Christ. This participation is genuine fellowship in the communion of saints, else it is a mockery. One must be present in every sense: physical, mental, spiritual. We do not commune with Christ and with one another without understanding what has been done for us, or by partaking thoughtlessly, mechanically. And we certainly cannot benefit if we are not physically present. The mere doing of the thing is simply another work. The fellowship of the saints and every other blessing of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed are received with active, engaged faith—not by rote, by mindless, spiritless works. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your great gifts, given freely to those who believe. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

This congregational resource book describes how a parish can host an “invite-able” event, as part of a larger evangelism initiative, energizing God’s people for the mission of Christ. Using a practical step-by-step “how to” approach, provides guidance, organization, and ideas — not simply to promote a single program, but to develop and inspire the over-all outreach of the congregation. 

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Concerning the Mass – part 49 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 29 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

Click above for larger graphic.  • Index of Scripture Graphics and posts by Scripture reference

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1 Corinthians 11:23–29

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

We have also shown that the Scriptures cited against us do not support our opponents’ godless opinion about the opus operatum. Good folk everywhere can judge this. Therefore the error of Thomas is to be rejected, who wrote: “The body of the Lord, once offered on the cross for original debt, is continually offered on the altar for daily offenses, in order that, in this, the Church might have a service that reconciles God to herself.”

Pulling It Together

There is false security in performing a ritual, or in it being performed for us, expecting that it has some spiritual value just because the ceremony is done. It is not enough to come to the altar to eat and drink a bit of bread and wine. That action does nothing other than give one a sense being religious, as though that feeling earns some favor with God. But eating and drinking with faith produces great things—not by the hands of either priest or people, but by God’s power. The mere work done by human hands is worthless, or even harmful since it produces a false, religious security. But the work performed by God in Christ has great merit and power when received in faith. Through faith we remember what Christ has done for us, graciously forgiving us when we eat and drink his body and blood. This does not happen however, when we simply go through the motions. Nor does it help others if the Mass is celebrated for them in their absence. The simple reason is that faith is required.

Without faith in God’s word and promise, the bread and wine remain simply bread and wine. Faith knows that the bread and wine, Christ’s body and blood, are not being offered at all. He has already offered himself. Faith remembers this, proclaiming his death and resurrection each time we eat this bread and drink this cup until Christ comes again. Eating and drinking without faith, without believing, is not only worthless, it is harmful. Those who eat and drink unworthily, without faith, are guilty before God, no matter how religious they feel. Those who eat with faith are exonerated, no matter how guilty they know themselves to be. The table is spread for sinners. Come! Eat! Drink! Remember.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your free grace and forgiveness for sinners like me. Amen.

Prayer: Blessed Redeemer, thank you for saving me by God’s grace through faith in you. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

This pocket edition of the Luther's Small Catechism is specifically designed to go with the Sola Confirmation Series. The Sola/ReClaim Edition is a faithful word-for-word translation from Luther's German Catechism. It also includes the section on the Office of the Keys, added later to Luther's Catechism.

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Concerning the Mass – part 48 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 28 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

Click above for larger graphic.  • Index of Scripture Graphics and posts by Scripture reference

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Romans 3:27–28

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

We have shown the reason why the Mass does not justify ex opere operato, and why, when applied on behalf of others, it does not merit forgiveness. Both conflict with the righteousness of faith. There is no forgiveness of sins, nor are the terrors of death and sin overcome by any work or anything other than by faith in Christ, as Paul says, “Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1).

Pulling It Together

We cannot work our way to God. We cannot do so morally or religiously. Imagine someone saying, I’m good enough now to be forgiven my badness. It makes no sense at all. If you are bad, you are bad. How can you be good enough to have earned a removal of your badness? How can you be pure enough to merit the removal of your sin? If you are not pure, you are impure. If you sin, you are a sinner. You cannot fix that condition of your nature. Do not reason this way: If I work hard enough at being good, my goodness will outweigh my sin enough that God will reward me. He will not. Paul says that God’s law prevents such boasting.

Rejoice, sinner! Because Christ has upheld God’s law and redeemed the world, you are vindicated through faith in him. This is a legal action, independent of your deeds. God absolves you, exonerates you, clears your name, by virtue of what Christ has done for you, not because of any work, religious or otherwise, that you have done.

Prayer: Blessed Redeemer, thank you for saving me by God’s grace through faith in you. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

This is Most Certainly True! is a six-chapter mid-week Lenten Series features monologues from Martin Luther himself, based on his writings in the Large Catechism. Luther explains eloquently and simply what each part of the catechism means for us as believers and ends it with an affirmation of certainty: "This is most certainly true!"

Luther's thoughts have been transformed here into dramatic monologues so that we might hear and meditate on the foundations of our Christian faith. In addition to a sample worship service outline, there are hymns suggestions for each monologue and opening dialogues for worship based on the parts of the Small Catechism.

Other Lenten Dramas

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Concerning the Mass – part 47 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 27 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Galatians 3:2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Since the priesthood of the New Testament is the ministry of the Spirit, as Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 3:6, accordingly, Christ is the only satisfying sacrifice that may applied for the sins of others. It has no sacrifices like the Levitical, which could be applied ex opere operato on behalf of others. Rather, it offers them the Gospel and the Sacraments, that by these means they may receive faith and the Holy Spirit, and be mortified and quickened. The ministry of the Spirit is at odds with the application of an opus operatum. Through this ministry of the Spirit, God works in the heart so that his ministry is profitable to others, when it is efficacious in them by giving them a new birth and life. This does not occur by the application ex opere operato of the work of another on their behalf.

Pulling It Together

The religious works of others on our behalf can no more kill or mortify us than make us alive again or quickened. The work worked by them, the opus operatum, though perhaps very satisfying to the eye and ear, remains the work of a human being, quite ineffective in and of itself because it does not satisfy the justice of God. Sin is not forgiven ex opere operato, from the work worked by people. Where is the gospel in all of this working? The outward performance is there but where is the inward power? The gospel is not only words, not simply the retelling of the history of Jesus. It is the power of God’s Spirit at work in the ear and heart. Sin is forgiven because of the work done by God in Christ, received with faith by the power of God’s Spirit. The works of another cannot give us faith, without which we cannot have forgiveness, new life, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, godliness, or salvation.

Prayer: You are all I need, Lord; you alone are sufficient for life. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Learning About Confession teaches the meaning of Confession and Forgiveness according Luther's guidance in the Small Catechism. It is recommended for the Sixth Grade Level. 

L:eader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 46 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 26 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

Click above for larger graphic.  • Original image  •  Index of Scripture Graphics and posts by Scripture reference

Hebrews 7:27–28

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Therefore, if anyone insists that a priest is required to make an offering for sins in the New Testament, this must be granted only to Christ. The entire Epistle to the Hebrews confirms this interpretation. If we were to seek any other satisfaction in addition to the death of Christ that is effectual for the sins of others and that reconciles God, this would be nothing more than appointing other mediators besides Christ.

Pulling It Together

Either Christ is the full and final atonement for the sins of the world, or he is not. In the latter case, two things are true. First, new and daily sacrifices would need to continue on behalf of sinners everywhere. Second, Christ would no longer be our Savior. He is either Savior, or he is not. If he has saved us, then sacrifices are no longer necessary. If he has not saved us, then bring on the priests. A system of works demands a priestly system, while faith insists it has no need for priests and sacrifices because it has a Savior.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for appointing us a Savior. Amen.

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The Small Cat series is a comprehensive way to teach the Catechism to all of your children. There is a workbook and leader's guide for each of grades one through six, along with other complimentary resources. 

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Concerning the Mass – part 45 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 25 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

Click above for larger graphic.  • Original image  • Index of Scripture Graphics and posts by Scripture reference

Colossians 1:19–23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

It is altogether incorrect to imagine that the Levitical sacrifices earned the forgiveness of sins before God, and that by analogy, sacrifices in addition to the death of Christ are required in the New Testament that are effectual for the sins of others. This fiction completely invalidates the merit of Christ’s suffering and the righteousness of faith, and corrupts the teaching of the Old and New Testaments by replacing Christ as our mediator and reconciler with priests and sacrificers who daily hawk their wares in the churches.

Pulling It Together

Paul tells us all that is required to be reconciled to God. All things in heaven and earth are brought peace and consolation through the blood of Christ alone. Through faith, we are made holy and blameless with God. If we continue with faith in Christ, in his sacrifice on our behalf, we who were alienated from God because of sin, are united with him by the blood of the cross—his work, not ours. He alone is our mediator and atonement.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the peace your cross brings to sinners like me. Amen.

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Connections Magazine features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther's Small Catechism provides inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design.

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Concerning the Mass – part 44 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 24 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Hebrews 9:13–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Since the Old Testament sacrifices did not merit reconciliation—unless by analogy—but pointed to the coming sacrifice, it follows that Christ is the only valid sacrifice for the sins of others. Therefore, no sacrifice is left in the New Testament to be applied for the sins of others, except the one sacrifice of Christ upon the cross.

Pulling It Together

The services of the Old Testament were a symbol or a picture of what was to come. Their use was to cleanse the flesh, the natural person, from sin. These services required constant repetition because of constant sin. The New Testament services of the Church remember what our great High Priest has accomplished through his sacrifice on the cross. His is the perfect service that requires no repetition. His blood cleanses conscience and spirit, not merely the flesh, for all who have faith in him.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for granting me the faith to trust in you. Amen.

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Rejoice in the Lord, Always! is a nine week study examines some of the most treasured verses in Scripture, in ways that are encouraging and realistic about our life in faith. Celebrating both the tensions and the joys of discipleship, Paul reminds us of Who it is that makes us a community as we share our lives together in a common commitment to Christ.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 43 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 23 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Acts 2:22–24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Although our belief has its main testimonies in the Epistle to the Hebrews, our opponents nevertheless distort and mutilate passages from this Epistle against us. In this same passage, where it says that every high priest is ordained to offer sacrifices for sins, Scripture itself immediately adds that Christ is that High Priest (Heb 5:5-6, 10). The preceding words speak of the Levitical priesthood, demonstrating how that Levitical priesthood was a symbol of the priesthood of Christ. The Levitical sacrifices for sins did not merit the forgiveness of sins before God. They were only a representation of the sacrifice of Christ, which was to be the one atoning sacrifice, as we have earlier stated.

Therefore, a large part of the Epistle is occupied with the subject of that ancient priesthood and its sacrifices not being instituted for the purpose of earning the forgiveness of sins before God or reconciliation, but only to point to the future sacrifice of Christ alone. In the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament, it was necessary for the saints to be justified by faith in the promise of the forgiveness of sins that was to be granted for Christ’s sake. From the beginning of the world, all saints have needed to believe that the Christ would be the promised offering and satisfaction for sins. Isaiah teaches: “...when he makes himself an offering for sin” (Isa 53:10).

Pulling It Together

God had a plan—from the beginning. You see it spread before you as early as the book of Genesis. He made a covenant with Abraham in order to bless the nations through the Lion of tribe of Judah. That Lion and Root of David, Christ Jesus, has defeated death, being raised by God (raising himself from death), undoing the sting of death (1 Cor 15:55) for all who have faith in him. His giving of his own life is the only sacrifice, as predetermined, that has ever made a difference. Christ alone has made true satisfaction for our sins. He is the remedy for our illness; we—our services and works—are not. Persevere with faith in he who has overcome a world of sin (John 16:33). 

Prayer: Grant, O Lord, that I may remain in you until that Day. Amen.

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Since Lent is fast approaching... 

Will You Betray Me?” is a five-part drama series focuses on “betrayal” as a central theme. Written in a direct and edgy style, the monologues feature biblical characters that (knowingly or unknowingly) contributed to the betrayal and death of Jesus.  

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Concerning the Mass – part 42 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 22 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Hebrews 4:14–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

They also quote from the Epistle to the Hebrews. “For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins” (Heb 5:1). They conclude from this verse that, since there are high priests and priests in the New Testament, there must also be a sacrifice for sins. This argument makes an impression on the unlearned, especially when priestly pomp and sacrifices of the Old Testament are spread before the eyes. The resemblance deceives them, so that they think a ceremonial sacrifice for sins ought to exist among us just as in the Old Testament. The services of the Mass and the rest of the papal organization are only false zeal stemming from a poor interpretation of the Levitical order.

Pulling It Together

Jesus Christ is the only high priest able to stand between you and God. As such, he is called our “great high priest” by the writer of Hebrews. Because Jesus is our high priest, we are able to make the good confession. That confession is that he is the Christ, the one whose sacrifice has made the difference. So long as we maintain that it is our sacrifices—our good works and ceremonies—that earn us favor with God, we will fall into despair. For how can we be good enough, do enough, confess every last sin? We cannot; nor would it make a difference since we are born in sin.

In order to set the record straight and to soothe our troubled consciences, this section in Hebrews shows us that we no longer need high priests. It does not demonstrate the further need for them, but establishes Christ Jesus as our great high priest. He is the one, as Hebrews goes on to confirm (Heb 10:14), who has made the one, perfect sacrifice needed to perfect “those who are being sanctified.” We are being sanctified by him, not by our own doing. Knowing this to be true, how could we ever rely upon our own sacrifices, or for that matter, those performed by priests “chosen from among men” (Heb 5:1)? Because of our confession of Christ alone, we may draw near to God with full confidence in his mercy toward sinners like us.

Prayer: Forgive me, God, for Christ’s sake. Amen.

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The Basics of the Christian Faith is an edition of the catechism that is aimed at seekers, visitors, and those that may not come from a Lutheran background. It is recommended for use in outreach, as a visitor welcome gift, or in new member packets.

Customized Pocket Catechisms

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Concerning the Mass – part 41 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 21 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500

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Mark 1:14–20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

As for outward appearances, church attendance is better among us than among our opponents. Helpful, clear sermons hold the audience, but neither the people nor the teachers have ever understood our opponents. The true adornment of the churches is godly, practical, and clear teaching, the devout use of the Sacraments, ardent prayer, and so forth. Candles, golden vessels, and similar adornments are fitting, but they are not the adornment that properly belongs to the Church. If our opponents make worship consist of such matters instead of the proclamation of the gospel, faith, and the struggles of faith, they are to be numbered among those whom Daniel describes as worshiping their God with gold and silver (Dan 11:38).

Pulling It Together: What is it that proclaims the gospel? That thing belongs in our services of worship. The Sacraments proclaim the gospel on the deepest level. “Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” clearly “speak” (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16) the good news of Christ among us. Prayers turn our attentions back to the source of faith. Whatever else is on display in our sanctuaries, our churches must be draped in plain, simple, clear preaching of the gospel. Anything among us that does not preach the gospel is just decoration.

The real beauty of the Church is the gospel. The Church exists to preach the gospel. If it is not preached there, it is a church in name only. The sign outside may say “Lutheran Church” but if the clear call to “repent and believe in the gospel” is not heard there, it is not a church. Jesus came preaching repentance and faith in the gospel of God. He then called men to follow him, that they might learn to do the same. He still calls people to be his disciples, and in following Jesus, both individuals and congregations are commissioned to proclaim his gospel. 

Prayer: Teach me how to follow you, Lord. Amen.

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When we speak of the "Great Commission," we usually think of Jesus' words at the end of Matthew's Gospel. But there are actually several places in the New Testament that describe the commission we have been given to speak and act, bearing witness to the truth of the gospel message. All these biblical articulations convey the same charge and calling, but each adds something important to our appreciation and understanding of the mission to which we have been called.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 40 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 20 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 11:23–29

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

If the use of the Sacrament is the daily sacrifice, we would still keep it more than our opponents, because their priests use it for earning money. Our churches use it more frequently and devoutly. The people use it, but after first having been instructed and examined. They are taught the proper use of the Sacrament: that it was instituted for the purpose of being a seal and testimony of free forgiveness of sins, and as an encouragement for alarmed consciences, that they may be truly confident and believe that their sins are freely forgiven. Therefore, since we retain both the preaching of the gospel and the proper use of the Sacrament, we have preserved the daily sacrifice.

Pulling It Together

The Lutherans believed (and believe) that we have no need of a human, priestly intermediary in order to receive the benefits of Holy Communion. Christ is our intermediary. We only need his grace, and that is freely available to all who believe. As such, there is no need to pay someone to perform a ceremony that does what Christ has already accomplished. The blessings of God are fully available in his Sacrament. Holy Communion is the true body and blood of the Lord “for you.” As such, we remember that Christ Jesus has given us a sign of his sacrifice: the bread and wine, his body and blood. We also remember his Word: the promise of God’s gracious forgiveness.

As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we declare his death and all the blessings that his sacrifice means. Yet we do not do so as mere ritual. Therefore, we instruct people as to who and what are being remembered in this holy meal, so that they may eat and drink without judgment, and so that we may retain what the Lord first established.

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to remember that you freely gave yourself for me. Amen.

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A Discussion of Living Religions is a brief introduction to major world religions that takes a conversational approach as a group of friends talk together about what it is they believe. Each has a chance to speak for themselves about how they understand the fundamentals of reality and faith.

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Concerning the Mass – part 39 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 19 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500

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Ephesians 2:8–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

In contrast, due to the blessing of God, our priests see to the ministry of the Word, teaching the gospel with its blessings of Christ, and showing that the forgiveness of sins happens freely for Christ’s sake. This doctrine brings sure consolation to consciences. They also teach the doctrine of good works which God commands, and declare the worth and use of the Sacraments.

Pulling It Together: We have been saved by God’s grace—not by our good works or offerings of money or service. This salvation happens through faith in Christ. It is that simple. There is no need to keep score or balance a so-called ledger that keeps account of our sin. If we needed to worry about such things, our consciences would always be troubled. But when we do sin—we are, after all, sinners—we know that Christ Jesus forgives and forgives completely. No one is able to add anything to completeness. So, we cannot and need not add good deeds or offerings to something that God has already fully accomplished. For the person who believes in Christ, this brings immeasurable consolation. The person, however, who believes that she must trust in her own merit, will always have a trembling conscience.

Because we are forgiven and promised eternal life, we are able to freely give of ourselves without the need to add to God’s full grace. We are liberated—free of concern about sin, death, the devil, hell, or purgatory—to do what we were made to do: live lives that bring honor to God through good works and walking in the commandments. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for forgiving me and setting me free to live life for you. Amen.

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The Reformation is a collection and summary of some of the key documents of the Reformation. Assembled and edited by the Rev. Jeffray Greene for the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, it is meant to be a reference-resource for congregations and study groups, to familiarize laity with the scope and contents of these important texts. The length of this book has been kept brief to allow congregations to make it available to people at a reasonable price.

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Concerning the Mass – part 38 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 18 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Luke 22:19–20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Consciences were tormented by satisfactions and the enumeration of sins. Our opponents made no mention of faith, by which we freely receive the forgiveness of sins. All of their books and sermons were silent about the use of faith in struggling with despair, and the free forgiveness of sins for Christ’s sake. Additionally, they horribly desecrated the Mass and added many other godless services in the churches. This is the desolation that Daniel describes.

Pulling It Together

Faith in Christ, in what he has done for us, is so important because it always makes us look to the source of forgiveness and salvation. Anything that turns our attention away from him must be avoided altogether. Therefore, the introduction of anything other than what Christ instituted is not only unnecessary, it is harmful. Requiring the listing of one’s sins brings the focus again, to self. We do not need to list every last sin, in fear that one might be forgotten and therefore, not covered. All our sin is covered by the blood of Christ. The listing or enumeration of sins is just another work. Instead, we should turn to Christ, who heartily desires to forgive us. He is not waiting to catch us in the failure to confess some sin. He forgives us all our sins, so we need not despair that there is some corner of our lives that we have forgotten, and is not dealt with by God for Christ’s sake. We are forgiven for his sake, not for the sake of our good works, long lists, or any other method we employ to make satisfaction for sin. Christ alone is that satisfaction.

Prayer: Give me such faith in you, Lord, that my soul may be fed by your body and blood. Amen.

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A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 37 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 17 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Luke 13:1–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

The people were overwhelmed by the multitude and variety of traditions and opinions, and so, were unable to appreciate the substance of Christian doctrine. Who among the people ever understood our opponents’ doctrine of repentance? Yet this is the primary teaching of the Christian faith.

Pulling It Together

Repentance does not mean that we must go and do something to overturn God’s anger. Repetition of prayers and good deeds do not effect God’s forgiveness. Though we ought to pray often and do good, these are not the causes of forgiveness; they are the outcome. Repentance is turning back to God. That means we first comprehend that we have turned aside—in other words, we have sinned. Repentance then becomes sorrow for turning away from God, confessing it and knowing that he will forgive. For the promise is certain: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

The condition of this forgiveness is not our doing. The condition is God. He has promised, and so, we must believe. If we lack the faith in God’s promise to forgive, repentance is mere sociology. We feel guilty, so we try to assuage our guilt with ceremony or other deeds. This approach is doomed, because its focus is self. True repentance depends upon God alone, who has come from beyond us and who has promised to forgive sinners. 

Prayer: Give me the humility to admit my sins to you, Lord, and the conviction to believe you forgive sinners like me. Amen.

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Check out Sola’s Confirmation workbook, The Apostle’s Creed, designed to be a small group Bible study, student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 36 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 16 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Daniel 11:29–32

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

In their Confutation our opponents make a big deal about the desolation of churches, namely, that the altars stand unadorned, without candles and images. They regard these trifles as the beauty of the churches. It is a far different desolation that Daniel means (Dan 11:31; 12:11): ignorance of the gospel.

Pulling It Together

The desolating sacrilege that Daniel referred to in chapters 11 and 12 are not about decorations, ceremony, and other external matters. God is instead, teaching us internal, spiritual matters through Daniel’s prophecy: to keep faith, to keep the true religion, not replacing it with paganism or anything else. This is always the danger in God’s Church. Those who seek to do the Lord’s will, those who would obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29), are under attack by people and the devil. This attack is more often than not, subtle. The teaching of traditions and ceremonies and the works one must do in order to be right with God are an ongoing way that God-fearing folks are led away from Christ. When they begin to trust in their own works instead of having faith in Christ’s work, the desolation has begun. This is the great sacrilege: that we place our confidence in things rather than in God. The beauty of the Bride of Christ, the Church, is not her adornment but her heart. Christ must ever be her heart, else the desolation is complete. 

Prayer: Give me your pure heart, O Lord, that I may see you ever before me. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Reading and Discussion of Luther's Catechisms is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, each presented in a question and discussion format. 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 35 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 15 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Hebrews 4:1–3a

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

They do not teach the gospel in their sermons, or console consciences, or show that sins are freely forgiven for Christ’s sake. Instead, they talk about worship of saints, human satisfactions, and human traditions, claiming that these justify people before God. Although some of these traditions are obviously godless, they nevertheless defend them with violence. If any preachers wish to be more learned, they undertake philosophical questions, which neither they nor the people understand. Those who are more tolerable, teach the law but say nothing about the righteousness of faith.

Pulling It Together

The good news of Jesus Christ comes to us in preaching. We must hear it; then God gives us faith (Rom 10:17). But the Word must truly be heard in this proclamation, with all that “hearing” means. This listening to the Word is not casual, but engaged. I believe I have mentioned this illustration before. Many children hear their parents say something, perhaps, “Clean up your room,” or, “Finish your homework.” When these things are not done by the child, the parent asks, “Did you hear me?” Now, what they mean is not whether or not the sound reached their ears. They know full well that the child heard, in that sense. Parents are not concerned about whether children’s ears are working. They want to make sure hearts are working. For if the heart is engaged, the homework will be done, the room cleaned. True hearing means obedience.

Yet, if the good news—for that is what we are considering—is never preached, how would the heart become engaged? If only religious traditions, or the heresy of works righteousness, or even if only the law is taught, how will there be faith? First, God’s law must be taught so that the hearer is aware of her alienation from God, and her need of forgiveness. Then the gospel must be preached, so that she may know with certainty that God desires to forgive and provide eternal fellowship with himself. This is the great task of preaching: that faith in Christ may be the outcome.

Prayer: Help me, O God, to truly listen to your Word. Amen.

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"Why Did Jesus Have to Die?" examines the most profound event of salvation history—the crucifixion of Jesus Christ—exploring from a biblical perspective what is known as the doctrine of the Atonement. This six-week Bible Study would be particularly appropriate during the season of Lent.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 34 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 14 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Acts 8:18–22

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

For our opponents retain only the ceremony in the Mass, and publicly use it as a profane fundraiser. Then they claim that this work can be transferred to others so that they will deserve grace and all good things.

Pulling It Together

Whether it is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, or grace, forgiveness, and eternal life under consideration, God’s gifts are just that: gifts. He gives freely to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. No one, at any price, may earn his own salvation, any more than he might purchase the power of the Holy Spirit. This cannot be accomplished with money or through religious deeds. 

The gifts of God are also personal, in the sense that they may not be applied to others. When you come to the Lord’s table, you hear these words: “The body of Christ given for you.” And, “The blood of Christ shed for you.” For you. The gift of grace is freely given to those who have faith in the giver, in God. It is not then, able to be applied to whom one pleases—whether they have faith or do not.

Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, of any thoughts and actions when I imagined that I could earn your grace. Amen.

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The Sacraments is one of six books in the Sola Confirmation Series and serves as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Each book in the series may be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 33 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 13 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Acts 2:42–47

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Good folks can readily see it is a false accusation that we abolish the daily sacrifice. Experience shows the kind of despots who hold power in the Church. Under the pretext of religion, they seize the kingdom of the world, ruling without concern for religion and the teaching of the gospel, waging war like the kings of the world, and instituting new services in the Church.

Pulling It Together

The Lutheran Reformers taught that there are two basic types of kingdoms in the world: the first, spiritual, the second, temporal. The Church at the time of the Reformation held—and wielded—both powers. The overlap allowed for all manner of problems, such as viewing religious matters through the lens of the State, and funding the worldly campaigns of the Church with the offerings of the people. The result, in terms of the Mass, was that it became a money-making ceremony. It’s purpose was not so much remembrance and forgiveness but a kind of profiteering. Using the Mass as a fundraiser was out of the question, thus, paying for a Mass to be “said” was unthinkable, though practiced daily, whether the purchaser was present or not. The Reformers wanted Christ—not money and other worldly concerns—to be the focus everywhere and of everything in the Church. We are to to come together to remember our Lord in the breaking of bread, yet never as a commercial enterprise. When the focus is on Christ, the means are available, even if it means we sell our possessions in order to care for others.

Prayer: Fix the priorities of your Church, Lord, as you keep us ever reforming. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Invitation Project is a congregational guide that describes how a parish can host an “invite-able” event, as part of a larger evangelism initiative, energizing God’s people for the mission of Christ. Using a practical step-by-step “how to” approach, provides guidance, organization, and ideas — not simply to promote a single program, but to develop and inspire the over-all outreach of the congregation. 

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Concerning the Mass – part 32 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 12 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Ecclesiastes 5:1

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Casting aside the pharisaic opinion of the opus operatum, we understand that spiritual worship and a daily sacrifice of the heart are intended. In the New Testament, we ought to seek the substance of good things: in other words, the Holy Spirit who kills and makes alive. It is sufficiently evident therefore, that the analogy of the daily sacrifice does not testify against us, but rather for us, because we insist upon all the things symbolized by the daily sacrifice. Our opponents falsely imagine that it means the ceremony alone, without the preaching of the gospel, being put to death, and being made alive.

Pulling It Together

We should not go through the motions of religious ceremony, for this is vanity and hypocrisy. Ritualism without understanding is foolishness. The Word must attend all ceremony, for without the Word, faith is not possible. And to eat and drink without faith is sin (Rom 14:23), and to do so without discernment is condemnation (1 Cor 11:29).

Prayer: Give me a heart for your Word, O Lord. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Portraits of Jesus is a nine-session Bible study that explores the "I AM" statements given to us by Jesus himself. In comparing Jesus' words with related Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments, the study provides a well-rounded look at the center of our faith in Christ.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 31 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 11 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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January 6, 2018

Genesis 15:1–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Therefore, although a ceremony is a memorial of Christ’s death, nevertheless it alone is not the daily sacrifice. The remembrance itself is the daily sacrifice: that is, preaching and faith that truly believes that, by the death of Christ, God has been reconciled. A drink offering is required, that is, the effect of preaching, so that, being sprinkled by the gospel with the blood of Christ, we may be sanctified, as those put to death and made alive. Offerings of thanksgiving, confession, and affliction are also required.

Pulling It Together: Look to Abraham. Was his putting the knife to Isaac the sacrifice God desired? No; that was a test, not a real sacrifice. The true sacrifice was Abraham’s faith in God. God had promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. Moreover, he named Isaac as that son of promise (Gen 15:4). “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness” (Rom 4:3, cf. Gen 15:6)).

The same applies to us, to all who believe. Do you believe God’s assurance of salvation, provided through a greater Son of promise? Do you believe that God is able to justify you through Christ as he promised? Or do you think you have to take the knife in hand, do some thing in order to earn God’s favor. As it required faith for Abraham, it takes faith from us to believe in that Son whom the Father raised from the dead to deliver us from sin and death (Rom 4:23-24).

Prayer: Help me, Father, to always believe in your Son of promise. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Who is Jesus? is a five-session study, meant to serve as an introduction to what the Bible says about Jesus Christ—who he is and what it means to trust in him as Savior and Lord.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 30 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 10 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 Peter 1:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

This analogy symbolizes not only the ceremony but also the preaching of the gospel. Numbers 28:4-7 shows three parts of that daily sacrifice: the burning of the lamb, the drink offering, and the offering of wheat flour. The Old Testament contained pictures or shadows of future things. Accordingly, Christ and the entire worship of the New Testament are represented in this scene. The burning of the lamb symbolizes the death of Christ. The drink offering symbolizes the sanctification of believers throughout the entire world who are sprinkled by the blood of that Lamb through the preaching of the gospel. Peter says they are, “sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood” (1 Pet 1:2). The offering of wheat flour symbolizes faith, prayer, and thanksgiving in the heart. Therefore, as we comprehend the shadow in the Old Testament, in the New we should seek the thing represented, not another symbol that appears to be a sacrifice.

Pulling It Together

In the Old Testament, many things represented things to come; they are lesser types of a greater future. What was concealed in the Old Testament is revealed in the New Testament. For example, Adam and Moses are types of Jesus. So, Paul teaches: “The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit” (1 Cor 15:45). Moses delivered Israel out of the bondage of slavery to Egypt. Jesus delivered the whole world from bondage to sin and death. Another example is sacrifice. The sacrifices of the Old Testament are a type of something greater to come. Even the priests making those sacrifices are symbols of a greater priest: Jesus. As the priests of old made daily sacrifices of animals, our great high priest has made one, perfect sacrifice of himself. “He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself” (Heb 7:27).

So, we see that these sacrifices are finished because of fulfillment. Instead of instituting new sacrifices that are based on the old ones, we should daily remember with thanksgiving that our high priest has accomplished forever in his one sacrifice what the priests of old did daily: sprinkled us with his blood, freed us from sin and death, and sanctified us forever (Heb 10:14). “It is finished” (John 19:30) means that grace and peace may truly be multiplied to all who believe. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for redeeming me and making me fit for heaven. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Who is Jesus? is a five-session study, meant to serve as an introduction to what the Bible says about Jesus Christ—who he is and what it means to trust in him as Savior and Lord.

Leaders Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 29 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 09 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Luke 22:14–20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

They also cite the daily sacrifice, that because there was a daily sacrifice in the Law, the Mass ought to be a daily sacrifice of the New Testament. Our opponents will have done well if we allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by allegories. It is plain, however, that allegories do not substantiate anything. We will permit the Mass to be understood as a daily sacrifice, so long as the entire Mass is considered: the ceremony along with the preaching of the gospel, faith, prayer, thanksgiving. Together, these are a daily sacrifice of the New Testament, because the Lord’s Supper was instituted for these things, and should not be separated from them. Accordingly, Paul says, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Cor 11:26). It does not follow from the Levitical analogy that a ceremony is needed to justify ex opere operato, or that it would merit the forgiveness of sins for others if applied to them.

Pulling It Together

Doctrine must have a sure and clear word of God, not obscure analogies. Nothing in Scripture suggests that a ceremony saves us from sin and death. God has done that for us. Our faith is then bolstered, being reminded of God’s grace through the ceremony—all of the ceremony, including confession, the proclamation of the gospel, prayer, thanksgiving, and the faith of the one partaking of both the bread and wine. “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). This requires faith, not dull performance. That would be just another work. We are not saved through any works other than that done by God himself in Christ Jesus. This is the plain testimony of Scripture. Therefore, if our works cannot save ourselves, it is the more absurd to imagine that they might save someone else when the ceremony is performed on their behalf.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for sending your Son to do what I could never do. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Learning About Communion teaches the meaning of Holy Communion according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Fifth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons emphasize the sacramental promise of the forgiveness of sins conveyed to us in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. This booklet was designed to be used as a Sunday School unit, or for classes to prepare students for their First Communion.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 28 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 08 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 Peter 2:4-5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

But our opponents always apply the term “sacrifice” to the ceremony alone. They exclude the preaching of the gospel, faith, prayer, and similar things, even though the ceremony has been established because of these. The New Testament requires sacrifices of the heart, not ceremonies for sin that are to be performed in the manner of a Levitical priesthood.

Pulling It Together

That holy priesthood called the Church is the temple of God through which sacrifices are to be made to him. We do not mean physical sacrifices. For Christ is the physical sacrifice that ended the need for further sacrifices of flesh. Rather, we are to offer ourselves to God in spiritual sacrifices of the heart like praise, prayer, thanksgiving, and other forms of worship. These are the sacrifices that God accepts for Christ’s sake. But they do not remove our sin (Heb 10:11). Rather, they are the joyful sacrifices of those who have been redeemed by Christ Jesus, the only sacrifice that has remitted sin (Heb 10:14).

Prayer: Teach me to worship you aright, O Lord. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Adventures of Martin Luther is a simple musical drama was written for youth to tell the story of Martin Luther's adventures, including his testimony before the Emperor at the Diet of Worms and what was happening in Wittenberg during Luther's exile at Wartburg Castle. Released by Sola Publishing as part of the celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, the drama serves as a fun and interesting way for young people to enter into the story of Martin Luther, acting out some key moments in his life. The script allows for many participants, using accessible language and easy-to-learn songs based on familiar hymn tunes. Costume and prop notes are included, to help those in charge of the production.

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Concerning the Mass – part 27 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 07 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 6:5-8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Another passage is also cited from Malachi: “He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, till they present right offerings to the Lord” (Mal 3:3). This passage clearly requires the sacrifices of the righteous, and therefore, does not support the opinion of opus operatum. For the sacrifices of the sons of Levi—in other words, the teaching of the New Testament—are the preaching of the gospel and its good fruits. This is why Paul speaks of being “a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:16), so they might be acceptable offerings to God by faith. The slaying of animals in the Law symbolized both the death of Christ and the preaching of the gospel, by which this old flesh is put to death, and new and eternal life is begun in us.

Pulling It Together

This is the sacrifice that is acceptable to God: our old nature mortified in Christ Jesus. The death of Christ occurred on the cross, while ours happens in baptism where our fleshly nature is slain with Christ. Our old selves are crucified in him. Through this sacrifice—provided by God just as he provided the original sacrifice (Gen 3:21)—sin is reduced to nothing within us. Sin is drowned, buried so that we are set free to live the new life in Christ, not in the flesh. This is what we are regenerated to be: alive in Christ forevermore. 

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for baptizing me into Christ’s death and raising me to eternal life. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The kind of church we see in the New Testament is different from what most modern people imagine when they think of “going to church.” Experiencing Life Together is a 15-week house-church curriculum is designed for pastors, lay leaders and churches interested in getting a taste for what church in the home is really like. Whether referred to as a house-church, organic church, alternative church or cell church, this material applies well to any group that wants to experience Christian worship in the context of a small group meeting within the homes of the participants.

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Concerning the Mass – part 26 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 06 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Malachi 1:10–11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Besides, the prophet’s own words express his meaning. First, he states that the name of the Lord will be great. This is accomplished by the preaching of the gospel, by which the name of Christ and the mercy of the Father promised in Christ are made known. The preaching of the gospel produces faith in those who receive the gospel. They call upon God, they give thanks to God, they bear afflictions in confession, they produce good works for the glory of Christ. This is how the name of the Lord becomes great throughout the nations.

Therefore “incense” and “a pure offering” do not mean a ceremony ex opere operato, but refer to all those sacrifices through which the name of the Lord becomes great, such as faith, prayer, the preaching of the gospel, confession, etc. If someone would include the ceremony, we readily concede it, provided he does not mean that the ceremony alone, ex opere operato, is salutary.

Among the praises of God, or the sacrifices of praise, we include the preaching of the Word. Just so, the reception of the Lord’s Supper can be praise or thanksgiving. But it does not justify ex opere operato or merit the remission of sins if applied to others. In a while, we will explain how even a ceremony is a sacrifice. Malachi speaks of all the services of the New Testament—not only of the Lord’s Supper—as he does not promote the pharisaic opinion of the opus operatum. So, Malachi is not against our position, but assists us. For he requires worship of the heart, through which the name of the Lord becomes truly great.

Pulling It Together

The day is coming when every knee in heaven and on earth will bow at the name of Jesus (Phil 2:10). This does not come through robotic religion; it happens when hearts are regenerated through the preaching of the gospel. Then people everywhere will praise the Lord, offer prayer and thanksgiving, confess their sin, and feast at his table. This is true worship, a pure offering to God. This is faith worked out in real life. All else is not a bending of the knee, but simply going through the motions of religion, which accomplishes nothing.

Prayer: Lord, make your name great among all people. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Most Certainly True contains 75 stories of Lutherans throughout the world, during many eras, in various locations, revealing much about the Lutheran church. At their core, the stories explore the heart of the church and its people at work and reveal something of the ordinary and unique lives that have shaped Christ's church. God is at work through us and in spite of us: the communion of saints.

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Concerning the Mass – part 25 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 05 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Revelation 5:8-10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Malachi speaks about these sacrifices: “For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name is great among the nations, and in every place incense is offered to my name, and a pure offering” (Mal 1:11). Our adversaries misconstrue this passage, applying it to the Mass, citing the authority of the Fathers. A response, however, is easy. Even if this were a reference to the Mass, it would not follow that the Mass justifies ex opere operato, or that it merits the forgiveness of sins by transferring it to others. The prophet says nothing of that sort the monks and scholastics shamelessly concoct.

Pulling It Together: The Lord’s name is great throughout the earth because of the preaching of the gospel. The Spirit produces faith in individuals through the Word (Rom 10:17). The result is that God’s priests (1 Pet 2:5, 9; Rev 1:5-6; 5:10)—all believers—offer the Lord true sacrifices of worship and praise. Still, these services do not save from sin and death. We will continue to proclaim, as did the Lutheran Reformers 500 years ago: only Christ saves. Our works can never merit forgiveness, justification, or eternal life. 

Prayer: O Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, give me the courage and joy to sing of your victory. Amen.

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The Basics of the Christian Faith is an edition of the catechism that is aimed at seekers, visitors, and those that may not come from a Lutheran background. It is recommended for use in outreach, as a visitor welcome gift, or in new member packets.

Use the Small Catechism as an outreach tool with a Customized 100-pack.

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Concerning the Mass – part 24 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 04 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Romans 12:6–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

But Scripture is full of such passages which teach that sacrifices do not reconcile God ex opere operato. Accordingly, since Levitical sacrifices have been abrogated, the New Testament teaches that new and pure sacrifices will be made, namely: faith, prayer, thanksgiving, confession, and the preaching of the Gospel, suffering on account of the Gospel, and similar things.

Pulling It Together: Having been moved to faith, the Spirit of God begins to transform us through the Word, worship, and testing. He gives each believer a gift or gifts of the Spirit that should be used in service for God. This service is a sacrifice, rendered along with sacrifices of worship and prayer. Yet these services or sacrifices do not save us; they are the reasonable services of all people who have been saved by the grace of God.

Prayer: Thank you, Holy Spirit, for giving me a gift and a place in your Church. Amen.

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I Am Who I Am is a six-week study that explores what it means to “not take the name of the LORD your God in vain” (Exod 20:7), while at the same time trusting the promise in Christ that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21).

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 23 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 03 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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1 Samuel 15:22

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Psalm 40:6 says: “Sacrifice and offering thou dost not desire; but thou hast given me an open ear.” That is, God has offered us his Word that we would hear it, and that he requires us to believe his Word and his promises, that he truly desires to show us mercy and help. Likewise, “For thou hast no delight in sacrifice... The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psa 51:16-17). And, “Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord” (Psa 4:5). He commands us to trust, and says that this trust is a righteous sacrifice, meaning that other sacrifices are not true and righteous sacrifices. Further, “I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord” (Psa 116:17). They call prayer a sacrifice of thanksgiving.

Pulling It Together: “According to His Word, God wants to repay works gloriously, but first He wants us to confess that we are sinners and to entrust ourselves to His mercy” (Luther’s Works, vol 12, 345). Works are things that God rewards, to be sure, but something else is more certain. God does not reward our good works with salvation. Put your trust in this: God rewards faith alone with eternal life, and he does so without cost of any kind other than that which was paid by his Son at Calvary.

Prayer: As you have offered me you word, give me faith to believe. Amen.

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The goal of Personalities of Faith, a ten-session Bible study for youth, is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith". Using biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

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Concerning the Mass – part 22 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 02 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Hebrews 13:15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Psalm 50:13, 15 rejects sacrifices and requires prayer. It also condemns the notion of ex opere operato. “Do I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?” “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” The Psalmist testifies that calling upon God from the heart is true worship and honors him.

Pulling It Together: Do good but do not depend upon your good works. Depend upon God, upon his word and his promises. Though they please him if done from the heart, God does not require your sacrifices. He does require faith. Only wholehearted belief will trust God’s promises when it cannot trust its own works, services, and sacrifices. Such faith in God honors him alone and is genuine worship.

Prayer: O Lord, I rejoice in your salvation. Amen.

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The Cross and the Crown is an eight session study in Lutheran Basics, using the word "sola" to get the big picture right: that salvation is all God's doing.

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Concerning the Mass – part 21 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 01 Nov 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Hosea 6:6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

The Old Testament prophets condemn the popular opinion about ex opere operato, teaching instead the righteousness and sacrifices of the Spirit. “For in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I did not speak to your fathers or command them concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices. But this command I gave them, ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God...’” (Jer 7:22-23). How should we imagine that the Jews received this announcement, which seems to openly dissent with Moses? It is clear that God had given the fathers commands concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices, but Jeremiah is condemning an idea about sacrifices that had not come from God, namely, that these services pleased him ex opere operato. The prophet adds that God had commanded faith. “Obey my voice.” That is, believe that I am your God; that I wish to be known in this way when I show mercy and assist you, for I do not require your sacrifices. Believe that I wish to be God, the Justifier and Savior, not on account of your works, but on account of my word and promise. Truly and sincerely seek and expect help from me.

Pulling It Together: The Hebrew word for “obey” can also be understood to heed, listen, or hear. For to truly hear is to obey. If you do not obey, you have not really heard. How many times do parents cry out, “Did you hear me?” And when their child responds, “Yes,” reply with exasperation, “Then why didn’t you do what I said?” To have experienced this parental exasperation is to begin to sense the frustration of the Lord with his children.

Our parents did not wish for us to do the dishes or take out the trash or clean up our rooms, with the hope that they might love us or help us. If they were good parents, they already loved us and were more than willing to give us all the assistance we required. They did not want us to obey in order to be loved; they wanted us to obey because they already loved us. We understand this natural equation far better than we comprehend the spiritual. But there it is: God wants us to believe that he cares for us—that he is gracious and merciful—not because we have done him some service but, because he loves us.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your steadfast and abundant mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

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Concerning the Mass – part 19 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 31 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Romans 12:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

These are the sacrifices of the New Testament, as Peter teaches: “Like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 2:5). Spiritual sacrifices, however, are contrasted not only with animal sacrifices, but even with human works offered ex opere operato. “Spiritual” refers to the movements of the Holy Spirit within us. Paul teaches the same thing: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom 12:1). “Spiritual worship” is that service in which the spirit knows and apprehends God, as happens when one fears and trusts God. This is therefore contrasted with Levitical service in which cattle are slain, and also with a service in which a work is imagined to be offered ex opere operato. The Epistle to the Hebrews teaches the same thing: “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God” and adds the interpretation, “that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name” (Heb 13:15) He commands us to offer praises, that is, prayer, thanksgiving, confession, and the like. These are valid because of faith, not ex opere operato. This is understood by the phrase, “Through him then let us offer,” in other words, by faith in Christ.

Pulling It Together: We are to offer sacrifices but the Lutheran Reformers wanted to be clear, not only what those sacrifices are but, what they accomplish. There is no sacrifice that we can offer or that can be offered for us—at the altar or elsewhere—that accomplishes the forgiveness of sin, grants eternal life, or reconciles us to God. That has already been done for us, and may only be received in faith. In other words, you do not do anything to get God to forgive. God’s mercy toward us through Christ already made these gifts freely available to all who believe, not through any works, services, or sacrifices we render.

But there are other sacrifices that all Christians should offer; and these sacrifices, as has been stated, do not avail for salvation, forgiveness, and justification before God. These sacrifices of the new life in Christ are spiritual sacrifices, true worship in which the Spirit of God testifies with our spirits (Rom 8:16). This is how all believers are priests before God (1 Pet 2:5, 9; Rev 1:6), offering sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. In this service of worship, we become living sacrifices to God. This transformation does not save, but instead is simply the reasonable service or spiritual worship of all believers.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your mercy to me through your Son, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

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This booklet provides a suggested list of Bible verses, prayers, and familiar worship texts assigned to various age levels, recommended for use along with Sola Publishing’s Sunday Schoolhouse curriculum series. The order of texts matches the suggested grade levels in Luther’s Small Cat Series: elementary-aged curriculum on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, also available from Sola Publishing. 

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Concerning the Mass – part 18 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 30 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Revelation 5:6–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Now the rest are eucharistic sacrifices, called sacrifices of praise, which are specifically the preaching of the Gospel, faith, prayer, thanksgiving, confession, the afflictions of saints, yes, all good works of saints. These sacrifices are not satisfactions for those making them, or applicable on behalf of others, so as to merit for those persons the remission of sins or reconciliation, ex opere operato. Indeed, they are made by those who have already been reconciled.

Pulling It Together: There is only one work that saves, reconciles, justifies, atones, provides forgiveness of sin. That one work or sacrifice is not something that any human being can do. People earn nothing from God through a work that they have done (ex opere operato). Now, they may indeed offer sacrifices, but they do not merit God’s favor so as to redress their sinful condition. Those who have already been redeemed may offer sacrifices of thanks, praise, or other kinds of worship. It is right that they should do so since they have been made into a kingdom of priests. But these sacrifices do not expiate sin. Only Christ atoned for our sin. 

Prayer: You alone are worthy, O Lamb of God. Amen.

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Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Concerning the Mass – part 17 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 29 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Isaiah 53:4–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

The so-called Levitical propitiatory sacrifices only pointed to a future atonement. They were satisfactions by analogy, purchasing a righteousness of the Law so that those persons who sinned would not be excluded from the community. But after the revelation of the Gospel, they had to cease. Since they had to end with the revelation of the Gospel, they were not truly atoning sacrifices since the Gospel was promised for that very reason, that is, to set forth the atonement.

Pulling It Together: After the true sacrifice had been accomplished, all analogous and ceremonial sacrifices should cease. What they pointed toward had already been accomplished in Christ’s cross. There is no reason to use something lesser when it only pointed toward the fulfillment. This would be like handing a person who was dying of thirst an empty cup and telling him to drink deeply of the water that would one day appear, while holding a cup of water in the other hand. Only Christ crucified attends to our transgressions; in him alone is forgiveness of sin. No other sacrifice atones but that Lamb of God upon whom our iniquity has been laid.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for bearing my curse. Amen.

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Luther's Small Cat Discovers: The Seasons of the Church Year is written for 4th grade level students. This book takes students through the church year, accompanied by Luther’s Small Cat — a character who is just as inquisitive and precocious as the students. May your journey through the church year bring you closer to Christ, who walks through each moment of life alongside you.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 16 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 28 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Colossians 2:16–19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

We may more easily understand the word by looking at the customs of the pagans that sprang from misunderstood expressions of ancient patriarchal traditions. When great calamity struck and God seemed to be especially enraged, the Latins offered what they considered an expiatory sacrifice to appease God’s wrath. They sometimes offered human sacrifices, perhaps because they had heard that a human victim would appease God for the entire human race. The Greeks sometimes called them refuse and scum. Isaiah and Paul, therefore, mean that Christ became a victim, that is, an expiation to reconcile God by his merits and not by our own. Let it remain established in this issue: only the death of Christ is truly a propitiatory sacrifice.

Pulling It Together: You may sacrifice this thing or another, hoping that God will be appeased and forgive your sins. Or you might do some good work or act of penance, again, hoping that God will remove your guilt. Then you might try to offer God something especially meaningful—money or perhaps your very life—toward the end that you feel a sense of peace. But you will not feel any better. Indeed, you will feel worse for the trying and failing. And fail you will because you cannot make such a sacrifice. Only God can. Only God has. Christ crucified is the only sacrifice that God honors. Thanks be to God that this one truly atoning sacrifice is effective for all who take hold of Christ through faith. Our petty attempts at sacrifice are nothing, mere shadows; only Christ is real, solid, substantial.

Prayer: Help me, Holy Spirit, hold fast to Jesus. Amen.

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Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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Concerning the Mass – part 15 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 27 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Romans 6:2-4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Isaiah interprets the Law so we may know that the death of Christ is truly expiation or satisfaction for our sins, which the ceremonies of the Law are not. Therefore he says, “When he makes himself an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days” (Isa 53:10). For the word asam employed here means a victim sacrificed for transgression. In the Law this meant that a certain victim was to come to make satisfaction for our sins and reconcile God, so that people might know that God wishes to be reconciled to us on account of the merits of another, namely Christ, not because of our own righteousness. Paul interprets the same word as sin. “For sin, he condemned sin in the flesh” (Rom 8:3). God punished sin for sin, that is by a victim for sin.

Pulling It Together: Baptism “brings about forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe, as the Word and promise of God declare” (The Small Catechism). There is no halfway here. Baptism does not sort of save, or maybe save. God’s promise attends the water, so baptism saves. This is not dependent upon our goodness or our religious righteousness. The efficacy of baptism depends upon the sacrifice that undergirds it, namely Christ. When we are baptized, we are buried into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3). So in our reborn person, there is no sin. Sin is quite dead. Our sin died with Christ on the cross. This is why Paul said that it was no longer he who sinned, but his flesh that did so (Rom 7:20). What else can this flesh do but sin? But thanks be to God that we are delivered from this body of flesh by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, a sinner of your own redeeming. Amen.

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The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 13 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 26 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Hebrews 10:4-10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

In fact, there has been only one propitiatory sacrifice in the world, namely, the death of Christ, as the Epistle to the Hebrews teaches. “For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins” (Heb 10:4). A little later, it speaks of the will of Christ. “And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Heb 10:10).

Pulling It Together: Although there were symbolic types of atoning sacrifice in the Old Testament, true, propitiatory sacrifice was only accomplished by Jesus Christ. This was what he came to earth to accomplish. “Behold, I have come to do your will” (Heb 10:9). Because this justification of sinners with God could not be accomplished through the sacrifice of animals—even the thousands that Solomon offered (1 Kings 3:4; 2 Chr 7:5)—the perfect Son of God came to fulfill his Father’s will (Matt 5:17). The temporary satisfactions of animal sacrifice were finished in the perfect, complete work of God’s Lamb. His atoning sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the Law and makes God just to forgive us all our sins.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for putting me in a righted relationship with your Father. Amen.

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Confirmation Series is a basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum, designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Lord's Prayer workbook is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on the Introduction, each of the Petitions, and the Conclusion. The Scripture focus in the Lord's Prayer series is on the Parables of Jesus, with Bible Study lessons taken from the Gospels.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 13 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 25 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for jigsaw puzzle.

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1 Corinthians 2:2 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

All Levitical sacrifices may be sorted under one of these groups. The Law titled certain sacrifices as propitiatory because of their significance or similarity. These sacrifices did not merit the forgiveness of sins before God, but did on the basis of the righteousness of the Law, so that those for whom they were made might not be excluded from the community. Therefore they were called atoning sacrifices for sin and burnt offerings for trespasses. The eucharistic sacrifices were food offerings, drink offerings, thanksgivings, first fruits, and tithes.

Pulling It Together: Our concern is what a propitiatory or atoning sacrifice is for Christians. For that matter, what is an atoning sacrifice for anyone during this Christian era? There is just one: Christ crucified. Every other sacrifice is not one that atones or reconciles God to sinners. We may render the sacrifice of praise, but it does not atone. We may offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, tithes, time, our very selves, but these will never satisfy God. Any sacrifice that we make can not make us righteous before God. Only “Christ and him crucified” satisfies God and justifies believers.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for dying so that I may live. Amen.

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All of the Sola Sunday Schoolhouse materials for Year C may be found here. They include reproducible sheets of Bible lesson, pictures, drama, worksheets, and a Christmas program. This is the Schoolhouse unit subtitled "Stories from the Beginning," covering Bible stories from the first half of the Old Testament, from Genesis through Joshua.

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Concerning the Mass – part 12 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 24 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for jigsaw puzzle.

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Hebrews 10:8-10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

There are only two kinds of sacrifice—no more. One is propitiatory sacrifice: a work of satisfaction for guilt and punishment that reconciles God, or appeases God’s wrath, or that merits the forgiveness of sins for others. The other kind is the eucharistic sacrifice, which does not merit the forgiveness of sins or reconciliation, but by it those who have been reconciled give thanks or show gratitude for the forgiveness of sins and for other benefits received. We must keep in view these two types of sacrifice during this controversy, as well others, taking care not to confuse them. If the limits of this book would allow, we would add the reasons for this distinction, as it has many testimonies in the Epistle to the Hebrews and elsewhere.

Pulling It Together

Jesus ended the former type of sacrifice, that is, animal sacrifice for the purposes of reconciliation with God and the forgiveness of sin. Therefore, since that sort of sacrifice has been ended by Christ himself, we have no business offering a sacrifice of the altar that would be said to afford remission of sin or to appease an angry God. In Christ’s single sacrifice rendered for all people for all time, he offered himself as the perfect Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)—both original sin and all of our various sins as well.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for doing the will of your Father. Amen.

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In The Blowing WindPastor Eddy Perez gives a heartfelt and unvarnished recounting of the Holy Spirit's amazing work in his life and in the lives of others. In addition to speaking to the power of the Third Person of the Trinity, Pastor Perez's story also offers readers a rare glimpse of the day-to-day struggles of simply being a Christian under Cuba's communist regime, culminating with the cliffhanger account of his escape to the United States.

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Concerning the Mass - part 11 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 23 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Mark 16:16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Theologians rightly distinguish between a Sacrament and a sacrifice. The common genus of both of these is either a ceremony or a sacred work. A Sacrament is a ceremony or work in which God presents us with that which the promise attached to the ceremony offers. Therefore, Baptism is a work—not one that we offer to God, but in which God baptizes us through a minister operating in the place of God. Here God offers and presents the forgiveness of sins according to the promise: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). A sacrifice, on the contrary, is a ceremony or work that we render to God in order to honor him.

Pulling It Together: Baptism is necessary for salvation. Jesus did not say, Believe and you will be saved. Instead, he adds a work that he does to us through a Sacrament (meaning a sacred thing). This is not a sacrifice or work done by us, but one that God does for us. The work of God is effective because of the promise that he has connected to the ceremony. In the Sacrament of Baptism, both belief and baptism are given to us by God. Even the faith to believe is a gift from God (Eph 2:8). The promise attached to God’s work in us—both faith and baptism—is that one is saved. The Sacrament of Baptism “brings about forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe, as the Word and promise of God declare” (Small Catechism).

Prayer: Help me to hold fast to my faith in you, Lord, by remembering that you baptized me. Amen.

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Learning About Baptism teaches the meaning of Holy Baptism according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the First Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons focus on Baptism as a promise from God, emphasizing the power of God's Word in the Sacrament to create faith and repentance in our daily life.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning the Mass - part 10 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 22 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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2 Timothy 2:15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Socrates, in the Phaedrus of Plato, says that he is especially fond of divisions, because without them nothing can either be explained or understood in a discussion, and if he discovers someone skillful in making divisions, he would attend him and follow in his footsteps as those of a god. He instructs the divider to separate the members at their very joints, lest like an unskillful cook, he sever the member at the wrong place. But the adversaries despise these principles, and so, according to Plato, are truly kakoi mavgeiroi or poor butchers, since they mutilate the members of the concept of “sacrifice,” as will be understood when we have enumerated the types of sacrifice.

Pulling It Together: It is critical to have a right understanding. Our modern English Bible translations use the phrase, “rightly handling the word of truth.” The King James Version puts a finer point on the phrase by following William Tyndale’s lead in literally translating the phrase as “rightly dividing the word of truth.” The idea here is that one should cut straight when reading the Bible. One should correctly analyze the word. This happens best when the plain truth of the Word is sought, allowing Scripture to interpret itself instead of filtering the Word with traditions and human philosophy. The latter too often leads to a butchering of the Word. What does Scripture have to say about a subject? That is the proper question when one wishes to rightly handle or divide God’s Word.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, lead me as I read your Word. Amen.

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"Why Did Jesus Have to Die?" examines the most profound event of salvation history—the crucifixion of Jesus Christ—exploring from a biblical perspective what is known as the doctrine of the Atonement. This six-week Bible Study would be particularly appropriate during the season of Lent.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass - part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 21 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Hebrews 10:11-14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Although our case has already been stated, we shall add a few things on this topic because the adversaries foolishly pervert many passages of Scripture to defend their errors. In the Confutation they have said many things concerning “sacrifice.” We purposely avoided this term in our Confession due to its ambiguity. We have explained our criticisms of how those persons misunderstand and abuse the term “sacrifice.” Now, in order to explain the passages of Scripture that have been wickedly perverted, it is necessary to set forth from the beginning what a sacrifice is. For a decade, the adversaries have published almost infinite volumes concerning sacrifice, yet not one of them has given a definition of sacrifice thus far. They simply rip the word “sacrifices” from either the Scriptures or the Fathers, then attach their own ideas, as though sacrifice signifies whatever pleases them.

Pulling It Together: Scripture presents Christ as our High Priest, who through his one sacrifice has taken away the sins of the world. Those who believe are justified with God by no merit or works of their own. They are sanctified forever for Christ’s sake, that is, because of what he has done. This sacrifice that has brought about forgiveness of sin, justification, sanctification, and eternal life with God are a free gift from God. In other words, our goodness, our religion, our works are not the conditions of God’s sacrifice for us. His grace alone has provided all that is necessary. We need only to have faith in him, believing that his love for us is sufficient to provide the one sacrifice for our salvation.

Prayer: Give me faith to believe, Lord, in you alone. Amen.

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One For All is a nine-session Bible study explores the center of the Christian faith by focusing on the unique and exclusive promise of Jesus. It examines not only the claims that Christ made about himself in Scripture, but the claim that the Lord makes on our lives as well. By focusing on the Gospel message of salvation in Christ alone, the study seeks to show how God makes us a part of His mission to the whole world, and how "the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all."

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 20 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Matthew 26:28 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

If this was all that needed to be said, then the case has already been stated. For no sane person can approve of that pharisaic and heathen opinion of opus operatum. Nevertheless, this opinion has seized the people, infinitely increasing the number of masses. Masses are purchased, thinking that by them, God’s wrath is appeased. They hope by this work to obtain the remission of guilt and punishment, to procure what they need in life, and even to liberate the dead. Monks and sophists have brought this pharisaical teaching into the Church.

Pulling It Together: The common belief was that God’s grace and mercy could be had at a price. Therefore, spiritual benefit could come from the work worked, opus operatum. Not only could God’s forgiveness be had in the Mass, but for a fee, one could have health and prosperity. The so-called prosperity gospel probably comes to the mind of today’s reader. Yet, in the Reformers’ day, this superstitious and heretical idea had taken hold of the whole Church.

Prayer: O Lord, help us to trust in your grace alone. Amen.

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Concerning the Mass – part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 19 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 5:1-2 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

We remind our readers that this is the principal question. Aeschines admonished the judges that just as boxers contend with one another for their position, they also should strive with their adversary concerning the real point, not permitting him to wander beyond the issue. In the same manner, our opponents should be obliged to speak on the topic at hand. When the real issue has been thoroughly understood, an appraisal of both arguments will be very easy.

We have stated in our Confession that the Lord’s Supper does not bestow grace ex opere operato, and that, when applied on behalf of others, alive or dead, it does not merit for them ex opere operato the forgiveness of sins, guilt, or punishment. This position is clearly and firmly established, first, because it is impossible to obtain the forgiveness of sins on account of our own work ex opere operato, and second, because the terrors of sin and death must be overcome through faith, when we comfort our hearts with the knowledge of Christ, believing that we are forgiven for Christ’s sake, and that the merits and righteousness of Christ are given us. “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). These things are so sure and so firm that they can stand against all the gates of hell.

Pulling It Together

Peace comes to us through faith. Faith must come first, since we cannot know peace until we know that somehow we have become righteous before God. Now, any sane person knows that righteousness cannot come by virtue of human works. Try as we might, we know that we are not righteous by virtue of what good we have done, or what evil we have avoided. We know that all is lost; there is no way for us to have peace because it is impossible for us to become righteous under our own power. Our moral excellence is none too excellent. So, we try to do better. We do more religious works and good deeds but are ever mindful of how much we fall short (Rom 3:23). This persistent voice within us is that old hammer, the law, pounding away at us.

All would be lost if that were the only voice we ever heard. Yet, there is a good word too. That word is Jesus. We can never be righteous before God for the sake of the things we do, try to do, try not to do, or fail to do. Yet for the sake of Jesus, those who believe are forgiven their sins. We become justified, or made right, with God through our faith in Christ. The result is that our peace comes from Christ, not from ourselves (Phil 4:7; Col 3:15). This is a most excellent peace that persists despite our less than excellent thoughts, words, and actions.

Prayer: Lord, I believe. Amen.

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Teach Us to Pray is an eight lesson curriculum based around Luther's Small Catechism.  Each lesson has a Bible study connected to the article of the Lord's Prayer covered. A section entitled "About Prayer"  teaches students helpful items about a solid prayer life and a prayer assignment for the coming week.  A major goal of this material is to help kids experience prayer and practice it in a variety of ways. This book could be used as part of a larger Confirmation series, or as a "pre-confirmation" Sunday School series for Jr. High and Middle School youth.

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Concerning the Mass – part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 18 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Mark 11:15–17 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Although our opponents have collected many testimonies to prove that the Mass is a sacrifice, their great tumult of words from authorities, rationalizations, and testimonies, however lengthy, are silenced by the single answer that the Mass does not confer grace ex opere operato. Nor may it be applied to merit for others the forgiveness of venial and mortal sins, guilt, and punishment. This one response overthrows all the objections of the adversaries, not only in their Confutation, but in all the writings that they have published concerning the Mass.

Pulling It Together: Grace is not merited “from the work worked” (ex opere operato) by humans. It is a gift received through faith in the great work of Christ. Going through religious motions accounts for nothing without faith in God’s word of promise. Therefore, since one may only have faith for self, God’s grace cannot be applied to another. I may not be baptized for another’s good. I may not receive the means of grace in the Holy Supper for the sake of another. More to the example at hand, I may not purchase an indulgence—even if it is a private Mass instead of a scrap of paper—that merits forgiveness of sins for anyone (myself or another), or take time off of a so-called Purgatory. Grace is a gift from God, received through individual faith, not something available from a vendor.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for accomplishing for the world—yet even for me—forgiveness of sin and life everlasting. Amen.

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A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

• Part 1  • Part 1 Leader's Guide  • Part 2  • Part 2 Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 17 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400

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2 Thessalonians 3:10–12 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

We will not discuss the nature of their origins for the moment. Yet, it is obvious that private Masses increased after the beggar monks began to prevail. The increase of superstition and racketeering caused good people to want some limit to this thing for a long time. St. Francis wished to mend this matter by deciding that each fraternity should be content with a single, daily, common Mass. This changed later, either because of superstition or for the sake of gain. So, where it is advantageous, they change the institutions of the Fathers, then cite the authority of the Fathers against us. Epiphanius writes that in Asia, Holy Communion was celebrated three times a week, but that there were no daily Masses. Indeed, he states that this custom was handed down from the apostles. He says, “Assemblies for Communion were appointed by the apostles to be held on the fourth day, on Sabbath eve, and the Lord’s Day.”

Pulling It Together: I know a man who reads his morning paper, then removes the employment section of the classified ads. He takes that bit of the paper with him on his drive to work. If someone is panhandling on a street corner, he hands them the employment classifieds. You may or may not like his approach, but you have to admit that there are a lot of beggars out there. Now, imagine that those beggars are religious, begging money so they can build a church. Envisage them at the street corners on your way to work. Imagine they tell you that your family members are kept from the joy of heaven because of you—because you could simply purchase a private Mass to be celebrated in their memory that would shorten their time in Purgatory. What would you do if besieged by these beggars day after day? Perhaps you would eventually consider printing copies of 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 to hand to them when they approach you.

Prayer: Lord, give me work to do and help me do it as if I were working for you. Amen.

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Learning the Lord's Prayer teaches the Lord's Prayer according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Second Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism – Children's Version

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 16 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Acts 20:7 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

The fact that we hold only public or common Mass is no offense to the Church catholic. Even today, Greek churches do not conduct private Masses; there is only the public Mass, and that on the Lord’s Day and festivals. Daily Mass is held in the monasteries, but this too is only public. These are the vestiges of early practices, as the ancient writers before Gregory make no mention of private Masses.

Pulling It Together: The Augsburg Confession, of which this document is a defense against the charges of the Roman Confutation, states that “the Mass is a Sacrament for those gathered.” Therefore, Lutherans in the days of the Reformation celebrated Holy Communion when the people would gather to worship. The point of this is simply that the Lord’s Supper is for the people—all believers, not a select few who might be seeking special favor or who have paid for the privilege. For it is Christ who has paid the price—not any of us. 

Prayer: As we assemble to worship, Lord, help us always to gather around you. Amen.

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Personalities of Faith is a ten-session Bible study for youth. The goal of the series is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith." By showing biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 15 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 10:17 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Ceremonies should be observed to teach people Scripture, and that those who have been reproved by the Word may have faith and fear, and may then also pray. So, we retain the Latin language for those who are learning and understand Latin, yet mingle with it German hymns so that the people may also learn things that evoke faith and fear. This custom has always existed in our churches. Some sing German hymns more frequently, and others less often, nevertheless people almost everywhere sang something in their own language. However, it has nowhere been written or even suggested that the act of hearing lessons is a benefit to people when they do not understood the language, or that ceremonies are a benefit ex opere operato, because they are performed or are gazed upon—instead of because they teach or admonish. Away with such pharisaic opinions!

Pulling It Together: One must trust the promise of God, believing with true faith. Yet, as we have said, this cannot be accomplished without the Word. One must actually hear the words of Scripture, not a babbling in another language but real, understandable words. What would Christ himself have accomplished if he spoke to his disciples and the multitudes in Mandarin or English? They had a hard enough time comprehending his parables when spoken in their own language. Now we might insist that they should simply trust he was saying something very important and that they should just believe it. But believe what? Exactly what? There is the rub. One may say she believes, and feel quite pious for being so devout. But where is the faith in that?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for working faith within me through your Word. Amen.

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The season of Advent is not only a time of preparation for Christmas, it is a time to consider God's long-term plans and how God has promised that he will intervene in the lives of his people, and the world itself, on the coming Day of the Lord. Prophecy Fulfilled is a four week Bible Study about the Old Testament prophecies of our Lord's Advent, showing how these prophetic words were fulfilled not only in the coming of Christ over 2,000 years ago, but how they also point ahead to the return of Christ in his Second Coming.

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Concerning the Mass – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 14 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Acts 8:30

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

Our opponents offer a lengthy diatribe about the use of the Latin language in the Mass, in which they absurdly amuse themselves about how it profits someone who knows nothing of the faith of the Church to hear a Mass which he does not understand. They must imagine that the mere act of hearing is a service of worship that benefits people without it being understood. We are unwilling to belabor this point, but leave it to the judgment of the reader. We mention it in passing for the purpose of stating that our churches also also retain the Latin lessons and prayers.

Pulling It Together: More than one person has proclaimed to me, as though to unsettle me, I suppose, that going to church does not make one a Christian. Well, amen to that. God creates faith through the working of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Now that very often happens in churches, but it may just as well happen in a house, a prison, a field, or anywhere else because it always happens by the same agency: hearing the word of Christ. “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rom 10:17). Thank God for those like Wycliffe, Luther, and Tyndale who translated the Scriptures into their own languages, so that God may give us understanding. 

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to be engrossed by your Word. Amen.

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Sola’s Confirmation workbook, The Lord's Prayer, is designed to be a small group Bible study, student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Mass – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 13 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Timothy 4:13–16

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

To begin with, we must repeat our preliminary statement that we do not abolish the Mass but religiously maintain and defend it. Mass is celebrated every Lord’s Day in our churches, and on the other festivals, when the Sacrament is offered to those who long for it after they have been examined and absolved. We observe traditional liturgical order such as the Lectionary, prayers, vestments, and similar things.

Pulling It Together: The Reformers would not sit still for the scattered blows of their opponents’ Confutation. Twisting statements into something they are not could not be permitted, if the central focus of the Reformation was to be maintained. It is easy enough for an adversary to get people to think you are something you are not, simply by spinning the truth. The fact was (and is) that Lutherans were quite similar to those whom they prayed would reform. Yet, this entire Defense shows that those who needed reforming tried to paint the Lutherans as wild heretics. Meanwhile, the Lutheran Reformers kept bringing the focus back to the main point of conflict: how God is reconciled. Our new section, “Concerning the Mass,” will show again the similarities and the one major difference between the Reformers and the Church they wished to reform.

Prayer: Bless us, O Lord, with those who teach us sound doctrine. Amen.

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The ReClaim Hymnal for Church and Home contains three Communion Settings along with liturgies for Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, Funerals, and other occasional services. It also includes the Small Catechism, as well as 275 beloved hymns from various hymn traditions. It is a resource that would be suitable for confirmation and graduation gifts as well as congregational use. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 53 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 12 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Luke 11:28 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Whatever may happen, our princes will be able to have clear consciences. Even if priests had done wrong by marrying, it is surely contrary to the will and Word of God to break up marriages and issue these cruel bans. Our princes do not delight in novelty or dissent, but it is more certain that they have higher regard for the Word of God than all other things.

Pulling It Together: Cultural correctness is not an easy thing to buck. It feels like nearly everyone is against you. Yet, it is far better to have the whole world denounce you than have God condemn you. What is the clear teaching of the Word? That is God’s will. Does someone spin fine words and human reason that make you question God’s will? Go to his Word. What is written?

Prayer: Spirit of God, strengthen me to keep your Word. Amen.

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Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 52 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 11 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Peter 1:24–25

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

They defend a law that is godless and destructive to good morals with false arguments like these. With such reasons they set the minds of princes firmly against God’s judgment, who will hold them accountable for dissolving marriages, and for torturing and killing priests. Do not doubt that, as the blood of Abel cried out in death (Gen 4:10), so the blood of many good men, against whom they have unjustly raged, will also cry out. God will avenge this cruelty. Then you will discover how vacuous our opponents’ reasons are, and you will perceive that in God’s judgment, no slander against God’s Word will stand, as Isaiah says, “All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field” (Isa 40:6).

Pulling It Together

Only God’s Word will abide. Our idle arguments will wither, our fine words and reasoning fall with the flowers at the end of summer. As they wither and fall, God’s glory will appear in full bloom before us. It was there all along but obscured by the high-standing hedges of our lofty intellects.

Prayer: Lord, have mercy. Amen.

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Not My Will, But Yours is a six-week study that explores the topic of the “free will” from a biblical perspective, looking at what Scripture has to say about the bondage of the human will, and how Jesus Christ has come to deliver us from ourselves.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 51 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 10 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Titus 3:5 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

The third argument is horrible, namely, that the marriage of priests is the Jovinian heresy. Fine-sounding words! This is a new crime, that marriage is a heresy! In the time of Jovinian, the world did not yet know the law concerning perpetual celibacy. Therefore, it is an impudent falsehood to say that the marriage of priests is the heresy of Jovinian, or that the Church condemned marriage at that time. We can see in such passages the design our opponents had in writing their Confutation. They determined that the unlearned would be most easily stirred up if they were to frequently hear the charge of heresy, and if they pretended that our cause had been dispatched and condemned by many previous decisions of the Church. Hence, they often falsely quote the decisions of the Church. They know this well, which is why they refused to give us a copy of their Confutation, lest their lies and slander be exposed.

We have already expressed our opinion regarding the case of Jovinian about the values of celibacy and marriage, not considering marriage and celibacy equal. Still, neither merits justification.

Pulling It Together

As stated when writing about the Distinction of Meats, Jovinian was a monk and ascetic in the fourth century who wrote against celibacy and other monastic traditions. He praised the virtues of marriage and was therefore, of course, branded a heretic. Some considered him the forerunner of Luther and the Reformers. Yet Luther and others did no go so far as to discredit celibacy and the bodily disciplines altogether. Prayer and fasting were essentials of Lutheran preaching. Even celibacy was encouraged for those who could actually embrace it. As always for the Lutherans, their disagreement was not actually in matters of marriage versus celibacy, or indulgence versus asceticism, but that these things do not merit salvation. They taught that such works cannot earn favor with God, confessing instead that God’s favor is promised to those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Help me remember, Father, that I am your child, cleansed and reborn by your grace alone. Amen.

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Combining the message of salvation in Christ with personal witness, The Gospel in Miniature is a Lutheran guide for evangelism. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 50 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 09 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Thessalonians 4:7–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

When Isaiah says, “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord,” it should be understood to mean a cleanness of heart and total repentance. Besides, the saints will know the value of restraint in the marriage bed, as Paul says about “possess[ing] his own vessel in sanctification and honor” (1 Thes 4:4, KJV). Finally, since marriage is pure, it is rightly said that those who do not practice sexual restraint should marry wives in order to be pure. Therefore, the same law, “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord,” commands impure celibates to become pure husbands.

Pulling It Together: If one cannot in his own power do what God expects, that is, if he continues to sin, then he should do what God says is the answer. It is foolhardy to do what people say ought to be done when God has given a different solution. God has provided his system for sexual purity. To act otherwise displays either a contempt of God’s word or lunacy—or both.

Prayer: Guide my way, Lord, according to your word. Amen.

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Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 49 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 08 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Psalm 51:7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

The second argument of our opponents is that priests should be pure, according to this sentence: “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord” (Isa 52:11, KJV). They cite many things to this effect. We have already shown this argument to be especially false. For we have said that virginity without faith is not purity before God, while marriage is pure because of faith. “To the pure all things are pure” (Titus 1:15). We have also said that outward purity and the ceremonies of the law are not applicable here because the gospel requires purity of heart, not ceremonies of the law. It may be that the heart of a husband such as Abraham or Jacob, who were polygamists, is purer and burns less with lust than that of many virgins who are actually celibate.

Pulling It Together: What makes a sinner pure? Flagellations? Fastings? Offerings? Are these the things that King David did in order to be clean after his sin with Bathsheba? David well understood who did the cleansing. If God did not purify him and absolve him of his transgressions then he would never be clean, no matter the austerity of his religious practices. It is God alone who creates clean hearts and right spirits within us, who washes away our iniquities and cleanses us of sin. Those who imagine that they do these things have a basic misunderstanding of faith. They misconstrue in whom they are to have that faith. Perhaps without even realizing what they have done, they have placed their faith in themselves, in their religious acts. This is the dividing line of the Reformation, for, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psa 127:1). 

Prayer: Create a clean heart within me, O God. Amen.

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Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 48 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 07 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Corinthians 7:2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

In enumerating our arguments, we have incidentally shown our opponents’ quibbling, while at the same time, refuting their arguments. Now we shall briefly relate the earthshaking reasons they defend their law. First, they claim that it has been revealed by God. See the utter impudence of these sorry fellows! They dare to assert that the law of perpetual celibacy has been divinely revealed, even though it is contrary to obvious testimonies of Scripture, which command that each one should have his own wife in order to avoid fornication (1 Cor 7:2). Likewise, it forbids dissolution of marriages (Matt 5:32; 19:6; 1 Cor 7:27).

Paul uncovers the real author of such laws when he calls them the doctrine of demons (1 Tim 4:1). The results—namely, the magnitude of monstrous lusts and murders which are now committed under the pretext of that law—reveal the author.

Pulling It Together: This long argument against the demonic dogma of enforced and perpetual celibacy may seem to some as being overdone. Yet these very same problems persist 500 years later. Let us learn well from this lengthy denunciation how to boldly speak the plain, scriptural truth in our own time.

Prayer: Speak, Lord—even through me. Amen.

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The goal of Personalities of Faith, a ten-session Bible study for youth, is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith". Using biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 47 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 06 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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2 Corinthians 2:17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

We have given the reasons why we cannot conscientiously agree with our opponents’ defense of the pontifical law concerning perpetual celibacy. It conflicts with divine and natural law, is at variance even with the canons, is superstitious and full of danger, and, lastly, because the whole affair is disingenuous. The law is enacted for the sake of domination, not religion. Religion is merely a wicked pretext. No sane person would debate these firmly established reasons. For the gospel allows marriage to those to whom it is necessary, yet does not force marriage on those who want to be celibate—provided they are truly celibate. We contend that this freedom should also be granted to the priests, nor do we wish to force anyone into celibacy or to break up marriages.

Pulling It Together

The Wittenberg Reformers knew something about peddlers of religion. The hucksters of indulgences plagued the lands, bilking folks out of scarce money. There were other charlatans too, who traded wholesale in religion, exchanging false promises for the blessings of life. But the gospel that is our commission is not religion. Instead of shackles, the good news of Christ Jesus is liberty. The way of bondage leads to sin and death, while the clear call of Christ is freedom.

Prayer: When we speak, Lord, may we proclaim you. Amen.

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The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power” (1 Cor 6:14).

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 46 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 05 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400

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For there must be also factions among you, so that those who are authentic among you may be apparent. (1 Corinthians 11:19)

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

We know that because we seem to have separated from those who are considered regular bishops, some regard us as schismatic. But our consciences are quite secure. Despite our earnest desire to establish harmony, we cannot please our opponents unless we reject clear truth by agreeing with these very men in defending this unjust law to dissolve marriages that have been contracted, to put to death priests if they do not obey, and to drive poor women and fatherless children into exile. Since these conditions are most certainly displeasing to God, we can not regret having no alliance with the multitude of murderers among our adversaries.

Pulling It Together: What is one to do when all attempts have been made to reason with people who have willfully gone astray? There are people—yes, even in the churches—who willfully ignore Scripture, insisting instead on their own bent reasoning. This is the kind of reason that Luther called a “whore.” When people get in bed with that sort of thinking, they become diseased in the soul and spirit. If there are demon-possessed people among us, these are surely the ones who need a good, old fashioned casting out. Sometimes though, the best we can do is come out from among them.

Prayer: Lord, keep me true to your Word. Amen.

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All God’s Critters is a fully reproducible Sunday School series designed with the particular needs of small churches, mission congregations, and house churches with students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 45 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 04 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400

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John 8:44

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Popes dispense laws every day while changing other laws that are most excellent. Yet they are as resolute and relentless about this one law of celibacy, though it is obviously a simple human right. They are now making this law more severe in many ways. The canon commands that they suspend priests. These unfriendly interpreters of canon law suspend them not only from office, but from trees. They cruelly kill many men simply because they are married. These murders show this law to be a doctrine of demons. For since the devil is a murderer, he utilizes these murders to defend his law.

Pulling It Together: The devil’s lies brought sin and death into the world. Knowledge of this should provide godly people with ample courage to stand for the truth. Part of that truth is that God uses both self-discipline and marriage as means of faithfulness. Neither should be law, but each being offered to those most suited to them, either self-control or marriage. Enforced celibacy will only continue to lead undisciplined people astray. So what are the churches to do about this problem? They ought to stand for the truth. A law of celibacy is not God’s answer but marriage is his solution. And what are individual Christians to do? They too should stand for the truth in God’s Word, as they joyfully serve him in whatever vocation God has given.

Prayer: I delight in your perfect law, O Lord; help me to serve you through it in my inmost being. Amen.

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God's Reluctant Leaders is a nine-session Bible Study focuses on the stories of three biblical characters: Jonah, Gideon, and Moses. Sessions explore how God works to create faith within those whom He calls to serve His mission. The study is written at an introductory level, to be led by a lay leader or pastor in a small-group question and discussion format. It would serve as an excellent resource for monthly women's group meetings, or in an informal small-group setting.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 44 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 03 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Hebrews 13:4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Accordingly, in a time like this, marriage should have been especially defended by rigorous laws and examples, and people should have been encouraged to marry. This is the responsibility of magistrates, who ought to maintain public order. Meanwhile, teachers of the Gospel should do both: they should exhort uncontrolled people to marry, and should exhort others to not despise the gift of self-discipline.

Pulling It Together: A further edition of the Lutheran Confessions adds, “God has now so blinded the world that adultery and fornication are permitted almost without punishment; on the contrary, punishment is inflicted on account of marriage.” Surely this sounds all too familiar to the reader. Marriage is held suspect in our time, while fornication, adultery, and a host of other sexual sins are not only glossed over, these things are actually encouraged. Worse, this is not simply a societal matter; it is championed by many churches. History teaches nothing to those who know better than God. Nevertheless, marriage remains his answer to these problems that assail us.

Prayer: Lord, teach your Church and give her your Spirit’s strength and courage to do your will. Amen.

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Sola Publishing offers free downloadable resources for congregations and leaders in developing a Stewardship Emphasis for 2017-2018. The theme for this year's Stewardship Emphasis is "Dwelling in the Lord." The key Bible verse comes from Psalm 90:1“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 43 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 02 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 1:18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

We see the great vice that God denounced before the flood, what he condemned before the burning of the five cities. Similar vices have preceded the destruction of many other cities like Sybaris and Rome. In these is presented a picture of the times that will precede the end of things.

Pulling It Together: We do not like to think of a wrathful God. Yet a holy God is by default, angry at times. His anger is stirred by willful disobedience, by those who think they know better than he does. So, those who willfully disobey him when he has been so generous in providing a way of escape from the disobedience of sexual vice, will certainly taste his wrath—if not in this life, then worse, in eternity. How horrible that this disobedience is encouraged in the churches, where God’s will and ways should be taught as a comfort to his people.

Prayer: Thy will be done, Lord. Amen.

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The Sola Music Series offers simple collections of easy-to-play worship music, including new songs and arrangements of old favorites. Based in a confessional theology and a respect for the historical and sacramental liturgy, these resources do not require a high level of musical expertise. Written in a simple and straight-forward style, these songs are intended for congregations that would like to explore a less formal musical style in worship, while still maintaining the integrity of the traditional order of worship. Such music would fit into what is sometimes referred to as "contemporary" or "blended" worship, without necessarily requiring a full band of experienced musicians and singers to lead the songs. Providing lead sheets for guitar and vocals, along with full scores for piano, Sola Publishing grants to those who purchase this volume the permission to reproduce words and music of the songs within for local congregational use.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 42 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 01 Oct 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Proverbs 31:10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

This is how God pays back those who prohibit marriage, disdaining his gift and ordinance. But since it is customary to change other laws if the common good advises it, why is the same not done with respect to this law for which so many grave reasons concur about changing it, especially in these last times? Nature is gradually growing older and weaker, and vices are increasing, so divine remedies should have been employed.

Pulling It Together: Those who prohibit marriage, enforcing celibacy as a necessary good work, have become a laughing stock. Even their own dare to laugh when others make sport or even scorn their ways. For these ways are not God’s ways; perpetual celibacy is a human invention. This rule does not work now, as it did not work in the time of the Reformers. It is past time for the religious to seek God’s remedy instead. His answer is more valuable than great wealth, for which most men will never give up their pursuit. Moreover, this treasure is itself a gift from the Lord. Find a woman who fears the Lord (Prov 31:30) and who will love you, and you will have found God’s precious answer: a wife.

Prayer: Give us loving, respectful spouses, Lord, who fear, love, and trust you. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Sola Publishing offers some free downloadable resources for congregations and leaders in developing a Stewardship Emphasis for 2017-2018. The theme for this year's Stewardship Emphasis is "Dwelling in the Lord." The key Bible verse comes from Psalm 90:1: “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 41 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 30 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400

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2 Timothy 2:22–23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Good folks from all over have complained about this burden for a long time, either for themselves or for others whom they saw to be in danger. But no popes listened to these complaints. It is no mystery how this rule has greatly injured public morals, and what vices and shameful lusts it has produced. Rome still reads and recognizes in the satires its own morals.

Pulling It Together: The churches and seminaries should be places where people may safely flee the passions—not run straight into them, and with more abundance and variety than was known elsewhere. Bishops, pastors, and professors ought to lead the flight from lust, empowering their charges to stand against the riotous arguments that rationalize these vices. Nonetheless, wherever they find themselves, in the university or in the workplace, they may call upon the Lord with a pure heart, knowing that there is abundant forgiveness through Christ as they resist the world as the Word prescribes.

Prayer: Guard me, Lord, that I may stand with you for your Word. Amen.

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Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 40 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 29 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Isaiah 55:8–9 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Sixthly, we have so many reasons for disapproving of the law of perpetual celibacy. Yet, besides these, though the law were not unjust, dangers to souls and public scandals must also be considered. These alone should discourage good folks from approving of such a burden as has destroyed innumerable souls.

Pulling It Together: We should never place so-called common sense before Holy Scripture. We may imagine that we understand something perfectly well, yet God’s way are not our ways. What once seemed entirely sensible to us looks quite different through the eyes of faith. Nevertheless, when God’s Word makes something clear, and common sense does as well, the way forward is unmistakable. This was the broad path of the Reformers; they could go in no other direction concerning celibacy than that which both Scripture and sensibility dictated. 

Prayer: Teach me your Word, O Lord, that your will would become my daily desire. Amen.

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The General Epistles offers a series of 12 Bible studies based on Hebrews, James, I & II Peter, I, II, & III John, and Jude. The geographical locations of Biblical characters can symbolically refer to places we find ourselves with respect to our faith. As we become more acquainted with our spiritual geography, we will better discern where God would have us go or what changes we need to make in order to serve Him better.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 38 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 28 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Corinthians 7:35

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

We could provide examples of godly consciences that were distressed over the legitimacy of marriage. This evil sprang from the superstitious opinions of monks praising celibacy. Nevertheless, we do not find fault with temperance or continence, having stated above that discipline and mortification of the body are necessary. Yet we deny that confidence should be placed in certain observances, as if they made one righteous. Epiphanius has elegantly said that these observances should be commended “for restraining the body or for public morals,” just as certain rites were introduced for instructing the ignorant, but not as services that justify.

Pulling It Together: Marriage should never be considered an obstacle to salvation, nor as a life filled with sin. Quite the opposite is true. The Apostle Paul praises the married life for its unique ability to keep one from sin (1 Cor 7:1-7). Because of the overwhelming temptation for most people to sin sexually, Paul encourages marriage. He also recommends self-control, even for those who are married. Self-discipline in the face of this strong temptation is good for the soul and a general advantage to the public. Consider the benefit to our society if people would control themselves. There is no better way to do so than through a godly marriage. Nonetheless, even such self-control does not save. Faith in Christ is what saves, and this faith is the gracious gift of God, not something that we perform or earn. This was the continuing focus of the Reformers; how could they have possibly supported celibacy as a means of justification?

Prayer: Help me, Lord Jesus, to control myself. Amen.

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The kind of church we see in the New Testament is different from what most modern people imagine when they think of “going to church.” Experience Life Together: Experiencing House-Church Ministry, by Rev. Tom Hilpert, is a 15-week house-church curriculum designed for pastors, lay leaders, and churches interested in getting a taste for what church in the home is really like. Whether referred to as a house-church, organic church, alternative church, or cell church, this material applies well to any group that wants to experience Christian worship in the context of a small group meeting within the homes of the participants.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 37 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 27 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Colossians 2:18–19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Paul greatly disapproves of these angelic forms of worship in Colossians 2:18. For when people believe that they are pure and righteous on account of such hypocrisy, they suppress the knowledge of Christ. They also inhibit the knowledge of God’s gifts and commandments which he desires us to employ in a godly way.

Pulling It Together: Programs of austerity for the sake of meriting favor with God are useless. Indeed, they are harmful. These things make us think that we are the cause of our own salvation. But when we face our condition, confessing our sins instead of imagining that we can atone for them, then we understand that Christ alone is our Head, the only ground of salvation. Looking to him, we find that he is the one who created faith in us through the gospel, and is then perfecting it in us through the sacraments (Heb 12:2).

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Reading and Discussion of Luther's Catechisms is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, presented in a question and discussion format. 

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 39 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 26 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Hebrews 10:10–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Our adversaries require celibacy for religious reasons, for they know that chastity is not ordinarily rendered. But they feign these opinions in order to delude the ignorant. They are therefore more worthy of contempt than the Encratites, who seem to have strayed through a show of religion. By design, these Epicureans misuse religion as a pretext.

Pulling It Together: Not only was celibacy not the thing in Rome or in the monasteries, unchastity was on display in these places—as it is now. This hypocrisy was well-known to the people. Yet, the practice of having so-called celibate priests persisted, and continues to this day. This ecclesiastical law (for it is certainly not doctrine) seems to have begun to creep into the Church around the fourth century AD. At the Council of Nicea in 325AD, however, this kind of mandate was rejected. Still, it endures. Why?

It has long been believed in a variety of religions that priests who offer sacrifices must be pure. It is also thought that sex makes one impure. Therefore, a sexually active priest would be considered unclean, bringing that impurity upon the sacrifice. This presents a problem for those who believe that Christ is sacrificed again and again in the Mass. Thus, celibacy is seen as necessary.

The Reformers taught, as does Scripture, that Christ, who was pure and sinless, offered himself to God for the sins of the world. Saying that the priest makes the sacrifice of the mass pure, takes the honor away from Christ. Furthermore, as Scripture testifies, Christ Jesus offered himself as the “single sacrifice for sins.” Additional sacrifices of the Mass are both unnecessary and not biblical.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice and for the forgiveness of my sins. Amen.

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Kinderbeten is a compelling story touching on the exercise of free religion, the religious wars in Europe, the roots of Evangelicalism, the supernatural, and more, all wrapped up in a religious revival which began not through a charismatic revivalist or any adult at all, but rather found it's origin with children aged four to fourteen. The children became pawns in a controversy between political and religious opponents. Indulge your curiosity and read the remarkable story about the King of Sweden and the 1707-08 Children's Revival in Silesia, a tale of hope and prayer.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 36 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 25 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Isaiah 53:6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Misunderstanding the law of Moses, many heretics have treated marriage with contempt, but celibacy with extraordinary admiration. Epiphanius complains that by commending this, the Encratites subdued gullible minds. They abstained from wine—even in the Lord’s Supper; they abstained from the flesh of all animals, surpassing even the Dominican friars who eat fish. They also abstained from marriage; and this gained the principal admiration. They thought that they merited more grace by these works, these services rather than by using wine, meat, and marriage. These seemed to be profane and unclean matters that could scarcely please God, even though not altogether condemned.

Pulling It Together: These false teachings come about by not understanding the principal teaching of the New Testament, the one from which all good doctrine springs, and the central tenet of the Lutherans. That principal belief is that we are saved by God. Yet there are those who disagree. Those who think that they save themselves will come up with exhaustive lists of things that must be done. Denominations who imagine that people can be holy, will devise any number of ways to sanctify themselves. There are even folks—some who call themselves Lutheran—who would tell you that they are saved by God’s grace, yet will still give you things you must do in order to be justified to God.

What can a human being do that will make him right with God? I can think of nothing. Still, let us try. Does going to church get you right with God? No; worship is what keeps you oriented to the one who justifies you to himself. Does reading the Bible make you right with God? Again, no; the Scripture makes you aware of how unholy you are, while revealing the one who makes you holy in spite of yourself. Hopefully, you get the idea.

This is a matter of choosing the correct interrogative. Think of justification in terms of “who” instead of “what.” It is not what you must do but who must do it for you. What can you do? Nothing. Who has done it for you? Christ alone. So why must monks and priests be celibate instead of enjoying the good gift of God in Christian marriage? Because they are thinking of “what” instead of “who.”

Prayer: Keep me ever focused, Lord, upon you. Amen.

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The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 35 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 24 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Psalm 51:17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Now such self-control is easy for those who are godly and employed. But the facts show that the multitude of slothful priests living indulgently in the fraternities cannot keep Levitical self-control. The verse is well known: The boy accustomed to being lazy, hates those who are busy.

Pulling It Together

Those who enjoy their ease and indolence, without the benefit of the Word of God, and having no regard for it, live their lives without worry or guilt. These conditions brought the most debauched lifestyles upon the Church, just as they do in our times. Such people are unable to observe Levitical self-control, let alone perpetual celibacy. Add to this that God does not desire such sacrifice from his people. The sacrifices of God are the confession of sin and genuine repentance. 

Prayer: Wash me, Lord, and I shall be clean. Amen.

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The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power” (1 Cor 6:14).

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 34 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 23 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 7:5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

In the meanwhile, good people will know how to moderately use marriage. This is especially so when they are occupied with public service, which often provides good people with so much labor that all domestic thoughts are removed from their minds. Good folk also know this, that Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 4:4, commands every one to control their own bodies with holiness. They also understand that they must sometimes abstain, in order that there may be time for prayer. Yet Paul does not wish this to be perpetual (1 Cor 7:5).

Pulling It Together: There must be good order in all things. I once did marriage counseling with a couple whose problems always seemed to come back to talk about sex. He was unsatisfied; she was overwhelmed by his constant advances. When I asked him what would be an agreeable number of times in a week for sex, his answer was first thing in the morning and last thing at night—every day. Twice. My counsel was that they not have sex for the next week but instead, devote themselves to prayer. Of course, he turned a deaf ear to this advice.

I was not encouraging celibacy but that he practice controlling his body and its urges for a while. This is about as far as Scripture takes us in terms of abstinence. It does not demand celibacy for anyone, not even ministers. But it does insist upon godly order and holiness—in bed and otherwise.

Prayer: Lord, give me such devotion to you that I honor you with my body as well as my spirit. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Basics of the Christian Faith is an edition of the catechism that is aimed at seekers, visitors, and those that may not come from a Lutheran background. It is recommended for use in outreach, as a visitor welcome gift, or in new member packets.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 33 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 22 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Acts 15:8–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

If any defend the rule of celibacy with the purpose of burdening consciences with these Levitical observances, we must strongly oppose them, just as the apostles did in Acts 15:10, resisting those who required circumcision and tried to impose the law of Moses upon Christians.

Pulling It Together: We neither require nor need any acts of purification. For it is God alone who cleanses hearts. King David knew this to be true. What work of cleansing did he do after his sin with Bathsheba? He did nothing but ask God to create a clean heart within him (Psa 51:10). The most heinous of sins are forgiven by God when one confesses those sins, believing with faith that God is both faithful and just to do forgive (1 John 1:9). God covers such persons with the righteousness of Christ (2 Cor 5:21). But if one expects to end up with a clean heart because he keeps certain fasts, gives alms, is celibate, or does any variety of good works, that person is deceived. We must resist sects who require these works, since all they do is weigh down the conscience with grief and guilt.

Prayer: Lord, create a clean heart heart within me. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes liturgies and services for your use. There are ready-to-copy settings for Holy Communion, services, services of the Word, Vespers, occasional services, funerals, and seasonal services. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 32 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 21 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 1:30–31

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

In reference to their examples about the Levitical priests, we have already replied that these do not impose a perpetual celibacy upon the priests. Furthermore, the Levitical ceremonial statutes about uncleanness do not pertain to Christians. Intercourse contrary to these statutes was an impurity. Now it is not impurity, since Paul says, “To the pure all things are pure” (Titus 1:15). The Gospel frees us from these Levitical regulations about uncleanness.

Pulling It Together: The ceremonial code in the law of Moses, those things concerning what is clean or unclean, do not pertain to Christians. Christians are freed from all the ceremonies of Moses, not only from the laws concerning uncleanness. For it is Christ who makes us pure, not washings or other observances. He has become our holiness. Holiness is not found in hairstyles, clothing, lack of jewelry, the foods eaten or abstained from, nor celibacy or marriage—or anything other than Christ Jesus. He alone is our cleanness, holiness, righteousness, purity. If one wants to be a holy priest, there is only one necessary thing: believe in Jesus Christ. 

Prayer: Thank you, righteous Lord, for imputing your righteousness to me. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 31 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 20 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 19:10–12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Neither Christ nor Paul praise virginity because it justifies, but because it is freer and less distracted by domestic occupations, allowing time for prayer, teaching, serving. For this reason Paul says, “He that is unmarried cares for the things that belong to the Lord” (1 Cor 7:32). Virginity is therefore commended for the sake of of meditation and study. Thus Christ does not simply praise those who make themselves eunuchs, but adds, for the kingdom of heaven’s sake, that is, that they may have leisure to learn or teach the Gospel. He does not say that virginity merits the forgiveness of sins or salvation.

Pulling It Together: I am distracted every day by domestic duties, when what I am anxious to do is write and study and pray and so forth. On Saturday about Noon, in the midst of running one more household errand, I complained (again) to my wife: “I’m not going to get anything done today!” Truth be told, I ended up getting a great deal of kingdom work accomplished, but see how anxious I was when domestic duties got in the way? Furthermore, domestic duties are kingdom duties. Being Susan’s husband is part of my calling. But for those who can receive it, celibacy probably affords more time to a stricter regimen.

Prayer: Lord God, help Christian families make time to do your will and the work of the kingdom. Amen.

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The Sola Online Worship Resource is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 30 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 19 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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2 Timothy 1:9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Here they might exclaim that we put marriage on par with celibacy, like Jovinian. But such clamoring will not cause us to reject the truth about the righteousness of faith that we have explained above. Still, we do not consider celibacy and marriage as equal. For just as one gift surpasses another—prophecy surpassing eloquence, military science surpassing agriculture, and eloquence surpassing architecture—celibacy is a more excellent gift than marriage. Yet, just as an orator is not more righteous before God because of his eloquence than an architect because of his skill in architecture, so a virgin does not merit justification through virginity more than a married person merits it by marital duties. Instead, each one ought to faithfully serve within his own gift, believing that he receives the forgiveness of sins for Christ’s sake, and through faith is accounted righteous before God.

Pulling It Together: Whether or not we concur with the rhetorical comparisons used by Melancthon, we may understand his point. That is, we cannot earn the favor of God. Rather, because of Christ’s work, those who believe are regarded as righteous by God. Whatever our gifts or vocation in life, we are to serve God faithfully with and within those gifts and vocations, never dreaming that our lot in life or the works we do justify us to God. That is always the work of Christ alone, as God graciously determined before all creation. So, how could justification possibly be the work of creatures like us?

Prayer: Thank you, O Father, for choosing before this world began, to save all who believe in your only Son our Lord. Amen.

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The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 29 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 18 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 5:1

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Finally, if they understand celibacy as purity in the sense that it merits justification more than does marriage, we most emphatically disagree. For we are not justified on account of virginity or on account of marriage, but freely for Christ’s sake, when we believe that God is gracious to us for his sake.

Pulling It Together: Whenever some religious notion enters our heads, making us imagine that we must do one thing or another in order to earn God’s grace, we may confidently declare that thing to be false. It is not that the thing should not be done; rather, it is that the thing does not save. For example, if you think that you should pray the hours, then by all means, pray! Yet, do not think for a second that your prayers make you right with God. Christ alone makes you right with God. If you want to fast on a certain day of the week, do so with God’s blessing. But do not imagine that your discipline merits justification with God. Christ alone justifies. If you feel led to be celibate, do so joyfully but do not hope that your celibacy gains you any righteousness beyond the righteousness that you freely receive from God because you believe in the righteousness of Christ.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving me access to the hope of God’s grace through faith. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes liturgies and services for your use. There are ready-to-copy settings for Holy Communion, services, services of the Word, Vespers, occasional services, funerals, and seasonal services. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 28 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 17 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 15:10–20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 28

Again, a proper comparison between purity and lust means that purity means a purity of the heart, a putting lust to death. Therefore, the law does not prohibit marriage, but rather lust, adultery, fornication. So, celibacy is not purity. For there may be greater purity of heart in a married man, as in Abraham or Jacob, than in most of those who are actually celibate.

Pulling It Together: It is the heart that must be changed, not necessarily one’s vocation or position in life. One may think that he must become a pastor in order to be on heaven’s path. Yet the worker on an assembly line is enabled to meditate on God’s Word in the minutes between each screw he must fasten on the next item coming by him. Others imagine they must dress in a certain manner, cut their hair just so, not cut their hair at all, go on pilgrimages, eat or not eat certain foods, be celibate, or maintain any number of other religious practices in order to be pure before God. But it is not the clothing that must change, or the hair, or the place, or the food, or the drink, or the marital state—or anything else than the heart—that must change.

Prayer: Make me pure, Lord, and I shall be pure. Amen.

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Getting to Know Martin Luther is a five-lesson Confirmation workbook about Martin Luther's life that will help confirmands get a better glimpse into what faith means for their own lives by searching and understanding the Word of God, trusting in Christ alone for our salvation, standing up for what they believe in, and helping others to learn the truth about God.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 27 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 16 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Titus 1:15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

These readings teach that marriage is a lawful thing. If purity indicates the permission and approval of God, marriages are pure because they have been approved by the Word of God. Paul says of lawful things, “To the pure all things are pure” (Titus 1:15), that is, to those who believe in Christ and are righteous by faith. So, as virginity is impure in the godless, so marriage is pure in the godly on account of the Word of God and faith.

Pulling It Together: Nothing is pure, if it is done outside of faith and God’s Word. An unbeliever may practice the most ascetic spiritual disciplines. He may fast, study, meditate, remain celibate, and feed the poor, but none of this is pure if it is exercised without faith. But for the believer, the one who has faith in Christ, “all things are pure.” For it is God who makes things pure; the works themselves do not purify. Celibacy without faith in God is actually a defilement of the person. If even a believer imagines his efforts at purity, his supposed good works, purify him, then he is both deluded and impure. However, if a priest or anyone else marries, having faith in God’s Word, that he makes this estate pure, then it is not only pure but must also be permitted.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord God, for purifying even the most basic things of life. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The ReClaim Hymnal for Church and Home contains three Communion Settings along with liturgies for Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, Funerals, and other occasional services. It also includes the Small Catechism, as well as 275 beloved hymns from various hymn traditions. It is a resource that would be suitable for confirmation and graduation gifts as well as congregational use. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 26 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 15 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Timothy 1:14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Likewise, “Yet woman will be saved through bearing children, if she continues in faith and love and holiness, with modesty” (1 Tim 2:15). If our opponents could produce such a passage about celibacy, then they could celebrate a great triumph. Paul says that woman is saved through childbearing. What could be a more fitting statement against the hypocrisy of celibacy than the honor that woman is saved by the conjugal works themselves—by marital intercourse, by bearing children, and other duties of the home? But what does Paul mean? Let the reader observe that faith is added—that domestic duties without faith are not praised. “If she continues,” he says, “in faith.” He speaks of the whole class of mothers, so he particularly requires faith by which woman receives the forgiveness of sins and justification. Then he adds a particular work of the calling, just as a good work of a particular calling ought to follow faith in every person. This work pleases God because of faith. So, we see that the duties of the woman please God on account of faith, and a believing woman is saved who devoutly serves her calling in such duties.

Pulling It Together: If ever there were a single word that summed up the Lutheran Confessions, it is the word faith. Everything depends upon faith in God, and that depends upon God’s grace. So, even in being a mother or any other vocation, faith must be both the catalyst and the fuel. If women expect to be saved through motherhood alone, they will be disappointed. If someone expects justification with God because of being a pastor, they will be shocked when judgment comes. If someone expects to be saved because of any great work, well, this is not the word of the Scripture. Faith must be added. We are saved because we have faith in Christ; this faith then compels us to fulfill our vocations, our callings—whether parent or pastor or doctor or any other calling that is made holy through faith in God. That is why Paul says, “continues.” The faith was present first, then came the work, but faith must endure since we trust in Christ, not our callings or our works. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your overflowing grace toward me that gives me faith in Christ alone. Amen.

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Journey Through the Bible is a twenty-session series written by Tony Stoutenburg, intended as a video study guide for watching the made-for-television miniseries, "The Bible" — a ten-part video available on DVD and Blueray. (Note: For those who do not have access to “The Bible” Miniseries, it is certainly possible to substitute other videos or clips to tell the same stories. The classroom portion of this book also can be used as a stand-alone, 10-session study.)

Alternating between classroom discussion and video viewing sessions, the goal is to visually expose students to the stories of the full Biblical narrative across the Old and New Testaments. The curriculum is aimed at the middle-school age level for use as an introductory pre-confirmation Bible overview or as a year-long Confirmation unit. 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 25 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 14 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 7:12–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Likewise, the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, etc. (1 Cor 7:14). That is, marriage is permitted and holy on account of faith in Christ, just as it is permitted to eat meat, etc.

Pulling It Together: Even if one partner in a marriage is not Christian, marriage remains holy. Its sanctity depends upon God’s word, not upon one person’s beliefs. Even so, it is often the case that the wife’s or husband’s example leads the husband or wife to faith in Christ. But the main point here is that marriage remains a holy estate even if one person is not a believer—not because of the beliefs of the person, but because of the God who ordains marriage. If God has joined two people in marriage, as he most certainly does, then marriage is pure and holy because of God. Furthermore, the unbelieving spouse has been set apart (which is the meaning of being holy) to live within a Christian sphere of influence.

Prayer: Use believing husbands and wives, Lord, to lead their spouses to faith in Christ. Amen.

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500th Anniversary – The Reformation is a collection and summary of some of the key documents of the Reformation. Assembled and edited by the Rev. Jeffray Greene for the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, it is meant to be a reference-resource for congregations and study groups, to familiarize laity with the scope and contents of these important texts. (The length of this book was kept brief, to allow congregations to make it available to people at a reasonable price.)

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 24 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 13 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Timothy 4:1–5 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 24

Paul says that marriage, food, and similar things are sanctified by the Word of God and prayer (1 Tim 4:5)—through the Word which makes consciences certain that God approves—through prayer, that is, by faith that uses it with thanksgiving as a gift of God.

Pulling It Together: Efforts to be holy through anything other than Christ are denials of Christ and of his justification of us. Devoting ourselves to religious things such as abstinence—whether foods or marriage—is to deprive ourselves, not only of foods and marriage but, of Christ himself. God created these good things for the benefit of those who put their trust in Christ alone. Indeed, they are not merely good, but holy also, because the believer receives them with thanksgiving, since they have been sanctified through the Word of God.

Prayer: Give me faith to always trust in you alone, God, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

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A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, presented in a question and discussion format. The Leader's Guide that accompanies this study is a resource for those facilitating group discussion, or may serve as a reader's commentary for those who are studying the Book of Concord on their own.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 23 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 12 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 19:4–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Christ calls marriage a divine union when he says, “What therefore God has joined together...” (Matt 19:6).

Pulling It Together

Christ himself says here that married people are joined together by God. He is quoting Moses and then adds that it is God who joins them together. This mystical union cannot be created by human action; it is God alone who is able to unite two people as one (cp. Gen 2:24, Mark 10:8-9). Therefore, marriage is a pure and holy estate because it is a work of God.

Prayer: Bless the marriages of all people, Lord. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The ReClaim Hymnal for Church and Home contains three Communion Settings along with liturgies for Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, Funerals, and other occasional services. It also includes the Small Catechism, as well as 275 beloved hymns from various hymn traditions. It is a resource that would be suitable for confirmation and graduation gifts as well as congregational use. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 22 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 11 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Proverbs 18:22 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

We shall reply in order to these figments. In the first place, our opponents must admit that marriage is pure for believers because it has been sanctified by the Word of God. That is, the Word of God permits and approves marriage, as Scripture abundantly testifies.

Pulling It Together

Before going on with arguments, let us acknowledge that the Holy Scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments declare marriage a holy matter, something that God has ordained. Otherwise, how could the Roman Church call it a sacrament? This is not to say that Lutherans consider marriage a sacrament of the Church. Nonetheless, by their own doctrines, the opponents of the Lutherans must admit that marriage is holy. Before concerning ourselves with further proofs, let us admit this much.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your gifts and favor. Amen.

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Este pequeño manual, conocido como El Catecismo Menor de Martín Lutero, ha sido utilizado por los Luteranos durante siglos como una herramienta de enseñanza, especialmente en la instrucción de la confirmación. El pequeño manual pretende dar a los lectores un breve resumen de las enseñanzas de la Biblia, viendo algunos ejemplos de versos bien conocidos por los cristianos, oraciones y elementos de adoración.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 21 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 10 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Peter 2:4–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Fifthly, although our opponents do not defend this regulation because of religion, since they see that it is not generally observed, still they diffuse superstitious opinions to give a pretext of religion. They proclaim that they require celibacy because it is pure, as though marriage is impure or sinful, or as though celibacy merited justification more than marriage does. To this end they cite the ceremonies of the Mosaic Law, that under the law, at the time of ministering, the priests were separated from their wives. Therefore, the priest in the New Testament, who ought always to pray, should always practice continence. This ridiculous comparison is presented as a proof to compel priests to perpetual celibacy, even though this very comparison allows marriage to priests, only prohibiting intercourse during the time of ministering. Moreover, it is one thing to pray, another to minister. The saints prayed even when they did not exercise the public ministry. Marital intercourse did hinder their prayers.

Pulling It Together

Is a pastor purer to God if unmarried? Is this what makes people pure under the New Testament? Is it the New Testament in human purity or the New Testament in Christ’s blood? The very idea of introducing regulations for human purity in the priesthood is an effort to undermine Christ’s merit. Further, Peter proclaims that all Christians are priests who have access to the Father through Christ (Eph 2:18)—not through celibacy or any other attempt at so-called purity. Imagine if the whole of God’s people, that priesthood of all believers, were celibate. The churches would be near empty in a generation or so.

Prayer: Help me, God, to offer you the true sacrifice of praise. Amen.

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The 2017-18 Liturgical calendar charts the Scripture readings for each Sunday in the Church Year, with each Sunday printed in the proper liturgical color for easy reference. Sola Publishing recommends the use of the Revised Common Lectionary as found in the Lutheran Service Book (LSB) published by Concordia Publishing House, and makes use of this lectionary in its own Sola Online Worship eResource (SOWeR) website.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 20 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 09 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Daniel 11:36–37

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

In their Confutation the adversaries insist that celibacy has been commanded by the councils. We do not find fault with the decrees of the councils, for under certain conditions these allow marriage. Yet we find fault with the laws that the Roman popes have framed since the ancient synods, and contrary to their authority. The popes despise the authority of the synods, while wishing it to appear to others as holy. Therefore, this regulation about perpetual celibacy is characteristic of this new pontifical absolutism—and with good reason. Daniel assigns the contempt of women as a feature of the Antichrist’s kingdom (Dan 11:37).

Pulling It Together: That phrase in Daniel 11:37 may be translated in a couple of ways. Melancthon’s rendering of the Hebrew was that the kingdom of the Antichrist would be known for disdaining the natural desire for women. This is similar to the King James’ and New American Standard: “the desire of women.” However, the phrase might be rendered as the Revised Standard and English Standard do: “the one beloved by women.” Regardless of wording, Daniel paints the “king” whom Melancthon infers to be an Antichrist as one who exalts himself above all people, all gods, all law. This is what Luther rebelled against in the papacy of his time: that the pope elevated himself above even Christ’s word.

Prayer: Help me to honor you, Lord, so that I have no other gods before you. Amen.

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The newest volume in the series, "Old Places, New Faces," The General Epistles offers a series of 12 Bible studies based on Hebrews, James, I & II Peter, I, II, & III John, and Jude. The geographical locations of Biblical characters can symbolically refer to places we find ourselves with respect to our faith. As we become more acquainted with our spiritual geography, we will better discern where God would have us go or what changes we need to make in order to serve Him better.

 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 18 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 08 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 19:6–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Fourthly, pontifical law also disagrees with the canons of the councils. The ancient canons do not prohibit marriage, nor do they dissolve marriages that have been contracted—though they remove from public office those who have contracted marriage while in office. In those times, these dismissals were an act of kindness. The new canons have been made according to the private judgment of popes instead of being framed in the synods. They prohibit contracting marriages, and dissolve them when contracted. This is brazenly done, contrary to the command of Christ: “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matt 19:6).

Pulling It Together: Contrast the hardness of humans with the mercy of God. Humans invent divorce and laws like celibacy—even forcing divorces upon those already married so that human regulation will be kept, even when it is in open defiance of God’s command. But God is merciful, allowing us in our weakness, a helpmate so that we may not sin against him. Human council, however, permits and even demands divorce—though Christ himself commands otherwise. Hardhearted humanity knows no bounds, even in the church.

Prayer: Strengthen Christian marriages, Lord, so that your will is honored. Amen.

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The Sola Online Worship Resource is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 18 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 07 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Galatians 5:19–21

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Gerson also testifies that there have been many good men who tried to conquer the flesh, yet with little progress. So, Ambrose is right in saying, “Virginity is a thing that may only be recommended, not commanded; it is voluntary, not obligatory.” If any one would raise the objection that Christ praises those “who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 19:12), consider also that he is praising those who have that unusual gift of self-control. For he adds, “He who is able to receive this, let him receive it” (ibid.). Impure restraint does not please Christ. We also praise true continence. But now we are disputing about law and those who do not have the gift of continence. This ought to be a matter of liberty, not a rule that sets a snare for the weak.

Pulling It Together: There are those who are able to truly and consistently practice control of the flesh. But if they are not able, if they have not been empowered with restraint by God, then they should marry. This is God’s plan for us—with good reason. Those who hold to a pattern of fleshly behavior will not inherit the kingdom. So we should not require persons, even ministers of the gospel—indeed, especially ministers of the gospel—to be celibate when God has given them the good gift of marriage. Coercing them into celibacy or commanding them to stay celibate when they are not suited for that lifestyle is counter-productive to God’s plan for us—temporally and eternally.

Prayer: Lead me by your Spirit, Lord, that I may daily crucify the flesh. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes liturgies and services for your use. There are ready-to-copy settings for Holy Communion, services, services of the Word, Vespers, occasional services, funerals, and seasonal services. 

SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 17 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 06 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 10:12–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

If self-discipline were possible for everyone, it would not require a peculiar gift. Christ shows that is does require a peculiar gift; therefore continence is not possible for everyone. God wants the rest to use the common law of nature which he has instituted, for God does not want us to despise his ordinances, his creation. He wants people to be chaste by using the remedy he has provided, just as he wishes to nourish our life by the use of food and drink. 

Pulling It Together

Do you imagine that you are able to be virtuous in your own strength? Of course, we must rely on God’s strength, not our own. Yet we are not to rely upon his strength alone. We must also depend upon his plan. So one must consider, should a program of celibacy be undertaken when it ignores God’s plan? The Apostle Paul wished everyone could be as disciplined as himself (1 Cor 7:7); but we are not. To impose a program of celibacy upon people ignores God’s “way of escape” from a temptation that is all too “common to man.” Fasting, prayer, and other methods for overcoming this temptation will fail unless a person is particularly gifted by God. Those who think they are able to stand against this temptation of the flesh will very likely fall unless they avail themselves of God’s remedy. 

Prayer: Help me, Lord, in all things to rely upon you. Amen.

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The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. 

SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 16 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 05 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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James 1:17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

So, they command people to pray to God for self-control, and to weaken the body through labors and fasting. Why do they not proclaim these magnificent commandments to themselves? As we have already said, our opponents are only playing; they are not serious.

Pulling It Together: God has already provided the answer; and it is a splendid solution. So, if anything, people should pray for common sense. God has blessed men and women with the sweet fellowship of marriage and the comfort and peace of the marriage bed. Some religious folks would deprive them of these good gifts. When they cannot abide such deprivation, the command comes to deprive themselves of still more of God’s bounty. Then is the time they should pray for sense.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for all your wondrous gifts. Amen.

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The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes a limited selection of music for use in worship, drawing primarily upon texts and music in the public domain, along with biblical texts set to familiar tunes. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 15 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 04 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 7:6–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Nor can any human authority, any law, any vows remove this declaration: “It is better to marry than to burn,” because they cannot remove the nature or concupiscence. Therefore all who burn, retain the right to marry. Paul’s command to avoid fornication by every man having his own wife binds all those who do not truly control themselves. The conscience of each person must decide.

Pulling It Together: Paul does not say here that he wishes all were celibate. Rather, he speaks of his gifting from God’s Spirit to keep himself under control. He would prefer that all were like himself, self-controlled in matters of sexual appetite. But because all are not able to be so disciplined, he commands them to marry. All must decide for themselves whether they have this gift from God.

Prayer: Spirit of the living God, empower me to control myself. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings.

SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 14 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 03 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 7:3–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Does not Paul command here that those who do not have the gift of self-control should marry? After all, he interprets himself a little later when he says, “For it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion” (1 Cor 7:9). Christ has also clearly stated, “Not all men can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given” (Matt 19:11). Ever since sin entered the world, natural desire and the lust that inflames it have combined. So, there is more need of marriage now than when in a pure nature. Accordingly, Paul speaks of marriage as a remedy, and commands us to marry because of these passions.

Pulling It Together: Since the fall of Adam, the temptation to sin in general has been difficult (Rom 7:19) but the struggle with lust may be at the top of the list. Self-control is a hard habit to master. Consider sins that involve food, drink, anger, pride, and others too numerous to name in this short space. If we have serious trouble with these, imagine our difficulty with sexual appetite. There are some who are able to say “no” but this seems to be a special gift from God (1 Cor 7:7b). If one finds himself or herself in such a predicament, it is better to marry than to burn—physically or eternally (1 Cor 7:9). Paul makes no distinction; his commanding advice is for priests and pastors, as well as the laity.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for the good gifts you have given. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Ambidextrous Christianity is a nine-session Bible Study that explores nine key questions of faith and life, letting our Lord direct us in navigating the narrow path of faith. In studying God's Word with other believers, we seek to grow in our ability to move forward in our journey together, no matter what the road presents.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 13 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 02 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 7:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Thirdly, Paul says to avoid fornication by letting every man have his own wife. This is an explicit command pertaining to all who are not fit for celibacy (1 Cor 7:6-7). Our adversaries demand that we show them a command that commands priests to marry—as though priests are not men! We maintain that whatever pertains to human nature in general also is to be applied to priests.

Pulling It Together: Evidently, the notion of celibacy had been raised with Paul by the Corinthians (see quotation marks in verse one). The apostle gives a conditional response. There are some who have received special graces from God, so that they may be celibate. However, it does not follow that this grace applies to priests. The fact is, that imposing celibacy upon the priesthood has had scandalous results—in our own time and in previous ages. In order to avoid this the apostle urges each man and woman to be married unless especially gifted by God.

Prayer: Lord, be glorified in the marriages of your Church. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

In the Luther Household is a six-session Bible study on the Lutheran understanding of marriage and family. Based on foundational texts from Scripture, the study also draws from the real-life experience of Martin and Katie Luther, who were not only husband and wife, but the parents of several children. It includes excerpts from Luther's personal writings to family and friends as they faced the good and bad that come in everyday living.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 12 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 01 Sep 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Genesis 1:27–28

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

As we said before, we are not speaking of concupiscence or sinful lust, but about that desire called physical love. Concupiscence has not removed this from human nature, but inflames it, so that there is now a greater need of a remedy. Marriage is necessary not only for the sake of procreation, but also as this remedy. These things are so clear and well established that they are undeniable.

Pulling It Together: Natural love existed between men and women even when their nature was still pure. God told Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply” (Gen 1:28), which of course, happens in but one manner. But the fall of humanity due to their sin, only increased the desire of one sex for the other. The requirement foisted upon some people to forgo this drive is unnecessary, for God’s law contains no such command. On the contrary, as mentioned already, his command is not to be fruitless but to to multiply by being fruitful. Faithful, sexual union, is what God commands, not the opposite. This proper desire of one for another is the result of a divine ordinance.

Prayer: Be with all Christian marriages, Lord, granting them grace and fruitfulness. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Este pequeño manual, conocido como El Catecismo Menor de Martín Lutero, ha sido utilizado por los Luteranos durante siglos como una herramienta de enseñanza, especialmente en la instrucción de la confirmación. El pequeño manual pretende dar a los lectores un breve resumen de las enseñanzas de la Biblia, viendo algunos ejemplos de versos bien conocidos por los cristianos, oraciones y elementos de adoración.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 11 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 31 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 May 13, 2020  xxx  xxx  From the Confessions: The Small Catechism – part 256, Table of Duties  Certain passages of Scripture for various holy orders and positions, warning them about their duties and responsibilities:  For Children  Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. Eph. 6:1-3.  Pulling It Together  	ddd  Prayer: ddd. Amen.  ddd. Amen.

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Genesis 5:1-2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Therefore, let us keep in mind what both Scripture teaches and the jurist wisely says: namely, that the union of male and female is a natural right. Furthermore, a natural right is actually a divine right, because it is a rule divinely imprinted on nature. Since this right cannot be changed without an extraordinary work of God, the right to contract marriage necessarily remains. Because the natural desire of one sex for the other is a rule of God in nature, it is a right. Why else would both sexes have been created?

Pulling It Together: In the wisdom of God, there are both male and female, the one for the other. He formed man from “the dust of the ground,” then breathing into him “the breath of life” (Heb 2:7). He formed the woman from the man’s side. They are, by divine design, to be each others companions, helpers, and lovers. In marriage, they become “one flesh” (Gen 2:24), meant to be so singular that even at creation, both male and female are named adam or man. This precious gift of God is a natural right because it is a birthright impressed by God upon human nature.

Prayer: As you draw each into oneness with another, draw your Church into unity with you. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Getting to Know Martin Luther is a five-lesson Conformation workbook about Martin Luther's life that will help confirmands get a better glimpse into what faith means for their own lives by searching and understanding the Word of God, trusting in Christ alone for our salvation, standing up for what they believe in, and helping others to learn the truth about God.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 10 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 30 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 24:36-39

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Therefore it is ridiculous for our opponents to prattle on about marriage being commanded in the beginning but not now. This is the same as saying that formerly, people were born with a sex but now they are not. Or, formerly, they were born with a natural right but now they do not have that right. No craftsman could fabricate anything more devious than these absurdities, which were devised to circumvent a right of nature.

Pulling It Together: Eating, drinking, marrying, and other such natural privileges and rights are good; God has blessed these things for our use. Yet a problem occurs when we enjoy (or over-enjoy) these rights without thanks to God. For then, these good things obscure our vision of God; we enjoy them to the extent that we no longer enjoy God. Nevertheless, God has given us these things so that we may be grateful to him and enjoy life. Marriage is a good gift of God and the natural right of all people. No one should rob another of this blessed prerogative, for it is a gift of God.

Prayer: As we await that blessed day, O Lord, give us thankful hearts. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

This six-session Bible study focuses on the Godly vocations of marriage and family. Based on foundational texts from Scripture, the study also draws from the real-life experience of Martin and Katie Luther, husband and wife, and also the parents of several children. The Luther Household includes excerpts from Luther's personal writings to family and friends as they faced the good and bad that come in everyday living.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 29 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Ephesians 5:25-33

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Secondly, because this founding or divine ordinance in humanity is a natural right, jurists have wisely and correctly stated that the union of men and women is a natural right. Since natural right is immutable, the right to contract marriage must always continue. Where nature is changeless, that ordinance which God has constructed in nature must not not change, and cannot be removed by human laws.

Pulling It Together: God has built into nature—indeed, into our natures—the union of men and women (Gen 2:24). But this built-in right points to the glory of the regenerated nature that we have in Christ. This new nature’s union with God, or the divine marriage, is found throughout both Testaments. In the New Testament, the marriage of the Bridegroom to his Bride is picked up by the gospel evangelists as well as the writers of the letters. Marriage, that thing which is so natural and common to us, is proclaimed in Scripture as that rarest and most extraordinary relationship. It is not much of a stretch to imagine that the desire for marriage is built into us so that we might yearn for union with God, and so that we may begin to understand the mystery of union with the divine.

Prayer: Strengthen marriages in your Church, Lord, that your Church might ache for you. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Getting to Know Martin Luther is a five-lesson Conformation workbook about Martin Luther's life that will help confirmands get a better glimpse into what faith means for their own lives by searching and understanding the Word of God, trusting in Christ alone for our salvation, standing up for what they believe in, and helping others to learn the truth about God.

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 28 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Genesis 2:18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Our opponents’ frivolous arguments say that originally, the commandment was given to replenish the earth, but now that the earth has been replenished, marriage is no longer commanded. See how wise they are! The word of God made the nature of humanity to be fruitful, not only at the beginning of the creation, but as long as our physical nature exists, just as his word makes the earth fruitful. “And God said, “Let the earth put forth vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, upon the earth.” And it was so” (Gen 1:11). Because of this ordinance, the earth did not begin to bring forth plants only in the beginning. The fields are clothed every year as long as this natural order exists. Humans cannot legislate that the nature of the earth be changed, so without a special work of God, the nature of a human being cannot be changed either—by vows or by human law.

Pulling It Together: This is human reason at work again. Scripture says one thing, but we come up with our reasons for not believing what the Word says. Men and women are made for one another; it has been so from the beginning, as God saw fit. He has not changed his mind. We have. No matter how much we argue, no matter how finely we reason, no matter how outraged we become at the word of God, it is still his word. Their argument is with God—not another part of his Church. So we must confess that legislating celibacy is contrary to the word of God—in the beginning and in the present. One either believes the word of God, or not. The Lord will sort out the rest. 

Prayer: Keep me steadfast in your word, Lord. Amen.

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The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes hundreds of hymns and songs for use in worship, organized by season and theme, available in full score, lead sheets, image files, and text only. These include popular hymns and songs, as well as new hymns from the lectionary texts and set to familiar tunes. 

SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, graphics, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 27 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Genesis 1:27–28

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

First, Genesis 1:28 teaches that people were created to be fruitful, and that one sex should should properly desire the other. We are not speaking of lust, which is sin, but of what is called physical love, that desire which was to have been uncorrupted in nature. This love of one sex for the other is truly a divine ordinance. Since this is an ordinance of God, it cannot be removed without an extraordinary work of God. So, it follows that the right to contract marriage cannot be removed by statutes or vows.

Pulling It Together: “Reason cannot establish anything sure about God” (Luther’s Works, vol. 1, Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1999, 70). But if we rely upon what is written, if we look to Scripture for our answers, we see quite clearly that God created men and women for the purposes of partnership and filling the earth with people. Neither reason nor religion nullifies the rule of God. One person or group may not legislate over another, at any point in life, whether or not he or she may marry. 

Prayer: Make me fruitful for your kingdom, Lord, and faithful to whom I am given. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Holy Families! is an initiative of the North American Lutheran Church provided through a generous grant from the Thrivent Foundation, in honor of the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation (1517 AD to 2017 AD). Produced by Sola Publishing, this special initiative includes a number of Lutheran discipleship resources for families and congregations, including Daily Family Prayer Resources, Parent Pages, Faith Formation downloadable pages for children/families, Educational Videos, Parents' Video/Discussion Series on Faith Formation, Reformation Bible Study: In the Luther Household

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 26 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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2 Peter 2:1–3

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Their defense of celibacy is not a serious one. For they are not ignorant of how few there are who actually practice chastity, but they use religion to implement their authority, which they think that celibacy assists. Now we understand just how right Peter’s admonition was, that there will be false teachers who will deceive people with heresies (2 Pet 2:1). Our opponents do not say, write, or do anything honestly, frankly, or candidly in this whole concern. They merely dispute about their authority, falsely thinking it is in jeopardy. So, they try to fortify it with a wicked pretense of piety.

Pulling It Together: Some people just have to be right—even at the expense of being very wrong. Cultures—whether religious or political—never seem to change in this regard. And it seems that they always end up defending their positions with personal attacks. This, of course, sidetracks the actual discussion. When it gets personal—as it was in the days of the Reformers, and as it is today—discussions never get to the heart of the issue. Nothing gets resolved. That way, the mudslingers can go on insisting that they are right. This also, usually keeps them in power. That is the point, is it not? 

Prayer: Give me wisdom and patience, Lord. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Holy Families! is an initiative of the North American Lutheran Church provided through a generous grant from the Thrivent Foundation, in honor of the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation (1517 AD to 2017 AD). Produced by Sola Publishing, this special initiative includes a number of Lutheran discipleship resources for families and congregations, including Daily Family Prayer Resources, Parent Pages, Faith Formation downloadable pages for children/families, Educational Videos, Parents' Video/Discussion Series on Faith Formation, Reformation Bible Study: In the Luther Household

Holy Families! is also on the free Sola App for Android and Apple

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 25 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Ephesians 5:31–32

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

They ask you to defend their lusts with your chaste right hand, Emperor Charles—whom even some ancient predictions call the king of modest face, as the saying appears concerning you: “One modest in face shall reign everywhere.” Contrary to divine law, the law of nations, and the canons of councils, they ask that you sunder marriages. They ask this in order to inflict terrible punishments upon innocent men, execute priests—whom even barbarians reverently spare—and drive into exile banished women and fatherless children, just because they are married.

Pulling It Together: It is an irony. One would think that priests would be the ones to marry. After all, Paul tells us that marriage is a symbol of the relationship that Christ has with his Church. The Revelator also tells us of the marriage of Christ and his Church (Rev 19:7, 8; 21:2, 9; 22:17). In fact, this metaphor is found in many places in both the Old and New Testaments. If marriage is such a powerful image of the relationship between God and his people, one would think that his priests would be the very ones to marry, so that they could demonstrate what this holy state looks like. It is ironic, therefore, that priests would live the opposite of what God knows to be such a compelling lifestyle. Furthermore, why would they chastise and even condemn those who follow the Lord’s own example?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your perfect devotion to me. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Word of Life Series is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 24 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 7:7–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

What greater shamelessness has ever been read about in all of history than that of our opponents? We will review their arguments soon. First, let the wise reader consider the brazenness of these good-for-nothings who say that marriages bring dishonor and disgrace to the government—as though the public infamy of the criminal and unnatural lusts which glow among these “holy fathers,” who feign that they are Curii and live like Bacchanals, were a great ornament to the Church. Most of the things that these men do with the greatest license cannot even be mentioned without a breach of modesty.

Pulling It Together: One cannot put on an alb and cincture, yet live like an unbound infidel, and think that putting on an extra robe will cover the hypocrisy. More laws and traditions are not needed. It is the Word of God that is necessary; it addresses the problem. The question here is not the virtue of government, or the control of priests and pastors. The real issue is the piety of God’s people. Restricting marriage is hardly the solution for holiness, as the Apostle Paul attests. If one is like the apostle, able to remain unmarried, he or she may devote life to the Lord’s service (1 Cor 7:33–34). But Paul never meant this to be a control over people (1 Cor 7:35), as though this made them holy. Indeed, he teaches to the contrary (1 Cor 7:14).

Prayer: Lord, strengthen Christian marriages and use them to bring unbelievers to faith. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Come and See - Word of Life Series (Unit 1) is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 23 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Isaiah 47:10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Despite the terrible infamy of their defiled celibacy, our opponents not only have the wicked and false presumption of using the divine name in defending pontifical law, but even to exhort the Emperor and princes to not permit the disgrace and infamy of the Roman Empire by tolerating the marriage of priests. These are their words.

Pulling It Together: The authors of the Roman Confutation acted as if the shameful lives of so many priests were of little concern compared to the issue of priests being permitted to marry. The writers of the Confutation insisted that the shame and indignity of a whole empire lay in the law of celibacy among their priests. Yet the letter of their law was all that concerned them. For priests took wives in secret and shamelessly took their young charges as well, as was well-known among the people. Their shameful lives, not the marriage of priests, is what brought great dishonor to the Church of Christ—never mind the empire.

Prayer: Help me live my life, knowing that all hearts are open before you and that none of my secrets are hidden. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

In Harmony with the Word is an eight-session Bible Study focusing on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, from Matthew 5-7. It is written at an introductory level, to be led by a lay leader or pastor in a small-group question and discussion format. The study would serve as an excellent resource for monthly women's group meetings, or in an informal small-group setting.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 14 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 22 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Ezekiel 7:25–26

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper 

Further, we do not assume that the Church immediately agrees with or approves of whatever the pontiffs determine, especially since Scripture prophesies concerning bishops and pastors to this effect, as in Ezekiel, who says, “The Law perishes from the priest” (Ezek 7:26).

Pulling It Together: There have always been and still are priests, popes, pastors, and bishops who will have nothing to do with the commands and law of God. Scripture is not their guide; indeed, they teach the people that some verses of the Bible are true, while others are fairy tales. In short, they are their own rule of faith and would have others live by their word instead of by God’s word.

Congregations should not be measured by their false teachings—unless, knowing better, they follow these heresies. The words of Christ must be our standard of faith and practice, even if traditions and the opinions of men must be condemned.

Prayer: Give me your strength, Holy Spirit, so that I may live by your word of truth. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Connections Magazine features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther's Small Catechism provides inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. Subscribe today. Limited back issues of Connections magazine are also available. 

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 14 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 21 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Mark 7:8, 13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper 

Even if we presume the freedom to use one part or both, how can the prohibition of one kind be defended? The Church cannot take the liberty of turning the ordinances of Christ into matters of indifference. Yet we excuse the Church, which has borne the injury since it could not obtain both parts. However, we condemn those who maintain in their writings that the use of the entire Sacrament is justly prohibited, those who not only prohibit, but even excommunicate and violently persecute those using the entire Sacrament. Let them determine how they will give an account to God for their decisions.

Pulling It Together: Christ’s command cannot get much clearer than, “Take; eat,” and “Drink of it, all of you.” He did not suggest a choice of courses. It is not a matter of whether one likes the taste of either bread or wine. Nor is it a matter of class of people, or care of the carpet. It is simply a matter of command. What did Christ say? Thus, it is not a question of what tradition a church holds to, or what their pastor thinks about the Lord’s Supper. It has always been and remains his meal, that is received in the way he instituted.

Imagine Christ handing the cup to any believer and the pastor stepping between Christ and that person, insisting, “Nope! None for her, sir. She’s no one special.” Quite the contrary; she is a person for whom Christ shed his blood, and the cup is meant for her. The poor consciences of sinners should not be deprived from either course in God’s holy meal.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your gracious commands. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

A Listening Bible: Letters from Jesus in the Written Word, by Glen S.R. Carlson, helps you take time to LISTEN to what Jesus is saying to you from Romans to Jude (softcover; 692 pages). 

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 13 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 20 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 11:23–25

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper 

They also claim that there is a danger of spilling and other things which do not have sufficient force to alter the ordinance of Christ.

Pulling It Together: I am always impressed by the steady hands of those who pour from a chalice into a small, individual communion cups. I am no less impressed by those who can hold the cup to the lips without spilling, and for those lips to receive without dribbling. I suppose they do at times, over the years, spill some wine. If they did, would that change Christ’s instruction to give the cup to all? For what reason would it ever be proper to change the ordinance of Christ? The Apostle Paul hands down to us exactly what Christ instituted. Lutherans pass on the same without altering the Lord’s instructions for any reason.

Prayer: Thank you, Living Bread, for your resolve to shed your blood for the life of the world. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

In the Luther Household is a six-session Bible study on the Lutheran understanding of marriage and family. Based on foundational texts from Scripture, the study also draws from the real-life experience of Martin and Katie Luther, who were not only husband and wife, but the parents of several children. It includes excerpts from Luther's personal writings to family and friends as they faced the good and bad that come in everyday living. Some pastors use this study in marriage counseling.

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 12 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 19 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Timothy 3:1

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper 

If they withhold the cup in order to distinguish orders, this very thing ought to keep us from any agreement with our opponents—though we might otherwise be inclined toward their custom. There are other distinguishing marks between the orders of priests and laity, but why they defend this distinction so earnestly is no mystery. We will not say more concerning their wily purposes, so as not to give the impression that we are detracting from the true worth of the order.

Pulling It Together: Whether one takes 1 Timothy 3:1 as referring to bishops, pastors, or elders, it is clear that the office of overseer is a noble one. Therefore, when someone in this office teaches bad doctrine, especially in order to promote self, it sullies the office—not merely the person in the office. The focus of the Lord’s Supper should not be the office of the minister, but of Christ alone. With him as our focus, we easily see that there are indeed offices or orders in Christ’s Church but that we “are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28). 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for giving your body and shedding your blood—even for me. Amen.

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A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is written in easy-to-understand language but is a challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, each presented in a question and discussion format. Click here to see the Table of Contents and a sample session.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 11 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 18 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 26:26–28

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper 

In the judgment of God, will the reasons that he cites excuse those who prohibit a part of the Sacrament, and who rage against people using the entire Sacrament?

Pulling It Together: All of God’s people are to be given both kinds in the Lord’s Supper—both the bread and the wine, his body and his blood. The reason for this usage is simply this: the Lord himself commands this practice for the forgiveness of sins. “Take, eat...drink of it, all of you.” May God’s mercy extend to those who forbid and withhold the cup that Christ so clearly offers to all who believe.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for pouring out the new covenant upon all believers. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Apostles' Creed book is a ten-week unit, with one session on the Trinity and three sessions on each article of the Creed. The Bible Study lessons in the Creed unit of the Sola Confirmation Series provide an overview of creation-redemption themes in Scripture, driving toward the promise of God at work in our present lives. Click here to see the introductory pages and a sample of session one.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 10 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 17 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 4:1–4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper 

This is the word of a tyrant. Why should they be content? “Don’t ask for a reason, but allow as law whatever the theologians say.” This is a concoction of Eck. We recognize those prideful words. If we wished to respond, there would be no want of words. For you see how great his impudence is. He commands like a tyrant in the tragedies: “Whether they like it or not, they must be satisfied!”

Pulling It Together: Just because someone wants it to be a certain way, does not make it so. If someone commands authority, this does not necessarily make his demands right. The dictates of an entire culture do not stamp a matter with divine approval. So we must ask again and again: Have we exceeded “what is written” (1 Cor 4:6)? This was the modus operandi of Christ himself. “It is written!” Jesus thwarted the designs of the devil with this practice. Sola Scriptura must be our banner as well. Having the Word of God as our authority, we should never collapse under the weight of culture, tradition, or human authority.

Prayer: Help me to live in your word, Lord. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook     • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 16 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Psalm 23:5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper 

The Sacrament was instituted to console and comfort terrified minds, when they believe that Christ’s flesh is food, given for the life of the world, and that they are made alive by being joined to Christ. Our adversaries argue that the laity is kept from one kind as a punishment. They say, “They ought to be content.”

Pulling It Together

If we are to seek first the kingdom of God (Matt 6:33), what is it that we should desire? The simplest answer is that we should seek Christ. The kingdom is God’s, so it is God whom we should want with all our hearts. There are ways that we may seek him, but there is one way that Christ himself established. God has prepared a table for us, spread in the presence of our enemies (Psa 23:5). We may as well say that it is spread in the presence of sin, death, and the devil. There, at his table, Christ satisfies the thirsty soul who hungers and thirsts for righteousness (Matt 5:6). There, in the giving of himself—his flesh and blood—is grace and forgiveness of sins. We should not be content with only a portion of the table that Christ has spread for us—denying ourselves of what he has prepared for us. Our cups overflow; drink!

Prayer: Thank you, Shepherd of my soul, for the benefit of your body and blood. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Kinderbeten is a compelling story touching on the exercise of free religion, the religious wars in Europe, the roots of Evangelicalism, the supernatural, and more, all wrapped up in a religious revival which began not through a charismatic revivalist or any adult at all, but rather found it's origin with children aged four to fourteen. The children became pawns in a controversy between political and religious opponents. Indulge your curiosity and read the remarkable story about the King of Sweden and the 1707-08 Children's Revival in Silesia, a tale of hope and prayer.

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 15 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Peter 2:9–10

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper 

They also cite in the Confutation that the sons of Eli, after the loss of the high-priesthood, were to seek the one part pertaining to the priests (1 Sam 2:36). They say that this indicates the use of one kind, and add: “Therefore, our laity should be content with that one part offered by the priests, that is, with one kind.” Our opponents are clearly trifling when they apply the story of Eli’s posterity to the Sacrament. Eli’s punishment is described in that narrative. Do they mean to say that the laity is being punished by taking away one kind?

Pulling It Together: Even if we were to allow such a faulty example, we would need to deal with the priesthood of all believers, and that we are all one in Christ (1 Pet 2:5, 9; Gal 3:28). Lutherans confess that there is no class difference in the Church; all are priests before the Lord. So, let us imagine that, for a time, only one kind was to be allowed to the laity while both kinds permitted for priests. Since all believers are now priests under the new covenant in Christ’s blood, all would therefore receive both kinds. This is a far better analogy from Scripture than the foolish comparison to Eli’s sons.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving me direct access to you and to all of your benefits. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Written in 1521, Martin Luther's Commentary on the Magnificat is a spiritual classic with a timeless message: soli deo gloria — to God alone be the glory. Johann Sebastian Bach wrote his musical masterpiece, Magnificat, during his first year as Kantor of the Church of St. Thomas in Leipzig. Luther and Bach on the Magnificat interprets the timeless message of the Magnificat in a unique and inspirational word and music study experience that can be enjoyed year after year by individuals and congregations alike.

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 14 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 10:16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper 

They also refer to “Lay Communion.” Yet this is not a reference to the mere use of one kind, but a denial of both. For whenever priests are commanded to use Lay Communion, it means that they have been removed from the ministry of consecration. The adversaries are not ignorant of this, but they abuse the ignorance of the uneducated, who, when they hear of Lay Communion, immediately think of the custom of our time, that only a part of the Sacrament is given to the laity.

Consider their impudence. Recounting reasons why both parts are not given, Gabriel says that a distinction should be made between laity and clergy. That this is the chief reason why the refusal of one part is defended, is beyond question. In this way, the status of the clergy is more highly exalted through a religious rite. To put it mildly, this is a human design, and its purpose is obvious.

Pulling It Together

Who is elevated or remembered in such a distinction between clergy and laity? Is it Christ? Or is it the clergy who are given the greater dignity? If we place our entire focus upon Jesus, we will remember that he gave us his body, and shed for us his blood—that all might participate by drinking from that cup of Christ’s own blood. And so, we do both, breaking bread and blessing cup together, in remembrance of what he instituted among us. In doing so, we enjoy the forgiveness of sins. May it never be that we withhold this great benefit of the faith because of class distinction. .

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for including me in your gift of grace. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Personalities of Faith is a ten-session Bible study for youth. The goal of the series is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith." By showing biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 13 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Luke 24:30–35

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper 

They imagine that, in the beginning of the Church, it was the custom in some places that only one part was administered. Nevertheless they are not able to produce any ancient example of this practice. They cite the passages that mention bread, as in Luke 24:35, where it is written that the disciples recognized Christ in the breaking of bread. They also quote other passages concerning the breaking of bread. Although we do not seriously object if some interpret these passages as referring to the Sacrament, yet it does not follow that only one kind was given, since, according to the ordinary usage of language, the naming of one signifies the other.

Pulling It Together

When we speak of breaking bread, we mean that we take the time to enjoy a meal. In the Church, this may simply refer to a fellowship meal. Yet, in certain Scriptures it could be understood as being something more than a potluck: perhaps a common meal during which Holy Communion was received. Some interpret “the breaking of bread” in the New Testament as being the Lord’s Supper if it was done on the Lord’s Day. This still follows the meaning of having a meal together, but in this case that gracious sustenance is Holy Communion. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for helping me remember you in the receiving of your body and blood. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

We Still Believe is a Bible study resource reflecting on key themes in biblical Lutheran doctrine that are at risk in the Church today. It is offered in the hope that it will inspire individuals and congregations to examine the core beliefs of traditional Lutheranism and how these beliefs apply to our own present context. Written in a question and discussion style by Pastor Steven King, the participant's book includes an introduction to and copy of the faith statement known as the Common Confession.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 12 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Luke 22:19–20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper 

The adversaries do not endeavor in their Confutation to explain to the Church why one part of the Sacrament has been denied them. Good, religious men ought to have provided a strong reason for denying the Church, instructing those consciences to whom only a part of the Sacrament could be granted. These very men maintain that it is right to prohibit one kind, and forbid the allowance of both kinds.

Pulling It Together

In the institution of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus does not mention the bitter herbs or the sweet charoset or other elements of the Passover meal. He calls attention to those new courses in his meal that the Church is to remember. He does not spotlight two courses of matzo, but the one bread—his body “given for you.” Nor does he mention the four cups of deliverance, but only the one cup of deliverance—the new covenant in his blood. He has instructed us to remember him as we partake of both the bread and the wine.

Prayer: Thank you for the new covenant, sealed with your blood. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 11 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Mark 14:22–24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper 

It is evident, therefore, that the whole Sacrament was instituted for the entire Church. The practice remains in the Greek churches, and also once prevailed in the Latin churches, as Cyprian and Jerome testify. Jerome says in his commentary on Zephaniah: “The priests who administer the Eucharist and distribute the Lord’s blood to the people,” etc. The Council of Toledo gives the same testimony. Nor would it be difficult to accumulate a great multitude of testimonies. We exaggerate nothing here, but leave it to the prudent reader to determine what should be believed concerning a divine ordinance.

Pulling It Together: The blood of Christ is “poured out for many.” This word “many” means for the multitude or for the whole gathering. This was the institution of Christ and the practice of the early Church. It remained the custom of the churches in the East and West for hundreds of years. Christ’s intentions are clear enough. Let us follow him.

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for sustaining me with your body and blood. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Why Did Jesus Have to Die? is a six-week Bible Study that examines the most profound event of salvation history — the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ — exploring from a biblical perspective what is known as the doctrine of the Atonement.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 10 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 11:27–29

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper 

Paul says that he passed on what he had received from the Lord (1 Cor 11:23). But the text clearly shows that he had delivered the use of both kinds. “This do,” he says first, concerning his body. Afterwards, he repeats the same words concerning the cup. And then he says, “Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” These are the words of him who established the Sacrament, saying previously that those who will use the Lord’s Supper should use both kinds.

Pulling It Together: We usually read this passage of Scripture, thinking about how we ought to confess our sins before receiving Holy Communion. This is proper. Indeed, it is necessary, as Paul teaches. But we also clearly see here that the early Church—not just Jesus’ disciples—received both elements of the Lord’s Supper. Everyone received bread; all received wine. Why? The simple reason Paul gives is, that is the way the Lord established it, so that is what the apostle passed on to the Church.

Prayer: Help me, Holy Spirit, to confess my sins and truly believe that I am forgiven, so that I may eat and drink in a worthy manner. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Not My Will, But Yours is a six-week study that explores the topic of the “free will” from a biblical perspective, looking at what Scripture has to say about the bondage of the human will, and how Jesus Christ has come to deliver us from ourselves.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 09 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 11:23–26

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper 

Now, if Christ has established his meal for the entire Church, why is one kind denied to a part of the Church? Why is the use of the other part prohibited? Why is the directive of Christ changed—especially when he himself calls it his testament? If it is illegal to annul man’s testament, how is it allowable to overturn the testament of Christ?

Pulling It Together

Luther frequently taught that “the Words of Institution are the ‘gospel in a nutshell’” (Luther’s Works, vol 53, p 59). “Take and eat; this is my body, given for you... Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink...for the forgiveness of sin.” This is a summary of the gospel because it shows that in Holy Communion we receive the forgiveness of sins. Sinners receive God’s grace for Christ’s sake. That is the gospel.

Lutherans do no alter Christ’s institution, for in so doing, we would change the very message of the gospel. Christ gave his body and shed his blood for all. So, the bread is given to all, and the cup is given to all. This is done so that all may receive God’s grace as Christ intended.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the forgiveness of sin, through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Written in honor of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, The Life of Martin Luthera nine-session adult study, takes participants through the circumstances and events of the life of Martin Luther as it reflects on the biblical themes underlying the Lutheran Reformation. 

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Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 08 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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John 6:53–56

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper 

It cannot be doubted that the use of both parts in the Lord’s Supper is godly and in accord with the institution of Christ and the words of Paul. For Christ instituted both parts, not doing so for part of the Church but for the entire Church. The whole Church uses the Sacrament—not only the priests—and this, by the authority of Christ, not by human authority, as we suppose the adversaries acknowledge.

Pulling It Together

Jesus cannot be more clear. One must partake of both his body and blood in order to have new life in Christ. To eat and drink of the Sacrament is a holy communion with Christ himself. In the Lord’s Supper, we receive the grace to continue in the faith—to abide in him. Further, he promises to abide in us. We rob ourselves of “grace upon grace,” (John 1:16) of continuing in him, when we do not partake in his fullness. It is the one who both eats and drinks who remains in Christ, and in whom Christ abides.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your enduring grace. Amen.

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This six-session Bible study focuses on the Godly vocations of marriage and family. Based on foundational texts from Scripture, the study also draws from the real-life experience of Martin and Katie Luther, husband and wife, and also the parents of several children. The Luther Household includes excerpts from Luther's personal writings to family and friends as they faced the good and bad that come in everyday living.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 38 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 07 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Proverbs 20:28

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Therefore, most excellent Emperor Charles, for the sake of the glory of Christ, which we have no doubt that you desire to praise and magnify, we urge you not to assent to the violent counsels of our adversaries, but to seek other honorable ways of establishing harmony, so that godly consciences are not burdened, and that no cruelty is exercised against innocent people as we have seen before, and that sound doctrine is not suppressed in the Church. To God, most of all, you have the duty to maintain sound doctrine, and to hand it down to the next generation, and to defend those who teach what is right. God demands this when he honors kings with his own name and calls them gods: “I say, ‘You are gods’” (Psa 82:6). Kings should attend to the preservation and propagation of divine things on earth—namely the Gospel of Christ—and as vicars of God, they should defend the life and safety of the innocent.

Pulling It Together

The Augsburg Confession and its Apology, or defense, urged the emperor to find a way to maintain harmony in the empire. The point of such concord was that orthodoxy could prevail in the churches and that people be protected from those who wished otherwise. The Lutherans maintained that this was the emperor’s responsibility, that his rule was maintained by God and so, he owed it to God to rule righteously.

The purpose of government is to maintain God’s will on earth. Specifically, our leaders are to do two things: maintain the faith and protect the people. They stretch their responsibility when they move beyond this two-fold charge. Let them do these things well, and they will have enough to do.

Prayer: Help our leaders and me, Holy Spirit, to turn from evil and do good, to seek peace and pursue it. Amen.

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Click any of the covers for these new overviews of the
Old and New Testaments, with separate Leader's Guides.

  

 

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Reprised from February 17, 2015 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 06 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 4:1–6

From the Confessions: The Athanasian Creed

Although he is God and man, he is not divided, but is one Christ. He is united because God has taken humanity into himself; he does not transform deity into humanity. He is completely one in the unity of his person, without confusing his natures. For as the rational soul and body are one person, so the one Christ is God and man.

Pulling It Together

How can we begin to understand through human reasoning the dual nature of Christ? We cannot wrap our minds around it, though perhaps a little more easily than we can think on the Trinity itself. Jesus is man and divinity at once. This is what Scripture attests and we would do well to leave it there. So, what does the Word say? What is written?

“The Word became flesh” (John 1:14). “In [Christ] the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Col 2:9). “Though he was in the form of God...born in the likeness of men” (Phil 2:7). “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same...” (Heb 2:14).

The Son of God took human body but remained God. His divinity remained though he was clothed in flesh. He did not set aside his divinity to become a man for a time. He was and is both divine and human. He is forever God and man, sitting at the father's right hand and reigning triumphant over sin and death. There is not a part of him that is human and another part that is God, as though he were oil and water in the same glass. His two natures are completely unified in the one person, Jesus Christ. Jesus is a whole person like us, having a body, soul, and spirit. Yet, at the same time, he is the divine Word of God, or Logos (John 1:1). He is not two beings, a god and a man somehow in a kind of symbiosis. Nor is he some kind of compound or complex organism, made by the joining of two beings, but no longer quite human or divine as a the result. We confess that he is God and man, undivided, one Christ. 

Prayer: Fill me with your grace, O God, that throughout this day I may delight in your praise through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

This edition of the Luther's Small Catechism is specifically designed to go with the Sola Confirmation Series. The 2010 Sola/ReClaim Edition* is a faithful word-for-word translation from Luther's German Catechism. It also includes the section on the Office of the Keys, added later to Luther's Catechism.

This pocket edition features quotations from the English Standard Version (ESV) of Scripture, and the traditional ICET liturgical texts (as used in the Lutheran Book of Worship). The primary verses of Scripture, Creed, and Prayers are printed in italics; Luther’s explanations are printed in plain text. Luther’s explanations are formatted with a mid-sentence break, to highlight contrasting phrases and to aid in memorization.

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Reprised from February 16, 2015 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 05 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Colossians 2:8–15

From the Confessions: The Athanasian Creed

It is necessary for eternal salvation that one also faithfully believe that Jesus Christ became flesh. For this is the true faith that we believe and confess: That our Lord Jesus Christ, God's Son, is both God and man. He is God, begotten before all worlds from the being of the Father, and he is man, born in the world from the being of his mother—existing fully as God, and fully as man with a rational soul and a human body; equal to the Father in divinity, subordinate to the Father in humanity.

Pulling It Together

The issue of the Athanasian Creed is not only that we rightly understand the Trinity of God but that we correctly understand the dual nature of Jesus Christ. If one believes that a man named Jesus died for her outside of an ancient city thousands of years ago, but believes that he was simply a man, then it profits her nothing. For no man can die for another and it pay his sin debt (Rom 6:23) to God. It is necessary to believe that the man Jesus was God in the flesh—otherwise you miss the point of it all.

Because Jesus was conceived by the Spirit, not by a man, he was able to live a perfect life, never sinning as we do. Nor was he corrupted by original sin, passed on to the rest of us through Adam's transgression (Rom 5:12). Therefore, being perfectly guiltless, he became an acceptable sacrifice to God for the sins of the world. His human blood was necessary for redemption, as under the law, the shedding of innocent blood is required for the forgiveness of sin (Heb 9:22). But only as God was Jesus able to redeem the sin of everyone (not just his own, which was unnecessary at any rate since he was sinless), so long as he satisfied his law too. Being both man and God, he satisfied the demand of the law and his desire for grace toward us. Though he was fully God, as man, Jesus submitted to the will of his Father (Matt 6:10; Luke 22:42), dying for us as only he could do.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for canceling my record of debt, nailing it to the cross. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Sola’s Confirmation workbook, The Lord's Prayer, is designed to be a small group Bible study, student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program.

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Reprised from February 15, 2015 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 04 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Corinthians 1:18–21

From the Confessions: The Athanasian Creed

The Father was neither made nor created nor begotten; the Son was neither made nor created, but was alone begotten of the Father; the Spirit was neither made nor created, but is proceeding from the Father and the Son. Thus there is one Father, not three fathers; one Son, not three sons; one Holy Spirit, not three spirits. And in this Trinity, no one is before or after, greater or less than the other; but all three persons are in themselves, coeternal and coequal; and so we must worship the Trinity in unity and the One God in three persons. Whoever wants to be saved should think thus about the Trinity.

Pulling It Together

Notice how the creed repeats itself. As Paul says, repetition is good for us (Phil 3:1). We need to hear the difficult teachings many times before we begin to understand. So we hear again that each of the three Persons of the Trinity are uncreated. This time, it is refined a bit, just to be sure we do not mistake the meaning. There are not three fathers, or three sons, or three spirits. There are one of each and those three are one God. Next we hear a very valuable, direct statement in the creed. No doubt this statement is present because people wondered about “begottenness” and procession. Did these words in the Nicene Creed indicate that the Father was first and the Son and the Spirit came after him? The Athanasian Creed makes it very clear: “in this Trinity none is before or after other.” But is the Father somehow greater than his Son, the Spirit less than the Father and Son from whom he proceeds? “None is greater or less than another.” The oneness of the Trinity is to be worshiped because this is God. And each of the three in the Unity is to be worshiped, for each is God.

The final sentence for our consideration today is surely in reference to those who hold to the heresies that the creed addresses. Certainly, God alone will judge persons but they would be wise to know who God is, if they would depend upon him. It is not that one must say “amen” to the Athanasian Creed in order to be saved. Faith in the God whom the creed names, however—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—is very necessary to salvation.

Prayer: Lord of heaven and earth, enlighten my understanding of you. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

We Still Believe is a Bible study resource reflecting on key themes in biblical Lutheran doctrine that are at risk in the Church today. It is offered in the hope that it will inspire individuals and congregations to examine the core beliefs of traditional Lutheranism and how these beliefs apply to our own present context. Written in a question and discussion style by Pastor Steven King, the participant's book includes an introduction to and copy of the faith statement known as the Common Confession.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 37 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 03 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Ephesians 4:1–3

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Many signs indicate that they have little concern for the state of the Church. They take no pains to provide for people a summary of the Church’s teachings. They defend obvious abuses with new and unusual cruelty. They will not permit suitable teachers in the churches. Doing things in this way is not in their interest or the Church’s, and decent people may easily judge the outcome. For after the good teachers have been killed and sound doctrine suppressed, fanatical spirits will rise up, whom the adversaries will not be able to restrain. They will disturb the Church with godless teaching, and will overthrow the whole government of the church, which we greatly desire to maintain.

Pulling It Together

The unity of Christ’s Church depends upon the Holy Spirit—not our actions. However, individual congregations can be destroyed by both our deeds and an intolerance of biblical teaching. So we should be eager to keep the unity which the Spirit gives the Church, by maintaining conduct that is consistent with the Christian faith. Such concern for the well-being of the churches is an indication of godly, peaceable people being led by the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Help me to love my sisters and brothers in Christ, with his love and forbearance. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

In the Luther Household is a six-session Bible study on the Lutheran understanding of marriage and family. Based on foundational texts from Scripture, the study also draws from the real-life experience of Martin and Katie Luther, who were not only husband and wife, but the parents of several children. It includes excerpts from Luther's personal writings to family and friends as they faced the good and bad that come in everyday living.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 36 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 02 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 14:17–19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

The adversaries, by ignoring these abuses when they required us to assent to the Confutation, have not acted frankly. If they cared for the interests of the Church, especially on this topic, they would take this opportunity to ask our most excellent Emperor to take measures for the correction of abuses. For it is clear that he greatly desires the healing and improvement of the Church. But the adversaries act so as to crush us in every way instead of assisting the most honorable and most holy will of the Emperor.

Pulling It Together

The promise of the gospel is righteousness, peace, and joy—not religious and dietary laws. More rules and laws provide none of these benefits. If you work harder so that you may become righteous, you will never become righteous, for a person’s righteousness only comes through faith in Christ. So, never knowing if you have become righteous enough to appease the god you are trying to appease, you will try even harder to become righteous—but continue to fail. This provides a fleeting peace that is only sensed when you imagine you have done well. Yet even that peace is false. What joy is there in such religion?

Christ is the righteousness we pursue—instead of a self-righteousness. Therefore, we are at peace, being confident that Christ has done all things necessary for our justification and salvation. The Holy Spirit reminds us daily that he has done so, and this brings joy upon joy. This is the needed message of the Church and for the world, for it is the gospel, and that makes for peace and the mutual building up of one another in the faith.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for making me acceptable to you through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Learning About Baptism teaches the meaning of Holy Baptism according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the First Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons focus on Baptism as a promise from God, emphasizing the power of God's Word in the Sacrament to create faith and repentance in our daily life.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 35 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 01 Aug 24 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Timothy 6:3–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Luther was not the first to complain about public abuses. Long ago, there were many excellent, learned men who deplored the abuses of the Mass, trust in monastic observances, veneration of the saints that was meant to yield revenue, and confusion of the doctrine of repentance—which ought to be as clear and plain in the Church as possible. We have heard of excellent theologians who desire modification of the scholastic doctrine, which is more useful for philosophical debates than for piety. Nevertheless, the older theologians are generally nearer to Scripture than are the more recent ones. So their theology has steadily worsened.

Many good people sided with Luther from the very first, if for no other reason than they saw that he was freeing people’s minds from the mazes of these most confused and incessant discussions of the scholastic theologians and canonists, and was teaching things profitable for godliness.

Pulling It Together

Without “the words of faith” (1 Tim 4:6) the Christian Church will cease to be. Traditions and myths bring no peace but the plain teaching of Scripture brings contentment. I know of people who live their lives believing in “silly myths” (1 Tim 4:7) but have no certainty of eternal life. Their God, whom they think to be the God of Christians, is as capricious to them as the Greek and Roman gods were to those who believed in them.

So we must teach “the words of faith,” which are profitable for both godliness and contentment. For when one is content with Christ, he is at peace in all circumstances. That person trusts in God’s promises instead of human traditions that cannot be kept (Acts 15:10). Trusting in God’s faithfulness, we are at peace in Christ. This is the heart of “the words of faith” that we confess.

Prayer: Turn my mind to your word, Lord. Amen.

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Deliver Us from Evilby Rev. Philip Gagnon, provides a ritual approach to exorcism and the demonic. It is a helpful instrument of pastoral care for such times when a pastor encounters the need for performing an exorcism. Pastor Gagnon explores the scriptural and early Church background and response to the demonic, as well as the pastoral discernment and the use of the sacraments in relation to exorcism. Included are two rites of renunciation, two rites of exorcism, and a rite for the exorcism and blessing of a dwelling. Additional prayers and blessings are included as helps in the battle. The book serves as an alert to the manifold ways in which evil may work in the human heart.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 34 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 31 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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2 Peter 1:16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Thus the Confutation has been deceitfully written, not only on this topic, but nearly everywhere. They make no distinctions in any passages between obvious abuses and their teachings. Those of sounder mind among them would concede that the teaching of the scholastics and canonists contain many false opinions, and that the ignorance and negligence of the pastors allowed for many abuses to creep into the Church. 

Pulling It Together

“Well, I don’t know what art is but I like pink.” That opinion may be fine for my granddaughter but it will not fly at the Guggenheim. It does not work in Christian faith either. Opinions are of no use to us. We require the word of God, what is written, the Scriptures. When we depart from sola Scriptura, we begin to drown in human opinions. Pastors and professors, as in the days prior to the Reformation, may lead us down the path of opinion, and some may be content to dodder along behind them. But God is faithful, and will always call his Church back to the word. 

Prayer: Give me ears to hear, God. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Upper Room is a six-part drama and sermon series for use during the weeks of Lent, in midweek or Sunday morning services. The stories in this series seek to focus our hearts and minds on the last days of Jesus, drawing us into a greater spiritual maturity that recognizes the blessings and responsibilities of this life of faith, as we walk with our Lord on the path to the cross.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 33 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 30 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 3:21–22

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Bishops, theologians, and monks applaud these monstrous and wicked tales because they put food in their bellies. But they do not tolerate us because we do not require the invocation of saints, and because we condemn abuses in the worship of saints so that the honor and office of Christ may be more conspicuous. Good people everywhere have longed for either the authority of the bishops or the diligence of the preachers to correct these abuses. Nevertheless, our adversaries altogether pass over obvious vices in their Confutation, as though they wish, by forcing our acceptance of the Confutation, to require us to approve of even the most notorious abuses.

Pulling It Together

The office that Melancthon refers to is that Christ is our Propitiator and Mediator. Christ alone has atoned for our sin and it is he who stands between sinners and God. The law does us no good because we cannot keep it—nor can other sinners keep it for us. Beyond that, it would make no difference if we could; the law is something sinners should obey but it does not make them righteous even when they sometimes manage to obey its demands. All the law does is point its accusing finger at us and tell us to do better. But it does not justify us to God. This is the office of Christ—not of the law or of our works of the law. He provides all who have faith in him with the righteousness of God instead of a so-called righteousness of law keeping.

Prayer: My only boast is in you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Faith Webbing is a deep, purposeful intergenerational approach to connecting youth to faith through a congregation. Its premise is to intentionally identify relationship voids in young peoples’ lives and then to fill those voids with members from within the congregation. For some youth, there might not be a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, older sibling, or younger sibling in their life. With Faith Webbing youth develop scores of long-term surrogate church family relationships of all ages.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 32 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 29 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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2 Timothy 3:14-17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

But certain triflers, having no knowledge either of faith or civil affairs, have invented epic stories that are nothing but superstitious examples about certain prayers, fasts, and new services created for monetary gain. There is no need to cite examples of their fabrications of miracles about rosaries and similar ceremonies, since these “legends,” as they call them, and the “mirrors” of examples, and the “rosaries” are readily available, containing many things like the “true stories” of Lucian.

Pulling It Together

The Scripture is not some pulp fiction, read for shallow thrills on an idle evening. Rather, the word permeates our whole lives, penetrating and informing us who we are before God (Heb 4:12). It wounds our consciences, piercing so deeply that we must depend upon God’s grace instead of our piety or the merits of saints. The word of God makes us “wise for salvation”—not through fables about saints but through faith in Jesus Christ. The inspired, God-breathed word is beneficial to our souls, so Lutherans confess sola Scriptura: Scripture alone is our rule of faith and practice.

Prayer: Give me confidence in your word, Lord. Amen.

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This congregational resource book describes how a parish can host an “invite-able” event, as part of a larger evangelism initiative, energizing God’s people for the mission of Christ. Using a practical step-by-step “how to” approach, provides guidance, organization, and ideas — not simply to promote a single program, but to develop and inspire the over-all outreach of the congregation. 

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 31 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 28 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 18:21–22

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Examples of mercy are also beneficial, as when we see Peter’s denial forgiven, Cyprian forgiven for having been a sorcerer, Augustine experiencing the power of faith in sickness and steadily affirming that God truly hears the prayers of believers. It is profitable to teach examples such as these, which speak of either faith, or fear, or the administration of the state.

Pulling It Together

The mercy of God knows no bounds. He even forgives us when we are unfaithful to him (2 Tim 2:13), as we see in his forgiveness of Peter’s denials (Luke 22:54–62). He forgives in extreme situations like this but he also forgives us as often as we come to him in repentance. Many rabbis taught that we should forgive each other as many as three times, so Peter, in a moment of magnanimity, suggests to Jesus that his disciples ought to forgive people seven times. Jesus responds that real forgiveness ought to be 77 times, or as the King James puts it, “seventy times seven,” or 490 times. It is not the specific quantity that is at issue for Jesus; he is teaching, by saying 77 times, that our forgiveness should have no terminus, just as we may expect from God. We must forgive one another even as we have been forgiven (Matt 6:12).

This is the type of example from the lives of the saints that we declare is profitable for teaching in the Church. For these examples teach us more about the greatness of our God than of the character of the saints. 

Prayer: Forgive me of my sins, Lord, even as I forgive those who sin against me. Amen.

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This is Most Certainly True! is a six-chapter mid-week Lenten Series features monologues from Martin Luther himself, based on his writings in the Large Catechism. Luther explains eloquently and simply what each part of the catechism means for us as believers and ends it with an affirmation of certainty: "This is most certainly true!"

Luther's thoughts have been transformed here into dramatic monologues so that we might hear and meditate on the foundations of our Christian faith. In addition to a sample worship service outline, there are hymns suggestions for each monologue and opening dialogues for worship based on the parts of the Small Catechism.

Other Lenten Dramas

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 30 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 27 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Philippians 3:17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Although the saints performed great deeds, useful as examples in either public or private life, the remembrance of which would promote the strengthening of faith and the imitation of their example in the administration of public affairs, no one has searched for true stories from the lives of the saints. Still, it is advantageous to hear how holy people administered governments, underwent calamities and dangers, were an aid to kings at times of great peril, taught the Gospel, and confronted heretics.

Pulling It Together

The “Apostolic Fathers” inform us that Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John, and “the angel of the church in Smyrna” (Rev 2:8). Irenaeus was his disciple and tells of the bishop’s faithful life, teaching, stand against heresy, and martyrdom. Polycarp is a beneficial example of the Christian life because his story teaches us how he imitated the life of John who followed the teaching and example of Jesus. Polycarp should be set forth as an example to us all for that reason: because he followed the example Christ that he learned from others, notably John—not because of some imaginative tale.

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to stand firm with faith in you. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes a limited selection of music for use in worship, drawing primarily upon texts and music in the public domain, along with biblical texts set to familiar tunes. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 29 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 26 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Peter 2:9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Still, the incredible stories of statues and pictures are surpassed by the fabulous tales about the saints that are publicly taught with great authority. Barbara, amidst her torments, asked for this reward: that no one who would invoke her should die without the Eucharist. Another, standing on one foot, recited the whole Psalter each day. Some wise fellow painted Christopher in a way that symbolizes those who would bear Christ, that is, those who would teach or confess the Gospel, must have strong souls because they must undergo the greatest dangers. Then the foolish monks taught people to invoke Christopher, as though such a Polyphemus had once existed.

Pulling It Together

God has done great things through his people, both in the Church and in the affairs of the world. There are so many examples in the lives of his peculiar people (1 Pet 2:9, KJV) that would be an advantage for all to hear, for inspiring and strengthening their faith, and for directing their attention and praise to God. So, why pass over those great stories, teaching tales—many of which are obviously contrived—that exalt the saints instead of their Lord? For the task of God’s people is to proclaim the excellencies of Christ, not the importance of departed saints.

Prayer: Give me strength, Lord, to imitate those who imitated you. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 28 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 25 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 8:34

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

As I have said above, the entire knowledge of Christ is suppressed when other mediators are sought besides Christ, and trust is placed in others. The facts demonstrate the reality. At the first mention of the saints, as in the ancient prayers, it seems to have been done in a tolerable manner. But invocation followed, and with it, immense abuses that are worse than pagan. From invocation, the next step was to images. These were also worshiped, because it was believed that magical power existed in them, just as sorcerers imagine that power exists in horoscopes carved at a particular time. In a certain monastery we have seen a statue of the blessed Virgin, moved like a puppet on a string, seeming to nod yes or no to those making requests.

Pulling It Together

It is a slippery slope. It is one thing to ask someone to pray for you, but quite another to expect that person to mediate between you and God. Yet this is the slope so many descended. Initially, dead saints were asked to pray but eventually they were expected to answer those prayers. The saints have no such power—either in images of them or in any reality. Christ alone is the Mediator between people and God. This is because he is the atonement of God, the only one who may stand before the Father on our behalf. We ask people to pray for us, as we pray for others, but we pray only to God in Christ.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for caring to hear my prayers, through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes liturgies and services for your use. There are ready-to-copy settings for Holy Communion, services, services of the Word, Vespers, occasional services, funerals, and seasonal services. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 27 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 24 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Timothy 2:1–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Even if we could imagine that the invocation of saints were taught with the greatest circumspection, the subject is still dangerous. Why is it necessary to defend it when it has no command or testimony from God’s Word? Indeed, it does not have even the testimony of the ancient writers.

Pulling It Together

Great value was placed on Patristics: what the early theologians and bishops called the Church Fathers taught about the Christian faith from the time of the apostles through the seven ecumenical councils of the Church (roughly until early in the eighth century).

As the centuries passed, the practices of the churches changed. In the earliest centuries, churches gave thanks to God in memory of the faithful. This is still done today, for example, the Commemoration of Polycarp, disciple of John, pastor, and martyr. He is remembered on February 23rd each year. Athanasius of Alexandria is remembered on May 2nd, Mary on July 22nd, and others on various days of the year. Eventually, thanks gave way to veneration of and prayer to the saints. This evolution may be observed in the Church Fathers.

It cannot, however, be found in the New Testament, where anyone other than Christ alone is the Mediator of the Church. “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim 2:5). This is the testimony of Scripture, of the earliest Church Fathers (the Apostolic Fathers), and the confession of Lutherans. 

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for hearing my prayers. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship eResource is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 26 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 23 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Psalm 91:1–4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

This error also prevails among the theologians, namely, that each saint has been committed a particular administration. Anna bestows riches; Sebastian repels pestilence; Valentine heals epilepsy; George protects horsemen. These opinions have clearly sprung from paganism. Among the Romans, Juno was thought to enrich, Febris to fended off fever, Castor and Pollux to protect horsemen, and so on.

Pulling It Together: The Lord himself is our sure defense. We need cry out to no other, for no one other than the Almighty is able or inclined to save us (Acts 4:12). This is what the Scriptures teach us. Let us not muddy the clear waters of the Word with the practices of other religions or the myths of pagan cultures. God alone is our shield and buckler. More than defenses, he is our deliverer. We confess that the saints cannot help us but that the Lord is our certain help and hope in the face of all trouble and danger.

Prayer: You alone, O Lord, are my refuge and strength. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Adventures of Martin Luther is a simple musical drama was written for youth to tell the story of Martin Luther's adventures, including his testimony before the Emperor at the Diet of Worms and what was happening in Wittenberg during Luther's exile at Wartburg Castle. Released by Sola Publishing as part of the celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, the drama serves as a fun and interesting way for young people to enter into the story of Martin Luther, acting out some key moments in his life. The script allows for many participants, using accessible language and easy-to-learn songs based on familiar hymn tunes. Costume and prop notes are included, to help those in charge of the production.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 25 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 22 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Peter 2:4–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

The adversaries teach us to trust in the invocation of saints, though this has neither the Word of God nor an example in Scripture. They apply the merits of the saints to others just like the merits of Christ, transferring the honor belonging only to Christ to the saints. Therefore, we cannot receive either their opinions about the worship of the saints or their practice of praying to the saints. For we know that confidence is to be placed in the intercession of Christ, because this alone has God’s promise. We know that the merits of Christ alone are a propitiation for us. When we believe in Christ, we are accounted righteous because of his merits, as the text says, “He who believes in him will not be put to shame” (Rom 9:33). We are not accounted righteous by trusting in the merits of the blessed Virgin or of the other saints.

Pulling It Together

All Christians are priests before God. The Church, a “holy priesthood” of believers prays to God through Jesus Christ. God does not require other intercessors who are in his presence. We are already in his presence since he dwells in the midst of all believers, his “spiritual house,” the temple of his Spirit. Concerning the merits of the saints, Scripture only speaks of placing our trust in Christ. Those who do, will not be disappointed (1 Pet 2:6, NASB).

Prayer: I trust in you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Connections Magazine features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther's Small Catechism provides inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 24 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 21 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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John 3:16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

It has been said of the other saints, “Each shall receive his wages according to his labor” (1 Cor 3:8). In other words, they cannot bestow their own merits upon one another, as the monks sell the merits of their orders. Even Hilary says of the foolish virgins, “And as the foolish virgins could not go forth with their lamps extinguished, they implored those who were prudent to lend them oil. The wise replied that they could not give it because there might not be enough for all. That is, no one can be aided by the works and merits of another, because it is necessary for everyone to buy oil for his own lamp.”

Pulling It Together: We cannot stand on our own two feet, let alone lend our works or merits to other people. This is the purview of Christ alone. Christ Jesus imputes his righteousness to us, but we do not ascribe our righteousness to anyone. First of all, we have none to give, for we are all unrighteous (Rom 3:10). Secondly, if we were to imagine that we did have righteousness to lend, why did the Father send his Son to die for us? If the sacrifice and virtue of someone other than Christ will suffice for our salvation, God has made a grave error.

But God has made no mistake in sending his Son to die for us. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, no matter the greatness or smallness of his works, his virtue, or his devotion. It all depends upon Christ, not the magnitude of one’s works, nor the bestowal of another’s generosity.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I believe in you. Amen.

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Combining the message of salvation in Christ with personal witness, The Gospel in Miniature is a Lutheran guide for evangelism. 

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 23 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 20 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Hebrews 9:15–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

The sober fact is that the blessed Virgin has altogether replaced Christ in public opinion. People have invoked her, trusted in her mercy, and have desired to appease Christ through her, as though He were not a Propitiator, but only a dreadful judge and avenger. We believe, however, that we must not trust that the merits of the saints are applied to us, that because of them, God is reconciled to us, or has accounted us just, or saves us. We obtain forgiveness of sins only by the merits of Christ, when we believe in Him.

Pulling It Together

Because of his sacrificial death for us, Christ alone has satisfied the just requirement of God’s law, something which we nor the saints could ever do. Scripture therefore, calls only Christ our Mediator. Christ now sits at God’s right hand (Mark 16:19), where he intercedes for all who believe. Through Christ a New Covenant was established by the shedding of his blood (Luke 22:20). The Scriptures never speak of anyone else doing this for us.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for dying in my place, mediating for me before your Father, so that I am purchased back from death. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Written for a general audience, Luther's Pigtails is a one-act comedy is based on the actual words of Martin and Katie Luther and Philipp Melanchthon. The play is of an appropriate length to be performed within the context of a worship service, or it may serve as the basis for a special congregational event in celebration of the Reformation. The play gives the audience a glimpse into the real life of Martin and Katie, illustrating why Luther was able to say, "There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage."

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reprised from January 13, 2016 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 19 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Revelation 1:1-3

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church – part 26

But there is no need to cite many testimonies, since they are obvious throughout the Scriptures. We have referenced much of it in the latter articles of our Confession. In a while, we will need to repeat the point that must be decided in this controversy: whether human traditions are acts of worship that are necessary for righteousness before God. There we will discuss this matter more fully.

Pulling It Together

“It is written.” This was a favorite saying of the prophets, the evangelists, the apostles, and Jesus. Sometimes it is phrased as a question: “What is written?” They use this expression almost 100 times to point to the truth of what is stated in the Scriptures. Oh, that we would be content with what Scripture says, instead of going beyond what is written (1 Cor 4:6) by depending upon our traditions, old sayings, and pronouncements. These things swell the head but do nothing for the heart. We may even feel like we have won an argument but at the end of that disputation, the question remains. “What is written?” This is how we must decide all controversies. 

Prayer: Speak through your Scripture, Lord, for your servant listens. Amen.

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A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

Leader's Guide

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Reprised from January 12, 2016 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 18 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church – part 25

Paul means that the righteousness of the heart is a spiritual thing that quickens hearts. It is evident that human traditions do not quicken hearts. They are not effects of the Holy Spirit like love of one’s neighbor, chastity, and so forth. Nor are human traditions instruments through which God moves hearts to believe, as are the divinely given Word and Sacraments. Rather, these human practices do not pertain to the heart, and perish with the using. So we must not believe that they are necessary for righteousness before God. Paul speaks to the same effect, writing, “For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17).

Pulling It Together

External is not eternal. These outward things will never secure everlasting life. Furthermore, they will never give us peace. The heart must be changed by God for these things to be ours. Righteousness, peace, and the hope of salvation are all matters of the heart. Such spiritual things are effected by the Spirit of God and by his means, not by the things that we do or the disciplines and ceremonies that we keep. The hope of salvation is not aroused because one uses the correct Bible reading plan or worship style. The righteousness of the heart is not activated because of any human custom. God alone gives us grace, faith, peace, hope, and all good inner or spiritual things.

Prayer: Thank you, Holy Spirit, for being at work in me, in spite of me. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Check out Sola’s Confirmation workbook, The Apostle’s Creed, designed to be a small group Bible study, student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program.

Leader's Guide

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Reprised from January 11, 2015 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 17 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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John 19:16–27

From the Confessions: The Apostles Creed

“Was Crucified”

Pulling It Together: All of Jesus' ministry looks toward the crucifixion. He tells his disciples over and over that this is why he came to earth. Sometimes it is a veiled announcement (John 2:19); other times it is straightforward (Matt 20:18-19). His life pointed toward crucifixion, an event that Jesus declared would redeem the world (Mark 10:45).

A hanging produces immediate death. Compared to crucifixion, hanging is merciful. Crucifixion is meant to make a person suffer. It is a gruesome, slow, painful, and public death. The victim was tied or nailed to a wooden crossbeam and left hanging upon it to slowly die from suffocation. If a person was crucified on a simple cross (a pole or crux simplex) with hands tied over the head, the suffering was over within an hour or so. Being crucified with outstretched arms meant a much slower death—and someone who wanted the suffering to linger. It was literally excruciating (from the Latin word excruciatus meaning “from the cross”).

Jesus suffered for our sin to the point of enduring the most painful and humiliating death known to the people of his time. We confess that Christ suffered in our place, redeeming us from the curse of the law (Gal 3:13) by dying the cursed death of crucifixion (Deut 21:23).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for dying for me. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Reading and Discussion of Luther's Catechisms is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, each presented in a question and discussion format. 

Leader's Guide

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Reprised from January 10, 2016 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 16 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Galatians 5:1-6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Now we are not discussing the question whether there is advantage to observe them for the sake of order or bodily profit. Another matter is being considered: whether the observances of human traditions are acts of worship necessary for righteousness before God. This is the point to be judged in this controversy, and when this is decided, it can then be judged whether the true unity of the Church depends upon human traditions being the same everywhere. If human traditions are not acts of worship necessary for righteousness before God, it also follows that people can be righteous and children of God if they do not have traditions that are in use elsewhere. For instance, if the style of German clothing is not worship of God necessary for righteousness before him, it follows that people can be righteous and children of God and the Church of Christ, even though they wear French clothing.

Pulling It Together

I have convictions about what service book I wish to use and what style and order of worship I prefer, and even which half-dozen translations of the Bible I favor. If I dare to make those things qualifications for your righteousness and salvation, please take me to task. When such matters—and there are a host of others—of indifference to justification are considered necessary for church unity, then true worship is harmed. Indeed, idolatry has set in when we venerate these human preferences and traditions. If we give way to these things as the new law in the church, then we have submitted ourselves again to slavery. We will have fallen from grace, having shown that we have no desire for God’s grace, but instead a slavish insistence on our preferences and traditions becoming the observances and ceremonies used by everyone.

Prayer: Help me to worship you, Almighty God, in spirit and in truth, for Christ’s sake. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

All God’s Critters is a Sunday School series designed for young students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible and reproducible  lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children.

• Unit 1  • Unit 2  • Unit 3  • Unit 4

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Reprised from January 9, 2016 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 15 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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John 20:24-26

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church – part 22

Just as the differences in length of day and night does not injure the unity of the Church, so we believe that the true unity of the Church is not injured by different rites instituted by men. However, it is pleasing to us that universal rites are observed for the sake of order. So, in our churches we willingly observe the order of the Mass, the Lord’s Day, and other more important feast days. We embrace the profitable and ancient ordinances with a very grateful mind, especially since they contain a discipline that is profitable for the instruction and training of people and those who are uneducated.

Pulling It Together

I once went to a church where you had to use two service books plus music and text from other service books printed in the bulletin in order to follow the service. I felt like a juggler. In my opinion, it did not promote good order. However, the true unity of the church was not damaged by their choice of liturgical sources. The Church is that gathering of saints where the Gospel is correctly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered. As I tried to determine which service book to use next, I was certain that the other worshipers shared my faith and desired the means of grace as much as I did. And there—right there—is the true church. There is the truest order and real peace, for there—in the midst of we who had gathered around his Word and Sacraments—Jesus came and stood among us. 

Prayer: Lord, do not just give me peace; be my peace. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sacraments is one of four books in the Sola Confirmation Series and serves as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Each book in the series may be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 22 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 14 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 15:55–58

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Granted, the blessed Mary prays for the Church, but does she receive souls in death, does she conquer death, does she give life? What does Christ do if the blessed Mary does these things? Though she is deserving of the most ample honors, nevertheless she does not wish to be made equal to Christ, but instead wishes us to consider and follow her example.

Pulling It Together

First, Scripture does not tell us that Mary is the victory over sin and death, not does it even hint at such things. Christ conquered death for Mary and for us all. His victory is so complete that we are considered to be more than victorious (Rom 8:37) through faith in him. There is no area untouched by this total victory. But it is not Mary’s victory; it is not Paul’s or Peter’s or any other saint’s triumph. It is Christ’s victory that is shared by all believers through faith in him (1 John 5:4-5). Mary and the other saints cannot provide us any victory over sin and death. God is due all of the thanks because he has defeated sin and death through his Son, and given us full share in his victory. We too overcome these enemies through faith in Christ alone (1 John 5:4).

Second, we should certainly follow Mary’s example of steadfast faith—and not hers only, but the examples of all the saints, both dead and living.  

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your total victory over sin and death. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Invitation Project is a congregational guide that describes how a parish can host an “invite-able” event, as part of a larger evangelism initiative, energizing God’s people for the mission of Christ. Using a practical step-by-step “how to” approach, provides guidance, organization, and ideas — not simply to promote a single program, but to develop and inspire the over-all outreach of the congregation. 

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 21 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 13 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Revelation 1:17–18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Some of us have seen a certain theologian, a monk, brought to console a dying doctor of theology, who pressed on the dying man nothing but this prayer: “Mother of grace, protect us from the enemy; receive us in the hour of death.”

Pulling It Together

It is The Living One who makes us live. The one who died but lives again causes us to live forevermore through faith in him. Jesus tells us that it is his voice that the dead will one day hear (John 5:28) when some will be resurrected to eternal life, while others are resurrected to judgment. We confess that it is God alone, the one who holds the keys to death, who is the only one whom we may call upon to provide escape from the grave. Therefore, we have no fear of either death or the devil, for the right hand of the Lord is upon us, giving peace through the assurance of his word and resurrection. Only the great I AM who is “the first and the last” and “the living one,” gives life and salvation to all who call upon his name (Joel 2:32; Rom 10:12).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for unlocking the door of death and giving me eternal life with you. Amen.

Receive these lessons by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com  with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject. 

Portraits of Jesus is a nine-session Bible study that explores the "I AM" statements given to us by Jesus himself. In comparing Jesus' words with related Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments, the study provides a well-rounded look at the center of our faith in Christ.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 20 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 12 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Ephesians 5:25–27

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

This form of absolution is sometimes used: “The passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merits of the most blessed Virgin Mary and of all the saints, be to thee for the remission of sins.” According to the declaration of this absolution, we are reconciled and accounted righteous, not only by the merits of Christ but also, by the merits of the other saints.

Pulling It Together

No saints are named by Paul (or any other writer in the New Testament) as responsible for the act of cleansing the church. Christ alone has made the church holy—so holy that she is without blemish. Does Christ need someone’s help in this sanctification of his church? Does he need a single saint’s assistance, or has he done this on his own by giving himself for her on the cross? What is written?

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for giving yourself up for me and for all who believe. Amen.

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Written in honor of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, The Life of Martin Luthera nine-session adult study, takes participants through the circumstances and events of the life of Martin Luther as it reflects on the biblical themes underlying the Lutheran Reformation. 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 19 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 11 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Hebrews 7:23–25

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

But where has this arrangement that Biel refers to, saying that we ought to resort to the aid of the saints, been instituted by God? Let him produce a single example or command from Scripture. Perhaps they derive this arrangement from the courts of kings where friends must be used as intercessors. But if a king has appointed a certain intercessor, he will not want cases to be brought to him through others. So, since Christ has been appointed as Intercessor and High Priest, why would we seek others?

Pulling It Together

No one draws near to a king unless he is commanded to do so. Therefore, if you wish to have the king’s ear, it must be done through one who is already in the king’s presence—and to whom the king will listen. In American terms, just try to get close enough to the president so that he would hear your request. You have to go through a representative. In kingdom terms, Jesus is our representative. He is the only one whom God has elected to be our permanent intercessor. This is what Scripture teaches us. How could we confess differently? 

Prayer: Thank you, God, for hearing my prayers, through the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Our prayer is that My Zoe Journal: A Girl's Journey of Self-discovery will open the hearts of young ladies in faith, that they would be filled with the love of Christ. We hope that through these pages, girls might come to discover their gifts, abilities, and growth areas, and come to understand that our most basic identity comes from the One who loves us the most.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 18 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 10 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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John 6:35–40

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Through indulgences they say that they apply the merits of the saints. Gabriel Biel, the interpreter of the canon of the Mass, confidently declares: “According to the order instituted by God, we should betake ourselves to the aid of the saints, in order that we may be saved by their merits and vows.” These are the words of Gabriel. Even more absurd things may be read here and there in the books and sermons of the adversaries. What is this if not to make the saints propitiators? If we are to trust that we are saved by the merits of saints then they are considered altogether equal to Christ.

Pulling It Together

Jesus said that whoever comes to him would never again hunger or thirst (John 6:35). Now that is satisfaction: to never be hungry or thirsty—and to never worry about being filled. But Jesus is not talking about the belly, otherwise he would not have called himself “the bread of life.” In this paragraph of the gospel, Jesus is speaking about eternal life and how we will be resurrected at the end. Jesus teaches us that there is a bread more important than the loaf in the bread box. Sufficient quantity of baked bread will keep us alive for 70 or 80 years (Psa 90:10). Feasting on the bread of life will make us live forever. Everyone who looks for life in the true bread “that comes down from heaven” will never die (John 11:26).

We are forgiven, made righteous, and saved through Christ alone. The Bread of Life is the only satisfaction for our sins. No other life, however meritorious, virtuous, or pious satisfies the law's demand (Rom 6:23) and turns away God’s just wrath. So believe and be satisfied.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for filling me with your own Spirit. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Learning About Communion teaches the meaning of Holy Communion according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Fifth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons emphasize the sacramental promise of the forgiveness of sins conveyed to us in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. This booklet was designed to be used as a Sunday School unit, or for classes to prepare students for their First Communion.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 17 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 09 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 1:27–31

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Secondly, they apply the merits of the saints to others, just like the merits of Christ. They tell us to trust in the merits of the saints as though we were accounted righteous on because of their merits in the same way that we are accounted righteous by the merits of Christ. We are not inventing these charges.

Pulling It Together

Everything that we have comes from God. Both our physical and spiritual lives are gifts. Since all comes from God, why would we think righteousness and eternal life come from another source? Why would we think ourselves or anyone else able to give such great gifts? Now we might make much of ourselves, of our religious devotion, our prayers to saints, our offerings and other sacrifices. Or we might make much of a saint’s life, and depend upon that saint to answer our prayers. We would do so because we recognize that our own lives are insufficient to earn such favor. So at least we would have understood that our own standing before God is affected because of the righteousness of someone else. But that someone—the only one—who can assign his own righteousness to us is Christ. We are made righteous because of his merits, not because of the saintly lives of any others. Our boast is not in ourselves or saints but in the Lord alone. He is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

Prayer: All praise belongs to you alone, Lord, who has accomplished our salvation. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Adventures of Martin Luther is a simple musical drama was written for youth to tell the story of Martin Luther's adventures, including his testimony before the Emperor at the Diet of Worms and what was happening in Wittenberg during Luther's exile at Wartburg Castle. Released by Sola Publishing as part of the celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, the drama serves as a fun and interesting way for young people to enter into the story of Martin Luther, acting out some key moments in his life. The script allows for many participants, using accessible language and easy-to-learn songs based on familiar hymn tunes. Costume and prop notes are included, to help those in charge of the production.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 16 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 08 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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John 14:13–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Our adversaries tell us first to invoke the saints, even though they do not have God’s promise, or a command, or an example from Scripture. Nevertheless, they would have us place greater confidence in the mercy of the saints than in that of Christ, though Christ instructed us to come to Him, not to the saints.

Pulling It Together

When we pray correctly, we will receive anything that we ask of God (James 4:3). It pleases him to answer our prayers when we pray according to his will. So, just as we are careful to ask that his “will be done” in heaven, we should be as concerned that God’s “will be done on earth.” This begins in our prayers; we must pray according to his will, not according to our desires and passions. We should have great confidence in answer to such prayers to Jesus. Did Christ himself not say, “I will do it”?

Paul, Peter, and others never promised such a thing. The Scriptures do not say this; nor do the writers of Scripture show it in some example from their lives. Only God has promised to hear our prayers. Let us then pray to him, according to his will, in Jesus’ name, for he has promised to be merciful toward us, not only hearing our prayers but answering them. 

Prayer: Give me the desire to pray your will, Lord. Amen.

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In addition to the four core catechism booklets in the Sola Confirmation Series, there are now two Scripture overview units: one on the Old Testament and one on the New Testament. These books provide a step-by-step overview of the history and geography of the Scriptures, exploring the various time periods and sections of the Bible and how they connect to one another. The goal is to give students a sense for the over-arching story of Scripture, fulfilled in the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Leader's Guide 

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 15 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 07 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Psalm 10:17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Confidence in mercy arises from both the promise and the bestowal of merits. Such trust in the divine promise and in the merits of Christ ought to be the foundation of prayer. For we ought to be truly confident that we are heard for Christ’s sake, and that by His merits we have a reconciled Father.

Pulling It Together

Christian prayer must be founded upon both God’s promise and the merits of Christ. We may confidently approach God because he has promised to hear our prayers. How often we pray that his will be done, and when we ask according to his will, he hears us (1 John 5:14). But he also hears us when we pray in Jesus’ name. Because of what he has accomplished, the Son is now our mediator before God. The Father hears us because we have the Son as intercessor. By this is not meant the mere invoking of his name at the end of our prayers. Rather, we come before his Father, as it were, as though Jesus himself sent us with this request for God. As God would not ignore his beloved Son, he will not ignore the one whom Jesus has sent, the one who prays in his name.

Imagine yourself, kneeling at the throne of God, praying in Jesus’ name, while Jesus sits at his Father’s right hand listening and nodding his approval. This is how boldly and confidently we ought to draw near to the throne of grace where we will most certainly receive mercy and find grace to help in time our of need (Heb 4:16).

Prayer: Keep forever, O Lord, the purposes of your will in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

This is Most Certainly True! is a six-chapter mid-week Lenten Series features monologues from Martin Luther himself, based on his writings in the Large Catechism. Luther explains eloquently and simply what each part of the catechism means for us as believers and ends it with an affirmation of certainty: "This is most certainly true!"

Luther's thoughts have been transformed here into dramatic monologues so that we might hear and meditate on the foundations of our Christian faith. In addition to a sample worship service outline, there are hymns suggestions for each monologue and opening dialogues for worship based on the parts of the Small Catechism.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 14 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 06 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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1 John 2:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

The second qualification of a propitiator is that his merits have been authorized as those which make satisfaction for others, which are bestowed by divine imputation on others, in order that through these, as if by their own merits, they may be accounted righteous. This is as if someone pays a debt for a friend. The debtor is freed by the virtue of another, as though it were by his own merit. Thus, the merits of Christ are bestowed upon us so that when we believe in Him, we are accounted righteous by our trust in Christ’s merits—as though we had merits of our own.

Pulling It Together: God’s law and holiness demand perfect holiness from us. Sadly, we do not act so devoutly. The just punishment for our failure is death (Rom 6:23). Happily, God sent Christ to become our substitute. He has vicariously taken upon himself our obligation under the law, appeasing God’s wrath by suffering death in our place. His propitious act in our stead makes us favorable to God. As our sin is covered by Christ’s sacrifice, he is rightly called “the propitiation for our sins.” The saints cannot be propitiators because they cannot cover our sins. Their virtues were not good enough to merit their own salvation, let alone ours. 

Prayer: Help me to abide in you, Lord Jesus, my righteous covering. Amen.

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Your support of Sola Publishing enables Sola to benefit future generations of Lutherans by continuing to produce resources that reflect the integrity of the Scriptures as the Word of God, from the perspective of the historical Lutheran Confessions.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 13 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 05 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Matthew 11:25–30

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Then we also have Christ’s command to call upon him. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,” etc (Matt 11:28), which is certainly spoken to us too. And Isaiah says, “In that day the root of Jesse shall stand as an ensign to the peoples; him shall the nations seek” (Isa 11:10). Then, “the people of Tyre will sue your favor with gifts, the richest of the people” (Psa 45:12). And, “May all kings fall down before him” (Psa 72:11), and shortly after, “May prayer be made for him continually” (Psa 72:15). Christ says, “that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father” (John 5:23). And Paul prays, “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father...comfort your hearts and establish them” (2 Thes 2:16–17). What commandment or example can our opponents produce from the Scriptures concerning the invocation of saints?

Pulling It Together: Most people seek rest at the end of the day. If they have worked hard, they are tired. Others just want to retire; they want to stop working altogether. The rest that Jesus gives is rest despite the work, and further, regardless of the troubles of life. Jesus provides something more than physical rest; he gives spiritual rest, comfort, and peace. Because he bore the heavy load of our sins on the cross, our burden is comfortable and light. We are saved by God’s grace, not by the things we do or do not do.

This is the mystery that so many will not understand even though it has been revealed in Jesus. He alone is our salvation. Christ has eased the burden by saving us when we were unable to carry that load ourselves. He alone is faithful and just to forgive (1 John 1:9). Who else would you turn to in prayer other than he who supplies rest for your soul? Who else does the Scripture teach you to pray to except to the only one who has been given all authority to answer your prayers? 

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for bearing my sin and giving me rest. Amen.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 12 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 04 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Matthew 7:7–11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

There is such a promise concerning Christ. “If you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name” (John 16:23). There is no such promise with the saints. Therefore consciences cannot be firmly confident that we are heard by invoking the saints. Such an invocation, therefore, is not made from faith.

Pulling It Together

Jesus is teaching us to have confidence in God each time we pray the Lord’s Prayer, saying “Our Father.” Who else addresses the Father than his children? And because we have faith that “He is our true Father, and that we are His true children...we may ask Him confidently with all assurance, as dear children ask their dear father” (Small Catechism). A true father gives his children those “good gifts” that they need. This is the promise of God in Scripture. Ask of the Father in the Son’s name, and your prayer will be answered. Who is able to ask with such confidence of Paul or Peter? 

Prayer: Increase, O Lord, my confidence in your will to answer my prayers. Amen.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 11 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 03 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 1:17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Therefore, we shall show that they actually represent the saints as propitiators, that is, mediators of redemption, as well as intercessors. We do not yet recite the abuses of the common people, as we are still speaking of the opinions of the theologians. As regards the rest, even the inexperienced can judge.

Two things must concur if one is to be a propitiator. First, there ought to be a Word of God from which we may know with certainty that God wishes to show mercy, and to answer those calling upon him through this propitiator.

Pulling It Together: It has been said here over and over, and it shall yet be asked again and again, since it is so important. What is written? What does the Scripture say? Scripture itself begs the question. More than 80 times in the Old and New Testaments, the prophets, apostles, and others indicate the importance of what has been written in the Bible as a test of truth. From Joshua to Jesus and on to Paul, Peter, Luke, and the writer of Hebrews the phrase, “It is written,” is used to urge us to see if a teaching is founded in and defended by Scripture. There is surely no better time to depend upon the Word of God as guide than when considering for whose sake we are forgiven.

Prayer: Help me to depend upon what I know from your word, Lord. Amen.

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Your support of Sola Publishing enables Sola to benefit future generations of Lutherans by continuing to produce resources that reflect the integrity of the Scriptures as the Word of God, from the perspective of the historical Lutheran Confessions.

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Sola Publishing
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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 10 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 02 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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1 Timothy 2:5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

But even if they distinguish between the saints being mediators of intercession and mediators of redemption, they do so without the testimony of Scripture. However so reverently they state this, it nevertheless obscures Christ’s office, and transfers to those saints the trust that we should place in Christ’s mercy. People imagine that Christ is more severe and the saints more easily appeased, so they trust in the mercy of the saints rather than the mercy of Christ. Fleeing Christ, they seek the saints. So they actually make them mediators of redemption.

Pulling It Together: What we are really discussing here is God’s ability to keep his promises. Does he forgive and justify those who have faith in Christ? Or not? We confess that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (1 John 1:9) and does so for Christ’s sake, not for the sake of Peter or Paul, John or James, Anselm or Augustine, or the myriad saints of heaven. All of them combined would have no effect on God’s grace, which is already freely afforded us because of Christ. He alone is our mediator, our intercessor before the Father.

Furthermore, there can be no other intercessors—even if they could influence God, which they cannot since he has already determined and has promised to forgive those who believe. Because there is only one God (Deut 6:4) and one mediator between God and man, that mediator—as Scripture testifies—is the only one who is both God and man: Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for hearing my prayers, through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

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Sola Publishing
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Graham, NC 27253

Questions? Please call toll free: 888-887-9840.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 01 Jul 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Ephesians 3:11–12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

In any case, this new invocation in the Church is not the same as the invocation of individuals. Furthermore, our opponents not only require invocation in the veneration of the saints, they also apply the merits of the saints to others, making the saints not only intercessors, but also propitiators. In no way is this to be supported since this completely transfers to the saints the honor that only belongs to Christ. They make them mediators and propitiators, and although they make a distinction between mediators of intercession and mediators of redemption, they nonetheless clearly make the saints mediators of redemption.

Pulling It Together: It is no accident that solus Christus (through Christ alone) was as central a slogan of the Reformation as sola fide (by faith alone). We have bold access to God through Christ alone. He alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). There is no other intercessor (1 Tim 2:5) between humanity and God. Christ alone is both mediator and redeemer. This was the confession of the Lutheran Reformers because this is the testimony of Scripture.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for the grace you have extended to me through Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Sola Publishing
PO Box 855
Graham, NC 27253

Questions? Please call toll free: 888-887-9840.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 30 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400

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James 5:15–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Some plainly attribute divinity to the saints, namely the ability to discern the silent thoughts of our minds. They dispute over morning and evening knowledge, perhaps because they doubt whether the saints are able to hear us at one time or another.

They invent these things to defend lucrative services, not in order to treat the saints with honor. Nothing can be produced by the adversaries against this reasoning, that, since invocation does not have a testimony from God’s Word, it cannot be affirmed that the saints understand our invocation or even if they do understand it, that God approves of their doctrine. Therefore the adversaries ought not to force us to adopt an uncertain matter, because a prayer without faith is not prayer. Further, when they cite the example of the Church, it is clear that this is a new custom in the Church, for although the ancient prayers make mention of the saints, they do not invoke them.

Pulling It Together: “The prayer of faith” is an important dimension in Lutheran Christianity. But like too many other Christians we may have developed a misunderstanding of the prayer of faith. We might think of it this way: If I just believe enough then God will answer my prayer. This is the wrong attitude of prayer, foremost because it usurps God, putting all of the power and even the cause of faith in the hands of the one praying. How can anyone muster up enough faith so that God will then respond? They cannot; nor does the prayer of faith work that way, at any rate.

Instead, the Holy Spirit uses the Word to create faith in us (Rom 10:17). It has nothing (Nothing.) to do with us working up enough faith. God causes faith in Christ and through it, makes us righteous. However, this righteousness is not our own—something that happens because we have somehow made ourselves truly faithful. This given righteousness is the righteousness of Christ that covers us when we become children of God through faith and baptism. When one puts on Christ (Gal 3:26–27) through the faith that God has provided, then that person begins to trust in God’s will, seeks out his will, and prays along those lines.

People of faith know that because the Father loves them, he hears their prayers. Therefore, they do not require the assistance of dead saints. The saints of heaven cannot get the ear of God any more effectively or sooner than can any living Christian who prays with faith. To believe otherwise, is to deny God’s love and either his power or willingness to hear.

Prayer: Increase my faith, Lord. Amen.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 29 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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James 1:5–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Since prayer ought to be made from faith, how do we know that God approves of this invocation? How do we know that the saints perceive each other’s prayers unless there is the testimony of Scripture?

Pulling It Together: One cannot invoke the saints of heaven with confident faith because the practice is based on human tradition instead of Scripture. It is based on the word of man, not upon the Word of God. Without real faith, that which is based on “what is written” (1 Cor 4:6), one may not expect to receive any answer to prayer.

Now people may claim that they have no doubt as to whether they are heard by the saints of heaven. That does not change the fact that the invocation of saints has no assurances from the Word. How can one really believe unless the Lord has established the matter in Scripture? Upon what do they base their trust? On whom do they place such confidence? The Lutherans confess sola Scriptura, that our trust only comes from “what is written” in the Scriptures, that our faith as well as our practice must stand or fall on the Word.

Prayer: Thank you for hearing my prayers, Father. Amen.

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Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 28 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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2 John 8–11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Supposing the saints do passionately pray for the Church, it still does not follow that they are to be invoked. Still, our Confession only affirms this: that Scripture does not teach us to pray to the saints or ask them for help. Since neither a command, nor a promise, nor an example can be produced from the Scriptures about the invocation of saints, it follows that consciences cannot be certain about such invocation.

Pulling It Together: Scripture exhorts us to continue in the teachings of Christ’s apostles. We are not to go on ahead, that is, not invent new doctrines. If we teach as command, promise, or an example to be followed that which is not found in Scripture, we run the risk of heresy and worse, pulling others down with us. We must learn this well. Paul also teaches us to “not go beyond what is written” (1 Cor 4:6).

We may think that human traditions like the invocation of saints are harmless. Be clear; these things are not benign adiaphora. Otherwise Scripture would not admonish us to have nothing to do with a person who comes with a new teaching—something not found in the Old and New Testaments. That person is not living according to Christ’s word; that person is a deceiver and not from God.

Prayer: Help me to abide in your word, Lord, and so to abide in you. Amen.

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Living Faith, a Believer's Guide to Growing in Christ is a discipleship resource based on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. This 12-part Bible study by Pastor Brack East is designed to help individuals grow more deeply into a living faith in Jesus, while interacting with other believers in a life-to-life setting of three or four people. Such settings around the Word of God have proven to be part of the workshop of the Holy Spirit, and Luther’s Small Catechism has stood the test of time as a reliable guide to growing in faith. 

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 27 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Romans 8:34–35

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Besides, we also grant that the angels pray for us since there is Zechariah’s testimony (Zech 1:12). There an angel prays: “O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou have no mercy on Jerusalem?” We also agree that just as the saints prayed for the whole Church in general while on earth, so in heaven they pray for the Church in general. However, there is no scriptural testimony about the dead praying. There is only an account of dream in the Second Book of Maccabees (15:14).

Pulling It Together: Why is there so much confusion about this matter—other than that Scripture is ignored in favor of human traditions? The prayers of saints and angels do not compare to the prayers of Jesus. Why not make much of Christ and give him the honor, instead of revering the saints and angels of heaven? Is Christ not in heaven? Scripture declares that he is not only there, but that he is at the Father’s right hand where he still makes intercession for the saints of earth, even as he did in his High Priestly Prayer while on earth (John 17:1–26).

Let us put our faith in Christ, for the Scripture says without ambiguity that he intercedes for the Church. Surely the angels pray to God, and the departed saints too. But we do not pray to them; we pray to the one who is our advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you live and reign at your Father’s right hand. Amen.

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A primer (pronounced PRIH-mur) is a small introductory book on a subject, often for beginners. Primers were once a standard part of every child’s education. Typically, they contained many quotations from the Bible and moral lessons as well, and the text was accompanied by numerous woodcut illustrations. This primer on marriage, by Pastor Wendy Berthelsen, contains color, woodcut initials throughout, and serves as a nice devotional resource.

A Marriage Primer may be handed out by congregations to couples preparing for marriage, or as a gift to go along with presenting a marriage certificate. For individuals, it would also make a good small gift for a wedding or shower. 

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 26 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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1 Corinthians 4:16–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

The third honor is the imitation of their faith and other virtues, which all Christians should imitate according to their callings. The adversaries do not require these true honors. They only argue about invocation, which, even though it were not dangerous, is nevertheless unnecessary.

Pulling It Together: We have already noted two honors that we ought to give to the saints: thanksgiving and the strengthening of faith. Let us be clear what we mean by honor. The honor that we give to “sleeping” (1 Thes 4:13) saints is not the veneration of their images or praying to them. Rather, we give them the truer honor of thanking God for their lives, and strengthening our own faith by learning about their lives in the Scriptures and teaching them in the Church and home.

We now add a third honor to the other two: the imitation of the faith and virtues of the saints. This is true, not only of the saints of heaven but also, of the saints in the Church on earth. We ought to also give thanks for them, note their steadfast faith despite their human condition, and imitate their faith and other virtues by applying them to our various callings in the Church, home, business, and government. 

Prayer: Help me, Holy Spirit, to lead a life worthy of imitation. Amen.

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The Basics of the Christian Faith is an edition of the catechism that is aimed at seekers, visitors, and those that may not come from a Lutheran background. It is recommended for use in outreach, as a visitor welcome gift, or in new member packets.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 25 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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1 Timothy 1:12–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

The second honor is the strengthening of our faith. When we see Peter forgiven for his denial, we are encouraged to believe even more that grace truly prevails over sin (Rom 5:20).

Pulling It Together: Who could be considered more guilty of sin toward Christ and his Church than Saul of Tarsus, who would become better know as the Apostle Paul? Because of his persecution of Christians, Paul eventually considered himself to be the greatest of all sinners (1 Tim 1:15). Peter too, was a great sinner, three times denying that he was a disciple or that he even knew Jesus, and doing so when Jesus needed loyal love the most.

People like Paul and Peter are precisely the reason the Father sent his Son to earth. God knew in a time before time that those sinners would need a Savior. He also knew that you and I would need a Savior, for we too are great sinners like all the apostles were. So let us honor these sinners who were saved by grace. Let us also honor the sainted sinners in our own churches. Give them the truest honor of thanking God for the mercy that caused the grace of the Lord to overflow for them. For because we have a Savior who is greater than all sinners, where there is great sin, grace is greater still (Rom 5:20). 

Prayer: Thank you, God, for your mercy and grace. Amen.

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The Sacraments is one of four books in the Sola Confirmation Series and serves as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Each book in the series may be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 24 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Corinthians 1:2-4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Our Confession approves of honoring the saints. A threefold honor is approved. The first is thanksgiving. We ought to give thanks to God for showing examples of mercy, making known his will to save people, and giving teachers and other gifts to the Church. As these are the greatest gifts, they should be commended and the saints who have faithfully used these gifts should be praised, just as Christ praises faithful businessmen (Matt 25:21, 23).

Pulling It Together: To be sure, the Confession is not referring to the invocation of saints. Rather, like Paul, the Lutheran Reformers taught the churches to honor those who have been made holy and called saints because of their faith in Christ. We rightly give thanks for all of the saints: those who in every place call upon the Lord. We should further honor them by imitating their lives, just as Paul urged us to imitate himself (1 Cor 4:16; 11:1).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for those who live faithful lives and call upon your name. Amen.

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The Basics of the Christian Faith is an edition of the catechism that is aimed at seekers, visitors, and those that may not come from a Lutheran background. It is recommended for use in outreach, as a visitor welcome gift, or in new member packets.

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Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 23 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Psalm 116:15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

They altogether condemn the Twenty-first Article because we do not require the invocation of saints. Nor do they speak more eloquently or with more verbosity on any topic. Nevertheless, they do not substantiate anything except that the saints should be honored, and that the saints who are still living should pray for one another. This is all presented as through the invocation of dead saints were necessary on that account.

They cite Cyprian, because he asked Cornelius, while still alive, to pray for his brothers after he died. With this example they would prove the invocation of the dead. They also refer to Jerome and Vigilantius: “On this field,” they say, “eleven hundred years ago, Jerome overcame Vigilantius.” So our adversaries claim triumph, as though the war were already ended. Nor do those asses notice that in Jerome against Vigilantius, there is not a syllable concerning invocation. He speaks about honoring for the saints, not about invocation. Nor have the rest of the ancient writers before Gregory mentioned invocation. The invocation of saints, along with the adversaries’ opinions which they now teach concerning the application of merits, does not have the testimonies of the ancient writers.

Pulling It Together: Let us clarify our terms again. Saints are those who have been made holy by God’s grace; they are not those whom we have declared holy. Indeed, they are those whom God has declared holy for Christ’s sake. “For Christ’s sake” means “because of him.” We do not tally up the deeds of the deceased to see if they merit God’s favor and are therefore holy. Rather, the Father has accounted his Son’s life, death, resurrection, and ascension as that which merits holiness and salvation for those who believe. 

We should certainly pray for one another and honor the lives of the saints—not only those saints who are still living, but also those who have passed on before us. For the death of his saints is precious in the sight of the Lord. Precious, not because of their personal holiness, but because Jesus’ blood was shed so that they would be holy for Christ’s sake.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for making me holy because of your Son. Amen.

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The Smalcald Articles are often considered Luther's theological Last Will and Testament. Written in easy-to-understand language, this study is presented in a discussion formation with assigned readings from the Scriptures and the Book of Concord. Included in the study is a shorter work by Philip Melanchton called "The Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope." 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Good Works – part 12 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 22 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click to open larger Scripture graphic.

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Romans 3:27–31

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Good Works 

They include other testimonies that are no better. Finally, they say that this opinion was condemned a thousand years ago, in the time of Augustine. This is altogether untrue. The Church of Christ always held that the forgiveness of sins is freely obtained. In fact, the Pelagians were condemned because they contended that grace is given on account of our works. Besides, we have already sufficiently shown how we maintain that good works must necessarily follow faith. For we do not overthrow the law, as Paul says in Romans 3:31. We uphold the law because when we have received the Holy Spirit by faith, fulfilling the law necessarily follows, by which love, patience, chastity, and other fruits of the Spirit gradually grow.

Pulling It Together

We receive salvation, forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit because of God’s grace—not because we deserve these gifts or have earned them. There is no merit in keeping the law, since it cannot save us, even if we could keep it, which we cannot do at any rate (Acts 15:10). Christ alone is able to save us. But we confess that when Christ who fulfilled the law has saved someone who is unable to keep the law, that person will then do good works out of necessity. Believers do good works because the Holy Spirit is given to all who have faith in Christ. When the Holy Spirit indwells a person, the Spirit begins to work in that person. It is the Spirit of Christ within us who is now fulfilling the law.

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to uphold your law while I depend upon your grace for salvation. Amen.

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Concerning Good Works – part 11 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 21 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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John 15:8–11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Good Works 

Peter speaks of works following the forgiveness of sins. He teaches that they should be done so that one’s calling may be sure, that is, lest they fall from their calling if they sin again. Do good works that you may persevere in your calling and not lose its gifts, which were given to you before your works, not because of them, and which are now retained by faith. For faith does not remain in those who lose the Holy Spirit, who reject repentance. We have said before that faith exists in repentance.

Pulling It Together: We do good works for three principal reasons. One, we are to bear good fruit so that God is glorified, and two, to prove that we are real disciples of Jesus. Doing good in Christ’s name not only shows others whom we follow, it also shows us that we are his disciples. Third, we do good works or bear good fruit so that our faith remains lively. A disciple who is not bearing fruit runs the great risk of becoming dull and cold and thereby, faithless again. Without faith, one falls away (Luke 8:13) and perishes (Heb 10:39).

So we see that works are not done to earn salvation. Christ alone merits the salvation of all who believe in him for that salvation. Having such faith, we must put it into practice, bearing good fruit so that God is glorified, and so that we prove whom we follow, and so that our faith may be kept alive. And here, let us add a fourth reason for doing good works. There is great joy in keeping God’s commandments, joy that the Lord stirs up in us because we have put faith into action and by doing so, are alive in his love. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, put my faith into action today. Amen.

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The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes a limited selection of music for use in worship, drawing primarily upon texts and music in the public domain, along with biblical texts set to familiar tunes. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Good Works – part 10 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 20 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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2 Peter 1:3–11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Good Works 

The adversaries also add testimonies to their own condemnation, and it is worth while to recite several of them. They quote 2 Peter 1:10: “Be the more zealous to confirm your call and election,” etc. Now you see, reader, that our opponents have not wasted labor in learning logic, for they have learned the art of inferring from the Scriptures whatever pleases them. “Make your calling sure by good works” becomes “works merit the forgiveness of sins.” By this manner of reasoning, one would proclaim to a person sentenced to death, but whose punishment has been canceled: “The judge commands that you abstain hereafter from taking that which belongs to another. By doing so, you have merited the pardon of the penalty, because you are now abstaining from taking what belongs to another.” Arguing in this way makes a cause out of the effect.

Pulling It Together: The Holy Spirit calls us to faith through the Word (Rom 10:17), and thereby grants us eternal life. The promises of God have already been gifted through belief in the promise. To this—to that faith which apprehended the promise—we are to add the qualities of faith. If we do not, we will forget that we have been forgiven. So we must practice the qualities of faith, not so that we will be forgiven but, so that we will never forget that we have already been forgiven. We remember that we have been forgiven our sins through faith in Christ because we are now living a new life, growing stronger in our faith in Christ Jesus day by day.

Prayer: Let me appreciate your gift of eternal life, Lord, by living in eternity today. Amen.

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The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes liturgies and services for your use. There are ready-to-copy settings for Holy Communion, services, services of the Word, Vespers, occasional services, funerals, and seasonal services. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Good Works – part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 19 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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John 6:47

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Good Works 

But we spoke of this entire matter above. Let the reader find evidence there. For the dishonorable treatment of the subject has forced from us the present complaint, rather than a discussion. They are on record as disapproving of our article: that we obtain forgiveness of sins by faith and freely on account of Christ, not because of our works.

Pulling It Together: We confess that for salvation, nothing else needs to be added to faith in Christ, or what is also called belief. Much is said in the record of Scripture about doing good works but never so that one would be justified with God by doing those works. We have said time after time—and will never grow weary of saying it yet one more time—that we cannot earn or merit forgiveness and salvation. These are gifts that God gives to those who believe, not because they paid the price for their sins but because Christ paid the price.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for eternal life through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

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The Sola Online Worship Electronic Resource (SOWeR) includes a database of hundreds of hymns and songs for use in worship. Search for titles, themes, or categories; then open individual pages that feature author data, plain-text lyrics, full-score hymn inserts, and simplified lead sheets for accompanists. Hymn numbers are provided for LBW/WOV and ReClaim hymnals. The database also includes original lyrics written by Sola authors, that may be sung to familiar hymn tunes.

SOWER is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Good Works – part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 18 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Romans 4:13–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Good Works 

If one seeks testimonies in Scripture by which to establish his thinking, he will discover that they are not lacking. Paul cries out at the top of his voice, as the saying goes, that we “are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:24). “That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed” (Rom 4:16). That is to say, if the promise depended upon our works, it would not be certain. If the forgiveness of sins were given because of our works, when would we know that we had obtained it? When would a terrified conscience find a work which it would consider sufficient to appease God’s wrath?

Pulling It Together: A promise has been made. All that remains is for us is to believe in God’s commitment to save us from sin. There is no need to do something in order to obtain his promise. God’s assurance that sins are freely forgiven is given because of Christ, not because we have somehow lived up to his promise.

Now if we were the ones who made the promise, we would have something to live up to: we would have to make good on our guarantee. That is precisely what God has done in Christ. He made the promise of justification, then lived up to it by dying—paying the penalty for our sin.

He made his promise and then, graciously guaranteed it through Christ. He left nothing for us to do but trust in the promiser. Believe his word of promise the same way that Abraham did: with faith in the grace of God.

Prayer: O Lord, I trust in your salvation. Amen.

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The Sola Online Worship Electronic Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Good Works – part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 17 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Titus 3:5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Good Works 

So this cause is a worthy one, for which we will refuse no danger to defend. If you have agreed to our Confession, “do not yield to the wicked, but go forward more boldly,” when our opponents employ their terrors and tortures and punishments to drive away from you that consolation which has been offered in our article to the whole Church.

Pulling It Together: Anyone who earnestly reads the Bible will soon observe that the teaching that we obtain the forgiveness of sins by faith freely for Christ’s sake has its foundation everywhere in the Bible. So we may confidently rely on God and the Lord Jesus Christ, faithfully confessing an obvious and important truth of Scripture even though it is harshly opposed. Who would want to have this great and everlasting comfort taken from him since the salvation of the whole Christian Church depends upon it?

Prayer: Lord, give me the conviction of faith. Amen.

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The goal of Personalities of Faith, a ten-session Bible study for youth, is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith". Using biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

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Concerning Good Works – part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 16 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Peter 2:24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Good Works 

Who would not rejoice to die in the confession of the article that we obtain the forgiveness of sins by faith freely for Christ’s sake, that we do not merit the forgiveness of sins by our works? The consciences of the pious will not have sufficiently sure consolation against the terrors of sin and of death, and against the devil inciting to despair, unless they know that they ought to be confident that they have the forgiveness of sins freely for Christ’s sake. This faith sustains and arouses hearts in that most violent conflict: with despair.

Pulling It Together: When despair sets in and you find no comfort in religion, family, or friends, you need something greater. When medicine cannot revive you, and doctors are of no use, and when death is imminent, your good works will give you no solace. You must have a reliable treatment for your condition when the despair of sin and death overwhelm you.

There is only one prescription for this malady that afflicts us all. Religion will not do it. A program of good works will not suffice. Only confident faith in Christ relieves us of the burden of sin and affords sure comfort in the face of death. Faith in Christ’s redeeming work on our account allows us to trust in God’s forgiveness, yes, even of the remission of sins—the sending back of our iniquities to Christ’s ledger, and the restoration of our souls to what God intended: the righteousness that we could never have achieved on our own.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for the gift of righteousness, through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

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A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

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Concerning Good Works – part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 15 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Joshua 1:5–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Good Works 

We see that a horrible decree has been prepared against us, which would terrify us even more if we were disputing dubious or trivial subjects. Now that our consciences understand the adversaries to be condemning the obvious truth—truth that must be defended for the Church and the increase of the glory of Christ—we easily dismiss the terrors of the world and will bravely bear whatever is to be suffered for the glory of Christ and the advantage of the Church.

Pulling It Together: We must hold the ground of the gospel and not give an inch. When the choice is between Scripture and tradition, the choice is clear even if it is sometimes difficult. There are many who stand against the truth and are very bold to do so. We must be bolder still, believing what God told Joshua. No one can prevail against the truth, so be strong and very courageous. Courage is necessary because, though truth will win out, the fight will be fierce. Do not be dismayed that no one believes you or takes the side of Scripture. Do not be surprised that they make your life difficult, or worse, at times a living hell. Your courageous stand for the truth of the gospel is advantageous to you and Christ’s Church, and brings glory to the Lord as well.

Prayer: Give me bold courage to stand for your truth, Lord. Amen.

A Discussion of Living Religions is a brief introduction to major world religions that takes a conversational approach as a group of friends talk together about what it is they believe. Each has a chance to speak for themselves about how they understand the fundamentals of reality and faith.

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Concerning Good Works – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 14 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Isaiah 53:4–6 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Good Works 

Here we could cite infinite testimonies from Scripture and from the Fathers, but we have said enough on this subject. There is no need of more testimonies for one who knows why Christ has been given to us, who knows that Christ is the propitiation for our sins. Isaiah says, “The LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). The adversaries, on the other hand, teach that God lays our iniquities on our works instead of on Christ. We are not disposed to mention here the sort of works that they teach.

Pulling It Together: The Father’s purpose in sending his Son into the world was so that the Christ would bear our sins. God’s plan has never been that we should bear our own iniquities. It was for these very iniquities that his hands, feet, side, and head were pierced. His blood covers our sins, satisfying God’s prescribed penalty for sin. That punishment is death (Rom 6:23). Our sins are not and can not be covered in any other way—not by penance or good works, by pilgrimages or prayers, by offerings or any other acts. Our sins are only covered and borne by Christ. How could we save ourselves? We are the sheep who have gone astray. 

Prayer: Blessed are you, Father, for sending your Son. Amen.

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This booklet provides a suggested list of Bible verses, prayers, and familiar worship texts assigned to various age levels, recommended for use along with Sola Publishing’s Sunday Schoolhouse curriculum series. The order of texts matches the suggested grade levels in Luther’s Small Cat Series: elementary-aged curriculum on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, also available from Sola Publishing. 

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Concerning Good Works – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 13 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Romans 3:26

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Good Works 

There have been writers who held that after the forgiveness of sins people are just before God, not by faith, but by works themselves. However, they did not think that the forgiveness of sins itself occurs on account of our works, and not freely for Christ’s sake.

Therefore the blasphemy of ascribing Christ’s honor to our works must not be tolerated. These theologians are without any shame if they dare to bring such an opinion into the Church. We do not doubt that His Most Excellent Imperial Majesty and very many of the princes would not have allowed this passage to remain in the Confutation if it had been brought to their attention.

Pulling It Together: God, who is faithful and just, forgives us of all sins and cleanses us from unrighteousness. He alone is legally and ethically righteous and honorable to forgive. He is the just justifier. But who does he justify? Who does he declare righteous? What is written? Does the just justifier forgive and cleanse those who have kept certain rituals, given sums of money, mustered up some kind of religious devotion without the aid of the Holy Spirit? The Scripture speaks of none of this. Faith is the word used over and again. The one who has faith in Christ is the one who is justly justified. Nothing else is added to the Word. This is why we say that we are justified by faith alone.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that your righteousness is available in this present time to all who believe in you. Amen.

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The Life of Martin Luther Children's Coloring & Storybook presents children with an an easy-to-read introduction to the life of one of the most influential Christians in history, Martin Luther. From his childhood, to his days as a monk, to his becoming a teacher and pastor in Wittenberg — the stories in this book trace Luther's life of faith through many struggles and challenges, showing us what it means to be faithful to God's Word and bear witness to our faith in Jesus Christ.

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Concerning Good Works – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 12 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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John 3:12-15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Good Works 

The framers of the Confutation openly show here what spirit leads them. For what is more certain in the Church than that the forgiveness of sins occurs freely for Christ’s sake, that Christ—not our works—is the propitiation for sins. As Peter says, “To him all the prophets bear witness that every one who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43). We would rather assent to this Church of the prophets than to these derelict writers of the Confutation who so impudently blaspheme Christ.

Pulling It Together: It is hard to believe. But it is true and must be believed. Christ came to save poor sinners—and he does not need our help. It was undoubtedly difficult to believe that there would be healing of those snake-bitten people who looked upon the bronze serpent uplifted in the wilderness (Num 11:9). But, in order to live, they had to believe in God’s remedy. They had to have faith in God. And so it is with us. In sending his Son, the Father has provided a remedy for our disease. But we must believe; we must have faith in him. There is no other way (John 14:6). Our works are not the way; Christ is. Religion is not the truth; Christ is. Our devotion is not the life; Christ is. All we must do is have faith in him who is God’s way, truth, and life. It may be difficult to believe, but there is no other way under heaven (Acts 4:12).

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for providing a cure for my broken nature, through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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The Life of Martin Luther is written in honor of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. This nine-session adult study takes participants through the circumstances and events of the life of Martin Luther as it reflects on the biblical themes underlying the Lutheran Reformation.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Good Works – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 11 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Ephesians 2:8-10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Good Works 

They explicitly state that they reject and condemn our Twentieth Article which states that people do not merit the forgiveness of sins by good works. They distinctly declare that they reject and condemn this article. What is to be answered about a subject that is so clear?

Pulling It Together: The gospel clearly teaches that people are forgiven for Christ’s sake. The Apostle Paul instructs us in no uncertain terms that we are not saved from sin and death because of our works. We can do nothing to deserve his mercy. Indeed, it is the undeserving who receive God’s merciful grace. Though we receive God’s free gift through faith alone, we are created for good works. So we should surely do such deeds even though they are of no merit in terms of salvation. These works are only what we ought to have done (Luke 17:10), but they do not make us deserving of salvation or the forgiveness of sins.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your free gift of eternal life, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord. Amen.

The Life of Martin Luther is written in honor of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. This nine-session adult study takes participants through the circumstances and events of the life of Martin Luther as it reflects on the biblical themes underlying the Lutheran Reformation.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Free Will – part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 10 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Genesis 6:5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Cause of Sin

The adversaries accept the Nineteenth Article where we confess that God alone has established all of nature and preserves all existing things. Yet the cause of sin is the will of the devil and of people turning away from God. For Christ has said of the devil, “When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature” (John 8:44).

Pulling It Together: God did not establish a world where sin existed. He created all good things and all things good. He did not create evil. Nevertheless, it is within his will that we may sin—otherwise, we could do no evil. Our human nature easily turns away from God when we resolve to not do good; and this is what we rightly call sin. As if we needed any assistance, we are further provoked to sin by the father of lies, the devil (John 8:44).

Prayer: Deliver me from evil, Lord. Amen.

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This is Most Certainly True! is a six-chapter mid-week, Lenten series that features dramatic monologues from Martin Luther, explaining what each part of the catechism means—ending it with the affirmation" "This is most certainly true!"

In addition to the monologues, there is a sample worship service outline, hymns suggestions for each monologue, and opening dialogues for worship based on the parts of the Small Catechism.

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Concerning Free Will – part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 09 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Acts 2:37-38

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Free Will 

This distinction has not been invented by us but is clearly taught in Scripture. Augustine also covers it, and recently William of Paris dealt with it well. Yet it has been wickedly suppressed by those who have imagined that people are able to obey God’s Law without the Holy Spirit, that instead, the Holy Spirit is given because obedient people are considered meritorious.

Pulling It Together: When the Sword of the Lord (Heb 4:12), his Word, delivers the cutting law of God, people understand that there is nothing they can do to be saved. The young man in Matthew 19 had been keeping the commandments his whole life, or so he claimed, but still knew something was lacking. So he asked Jesus, “What good deed must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus swung the law-edge of the sword at him so that he would be able to see his great need.

When people are able to see their need, they cry out, “What shall we do?” And here is the “follow me” that Jesus extended to the young man. “Repent and be baptized...in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” So we readily see that there is some civic good that we might do but, in the words of Charles Wesley, we are “all unrighteousness” (from “Jesus, Lover of My Soul). All that is left to us is to repent and be baptized. To such meek souls, the Holy Spirit is given—not earned. Through his power alone, we are enabled to follow Jesus, to be his disciples. 

Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, and give me grace to follow you anew. Amen.

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The Sola Confirmation Series is a basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum, designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Lord's Prayer workbook is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on the Introduction, each of the Petitions, and the Conclusion. The Scripture focus in the Lord's Prayer series is on the Parables of Jesus, with Bible Study lessons taken from the Gospels.

Leader's Guide

 

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Concerning Free Will – part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 08 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Romans 13:1

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Free Will 

Therefore, it is helpful to differentiate between civil righteousness, assigned to the free will, and spiritual righteousness, attributed to the governing of the Holy Spirit in the regenerate. This retains outward discipline, because all people ought to know that God requires this civil righteousness, and that, in some measure, we can achieve it. Yet a distinction is shown between human and spiritual righteousness, between philosophical teaching and the teaching of the Holy Spirit. Further, it can be understood that there is a need of the Holy Spirit.

Pulling It Together: Everyone is able to abide by the laws of the land, else the Scripture would not command us to do so. Furthermore, one may choose to obey the laws of the land or not. Because people keep the laws, we say that they are law abiding folks, but another way of putting it would be to refer to these upstanding citizens as civilly righteous. This brand of righteousness can be obtained by human will, without the aid of Holy Spirit.

Spiritual righteousness, however, requires the Spirit’s assistance. Further, it cannot be apprehended by those who have not been born again. For whereas civil righteousness may been obtained by the old, natural person, spiritual righteousness requires a new creation, a heart and mind that has been regenerated by the Spirit of God. Human nature is suited to civil righteousness but God’s Spirit is necessary for spiritual righteousness.

Prayer: Mold me, Lord, according to your will. Amen.

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The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes a limited selection of music for use in worship, drawing primarily upon texts and music in the public domain, along with biblical texts set to familiar tunes. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Free Will – part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 07 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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1 Corinthians 1:28–31

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Free Will 

People can settle this if they consider what their hearts believe about God’s will, whether they are truly confident that they are heeded and heard by God. It is difficult even for saints to retain this faith; it is nonexistent in the godless. But as we have said above, it is conceived when terrified hearts hear the gospel and receive consolation.

Pulling It Together: Faith is a gift from God; it is not something that we can conjure by reason or industry. Do you truly fear, love, and trust God? Then you have been regenerated or born again and faith is at work in you. But did you accomplish this faith because you one day decided to have faith? No; that faith was given to you.

Do you truly believe that God cares for you, hears your prayers, and answers them for Christ’s sake? Yes? Good! Then you have faith. But did you achieve this faith because you developed a religious program that you followed over a period of time until you had faith? No; faith was given to you.

When you sin and begin to fear the wrath of God, do you soon enough remember that Christ died for you, that the Father loves sinners like you, and that he forgives you for Christ’s sake? Good! Then you have faith. But that faith was not a matter of your will or decision. Otherwise, you could not boast in Christ alone, as the Scriptures say we must (1 Cor 1:31; Gal 6:14). The Christian’s boast is in Christ and his cross, not in human will. 

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to only boast in your righteousness and redemption. Amen.

Receive these lessons by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com  with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject. 

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Free Will – part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 06 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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1 Peter 1:8–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Free Will 

Therefore, although we concede to free will the liberty and power to perform the outward works of the law, we do not ascribe to it the spiritual ability for the true fear of God, true faith in God, true confidence and trust that God pays attention to us, hears us, forgives us, etc. These are the true works of the First Table, which the heart cannot render without the Holy Spirit, as Paul says, “The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God” (1 Cor 2:14).

Pulling It Together: A person who is not enlightened by God’s Holy Spirit—an “unspiritual” or “natural” person—does not, by natural reasoning or abilities, perceive or receive anything pertaining to God’s will and divine gifts. Natural reason can never wholly dedicate itself to God; indeed, it cannot even perceive who God is, and is always demanding to see God, like Moses of old. Furthermore, natural abilities are incapable of obtaining salvation, since salvation requires faith, which is entirely spiritual—not natural at all.

But the spiritual person, the one touched by the divine Spirit, thinks nothing of not having seen God. Though still only able to squint and peer through the glass dimly (1 Cor 13:12), the spiritual person loves God and believes in him, rejoicing at the outcome of this faith that God has given: the salvation of the soul.

Prayer: Thank you, Holy Spirit, for giving me a living hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

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The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes liturgies and services for your use. There are ready-to-copy settings for Holy Communion, services, services of the Word, Vespers, occasional services, funerals, and seasonal services. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning Free Will – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 05 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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John 3:16–18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Free Will 

But it is false to say that one does not sin who performs the works of the commandments without grace. They further add that such works also merit de congruo the forgiveness of sins and justification. For without the Holy Spirit human hearts do not fear or trust God; nor do they believe that they are heard, forgiven, helped, and saved by God. Therefore they are godless, for a bad tree cannot bear good fruit (Matt 7:18). “And without faith it is impossible to please him” (Heb 11:6).

Pulling It Together: The reader is reminded that de congruo, or congruity, refers generally to the false doctrine that imagines one’s reason can properly orient itself toward God, or be inclined of itself to love God, and that by one’s natural abilities one can do good, please God, and thereby earn his favor. This is Pelagianism, no matter how you slice it, and further, it leads the uber-religious to despair, or worse, leads the smug who imagine that they do not sin, or care not if they do, fairly straight to hell.

But when one comes to the understanding that he is a sinner, through and through, always has been, and always will be, that person may then have the hope of finally pleasing God. For nothing pleases God more than a person who knows he is a sinner, confesses it to God, and relies on his mercy. This is why the Father sent his Son into the world: to save sinners (John 3:17; 1 Tim 1:15). 

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for sparing sinners by not sparing your only Son. Amen.

May you believe and be saved, through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

Receive these Sola Devotions in weekday emails. Click here to fill out a quick and secure subscription form. 

The Sola Online Worship Resource is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning Free Will – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 04 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Ephesians 2:1–3

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Free Will 

However, the power of concupiscence is such that people more frequently obey evil inclinations than sound judgment. And the devil, who is powerful in the godless, as Paul says (Eph 2:2), never ceases to incite this feeble nature to various offenses. This is why even civil righteousness is rare, as we see that even the philosophers, who seem to have aspired after this righteousness, did not attain it.

Pulling It Together: Without the Spirit, people walk along the natural course of the world. This is the path of sin and death. We cannot do otherwise; we cannot move toward God on our own; human nature cannot do so without the Spirit’s guidance and empowerment. This is the way of the world, for the prince of this kingdom is a spirit who easily has his way with us since our natural desires are bent to offend—unless the Spirit of God regenerates us. Salvation and strength cannot be found elsewhere, as “our help is in the name of the Lord” (Psa 124:8).

Prayer: If it had not been for you, O Lord, who was on my side, the flood of sin and death would have swept me away. Amen.

Receive these lessons by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com  with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject. 

Personalities of Faith is a ten-session Bible study for youth. The goal of the series is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith." By showing biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Free Will – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 03 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 2:14–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Free Will 

Nor, indeed, do we deny that the human will has freedom. The human will has liberty in choosing works and things which reason comprehends by itself. It can render, to a certain extent, civil righteousness or the righteousness of works. It can speak of God, offer to God a certain service by an outward work, and obey magistrates and parents. Externally, human will can choose to restrict the hands from murder, from adultery, from theft. Since human nature still possesses reason and judgment about those things that the senses can detect, it can choose between those things, as well as the freedom and ability to accomplish civil righteousness. Scripture calls this the righteousness of the flesh that the carnal nature, that is, reason, does by itself without the Holy Spirit.

Pulling It Together

Without having ever taken a confirmation class, everybody knows that they should honor their parents. Do we need to understand that it is the sixth commandment in order to know we ought to be faithful to our spouses? No, we do not have to be a Christian or be religious at all to know these fundamental laws; they are written on the human heart. They are built in to our nature. So we can choose to steal or not, to murder or not, to lie or tell the truth. Human nature can choose to accomplish these outward things, though it does not perfectly succeed in the effort. Our power of will only goes so far. So yes, in a limited sense, we can choose to do the right thing; but can we do it without God’s assistance? Sometimes. Still, there are some things that human nature cannot achieve without the help of God. There are also limitations as to what unregenerate people may actually accomplish by keeping the second table of the law. We will investigate these matters next.

Prayer: Along with your law, write the words of your grace on my heart, Lord God. Amen.

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Sola’s Confirmation workbook, The Lord's Prayer, is designed to be a small group Bible study, student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Christ’s Return to Judgment http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 01 Jun 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Matthew 25:31–46

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Christ’s Return to Judgment

Our opponents accept the Seventeenth Article without exception. We confess there that Christ will appear at the consummation of the world, and will raise up all the dead, giving eternal life and eternal joys to the godly, but will condemn the ungodly to eternal punishment with the devil.

Pulling It Together: Because Jesus rose again from the dead, we confess that on the last day of the world, he will bring with him all who have died in the Lord (1 Thes 4:14) to be with him forever (1 Thes 4:17). These are comforting words for those who believe (1 Thes 4:18). We also confess that those who do not believe, will have no share in this glorious inheritance. Like a shepherd, Christ Jesus will separate people from people, the believing from the unbelieving, the sheep from the goats. The blessed believers will be brought into God’s eternal company, while those without faith in him will be sent away to eternal punishment.

Prayer: Help me to serve you, Lord, by serving others in your name. Amen.

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John is the fourth book in the "Old Places, New Faces" series. Twelve studies explore the profound metaphors of the Gospel of John. This study guide will make the story of Christ alive and relevant for today's readers.

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Concerning Political Order – part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 31 May 24 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Timothy 2:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Political Order 

This entire topic concerning civil affairs has been so clearly set forth by our theologians that many people who are occupied in the state and in business have declared how they have greatly benefited. Before, troubled by the opinion of the monks, they were in doubt as to whether the gospel permits public office and business. Accordingly, we have repeated these things here so that outsiders may understand that the kind of doctrine which we follow does not undermine the authority of magistrates and the worth of civil ordinances. Rather, our position strengthens their positions. The importance of these matters has been greatly obscured by foolish monastic opinions, which prefer the hypocrisy of poverty and humility to the state and the family, even though the latter have God’s command, while the Platonic community does not.

Pulling It Together: As God has established all civil authorities, he would have us pray for them—whether we like them or not. Christian love demands that we hold them before God in prayer. Moreover, wisdom compels us to pray for them, since the sound leadership of public servants is a benefit to us, providing us with “a peaceful and quiet life.”

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to lift up all those in high positions. Amen.

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This volume in the series, "Old Places, New Faces," The General Epistles offers a series of 12 Bible studies based on Hebrews, James, I & II Peter, I, II, & III John, and Jude. The geographical locations of Biblical characters can symbolically refer to places we find ourselves with respect to our faith. As we become more acquainted with our spiritual geography, we will better discern where God would have us go or what changes we need to make in order to serve Him better.

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Concerning Political Order – part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 30 May 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Matthew 5:33–37

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Political Order 

Endless discussions about contracts will never satisfy good consciences unless they know the rule that it is lawful for a Christian to make use of civil ordinances and laws. This rule protects consciences because it teaches that contracts are lawful before God if they are approved by magistrates or laws.

Pulling It Together: Obviously, we make contracts, such as in marriage or making a major purchase like a house or car. Because Jesus said, “Do not take an oath at all,” we may feel guilty when we do make contractual promises. The issue here is not what we sometimes think it is. The law tells us to swear by the name of God (Deut 6:13). In this context, we see that promises are made and broken (re: marriage, Matt 5:31–32). So Jesus is talking along some other line.

The kind of oath Jesus is referring to goes something like this: “I swear on my mother’s grave that I’ll do it by tomorrow.” Christians should not do this for a very simple reason: they are to always tell the truth. Indeed, they should be known for telling the truth. Therefore, they need only say, “Yes” or “No.” They will either do the thing or not. Employing the memory of a parent, or worse, the name of God is as unnecessary for the Christian as adding, “Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.” Only liars feel the need to swear.

None of this forbids civil contracts—nor does Scripture. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to tell the truth and keep my promises. Amen.

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Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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Concerning Political Order – part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 29 May 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Acts 2:42–47

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Political Order 

But the monks have so thoroughly spread this outward hypocrisy before people’s eyes that they are blind to what true perfection is. With what praises they have promoted community property, as though it were gospel! This message is very dangerous, especially since it differs so much from the Scriptures. Scripture does not command that property be held in common. The Decalogue acknowledges rights of ownership, and commands each one to hold what is his own, when it says, “Thou shalt not steal” (Exod 20:15). Wycliffe was obviously crazed when he said that priests were not allowed to hold property.

Pulling It Together

It is dangerous to souls for us to concede that anything people do produces perfection. We are only made perfect by God through faith in Christ. This perfection is not brought about by our religious acts, and certainly not by this one: having all things in common. Granted, the early churches—and some today—had all things in common. God bless them! But this does not create perfection. When we have faith in Christ, God calls us, or considers us, perfect and holy—whether we see it or not—and in response to that faith, we may do any number of religious things, such as holding property in common. But these things are not required by the Scripture for the forgiveness of sins, a reconciled God, or eternal life. 

Prayer: Give me the spirit to further devote myself to you, Lord. Amen.

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Not My Will, But Yours is a six-week study that explores the topic of the “free will” from a biblical perspective, looking at what Scripture has to say about the bondage of the human will, and how Jesus Christ has come to deliver us from ourselves.

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Concerning Political Order – part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 28 May 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Hebrews 12:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Political Order 

It is also vain delusion that Christian perfection is had by not holding property. Christian perfection does not consist in the contempt of civil ordinances, but in inclinations of the heart, in great fear of God, in great faith, just as Abraham, David, Daniel, even in great wealth and while exercising civil power, were no less perfect than any hermits.

Pulling It Together

It is God who makes us perfect (1 Thes 5:23). There is nothing we can do or not do, possess or not possess, that makes us perfect or complete in the eyes of God. We do not achieve perfection; we are made perfect by God’s perfection in Jesus Christ. We are perfect through faith in him. Though many trials beset us, we must stand steadfast in the hope and joy that is set before us, through him who endured death and shame because of the joy that lay before him (Heb 12:2). This firmness of faith finally works itself out in a mature Christian (James 1:3–4). In the meanwhile, it is God who sanctifies all people who have faith in Christ. They do not work toward their own perfection; God calls them faithful, for the sake of Christ (1 Thes 5:24). So let us look to Jesus instead of to conceited, religious deceptions such as wealth or the lack thereof.

Prayer: Help me keep you as my focus, Lord. Amen.

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The kind of church we see in the New Testament is different from what most modern people imagine when they think of “going to church.” Experience Life Together: Experiencing House-Church Ministry, by Rev. Tom Hilpert, is a 15-week house-church curriculum designed for pastors, lay leaders, and churches interested in getting a taste for what church in the home is really like. Whether referred to as a house-church, organic church, alternative church, or cell church, this material applies well to any group that wants to experience Christian worship in the context of a small group meeting within the homes of the participants.

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Concerning Political Order – part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 27 May 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Matthew 5:38–40

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Political Order 

The gospel forbids private retaliation, and Christ frequently teaches this with the design that the apostles would not think that they are to appropriate the government from those who hold it, just as in the Jewish dream of a messianic kingdom. Rather, it is their duty to teach that the spiritual kingdom does not change the government. Therefore private revenge is prohibited—not by advice, but by command (Matt 5:39; Rom 12:19). Public redress, made through the office of the magistrate, is not advised against, but is commanded, and is a work of God, according to Paul (Rom 13:1). Now the different kinds of public redress include legal decisions, capital punishment, wars, military service.

It is obvious how many writers have incorrectly judged these matters because they erroneously held the that the gospel is an external, new, and monastic form of government. They did not see that the gospel brings eternal righteousness to hearts, while it outwardly approves the civil government.

Pulling It Together: This is an easy matter to keep straight in our minds, if we distinguish between private and public remedy. If someone wrongs you, are you to take matters into your own hands, taking vengeance on the one who has wronged you? No; vengeance is the Lord’s. You are not to privately retaliate when God has instituted civil government to hear your case. This public redress is the appropriate way to address wrongs you have suffered.

In private matters, we act within the spiritual kingdom, turning the other cheek (Matt 5:39). We do not privately retaliate, for God has promised vengeance in his own way. In public matters, however, we operate within the civil kingdom, where God has put people in place to protect us and hear our cases.

These two kingdoms must not be confused or merged, for the spiritual kingdom brings what the civil kingdom cannot: forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life. The civil kingdom brings, by God’s institution, what the spiritual kingdom does not: protection of the people, laws of the land, legal decisions, and the resolution of disputes.

Prayer: Help me, Lord God, to trust in you. Amen.

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Combining the message of salvation in Christ with personal witness, The Gospel in Miniature is a Lutheran guide for evangelism. 

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Concerning Political Order – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 26 May 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 12:17–19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Political Order 

Julian the Apostate, Celsus, and very many others made the objection to Christians that the gospel would destroy states, because it prohibited legal redress and taught certain other things not at all suited to political relationships. These questions distressed Origen, Nazianzen, and others, though they are readily explained, if we keep in mind the fact that the gospel does not introduce laws concerning the civil state. Instead, the gospel is the forgiveness of sins and the beginning of a new life in the hearts of believers. It not only approves outward governments, but subjects us to them (Rom 13:1), just as we have been necessarily placed under the laws of seasons, the changes of winter and summer, as divine ordinances. 

Pulling It Together: While we are not to take matters into our own hands, public redress is available to Christians. This is one of many reasons that God has instituted governing authorities. When the Lord says that vengeance is his, one way his retribution is felt is through our governments, the political kingdoms in which we live. We need not repay evil for evil—indeed, we are commanded otherwise—because we have the luxury of trying to live peaceably with all people. But when people will not have peace, the authorities have been granted the power to make peace.

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to live in peace with others. Amen.

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The Basics of the Christian Faith is an edition of the catechism that is aimed at seekers, visitors, and those that may not come from a Lutheran background. It is recommended for use in outreach, as a visitor welcome gift, or in new member packets.

Customized edition

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Concerning Political Order – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 25 May 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Ecclesiastes 8:2–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Political Order 

The gospel does not introduce new laws for the civil state, but commands that we obey existing laws, whether they have been framed by unbelievers or by others. We are to practice love in this obedience. Carlstadt was daft when he tried to impose on us the judicial laws of Moses.

Our theologians have written more fully on these subjects because the monks spread many harmful opinions in the Church. They said community property is the polity of the gospel, and that not having property, and not vindicating oneself in the courts are evangelical counsels. These opinions greatly obscure the gospel and the spiritual kingdom, and are dangerous to the state. The gospel does not destroy the state or the family. Rather, it approves them, and bids us obey them as a divine ordinance, not just because of the fear of punishment, but for the sake of conscience.

Pulling It Together: It is claimed that Carlstadt, a colleague of Luther and Melancthon, had some radical views. Melancthon, as his associate at Wittenberg, would have known this all too well and so, mentions one of those views here. It is said that Carlstadt wished to supplant the law of the empire, replacing it with Mosaic law. This was a fanatical view, far from the teaching of Scripture, which tells us to “be subject to the governing authorities” (Rom 13:1), since they too are “ministers of God” (Rom 13:6).

The gospel does not give us new laws, nor does it call us to replace existing laws with the old Jewish law code. Instead, we are to obey the laws of the land while also living according to the rule of a higher kingdom, a spiritual kingdom. So, while we live on this earth, we “keep the king’s command” and pray daily to the King of kings, “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to live faithfully in two kingdoms. Amen.

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Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Concerning Political Order – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 24 May 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for jigsaw puzzle.

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1 John 3:19–24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Political Order

The whole topic concerning the distinction between the kingdom of Christ and a political kingdom has been explained to advantage in the writings of our theologians. Christ’s kingdom is spiritual; that is to say, it begins in the heart through knowledge and fear of God, faith, eternal righteousness, and eternal life. The kingdom of Christ permits us to, at the same time, outwardly use the legitimate political ordinances of every nation in which we live, just as it permits us to use medicine or architecture, or food, drink, and air.

Pulling It Together: Christ does not rule like earthly rulers, through the passing of laws and the enforcement of the same. He governs by his Word and through preaching. This is why we say that his kingdom begins in the heart where one believes. While good citizens of earthly kingdoms obey the laws of the land, so long as they are not in opposition to the spiritual kingdom, they always obey Christ, as heard in Scripture and the proclamation of his Word. This too, is a matter of faith in our King, for even when we think that we are very poor citizens of his kingdom, his Spirit reassures our faint hearts through the Word. We are again made into confident citizens, remembering that citizenship in his kingdom is not a matter of obeying laws, but of believing in him and loving one another. 

Prayer: Help me, O King eternal, to keep your great command: to believe in you. Amen.

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Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Concerning Political Order – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 23 May 24 00:00:00 -0400

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2 Chronicles 19:6–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Political Order 

Our opponents received the Sixteenth Article without challenge. We confessed therein that it is lawful for a Christian to hold public office, be a judge, resolve matters by the imperial laws, and other laws in present force, impose just punishments, engage in just wars, be a soldier, make legal contracts, hold property, take an oath when magistrates require it, and contract marriage. Legitimate public ordinances are good creations of God and divine ordinances in which a Christian may safely participate.

Pulling It Together: God is the final authority; all authority comes from him. Every governing power exists because of God (Rom 13:1). This is why Christians may serve in public office or be otherwise employed by governments. These necessary vocations are callings in which people are to act for the Lord. Faithful people may serve well in these various public positions, knowing that they serve the Lord by doing so.

This does not mean that every government is just, nor is any one government perfect. If Christians serve the public, let those servants know that they function within a human organization. All political orders will be wanting in one degree or another. So, let that man and woman understand that they do not merely serve the public; ultimately, they serve the Lord in their offices and duties. May they do so with reverence and fear of the Lord.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, move our leaders to serve in the fear of God. Amen.

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The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 33 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 22 May 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Psalm 133:1–3

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

In this very assembly we have sufficiently demonstrated that, for love’s sake, we do not refuse to observe adiaphora with others, even when this would have been disadvantageous. We thought that public harmony which could be produced without offense to consciences ought to be preferred to all other advantages. We will speak more of this entire subject when we consider vows and ecclesiastical power.

Pulling It Together: I was once declined in a congregation’s consideration as a new pastor, in part, because the church I was serving at the time did not use the Nicene Creed as much as the church in deliberation. How much we use each creed—indeed, whether we use the creeds at all—is adiaphora. That is, these things are not mandated in Scripture; there is no reason that we must do them. However, I do like the Nicene Creed very much and would have been happy to employ it often, had I been called to that congregation.

There are other things that I do not care much for, but again, they are adiaphora, and frankly, matters of taste. For the sake of unity, I do not make a stink about these matters. Though, I admit, there are times that I want to, but only because some things grate against my sensibilities about how I would like things to be—not because Scripture says they should be another way.

Then, there are those subjects that are matters of conscience, that we dare not compromise. For example, if a church taught that saying a creed is an act that deserves God’s favor, then we should decline, as a matter of conscience and principle, not because we disagree with the creed or even about saying creeds in general. It is not adiaphora when a church teaches that human traditions merit God’s grace. Nor does it promote harmony to do anything against conscience. While we ought to look for ways to produce unity among God’s people, they should not be done at the expense of conscience. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of your Church. Amen.

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All God’s Critters is a fully reproducible Sunday School series designed with the particular needs of small churches, mission congregations, and house churches with students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children.

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 32 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 21 May 24 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Corinthians 8:8–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

Nevertheless, we teach that freedom should be judiciously employed in these matters so that the weak are not offended, and may not become more hostile to the true doctrine of the gospel because liberty is abused. Nothing should be changed in customary rites without a reasonable cause. So that harmony is promoted, the old customs may be observed if they can be observed without sin or without great inconvenience.

Pulling It Together: What difference does it make if you eat so-called unclean foods (Acts 10:15)? Will you go to hell because you ate some rabbit stew (Lev 11:6)? Will God withhold his forgiveness because you had a pork chop (Lev 11:7)? Or, in the case of 1 Corinthians 8, will you be damned if you eat some BBQ chicken served at a non-Christian religious festival? No, it says that the food makes no difference but that if someone less experienced in the faith sees you there eating that food, it may destroy their weak faith.

More specifically, does eating or not eating certain foods for religious reasons—or for that matter, following any other kind of human tradition—merit God’s favor and forgiveness? Again, no. Eating certain foods and following other human traditions do not commend us to God. These traditions are fine if used for personal discipline or unity in the church (such as a congregation fasting together)—so long as they may be observed without causing people to sin or lose faith, but they will never make us righteous before God.

Prayer: Help me depend upon you alone for salvation, God. Amen.

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Sola Publishing offers some free downloadable resources for congregations and leaders in developing a Stewardship Emphasis for 2016-17. The theme for this year's Stewardship Emphasis is "Growing in Faith." The key Bible verse comes from Luke 12:27: “Consider the lilies, how they grow...”

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 31 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 20 May 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Titus 3:4–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

This topic of traditions contains many difficult and controversial questions. We have actually experienced that traditions are unquestionable snares for consciences. When they are required, the omission of any observance tortures in extraordinary ways the conscience. Again their abrogation has its own evils and its own questions.

But our case is plain and simple because the adversaries condemn us for teaching that human traditions do not merit the forgiveness of sins. They also require universal traditions, as they call them, as necessary for justification. Here we have as a constant champion Paul, who everywhere contends that these observances neither justify nor are necessary to be added to the righteousness of faith.

Pulling It Together: Start to read through the Bible in a year, and you will probably get behind at some point. Guilt will likely set in, especially if you do not catch up right away. Some people even wonder about their salvation when they cannot perform such acts of devotion. Try to pray the Hours and you will almost surely miss Matins some morning. Canon law requires some religious orders to pray the entire Liturgy of the Hours every day. Being part of a group that does these things, or doing them on your own, is fine. It is a good tradition and a valuable discipline. But to require such things as being necessary for justification, a reconciled God, forgiveness of sins, and therefore, salvation, is not what Scripture tells us.

The Bible tells us to apply ourselves to doing good but to not depend upon our good works for salvation. We must trust in the kind mercy of our loving God to justify us by his grace, and in doing so, make us inheritors of the hope of eternal life.

Prayer: Thank you for saving me—even me. Amen.

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Sola Publishing offers some free downloadable resources for congregations and leaders in developing a Stewardship Emphasis for 2016-17. The theme for this year's Stewardship Emphasis is "Growing in Faith." The key Bible verse comes from Luke 12:27: “Consider the lilies, how they grow...”

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 30 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 19 May 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Proverbs 3:11–12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

As to the mortification of the flesh and discipline of the body, we teach just as the Confession states, that a true and not a feigned mortification occurs through the cross and afflictions by which God disciplines us. In these we must obey God’s will, as Paul says, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Rom 12:1). These are the spiritual exercises of fear and faith. But in addition to the mortification that occurs through the cross, there is also a voluntary kind of exercise necessary. Christ speaks of this saying, “But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation” (Luke 21:34). Paul also says, “I pommel my body and subdue it” (1 Cor 9:27).

These disciplines are not to be undertaken because they are services that justify, but in order to curb the flesh. Otherwise, satisfaction may overpower us, rendering us secure and indifferent. The result of this is people who indulge and obey the inclinations of the flesh. As it has the perpetual command of God, our diligence in this matter should be constant. The directive of certain foods and times does nothing to curb the flesh. These fasts are more luxurious and sumptuous than other feasts; not even the adversaries observe the prescriptions given in the canons.

Pulling It Together: It serves us well to discipline these human wills, bringing them in line with the will of God. This the very thing we ask so often, praying, “Thy will be done.” Our first resolve ought to be that his will be done in our own lives. Self-discipline will, to a large extent, accomplish this concern. This has the added benefit of not having to endure the crosses and troubles that God will inflict upon us if our earthly desires are not very heavenly. Be assured that, if God loves you (and he certainly does), he will do what is necessary to answer your prayer, and accomplish his will in your life. Though we ought to do all we can to discipline ourselves, we should not despise our Father’s discipline, since it is for our own good. Nor should we expect that our self-disciplines result in forgiveness, justification, or a reconciled God.

Prayer: Thy will be done, Lord, in my life as it is in heaven. Amen.

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Sola Publishing offers some free downloadable resources for congregations and leaders in developing a Stewardship Emphasis for 2016-17. The theme for this year's Stewardship Emphasis is "Growing in Faith." The key Bible verse comes from Luke 12:27: “Consider the lilies, how they grow...”

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 29 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 18 May 24 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Timothy 4:13–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

On the other hand, all the sermons in our churches are occupied with such topics as repentance, the fear of God, faith in Christ, the righteousness of faith, the consolation of consciences by faith, the exercises of faith, prayer—what its nature should be and that we should be fully confident that it is heard and is effective, the cross, the authority of magistrates and all civil ordinances, the distinction between the kingdom of Christ (or the spiritual kingdom) and political affairs, marriage, the education and instruction of children, chastity, and all the works of love. From this report of our churches it may be judged that we diligently maintain church discipline, godly ceremonies, and good customs in the church.

Pulling It Together: Paul exhorts the young pastor to devote himself to three practices in his ministry: being sure that the Scriptures are read in services of worship, and preaching and teaching the Word of God. This is what the Church needs, though it is not necessarily what the people in congregations want. Too many of our churches want money managers, hand holders, back patters, and meeting goers who go by the name of Pastor but are afforded little time to actually fulfill their office.

The Church must make sure its pastors are allowed to absorb themselves in the office of God’s calling, not in the job description of a Council’s choosing. Then our pastors may faithfully read, preach, and teach God’s word in a way that is beneficial to their congregations.

Prayer: Give me the discipline, Lord, to immerse myself in your word. Amen.

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The Sola Music Series offers simple collections of easy-to-play worship music, including new songs and arrangements of old favorites. Based in a confessional theology and a respect for the historical and sacramental liturgy, these resources do not require a high level of musical expertise. Written in a simple and straight-forward style, these songs are intended for congregations that would like to explore a less formal musical style in worship, while still maintaining the integrity of the traditional order of worship. Such music would fit into what is sometimes referred to as "contemporary" or "blended" worship, without necessarily requiring a full band of experienced musicians and singers to lead the songs. Providing lead sheets for guitar and vocals, along with full scores for piano, Sola Publishing grants to those who purchase this volume the permission to reproduce words and music of the songs within for local congregational use.

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 28 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 17 May 24 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Corinthians 1:20–25

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

Among the adversaries, in many regions, no sermons are delivered during the entire year except in Lent. Yet the chief worship of God is the preaching of the gospel. When the adversaries do preach, they speak of human traditions, of the worship of saints, and similar trifles which the people justly loathe. Therefore, they are deserted as soon as the text of the gospel has been recited. A few of the better ones are now speaking of good works, but they say nothing about the righteousness of faith, faith in Christ, or the consolation of consciences. Indeed, they rail with reproaches at this most wholesome part of the gospel.

Pulling It Together: The gospel of God’s grace through Christ was snubbed as something “Lutheran” in the 16th century. In the 21st century, other gospels persist in churches. In their roots, these various false gospels are the same that Luther contended with and that the Apostle Paul fought against. They are each the so-called gospel of works righteousness. The prosperity gospel and the social (or activist) gospel are two of many such false gospels in our world today. Giving in order to gain is obviously a works-centered belief. A church that rallies around the latest cultural correctness and that believes God favors them for doing so, is also focused on a righteousness of works.

But we teach a much different gospel than these. “We preach Christ crucified.” This is a point of stumbling and offense for many but to those who are called, Christ is the power and wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:23–24). Christ is our righteousness, and his cross our rallying point. This is what must be preached and taught in our churches, lest human traditions and Christless religion soon overtake us.

Prayer: Ever draw me, O God, to the power and wisdom of Christ crucified. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Sola Publishing offers some free downloadable resources for congregations and leaders in developing a Stewardship Emphasis for 2016-17. The theme for this year's Stewardship Emphasis is "Growing in Faith." The key Bible verse comes from Luke 12:27: “Consider the lilies, how they grow...”

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 27 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 16 May 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Deuteronomy 6:5–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

With the adversaries, those who perform the Masses are unwilling celebrants and those hired for pay, and very frequently only for pay. They chant psalms, not to learn or pray but for the sake of the ceremony, as though the work was an act of worship, or at least due some reward. With us many receive the Lord’s Supper every Lord’s Day, but only after having first been instructed, examined, and absolved. The children sing psalms so that they may learn; the people also sing, in order that they may either learn or pray. There is no catechization of the children whatever among our opponents, though it is stipulated in the canons. With us, pastors and ministers of the churches are obligated to instruct and test the youth publicly, a custom that produces the best outcomes.

Pulling It Together: Holy Communion is not a ritual that is to be performed as though it were a good work done by us. Communion is a means of grace, something done by God for us and for Christ’s sake. This understanding must be taught to all, especially to our children. This instruction must begin in the home—for parents are the primary teachers of their own children. But the faith is also taught to the young in our churches by pastors and other faithful ministers, such as Sunday School teachers. Only then may Holy Communion be received with understanding, and the fear, love, and trust of God be properly instilled in our youth.   

Prayer: Teach me, O Lord, to love you with all my being. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

In Part 2 of Sola Scriptura, "The Norm of Faith" study shows how an active view of the Word informs and guides our understanding of what Scripture says. In other words, it will talk about what the Bible means based on what it does. In terms of how we come to articulate our faith and our doctrinal teachings, to speak of Scripture as the "norm" of faith means that it is the standard against which our theology and proclamation are measured.

• Study Guide   • See also Sola Scriptura, Part 1: The Source of Faith

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 26 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 15 May 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Matthew 6:9–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

But we cheerfully maintain the old traditions that were established in the Church for the sake of usefulness and tranquility. We interpret them in a more moderate way that excludes the opinion which holds that they justify. Yet our enemies falsely accuse us of abolishing good ordinances and church discipline. For we can truly declare that the liturgy in our churches is more becoming than with the adversaries. And if anyone will consider it properly, we conform to the canons more truly than do the adversaries.

Pulling It Together: Lucy was a sweet, Southern lady. Even suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, she was a very dear sister in Christ whom I liked to visit in the care facility where she had to live with others suffering from the same or similar conditions. At first, because I was wearing a clerical collar, she knew I was her pastor but she could not remember my name or the name of the church that she had attended for decades. Eventually, she did not even recognize me as her pastor. Whenever I asked if her daughter had been by to see her, she always said, “no,” or, “about a week ago,” even though her daughter visited every day. She just could not remember things anymore—her short-term memory being especially affected.

Toward the end of my pastorate in her church, I visited Lucy on a day when she seemed a little upset about something that she could not put into words. It might have been some fleeting memory that she could not quite recall, or perhaps the other patients were distressing her. At the end of my visit, I asked her if she would like me to pray. She always did, so politely smiled and said, “Yes, please.” As I quickly considered what to pray, I thought, “The Lord’s Prayer might be a comfort to her.” And so I began, “Our Father…”

Then Lucy joined me, softly saying, “who art in heaven,” and praying all the way to the “Amen.” Things changed during that time of prayer—for Lucy and for me. She was calmed and I felt better for her. As I drove away from the nursing home, I pondered what had happened. Of all the things and all the people she had forgotten, she remembered the prayer that Jesus taught us, the prayer that is part of the liturgy of her church. This public ritual, the “Our Father,” that Lucy participated in thousands of times did not reconcile God or merit the forgiveness of sins for her. But it did remind her of God’s presence and providence. Even when she seemed to have forgotten everything else, it was very clear that she had not forgotten God. 

Nor had he forgotten her.  

Prayer: Lord, teach me to pray. Amen.

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A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

• Leader's Guide   • See also: Sola Scriptura, Part 2: The Norm of Faith

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 25 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 14 May 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Matthew 15:10–20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

Then, if any one observes these traditions, let it be done without the superstition of expecting some favor from God, just as there is no merit when soldiers are clothed one way and scholars another. The apostles violated traditions and were excused by Christ to show the Pharisees that these services are unprofitable. So if our people disregard useless traditions, they are excused when these traditions are said to merit justification, since such regard for Church traditions is profane.

Pulling It Together: Jesus says, “Hear and understand.” This is important. A person’s righteousness is not earned in the keeping of traditions or rituals or doing good works. Were someone to have a lifetime of perfect Sunday School attendance, never miss a Council meeting, never had a drink, given up smoking, always worn a nice outfit to worship, and never once uttered a bad word, these things could never earn God’s favor. If people make the sign of the cross at every mention of the Trinity, face the cross all the way through processions, bow so much that their friends wonder if they have a condition, and have developed an acute appetite for lutefisk, those people would be no more righteous or holy than anyone else.

People from other churches and countries observe different traditions. Let them do so. Furthermore, if people do not wish to do so, allow them this freedom. If the person sitting next to you in church, or who goes to another church, does not bow and cross, does wear jeans, but would not dare to eat fish gelatin, do not fret for her soul. It is not the things she wears, the things she does, or the food she puts in her mouth that defile her. Indeed, it is what comes out of her—out of her heart and soul—that corrupts.

So let us be more concerned with who is within us than with those things we do on the outside. “Hear and understand.” This is important.

Prayer: Give me grace, Lord, to hear and understand. Amen. 

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The General Epistles offers a series of 12 Bible studies based on Hebrews, James, I & II Peter, I, II, & III John, and Jude. The geographical locations of Biblical characters can symbolically refer to places we find ourselves with respect to our faith. As we become more acquainted with our spiritual geography, we will better discern where God would have us go or what changes we need to make in order to serve Him better.

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 24 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 13 May 24 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Peter 3:13–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

Many hope to find justification in the traditions, that they will soothe their consciences, yet can not find any sure measure by which to free themselves from these chains. When Alexander could not untie the Gordian knot, he cut it with his sword. Just so, the apostles freed consciences once and for all, especially from the idea that traditions merit justification. The apostles compel us with doctrine and example to oppose such ideas, teaching that traditions do not justify, are unnecessary for justification, and that no one should create or receive traditions with the belief that they merit justification.

Pulling It Together: Do you have hope? If so, what is the reason for your hope? The Apostle Peter says that we should be ready to give a reliable reason for the hope that is in us. That sounds like the hope within us all is the same hope, not something that each of us accomplishes in a variety of ways. At any rate, we have already established here that no one has a good conscience because of the things they do. Quite the opposite is the case. So, since one’s hope of salvation needs a good conscience, how may these be possessed? How may someone have hope and a good conscience, if they cannot be had by things done? Hope and a good conscience may only be apprehended by faith in Christ. If you believe that God’s grace comes to sinners through Christ alone, then you can have a certain hope—and a good conscience. For you have now apprehended the truth, that your personal holiness, religious devotion, and good works are not what make the crucial difference. “Christ in you” is your only “hope of glory” (Col 1:27). 

Prayer: I honor you, Lord Jesus, as the one who is holy in my life. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Examining Our Core Beliefs explains in straight-forward terms the core of what we believe—from a biblical, theological, historical, and confessional point of view. A 30-page study guide is included in the back of the book.

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 23 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 12 May 24 00:00:00 -0400

Photograph by Bruce Shaw  • Index of posts

Galatians 5:1–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

Nor do bishops have the authority to institute rites as though they justified or were necessary for justification. In the apostolic challenge, “Why do you make trial of God” (Acts 15:10), Peter declares that laying this burden on the Church is a great sin. Paul forbids the Galatians to submit to bondage again (Gal 5:1). The ceremonies of the law were necessary for a time. But the will of the apostles is that liberty remain in the Church, so that no services of the law or traditions be considered necessary. For if people think that these services merit justification, or are necessary for justification, the righteousness of faith is obscured.

Pulling It Together: Christ alone has the authority to institute rites in the Church that justify, reconcile, and forgive. Why is it though, that the Church or its bishops cannot establish these ceremonies? Rites that promise the grace of God depend upon the Word of God. Since God alone can make these gracious promises, he alone has the authority to institute rites that convey his grace. Christ has done this in Baptism and Holy Communion. All other rites are human institutions that do not have the authority to establish the rite, or the power to fulfill the promise.

Prayer: Help me to run the race well, Lord, depending upon you until the finish line. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Learning About Communion teaches the meaning of Holy Communion according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Fifth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons emphasize the sacramental promise of the forgiveness of sins conveyed to us in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. This booklet was designed to be used as a Sunday School unit, or for classes to prepare students for their First Communion.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 22 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 11 May 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Revelation 3:7–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

We have already cited some testimonies, of which Paul overflows. He clearly says to the Colossians: “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a sabbath. These are only a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ” (Col 2:16–17). He includes here both the law of Moses and human traditions at the same time, so that the adversaries may not resort to their typical practice and elude these testimonies on the ground that Paul is speaking only of the law of Moses. He clearly says here that he is speaking of human traditions. The adversaries do not know what they are claiming. If the gospel says that the divinely instituted ceremonies of Moses do not justify, how much less do human traditions justify!

Pulling It Together: If we are going to follow a command of God, let us keep this one: believe in his Son, Jesus Christ. For “this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us” (1 John 3:23). That is the greatest commandment, so let us keep that one and in so doing, keep all the rest. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). If we are to do one thing, let us do that very blessed thing: believe in Jesus Christ. Let faith in him be our only obligation and his Spirit in us will drive all other duties. Only, let us not call those responsibilities things that save us or reconcile us to God. Only Christ saves (Acts 4:12).

We may not have much power in this life, but there is one thing we can do. By the grace of God, we may believe. There is an “open door” set before us all; it is the invitation to faith in Christ. It is certainly not a command to earn salvation through keeping laws, for Christ is the end of the law (Rom 10:4).

Prayer: Claim me as your own, Lord, and give me faith. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Not My Will, But Yours: A Bible Study on the Bound Will explores the theme of human bondage seen throughout Scripture. From the Old Testament examples of people held in slavery whom God came to set free, to the New Testament examples of Jesus healing illnesses and casting out demons, we witness the Lord’s power of deliverance. Ultimately, all these stories point to the greatest act of God’s redemption in the cross, where Christ rescued us from our captivity to the powers of sin, death, and the devil.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 21 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 10 May 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 3:27–28

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

How the most excellent Gerson is tortured while he searches for the degrees and extent of the precepts yet, is unable to fix any mitigation in a definite degree. Meanwhile, he deeply deplores the dangers to godly consciences which this rigid interpretation of the traditions produces.

Against this deceitful illusion of wisdom and righteousness through human rites, let us fortify ourselves with the Word of God. Let us know that these traditions do not merit with God the remission of sins or justification, nor are they necessary for justification.

Pulling It Together: John Gerson became the chancellor of the University of Paris in 1395. Over a century before Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the castle door, Gerson wrote against human traditions in the Church that had students and others so focused on regulations that they took no time for the Scripture. He, and later the Lutherans, could not find how these traditions promised assurance and peace in the heart. As a result, the Lutherans insisted on proclaiming the gospel of grace.

When one takes time for study of the Scripture, it is easily discovered that no one merits God’s favor, forgiveness, et cetera through these human traditions in the Church. Scripture teaches everywhere that sinners cannot achieve any worth with God that deserves such rewards. So, of course, Scripture does not elevate human traditions to the level of justifier. Only Christ is “just and justifier” of those who have faith in him (Rom 3:26).

Prayer: Make me dependent, Lord, on your justifying righteousness. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

If you are a pastor or Council member, you know it is close to budget preparation time for the coming year. Please consider adding Sola Publishing to your benevolence. You may also securely donate as an individual by clicking the red donate button above. 

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 20 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 09 May 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Colossians 1:24–27

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

That is not all. When minds are possessed with the notion that such observances are necessary for justification, consciences are in woefully anxious because they cannot fulfill all the requirements. Who could enumerate all of the observances? There are large books—indeed, whole libraries—that do not contain a syllable about Christ, faith in him, or the good works of one’s calling, but only collect the traditions along with interpretations by which observances are made more rigorous or relaxed.

Pulling It Together: How can there be a secure and sincere hope of glory when that hope is based in one’s own ability to perform? That would be to despair of glory. Our hope, however, is based on a truer self than self: on Christ in us. He is the only reason we have the hope of glory. This glorious hope is born of a great mystery but it is true nonetheless. Through the Word and the Sacraments, Christ is in us and is filling us with his Spirit in both new life and the righteousness of God. That is why we hope; the righteousness of “Christ in you” is your only “hope of glory.”

Prayer: I hope in you with a sure hope, Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

St. John's Churches: A Parable of Faithful Discipleship is a twelve session story invites disciples to explore and discern God's will for mission and ministry. Written in parable form, this funny, engaging story follows the ministry of Pastor Jeff Mutton as he dreams the big dream of a creative, vital ministry to the community in which St. John's serves. Each session can be used as opening devotions for church council meetings, discipleship training sessions, or a visioning team. The humorous story encourages listeners to dream the big dream of God's plan for mission in their context. 

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 19 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 08 May 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Colossians 3:18–24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

After this illusion of wisdom and righteousness has deceived people, infinite evils result. The gospel of the righteousness of faith in Christ is obscured, and vain confidence in such works follows. Then the commandments of God are obscured, for when these works lay claim to the title of a perfect and spiritual life, they are much preferred to the works of God’s commandments, such as one’s own calling, the administration of the state, the management of a family, married life, the bringing up of children. Compared with those religious ceremonies, vocations are considered profane, so that they are practiced by many with some doubt of conscience. For it is well known that many have abandoned the administration of the state and married life, in order to embrace these observances as better and holier.

Pulling It Together: When one realizes that righteousness does not come by doing religious things but by Christ having done everything for us, then we realize righteousness is something given to us through faith in Christ and by the grace of God. What results from this faith in Christ’s righteousness is the realization that all of the normal vocations of life may be just as holy and righteous—if not more so—as being a religious.

There is no need to enter a religious order to be righteous or lead a holy life. Christ makes husbands, wives, and parents as holy as priests. Senators and mayors, doctors and nurses, school teachers and soldiers are all made holy through faith in Christ. Once we believe that Christ gives us his holiness, without any of our works added, we are able to be at peace with our callings in life.

Prayer: Help me work for you, Lord, in such as way as brings you honor. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Where Two or Three Are Gathered is a guide for what Luther referred to as "mutual conversation and consolation" among believers. These are the times we come together one to one, as people of faith, to talk about our lives and struggles, and strengthen one another in prayer with the promise of God's grace and mercy. This devotional conversation guide may be used for a number of purposes and applications where people are looking for some help in structuring conversations on the practical and spiritual dimensions of Christian discipleship.

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 18 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 07 May 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Luke 18:10–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

This is also how human reason understands the discipline of the body and fasting. Their purpose is restraint of the flesh, but reason thinks of them as services which justify. Thomas [Aquinas] writes: “Fasting avails for the extinguishing and the prevention of guilt.” These are the words of Thomas. Thus people are deceived by the illusion of wisdom and righteousness in such works. Additionally, people try to imitate the lives of the saints, for the most part imitating the outward exercises without their faith.

Pulling It Together: Human righteousness tends to look down its nose at those not religious in the same way. It is always watching to see what others are not doing so that it can compare all it does. These are, of course, outward things like ceremonies, rites, fasting, and manner of dress. If such things are regulated, one may easily determine if they are being righteous. More important to the self-righteous, one may also easily determine if others are not being righteous.

We are so easily deceived. It is not the outward things that matter. We may justify ourselves to other people because of our religious practices. But God knows the heart (Luke 16:15). God’s ways are not like our ways (Is 55:8). So we should not be surprised that outward disciplines are not at all important without faith toward God in the heart. This requires enough humility to admit that one is a sinner in need of the Savior.

Prayer: I thank you, Lord, that I am a sinner whom you love. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Saints and Sinners, Witnesses to the Faith, is the first in a three-volume series on saints and sinners in the New Testament who were powerful witnesses to faith in Christ. May this study of saints and sinners enrich your understanding of life with Christ and encourage you in discipleship.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 17 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 06 May 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Colossians 2:20–22

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

Paul writes that traditions have “an appearance of wisdom” (Col 2:23); and indeed they do. For good order is very becoming in the Church, and for that reason is necessary. Yet human reason, because it does not understand the righteousness of faith, is inclined to believe that these works justify people because they reconcile God. This is what the common people among the Israelites thought, and because of this opinion, ceremonies increased, just as they have grown among us in the monasteries.

Pulling It Together: I have enjoyed wearing the most comfortable jeans. But it seems that just a few months after I get them broken in, they wear out and I have to start all over. Who knows how many pairs of jeans I have worn out in my life? They felt good for awhile but eventually they began to expose me where I once was covered.

That is just how human religious traditions work. They feel good at first but then they leave you exposed. Just like my favorite old jeans, my favorite religious traditions eventually wear out and leave me uncovered. My old traditions had the appearance of wisdom, just as my current traditions do. They kept and keep me on-track in my religious life but they do not cover me. In other words, they cannot justify me or reconcile God. When these traditions become regulations that we imagine earn us favor with God, then we may discover that we have been wearing nothing at all.

Prayer: Cover me, O Lord, in your righteousness. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

All God’s Critters is a Sunday School series designed for young students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children.

The All God’s Critters curriculum is fully reproducible and is designed with the particular needs of small churches, mission congregations, and house churches in mind. Check out some sample pages by clicking here.

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 16 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 05 May 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Isaiah 1:10–11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

The Fathers had these reasons for maintaining rites, and for these reasons we also judge it is right that traditions be maintained. We are greatly surprised, however, that the adversaries contend for another reason for traditions, namely, that they may merit the remission of sins, grace, or justification. What else is this than to honor God with gold and silver and precious stones—in other words, to believe that God becomes reconciled by a variety in clothing, ornaments, and by similar rites, such as are infinite in human traditions?

Pulling It Together: Maintaining rites for the sake of order in the Church is one thing. But to contend that these rites justify God is in opposition to the doctrine of the apostles, and contrary to both the Old and New Testaments. Sacrifice, whether animal or gold, is worthless to God without faith. Sacrifice, ceremony, and good works should all be responses of faith. God is greatly displeased with anything given with the idea that doing that thing will merit forgiveness and salvation. The remission of sins and eternal life is only received through faith in Christ. He is the only sacrifice that pleases God.

Prayer: Help me to hear your word, Lord, and respond in faith. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Go and Tell, unit 2 in the Word of Life Series, is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meant for use in Small Group gathering, each of the six sessions is based on a primary Scripture text, with intentional time for reflection. There are questions, prayer, faith sharing, and mini evangelism case-studies. The series would be helpful for those involved in starting a Bible study fellowship, house church, or mission congregation. It can also be used by established congregations to aid in establishing a small group ministry.

• Unit 1  • Unit 2  • Unit 3

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 15 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 04 May 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 14:28–31

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

Although the holy Fathers had both rites and traditions, they did not maintain that these are useful or necessary for justification. They did not obscure the glory and office of Christ, but taught that we are justified by faith for Christ’s sake—not because of these human ceremonies. They observed these human rites for the sake of the body, that the people might know when to assemble, for an example in the churches how things may be done in order and decorously, and lastly, that common folk might receive a sort of training. For the distinctions of times and the variety of rites are valuable for instructing the common people.

Pulling It Together: Occasional services are useful tools in the churches. They help us to do things that promote good order, without having to invest a lot of time developing these services. Even the rubrics for the liturgy that are printed in the service books are very helpful. Yet when we begin to call upon these services—these human inventions—as those things which define Christians, we have gone overboard, and like Peter, have begun to lose our faith in Christ. Thus, we will surely sink, for our focus has become the wind of our opinions, instead of Christ. When this happens, even those things meant for good order will divide us.

Prayer: Take my hand, Lord, and give me faith in you. Amen. 

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Come and See - Word of Life Series (Unit 1) is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 14 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 03 May 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Revelation 14:9–12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

Daniel indicates that new human religious rites will be the very form and constitution of the kingdom of Antichrist. He says: “He shall honor the god of fortresses instead of these; a god whom his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts” (Dan 11:38). He describes here the invention of new rites, as he says that such a god shall be worshiped as the fathers did not know.

Pulling It Together: The face of Christianity is changing in many places. Things that were once considered true because they are the testimony of Scripture, are now cast aside in favor of personal and public opinion. With these changes come new religious rites and unusual beliefs to base these ceremonies upon. What have those who are so deceived done but received the mark of the beast? They have sided with darkness, worshiping the beast instead of the Light of the World. This should come as no surprise, for John spoke of this when he wrote that the true light would not be received by the world (John 1:9–10).

We may fall in with the complainers who long for the so-called good old days. They are with us in every generation. Or we may have our minds opened to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). Then we will realize that these changes were prophesied long ago and that we have a responsibility in such times. We are to patiently endure, being even more devoted to walking in God’s way and keeping our faith in Jesus—no matter the push and pull of the world around us. For to all who receive Jesus, who believe in him, he gives the right to become children of God (John 1:12). There is no other way of salvation (John 14:6), despite what some may claim. Though the world continues to change, and some churches right along with it, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb 13:8).

Prayer: Help me to endure these times, O Lord, and keep my faith in you. Amen. 

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 13 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 02 May 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Colossians 2:1–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

They condemn us in article seven of their Confutation for saying that it is not necessary that rites instituted by men should be the same everywhere for true unity of the Church.

Pulling It Together: Since rituals invented by people—instead of those instituted by God—have no testimony in the Word of God and no demand on his people, how could they have anything to do with real unity in the Church? For it is God who maintains unity and order in the Church. It is then up to us to obey—to obey God, not people (Acts 5:29).

God has given us what is necessary for good order and unity. There is no need to invent something new or additional. Yet how these things are observed will necessarily be different from one congregation to another. Language will be different, as will some wording, the flavor of wine, the temperature of the water, and so forth. Let us not quibble over such things but find our unity in Christ and his Word. Such firmness of faith in “the mystery of God” will bring about good order.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for revealing the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages. Amen. 

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Learning About Confession teaches the meaning of Confession and Forgiveness according to Luther's guidance in the Small Catechism. It is recommended for the Sixth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story that illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. With a healthy balance of Law and Gospel, lessons emphasize the connection between repentance and forgiveness, and how the promise of God’s forgiveness changes our lives.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 12 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 01 May 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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John 1:10–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

What need is there for words on a subject so plain? If the adversaries defend these human rituals as meriting justification, grace, and the forgiveness of sins, they are simply establishing the kingdom of Antichrist. The kingdom of Antichrist is a new worship of God that is invented by human authority that rejects Christ, just as the kingdom of Mohammed has services and works through which it seeks to be justified before God. It denies that people are freely justified before God by faith, for Christ’s sake. Thus the papacy also will be a part of the kingdom of Antichrist if it continues to insist that human rites justify. In doing so, the honor is taken away from Christ since they teach that we are not justified freely by faith, for Christ’s sake, but instead through these religious ceremonies—especially when they teach that such ceremonies are not only useful for justification, but are also necessary.

Pulling It Together: Our own will—and willpower—has nothing to do with being part of the family or kingdom of God. We are reborn into the kingdom of Christ because of faith in the King of the kingdom. When we believe in King Jesus, we become children of God. Now this should cause us to act like family, like citizens of his kingdom. But such actions are not what justify us to God. Neither do they merit his forgiveness. God’s grace, in all its forms, comes to us because it is his will to impart it to us for Christ’s sake—not for the sake of any good we might do. Inventing or defending a different approach to grace than the free justification that comes by faith in Christ is against Christ. Any religion that depends upon the will and willpower of people is therefore, of the kingdom of Antichrist. 

Prayer: Let me ever depend, O God, upon Christ alone. Amen. 

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 11 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 30 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Revelation 22:14–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

Lastly, how are we assured of justification through rites that have been instituted by people but which do not have God’s command, since nothing can be affirmed about God’s will without God’s Word? What if God does not approve of these services? How, then, do the adversaries assert that they justify, since this cannot be verified without God’s Word and testimony. Paul says, “Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin” (Rom 14:23). Since these services have no testimony from God’s Word, consciences will surely doubt whether they please God.

Pulling It Together: The Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness (Lutheran Book of Worship, 56) asserts that, “we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves.” There is nothing we can do that will serve to extricate us from our slavery to sin. Nor can we be certain that God will honor fabricated rituals or other acts of worship meant to earn God’s favor, however well-intentioned. Indeed, while we cannot help but doubt whether God is pleased with such human institutions, we should actually not believe they could ever merit God’s favor.

God has already revealed through the testimony of his Word how we are given his grace—forgiven, justified, and granted eternal life—and it is not through the observance of religious ceremonies. Our robes are washed and whitened—that is to say, we are cleansed from sin—through the blood of the Lamb (Rev 7:14). This is not done at the neighborhood laundromat; it must be believed. No extra bleaching is necessary for Christ has fully cleansed those who have faith in him. Therefore, we do not need to add our works or other observances in order to be forgiven and saved, for the water of life is given without cost because Jesus paid that price (Gal 3:13–15.

Prayer: Father, help me to never doubt your grace. Amen. 

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power” (1 Cor 6:14).

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 10 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 29 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Peter 1:6–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

If we are allowed to create religious rites that merit grace or righteousness, why were the heathen and the Israelites denied this right? The religious rites of the heathen and the Israelites were rejected for the very reason that, because they did not yet know about the righteousness of faith, they believed that they earned remission of sins and righteousness through these ceremonies.

Pulling It Together: The highest service of God is to have faith in him. There is nothing you can do that is more precious to God than to trust him, believing his promises—to have faith, which is “more precious than gold.” This is another reason why we are denied the right to create our own ceremonies and sacraments. It is God’s pleasure to give; so we must receive, and that only requires faith.

In the sacraments themselves, we see that grace is nothing we earn. In Baptism, we are given new life in Christ; we do not earn rebirth. In Holy Communion, we are given the Body and the Blood of our Lord; we do not take it; we do not earn the benefits of his sacrifice. The Small Catechism asks, “What is the benefit of such eating and drinking?” It answers: “It is pointed out in these words: ‘Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.’ Through these words the forgiveness of sin, life, and salvation are given to us in the Sacrament, for where there is forgiveness of sin, there is also life and salvation.”

All these gracious blessings are “given to us.” So, instead of inventing ceremonies that are intended to earn grace, or trusting in rituals invented to do so, we must instead, give God the highest service we can: we must have faith in him to freely give us the grace he has promised.

Prayer: Increase my faith in you, Lord Jesus. Amen. 

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power” (1 Cor 6:14).

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 28 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Timothy 2:5–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

If people are allowed to institute religious rites with the purpose of meriting grace, then the religious rites of all the heathen will have to be approved. The rites instituted by Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:26) and by others, outside of the law, will have to be approved. For what difference does it make?

Pulling It Together

“You can’t make this stuff up,” people sometimes say when they hear something incredible—like the guy who called 911 because he was locked in his car. You can’t make this stuff up. Or can you?

God has determined to give us his grace freely because of Jesus and the cross. There are to be no ceremonies or any works added to faith in what Christ has done for us. There is no way but God’s way, and his way is Christ—Christ alone. Yet, instead of having the faith to trust him for his promised grace in forgiveness, justification, and eternal life, people invent things that need to be done to supposedly earn God’s grace. They would rather work for grace than receive it freely. You just can’t make this stuff up.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for giving your life as a ransom for mine and for all people. Amen. 

Receive Sola's Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Advent Adventures takes a “novel” approach to the season by offering serialized fiction stories to be used by a congregation over the weeks of Advent. Written by Pastor Paul Koch, these books are intended as a resource for midweek Advent services, but they could also be used on Sunday mornings, with stories and reflections serving as the sermon for the day. 

Each chapter in the larger story has a suggested psalm and scripture lesson along with a sermon reflection for the week, tying the fictional story to God’s story, proclaiming the gospel to the congregation. A suggested order for an evening vespers service is also included.

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 27 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 15:6–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

Why have a long discussion? The holy Fathers instituted no traditions with the intention of them meriting the remission of sins or righteousness. They were instituted for the sake of good order and tranquility in the Church.

When someone wants to institute certain works to merit the remission of sins, or righteousness, how will it be known that these works please God without the testimony of God’s Word? How, without God’s command and Word, will people be certain of God’s will? Does he not everywhere in the prophets prohibit people from instituting, without his commandment, peculiar rites of worship? Ezekiel writes, “Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers, nor observe their ordinances, nor defile yourselves with their idols. I the LORD am your God; walk in my statutes, and be careful to observe my ordinances” (Ezek 20:18–19).

Pulling It Together: Human traditions in the Church are not trifling matters. When they contradict the Word of God, they must be put out of the Church, since they are counter to what God teaches. There is no clearer teaching in all of Scripture than that which teaches us how and why we receive grace. God’s grace is received by faith, and only for Christ’s sake. We do not earn grace, not could we, since Christ is the only merit of grace. If you have faith in Christ, God’s grace is extended to you.

That is too simple for some folks, I suppose. So they create practices that are intended to earn God’s grace and forgiveness. These traditions are put in place and kept in play even though they violate the Word of God. But let us not let the Lutherans off too easily with regards to this matter.

Our churches do not have human rituals and traditions that are meant to merit forgiveness and grace. Still, some of our people treat a few of the divine practices in such a way that they may as well be human rituals that are devoid of grace. When people simply go through the motions of Communion, without due consideration of the body and blood of Christ, do they not eat and drink damnation upon themselves (1 Cor 11:29)? When Confession and Holy Communion are treated as mere rituals but carry the expectation of having done something to earn God’s favor, have we not corrupted the divine institution, turning it into a new tradition of works righteousness? 

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to honor you with my heart and my lips. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 26 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Philippians 1:3–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

Since we receive the remission of sins by faith, and since by faith we have a propitious God for Christ’s sake, it is an error and an impiety to declare that we deserve the remission of sins because of ceremonies. Some might say here that we do not merit the remission of sins, but that those who have already been justified merit grace by these practices. Paul again replies that Christ would be the “minister of sin” (Gal 2:17, KJV) if after justification, we believe that we are not accounted righteous for Christ’s sake, but that we must first merit righteousness with other observances. “No one annuls even a man’s will, or adds to it, once it has been ratified” (Gal 3:15). Therefore, we do not add to God’s covenant that we must first attain his acceptance and justification through these observances, when he promises that he will be gracious to us for Christ’s sake.

Pulling It Together: God did not start a process that we must then finish. The Father sent his Son to accomplish a mission, not to partially complete the task. That task was to save the world through faith in Christ (John 3:16–17). Jesus completed his work of salvation through the cross, there and then proclaiming, “It is finished” (John 19:30). If his saving work is finished, what must we add to our faith in what he accomplished? If we must continue earning God’s grace with ceremonies, Christ’s work is not finished. If we must add anything to what Christ did, he did not finish the job.

But he did finish his work of salvation. Therefore, “whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV). Furthermore, he will complete his redeeming work in our lives, as the Apostle Paul says: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” God will fulfill his good work of salvation—not us. He is doing so because of Christ, not because of us, our deeds, or our religious practices.

Have faith in the promiser. “It is finished.”

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for making me a partaker in grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes liturgies and services for your use. There are ready-to-copy settings for Holy Communion, services, services of the Word, Vespers, occasional services, funerals, and seasonal services. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 25 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Galatians 3:7–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

Nor is there any difference between our traditions and the ceremonies of Moses, so far as this matter is concerned. Paul condemns the ceremonies of Moses, just as he condemns traditions, because they were regarded as works that merit righteousness before God, therefore obscuring the office of Christ and the righteousness of faith. Because the law and traditions have been removed, he contends that the forgiveness of sins has been promised, not because of our works, but freely because of Christ, so long as we receive it by faith, since only faith receives a promise.

Pulling It Together: God did not tell Abraham that if he kept certain traditions and fulfilled various commands, that he would be blessed. Rather, he promised him a son and descendants that would bless the whole world. That promise did not depend upon Abraham or his descendants. It depended upon the one who made the promise—as all promises do.

So, the promise of salvation is also dependent upon the one who makes the promise. When we depend on our own actions and traditions, instead of trusting God to do as he promised, it betrays a lack of faith in the promiser. And it more than implies that we trust ourselves, our traditions, and our religion more than we trust God, if we trust him at all.

So do good, as Abraham often did. But do not trust in your goodness or righteousness. Trust in God. This is what Abraham did, and because he believed the one making such a grand promise, God considered him a friend (James 2:23). Furthermore, God kept his promise to his friend—and to his offspring. This is why you may also have hope in the promise: you too, are the offspring of Abraham. If you have faith in the Christ of promise, you are a son of Abraham (Gal 3:7). Therefore the promise is for you, for you are a child of Abraham so long as you have faith to receive the promise made to him and all of his descendants.

Prayer: Spirit of the Living God, renew in me today the life of faith, through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Getting to Know Martin Luther is a five-lesson Confirmation workbook about Martin Luther's life that will help confirmands get a better glimpse into what faith means for their own lives by searching and understanding the Word of God, trusting in Christ alone for our salvation, standing up for what they believe in, and helping others to learn the truth about God.

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 24 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Hebrews 12:18–24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

Now these men say that people merit the remission of sins by these human observances. What else is this than to appoint another justifier, a mediator in Christ’s place? Paul says to the Galatians: “You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law” (Gal 5:4). In other words, if you contend that you deserve to be accounted righteous before God by the observance of the law, Christ will profit you nothing. Why do they need Christ if they believe they are righteous by their own observance of the law? God has appointed Christ as mediator, promising to be gracious to us on his account, not because of our righteousness. But these men hold that God is reconciled and favorable because of traditions, not because of Christ. Therefore they withhold the honor of mediator from Christ.

Pulling It Together: People are robbed of the only means of grace available to them, when they are taught to earn God’s favor. Our works do not reconcile God. The traditions of the Church, though often useful for devotional purposes, can not make us right with God. Pastors and priests are not mediators between God and sinners. But they can point the way. And that way—the only way—is Christ.

If people are taught otherwise, that they are the way, that their good works and the keeping of human traditions make the difference, then they are deprived of a life of grace and peace. They are left with never knowing if they have done enough good, confessed all of their sins, or if God truly loves them. For their sense of God’s love is based upon their own merits. This is the fault in their religion.

Because God does love us, he sent his Son as mediator, ending the age-old conflict between the holy God and sinful humanity. God offered himself as the sacrifice for our sins. So you see, God already loves us. Nevertheless, sinners still need forgiveness. Only Jesus, God in human flesh, promises that kind of pardon and peace. He loves us. Period. But he pardons us because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, not because of our worth or works or religious traditions. Christ alone has the honor of being the mediator between God and sinners.

Prayer: Jesus, keep me near your cross. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

This study on the book of Revelation is the latest addition to the Old Places, New Faces serires. The 12-part study bypasses the speculations of Revelation and seeks to identify and announce the great truths it contains for all people of all times: the serious consequences of humanity's sin, the destructive work of the evil one the hope for believers who suffer persectuion, and the amazing life Christians will experience after death.

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 23 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 3:27–28

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

We have above discussed at length that people are justified by faith when they believe that they are reconciled to God, not because of our works, but freely for Christ’s sake. It is certain that this is the doctrine of the gospel because Paul clearly teaches, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works” (Eph 2:8–9).

Pulling It Together: I do not have a truck payment this month. In fact, I have not had to make my monthly payments for years. By making regular payments until my debt to the bank was paid off, I received the title to the truck. I was then entitled to drive my truck, free of charge. But had I not made even one of those monthly payments, the bank would own that truck.

That is the law.

I do not have a salvation payment this month. In fact, I have not ever had to make payments. I am entitled to live at peace with God, having been reconciled to the Father through the payment of Christ. He redeemed me from the curse of the law. Jesus paid the price that I could never pay. He did so freely and graciously, not because of my deeds or payments. I am justified with God on Christ’s account.

That is grace.

Prayer: Increase in me a life of faith in you, O Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power” (1 Cor 6:14). 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 22 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Isaiah 29:13–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

The Gospel teaches that we freely receive the remission of sins and are reconciled to God by faith, for Christ’s sake. The adversaries, on the other hand, appoint another mediator, namely, their traditions. They wish to acquire remission of sins and appease God’s wrath through these traditions. But Christ clearly says, “In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men” (Matt 15:9).

Pulling It Together: Jesus quoted Isaiah, pointing to the futility of human, religious traditions. These practices achieve nothing. Nevertheless, God has accomplished something wonderful that the wisdom of the wise will never comprehend, the strength of the strong will not possess, and the piety of the religious can never earn. At just the right time, while we were unworthy sinners, Christ died for the sins of the world (Rom 5:6), justifying us to God through his blood (Rom 5:9), not because of our religious customs (Rom 4:5).

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the wonder of our Savior. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Not My Will, But Yours is a six-week study that explores the topic of the “free will” from a biblical perspective, looking at what Scripture has to say about the bondage of the human will, and how Jesus Christ has come to deliver us from ourselves.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 21 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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John 8:43–45

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

Although we thought that our opponents would defend human traditions on other grounds, we did not think that they would condemn the teaching that we do not merit the grace or forgiveness of sins by the observance of human traditions. Since this article has been condemned, we have an easy and plain case. The adversaries are now openly Judaizing, suppressing the gospel with the “doctrines of demons.” When it is taught that religious rites are useful in meriting the remission of sins and grace, Scripture calls such traditions “doctrines of demons.” For this conceals the gospel, the benefit of Christ, and the righteousness of faith.

Pulling It Together: We love a lie, especially when it seems like it just might be true. That kind of untruth seems to be especially attractive. The vast quantity of falsehoods that are shared in social media would be astounding, were it not for an understanding of our weak nature’s inclination to believe a lie. Someone will post an untrue story on the internet, and the next thing you know, that story is popping up in many more people’s accounts. They do not check to see if the article is true or even real; they just post it, seemingly without thinking, or worse, maliciously.

The devil has posted a lie. And people are too eager to believe it because it seems religious. So, it must be right. Right? Wrong. A lie is still a lie, even if it seems like the truth. Indeed, that sort of lie might be more insidious.

Satan wants us to believe in ourselves. Just work harder; pray more; confess more often; read the Bible; go to church; serve on another committee; do works of penance; tithe. Now, of course, all of these are fine things to do. That’s the trick of the lie. Make it sound religious. But if he can just get you to believe that these things earn favor with God, that doing them makes you worthy of his grace, then you have fallen for the ultimate lie. You have become a believer in yourself instead of in God.

This is the lie that was spread in the garden and is still being shared today. Basically the lie states: Do not believe what God said; believe in what you can accomplish. You can be good on your own. Grab that fruit and take a bite!

But Jesus has told us the truth. He is the truth (John 14:6). Christ came to save sinners (1 Tim 1:15), not to tell them to save themselves. Hear his word. Believe.

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to not fall for the lie but instead, to hear your word and believe. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Sola’s Word of Life series is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meant for use in small group gatherings, each of the six sessions in Dwell in My Love is based on a primary Scripture text, with intentional time for reflection. There are questions, prayer, faith sharing, and mini evangelism case-studies. The series would be helpful for those involved in starting a Bible study fellowship, house church, or mission congregation. It can also be used by established congregations to aid in establishing a small group ministry.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning Human Traditions in the Church – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 20 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 3:19–20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Human Traditions in the Church 

They accept the Fifteenth Article in the first part, where we say that ecclesiastical rites are to be observed when they may be observed without sin, and when they are of profit in the Church for tranquility and good order. They altogether condemn the second part, in which we say that human traditions that are instituted to appease God, to merit grace, and make satisfactions for sins are contrary to the gospel. Although we have spoken at sufficient length about traditions in our Confession, when considering the distinction of meats, still, certain things should be briefly recounted here.

Pulling It Together: Our works will never earn us salvation, nor were they meant to do so. We cannot reconcile ourselves to God, earn his grace, or otherwise make satisfaction for our sins by keeping the law, let alone by merely meeting the demands of human traditions. When we try to keep the law, as we should, we discover that we are undone, sinners who are unable to save themselves. So, we are left with the glorious alternative: to trust God to do as he promises, that he saves those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31; Rom 10:9)—for Christ’s sake alone.

Prayer: Lead me to always trust in you, Father, through Christ Jesus, your Son. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Ten Commandments is a ten-week unit in the Sola Confirmation Series. It includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Order – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 19 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Luke 6:31–35

And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Order 

Furthermore, we wish to testify again here that we will gladly maintain ecclesiastical and canonical government, provided that the bishops cease to rage against our churches. Our desire will clear us before both God and among all nations for all posterity from the accusations of undermining the authority of bishops. For people will read and hear that, although protesting against the unrighteous cruelty of the bishops, we could not obtain justice.

Pulling It Together: The Golden Rule is another way of stating the second half of the greatest commandment. It helps us put the commandment into action by telling us how to love our neighbors as ourselves. Do for them what you would like for people to do for you (Lev 19:18).

The key to order in the Church is not only correct doctrine and practice; we must also do for and to others as we would like for them to treat us. So when someone blows a gasket in a Council meeting, retaliation in-kind is not the answer. “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Prov 15:1, NASB). When denominations disagree, gracious dialogue can be the beginning of the solution. But sometimes, the resolution is not agreement in either teaching or practice, but a parting of the ways. This separation still involves basic human kindnesses and Christian graciousness. The Golden Rule certainly does not allow for cruelty, either in deeds or with words. Jesus drives this home by commanding us to even love our enemies. 

Prayer: Lord, teach me how to love people—even the tough ones. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, presented in a question and discussion format. The Leader's Guide that accompanies this study is a resource for those facilitating group discussion, or may serve as a reader's commentary for those who are studying the Book of Concord on their own.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Order – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 18 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Timothy 1:5–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Order 

We have clear consciences in this matter because we know that our confession is true, godly, and catholic. Also, we dare not approve the cruelty of those who persecute this doctrine. We know that the Church is where the Word of God is taught correctly, and the Sacraments are rightly administered. The Church is not among those who endeavor to efface God’s Word by their edicts, and who also put to death those who teach what is right and true. The canons are milder even towards those who transgress.

Pulling It Together

Is the result of your doctrine love or hate, peace or discord? Do you find that you are often agitated with people, politics, the news, life in general? Or are you focused on God, and are therefore at peace, in spite of what seems to be happening in the world around you?

The purpose of faith is not about winning arguments or feeling like you are right; it is about being right with God, because being justified to God means, among many other things, being at peace—not only with God but with yourself and your neighbor. After all, the goal of correct doctrine (1 Tim 1:3–4) is a love for God and neighbor (Mark 12:30–31). This love develops out of a pure heart, a good conscience, and genuine faith.

Therefore the Church is that assembly of people where right doctrine is taught and where the sacraments are properly administered, and thus, where people are at peace with God and neighbor, though all around them seems bent on hell and destruction.

Prayer: Help me do my part, Lord, in properly handling the gospel. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

In The Life of a Pastor's Spouse, Cindy Jamison reflects on her life as a pastor’s spouse, and the unique opportunities and challenges such a calling presents. She offers her own observations on the particular dynamics facing a pastor’s family and spouse. This brief reader is intended to help a pastor’s spouse identify areas of tension and difficultly, while at the same time providing support and encouragement from the Word of God. This handbook will help a pastor's spouse discover answers to four essential questions: What is exptected of me? What am I supposed to do? How do I keep from feeling my marrige is threatened when I am not Number One in my spouse's life? How can I maintain my life and not fall to pieces?

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Order – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 17 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Corinthians 11:18–19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Order 

But the bishops either compel our priests to reject and condemn the doctrine that we have confessed, or by a new and unheard-of cruelty, they put to death the poor, innocent men. This prevents our priests from acknowledging such bishops. Thus, the cruelty of the bishops is the reason why canonical government, which we greatly desired to maintain, has ceased in some places. Let them see to it how they will give an account to God for dispersing the Church.

Pulling It Together

When there are divisions in the Church that are based upon human reasons or traditions, they must either be resolved or condemned. In the end, after patient and prayerful dialogue, only the truth must stand. The teachings of the Scripture must rule the day, for there can be no real unity unless it is founded upon and in agreement with the bedrock of God’s Word.

It is natural that there are factions in the Church. God uses these differences for the good purpose of demonstrating, not only correct doctrine but, those who are faithful and those who are apostate. In the end, let us go our own ways, one to what he thinks and the other to what God has confirmed. But let there be no killing, by the stake or by the tongue. This only further confirms who is correct or in error. But for those who have suffered under such unrighteous persecution, may they be blessed in the memory of the Church. And for those who have performed such heinous acts against the faithful, may they be forgiven, for they do not comprehend the gravity of their own actions (Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60).

Prayer: Unify your Church, Lord, even as you and the Father are one. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The kind of church we see in the New Testament is different from what most modern people imagine when they think of “going to church.” Experience Life Together: Experiencing House-Church Ministry, by Rev. Tom Hilpert, is a 15-week house-church curriculum designed for pastors, lay leaders, and churches interested in getting a taste for what church in the home is really like. Whether referred to as a house-church, organic church, alternative church, or cell church, this material applies well to any group that wants to experience Christian worship in the context of a small group meeting within the homes of the participants.

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Concerning Ecclesiastical Order – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 16 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Corinthians 14:40

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Ecclesiastical Order 

They receive the Fourteenth Article—with the proviso that we employ canonical ordination—in which we say that only those rightly called should be allowed the administration of Word and Sacraments in the Church. We have frequently testified in this assembly about this subject, that it is our greatest wish to maintain church polity and the ranks in the Church, even though they have been made by human authority. We realize that church discipline was instituted by the Fathers with a good and useful intention in the manner described in the ancient canons.

Pulling It Together

There should be a form of order and discipline in the Church, as there is in every organization. The Lutherans had no squabble with the Roman Church about the ordering of such matters. They agreed with their opponents that only those who are rightly called should be entrusted with the most important affairs of the Church: preaching and teaching the Word of God and administering the sacraments.

Prayer: Help me to remain faithful to your Word, Lord. Amen. 

eceive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The goal of the Personalities of Faith youth Bible study series is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith." By showing biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

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Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 14 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 15 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Deuteronomy 30:11–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments 

Words cannot express the sum of abuses that have been produced in the Church because of this fanatical opinion concerning the opus operatum without a good disposition on the part of the one using the sacraments. Hence the incessant profanation of the Masses which we shall speak of later. Neither can a single letter be produced from the ancient writers in which this matter favors the scholastics. Augustine actually writes to the contrary, that faith in the sacrament, not the sacrament, justifies. The declaration of Paul is also well known: “For man believes with his heart and so is justified” (Rom 10:10).

Pulling It Together: One must believe that God acts in the sacraments according to his promises. This is not difficult to comprehend. Simply going through the motions of a ritual is of no effect. God does not bestow his grace on people who are so disinterested that the sacrament is merely a religious routine for them. His grace—justification, righteousness, and salvation—is only had through faith. What is more, this is the only way to have peace in the conscience, for if one does believe God forgives sins and justifies us to himself, there can be no real peace. Of what use then, is the sacrament?

Prayer: Help me believe your word, Lord, and do it by having faith. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Come, Holy Spirit! is a workbook-style Bible study about the work of the third Person of the Trinity being connected to the work of the Father and the Son. From the beginning, the Holy Spirit was actively involved in creation in giving life and breath. Throughout the Old Testament, the Spirit revealed truth to people and empowered people to do God's will by speaking through the prophets. In the same way, the New Testament show that the Spirit is at work in the hearts of all believers as the source of our life in faith.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 12 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 14 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 2:28–29

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments 

The reason for this is clear and well-grounded. A promise is useless unless it is received with faith. The sacraments are signs of the promises, so in using the sacraments, faith must be added, so that when one uses the Lord’s Supper, it is received with faith. Because this is a sacrament of the New Testament, as Christ clearly says, those partaking should for this very reason be confident that the free forgiveness of sins that is promised in the New Testament is offered to them. They must acquire this by faith, be comforted in their troubled consciences, and know that these testimonies are not false. For God’s promises are as sure as though, by a new miracle, he shouted from heaven that it was his will to grant forgiveness. But what advantage would these miracles and promises be to an unbeliever?

Pulling It Together: What advantage are the sacraments if they are not believed, if there is no faith in the promises attached to them? Without faith in the Word of God connected with it, baptism is only water. Without faith in God’s promise of grace, Holy Communion is only bread and wine. Indeed, the water, bread, and wine are only such a small amount, they could hardly be considered of physical benefit. But God accomplishes his purposes through these elements when, and only when, the sacraments are “a matter of the heart,” when one believes the Word connected with the element.

Prayer: Change my heart, O God, to trust in you. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Full-Color Catechism Posters (Set of Seven)  These glossy full-color 11"x 17" posters feature the main texts from the six parts of Luther's Small Catechism, and are designed for use in homes and churches to help children memorize these important and timeless words. Posters include: Holy Baptism, The Lord's Prayer, The Ten Commandments (standard), The Ten Commandments (simplified),The Apostles Creed, Holy Communion, and Confession & Forgiveness. Each poster features a picture of "Luther's Small Cat" and matches the colors of the corresponding booklet from Sola's Luther's Small Cat Series.

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Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 13 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 13 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Luke 22:14–20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 13

We are talking about that particular kind of faith that believes the offered promise, not only believing in general that God exists, but believing that the forgiveness of sins is offered. This use of the sacrament consoles godly but troubled minds.

Pulling It Together: This is why faith is critical. Without faith, one is simply going through the motions, and grace is not received. But when the sacrament is used with faith in God to do as he promises, great comfort is had, and anxious minds are conferred the peace of God, who is Christ Jesus himself. So, through faith in the Word or the promise that is attached to the sacrament—“This is my body... This is my blood...”—one does not simply receive bread and wine; one receives the peace who is Christ himself.

Prayer: Make me worthy to receive your blessings because of the surpassing worth of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Winning, Losing, Loving: The Gospel in the Old Testament is an overview of Old Testament Scripture, tracing themes of chosenness, sin, and grace throughout the early books of the Bible. These cycles of sin and redemption point forward toward God's ultimate act of Redemption in Jesus Christ.

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Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 11 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 12 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 4:7–11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments 

It is more necessary to understand how the sacraments are to be used. Here we condemn the whole crowd of scholastic doctors, who teach that the sacraments confer grace ex opere operato, without a good disposition on the part of the one using them, unless there is some hindrance in the way. Thinking that we are justified by a ceremony, without a good disposition of the heart, that is, without faith, is simply Judaism. Yet this godless and insidious view is taught with great authority throughout the entire realm of the Pope. Paul disagrees (Rom 4:9), denying that Abraham was justified by circumcision, but asserts that circumcision was a sign given to exercise faith. So we teach that faith should to be added when using the sacraments, that one should believe the promises, and receive the promised things offered in the sacrament.

Pulling It Together: Faith is absolutely necessary. Christianity is not a list of things to do; it is faith in the one who has done what we could never do. So, even when we do things—things like baptism and communion—it is not really we who do them. It is God baptizing. It is God giving his body and shedding his blood. This requires faith because it is not the doing of the thing that brings grace. It is God doing the thing that brings grace. We are not justified by doing the thing but by having faith, by believing that God is doing something—that he is forgiving, regenerating, and saving as he promises to do.

Prayer: Give me a heart of faith in you, Lord. Amen. 

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Why Did Jesus Have to Die? is a six-week Bible Study that examines the most profound event of salvation history — the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ — exploring from a biblical perspective what is known as the doctrine of the Atonement.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 10 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 11 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Matthew 6:5–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments 

In the end, if we count as sacraments all of those things that have God’s command with a related promise, then why do we not add prayer, which could most truly be called a sacrament? For it has both God’s command and very many promises. If it was placed among the sacraments, and so, be given a more important place, it would invite people to pray. Alms could also be considered here, as well as afflictions, both which are signs to which God has added promises. But let us skip these things, for wise people will not fuss too much about the number or the terminology, so long as those things are retained that have God’s command and promises.

Pulling It Together: God does command his people to pray (Matt 26:41; Mark 14:38; Luke 22:40, 46; 1 Thes 5:17). Rewards are promised to those who pray. However, there is no promise of grace attached to prayer. Nor is there the promise of grace connected with almsgiving, though we are commanded to give alms (Deut 15:11; Luke 11:41).

How many sacraments there are and what they are called is not at issue here. The question is: what is a sacrament? If a sacrament is a rite that has been commanded by God, and to which he has attached the promise of his grace, we should not argue too much.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for always being ready to hear my prayers. Amen. 

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Combining the message of salvation in Christ with personal witness, The Gospel in Miniature is a Lutheran guide for evangelism. 

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Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 10 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 19:4–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments 

Marriage was not initially instituted in the New Testament, but in the beginning, immediately upon the creation of the human race. Moreover, it has God’s command and also promises, yet not, strictly speaking, pertaining to the New Testament, but rather to the physical life. If anyone should wish to call it a sacrament, it should be distinguished from those preceding sacraments which are characteristic signs of the New Testament, and testimonies of grace and the forgiveness of sins. Yet if marriage gets the title of sacrament because it has God’s command, other states or offices that also have God’s command may be called sacraments—government, for example.

Pulling It Together: God has joined together those who marry. So, we do not quarrel over whether marriage is instituted by God. Still, it is not commanded that all marry but only that there is faithfulness among those who do marry. There is also blessing in marriage, yet grace is not promised to those who wed. By definition, marriage is not a sacrament. A sacrament is a rite that has been commanded by God, and to which he has attached the promise of his grace. 

Prayer: Lord, keep couples faithful to each other and to you. Amen. 

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Who is Jesus? is a five-session study, meant to serve as an introduction to what the Bible says about Jesus Christ—who he is and what it means to trust in him as Savior and Lord.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 09 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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John 14:25–26

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments 

It is advantageous to adorn the ministry of the Word as much as possible with every kind of praise against fanatics who dream that the Holy Spirit is not given through the Word, but because of certain preparations of their own, as they sit unoccupied and silent in dark places, waiting for illumination, as the Enthusiasts formerly taught and the Anabaptists teach now.

Pulling It Together: There are groups who claim that there is something better than God’s Word. They believe that the Holy Spirit counsels them directly, without the aid of Scripture. It is true that the Holy Spirit teaches God’s people, but he does so by bringing to memory the words of Christ which, of course, we find in the Bible, along with the rest of God’s revelation. The Spirit puts the right light on the Word, interpreting the biblical revelation so that we may understand. We have no need for new deceptive teachings, the heresies of antichrists (1 John 2:18–26), for we have the Spirit as teacher and the Bible as text. Yes, the Holy Spirit does, indeed, teach us about the truth (1 John 2:27) but we should never imagine that our wandering minds receive new revelations from the Spirit. Like the noble Bereans, we had better compare such so-called insights with the Word of God, to determine what things are true (Acts 17:11). The ministry of the Word helps us do that very thing.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, bring me closer to Christ through your Word. Amen. 

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This complete Old and New Testament Bible comes with 32 full-color illustrations. The Contemporary English Version is perfect for younger readers. This Bible includes: mini dictionary, chronology, illustrations and maps.

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Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 08 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Isaiah 55:10–11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments 

If ordination is understood as applying to the ministry of the Word, we are not unwilling to call ordination a sacrament. For the ministry of the Word has God’s command and glorious promises. The Gospel “is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith” (Rom 1:16). Likewise, “So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose” (Isa 55:11).

If ordination is understood in this way, we will also not refuse to call the imposition of hands a sacrament. The Church is commanded to appoint ministers, which should be most pleasing to us because we know that God approves and is present in this ministry.

Pulling It Together: If ordained ministry is interpreted as a priestly duty of making sacrifice for the people, this cannot be considered a sacrament. For the Scripture neither commands this, nor promises God’s grace to such an office. However, the Bible says much about the command to preach and teach the Word, and to administer the sacraments. It bids the Church to appoint such persons who are called to this ministry of Word and Sacrament. It promises grace to those who hear and believe the Word that is preached.

To the end of pointing out the differences between what their opponents called the priestly office and what the Lutherans taught, Melancthon went so far as to say that even ordination and the things pertaining to ordained ministry, such as the laying on of hands, could be considered sacramental. For, understood in that sense, these things are commanded by God and contain the promise of grace. 

Prayer: Lord, call and train ministers of the gospel to work in the fields of harvest. Amen. 

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We Still Believe is offered as a resource for reflecting on key themes in biblical, Lutheran doctrine that are at risk in the Church today. It is offered in the hope that it will inspire individuals and congregations to examine the core beliefs of traditional Lutheranism and how these beliefs apply to our own present context. Written in a question and discussion style, the participant's book includes an introduction to and copy of the faith statement known as the Common Confession.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 07 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Peter 2:9–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments 

Accordingly, people are not justified because of any other sacrifices, but because of this one sacrifice of Christ—if they believe that they have been redeemed by this sacrifice. Therefore, priests are not called to make any sacrifices for the people so that they may merit remission of sins with those sacrifices as in the law but, because they are called to teach the gospel and administer the sacraments to the people. We do not have a priesthood like the Levitical, as the Epistle to the Hebrews sufficiently teaches.

Pulling It Together: Every Christian is a priest before God. Each Christian’s faith in God’s grace is representative of the old priesthood. It is faith itself that is is the duty of the new priesthood—not ceremonies. Therefore, those who have faith in God’s grace, forgiveness, justification, and eternal life, are the ones who parallel the old Levitical priesthood. It was the tribe of Levi who were set aside to be priests under the Old Covenant. In the New Testament, it is the tribe or the family of Jesus, “the people of God”(1 Pet 2:10 KJV)—those who have been adopted through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph 1:5)—who are priests before God. 

Prayer: Thank you for choosing me, Lord, to be in your family. Amen. 

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Pastor Kent Groethe's study of the Book of Acts, Acts - Old Places, New Facesfocuses on the life of the early church as a model for church life today. The message and power of the church today needs to be revitalized and renewed by the power of God's Spirit, just as it was in the early church.

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Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 06 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 11:5–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments 

The adversaries do not understand priesthood as the ministry of the Word, and administering the Sacraments to others. They understand it as sacrifice, as though in the New Testament there should be something like the Levitical priesthood, to make sacrifices that merit the remission of sins for the people. We teach that the sacrifice of Christ dying on the cross was sufficient for the sins of the whole world, and that there is no need for other sacrifices, as though this was not sufficient for our sins.

Pulling It Together: Are we to make sacrifices? Yes. For example, John teaches us that we ought to lay down our lives for the Church, for our brothers and sisters in the faith (1 John 3:16). Laying down one’s life is surely a sacrifice. Paul teaches us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, and that this is true and correct worship (Rom 12:1). So, yes, we are to make sacrifices—even the sacrifice of our lives. Yet our sacrifices, though proper worship, should never be considered as offerings to God that earn his favor or merit the forgiveness of sin. That is what only Christ can do—and has done. He has already accomplished this sacrifice, so it does not bear repeating (Heb 7:27) even ceremonially, since his redemption is complete and eternal (Heb 9:11–12; 10:10–14). His grace is sufficient (2 Cor 12:9) and needs no sacrifice from us to make Christ’s sacrifice complete. “It is finished” (John 19:30).

Prayer: Make of me a living sacrifice who depends upon your grace alone. Amen. 

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The newest volume in the series, "Old Places, New Faces," The General Epistles offers a series of 12 Bible studies based on Hebrews, James, I & II Peter, I, II, & III John, and Jude. The geographical locations of Biblical characters can symbolically refer to places we find ourselves with respect to our faith. As we become more acquainted with our spiritual geography, we will better discern where God would have us go or what changes we need to make in order to serve Him better.

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Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 05 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 1:4–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments

Confirmation and Extreme Unction are rites received from the Fathers which not even the Church requires as necessary to salvation since they do not have God’s command. Therefore it is useful to distinguish these rites from the former, which have God’s express command and a clear promise of grace.

Pulling It Together: By definition, confirmation and extreme unction, or last rites, are not sacraments. They do not contain the clear command of God in Scripture, nor do they have a promise of his grace. This is not to say that confirmation and last rites do not have value. Yet, if they are considered sacraments, then it is the Church’s grace that is offered, with whatever value that human or, worse, institutional grace has to offer. For these things are institutionally commanded.

Again, this is not to say that the Church should not have rites like Confirmation, but we should not consider it a sacrament that offers God’s grace. Rather, it is God who confirms us outside of any commandment of a rite. True confirmation comes from God’s Spirit, not from the Church. He freely gives us faith and his gifts, sustaining (or confirming, 1 Cor 1:8, KJV, ASV, NASB) believers until the end. He keeps us holy and blameless until his coming just as he made us holy and righteous to begin with, because of faith in Christ. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your free gift of grace. Amen. 

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The first in the series, Superior Justice is a mystery-fiction novel that features the character of Jonah Borden as a not-so-typical Lutheran Pastor, who also happens to investigate local mysteries. Set in the midst of the striking beauty of Minnesota's Lake Superior coastline, Superior Justice will draw you in with its unique and quirky characters, and keep you guessing until the end.

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Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 04 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Psalm 95:6–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments 

Therefore Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and Absolution, which is the Sacrament of Repentance, are truly Sacraments. For these rites have God’s command and the promise of grace, which is the substance to the New Testament. For when we are baptized, when we eat the Lord’s body, when we are absolved, our hearts must be firmly assured that God truly forgives us for Christ’s sake. Through the Word and the rite, God moves hearts to believe and conceive faith at the same time, just as Paul says, “Faith comes from what is heard” (Rom 10:17). But just as the Word enters the ear in order to strike our heart, so the rite itself strikes the eye, in order to move the heart. The effect of the Word and the rite is the same, as Augustine said well, calling a sacrament “the visible word.” For the rite is received by the eyes, and is, as it were, a picture of the Word, signifying the same thing as the Word. Therefore the effect of both is the same.

Pulling It Together: We find in God’s gracious commands, in the sacraments, the essence of the New Testament. For these things must be received in faith. We must come before the Word with soft, believing hearts, trusting that God has called us to the font and the table in order to forgive and regenerate us.

In baptism, we see and feel the water, but must take hold of God’s promise with faith in order to believe that God is washing away our sins. In Holy Communion, we see and taste earthly bread and the wine, but must comprehend with faith that this is heavenly food, the body and the blood of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

This goodwill of God is seen and heard in the sacraments, where grace is truly known, and through which God revives faith. We profess that his gift comes out the fullness of Christ, from whom we receive grace upon grace (John 1:16). His gift of grace is never-ending. We cannot reach the bottom of his stock, for his supply does not depend upon our goodness, but Christ’s goodness—upon our morality, but instead, Christ’s righteousness—upon our devotion, but rather, because God remains devoted to those who believe that, for Christ’s sake, God extends his grace to poor sinners. May our hearts remain soft and inclined to believe. 

Prayer: Help me to see and believe, Lord, yet even to believe without seeing. Amen. 

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Come, Lord Jesus answers the many questions that arise when modern readers look into the book of Revelation. In this book readers will come to understand the first-century context in which Revelation was written—and readers will join the holy choir in looking forward to the fulfillment of God's plan, offering our own invitation: "Come, Lord Jesus."

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Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 03 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Mark 2:5–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments 

If we consider sacraments to be those rites which have the command of God, and to which the promise of grace has been added, it is easy to properly determine what are sacraments. Rites instituted by men will not, in this way, be properly called sacraments since it does not belong to human authority to promise grace. Therefore, signs instituted without God’s command are not sure signs of grace, even though they perhaps instruct or admonish the unlearned.

Pulling It Together: The sacraments have the express command of God for all the people of God. Go and make disciples, baptizing and teaching (Matt 28:19–20). Eat this bread and drink this cup (1 Cor 11:26). These are not commands for some people, yet not commanded to others. Further, these are not human traditions that are somewhat based in Scripture but modeled on a human construct. They are, instead, explicit commands found in the Word of God.

Sacraments also contain the promise of God’s grace, such as the regeneration of the fallen human condition (John 3:5), and the forgiveness of sins (Matt 26:28). These are not human promises since God alone is able to recreate and forgive sins (Mark 2:7).

So we enumerate these two things as necessary for a sacrament: one, the command of God, and two, his promise of grace. Some point out that a sacrament also contains a physical element such as water, bread, or wine. We might even consider one more thing, just to make our understanding of a sacrament very clear. A sacrament must have the clear command of God, and the promise of his grace, but that statute of grace must be made to all of his people, not to some yet not others—as to a priestly class but not the multitude, or vice versa. For God would bless all of his people with the promise of grace found in the sacraments.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your promise of grace. Amen. 

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Acts – Old Places, New Faces focuses on the life of the early church as a model for church life today. The message and power of the church today needs to be revitalized and renewed by the power of God's Spirit, just as it was in the early church.

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Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 02 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Jude 1–3

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Number and Use of the Sacraments 

In the Thirteenth Article the adversaries approve our statement that the sacraments are not only marks of profession among people, as some imagine, but are rather signs and testimonies of God’s will toward us, through which he moves hearts to believe. But here they ask us to also number seven sacraments.

We hold that the matters and ceremonies instituted in the Scriptures should be maintained and not be neglected, whatever the number. We do not think the quantity is of any consequence, if for the purpose of teaching, the number varies, provided what has been handed down in Scripture is properly preserved. The Fathers did not enumerate in the same manner either.

Pulling It Together: The sacraments are not merely indicators of who we are, in the sense of someone thinking that since a group baptizes in water, and ceremonially eats bread and drinks wine, they must be Christians. These sacraments are not so much what we do as they are what God does for us in the water, bread, and wine. We celebrate these sacraments because God commands it in his Word as ways through which he delivers his grace to those who believe in him, not merely because that is what a church does. This is what it means to be Christian, this celebration of the faith once handed down to us by Christ, and once and for all delivered to the Church in his gospel. Through the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion, God multiplies his mercy, peace, and love to those who are called to our common salvation.

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to faithfully follow what you have handed down to the Church in your Word. Amen. 

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You Can Understand the Old Testament: Its Message and Its Meaning is an introduction to, and overview of, the Old Testament, exploring its meaning and its message for readers of today. Individual overviews and discussions of each book of the Old Testament are provided along with helpful maps, tables and charts as well as complete indexes of subject matter, biblical texts cited, and Hebrew words noted in the discussion. The book is aimed at students of the Bible, whether members of church congregations, pastors, or students in college or seminary. 

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 65 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 01 Apr 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Isaiah 41:8–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

We have set forth a summary of our doctrine concerning repentance, knowing it is godly and beneficial to reverent minds. If god-fearing people will compare our doctrine with the very confused discussions of our adversaries, they will perceive that our opponents have omitted the doctrine about faith justifying and consoling godly hearts. They will also see that the adversaries invent many things about the merits of attrition, the endless enumeration of offenses, and satisfactions. They say things that agree with neither human nor divine law, and which not even our adversaries themselves can satisfactorily explain.

Pulling It Together: There are times when it is difficult to believe that God really loves us. When we sin, we sense an estrangement with God that must somehow be overcome. The instinct is to make an offering, to do some good work or act of penance that will balance the scales of divine justice. That instinct is a good one, for God himself has acted on the same thought. Because sin and guilt alienate us from God, he sent his Son as the only offering, the only good work that can restore our relationship with him. When guilt and the despair of life begin to oppress us, we must hold on to the faith that encourages us to, “Fear not.” God will help and support us, console and justify us, only because the Son has satisfied the Father on our behalf—not because we have been religious, moral, or pious.

Prayer: Help me to remember with faith, Lord, that you are always with me. Amen. 

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It is a vital task of the church today to encourage a renewed interest in and use of God’s Word. Unfortunately, many people find the Scriptures difficult to read and hard to understand at first. The purpose of Epistles, a Guide to Reading the Scriptures is twofold: to encourage Christians to read God’s Word on a regular basis and to help the reader slow down and concentrate on each chapter of the epistles before moving on to the next.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 64 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 31 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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2 Corinthians 13:9b–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction

Christ speaks of a spiritual kingdom. God commands that ministers of the gospel should absolve those who are converted, by the authority which the Lord has given us for edification (2 Cor 10:8). Therefore the reservation of cases is a secular affair. It is a reservation of canonical punishment, not the reservation of guilt before God in those who are truly converted. Therefore the adversaries are right when they confess that at the time of death the reservation of cases should not hinder absolution.

Pulling It Together: There are no confessed sins that Christ Jesus cannot or will not forgive. Therefore there is no confessed sin for which a minister of the gospel cannot and should not give absolution. Ministers are commanded to do so; it is their pastoral duty. Christ himself has given them the authority—his own authority—to forgive sins in his name. Absolving sinners is not a responsibility reserved for someone of a higher authority. There is no higher authority than that which calls men and women to the ministry of building up the people of God by restoring them to a righted relationship with the Lord through that peace that comes from confirmed forgiveness. For that office is itself the very highest authority, being true God in Christ.

Prayer: Give me the faith to hear and believe in your forgiveness, Lord. Amen. 

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Portraits of Jesus is a nine-session Bible study that explores the "I AM" statements given to us by Jesus himself. In comparing Jesus' words with related Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments, the study provides a well-rounded look at the center of our faith in Christ.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 63 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 30 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 18:15–18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

The keys do not have the power of binding and loosing except upon earth. “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matt 16:19). Further, as we have said above, the keys do not have the power to impose penalties, or to institute rites of worship. They only have the command to forgive the sins of those who are converted, and to convict and excommunicate those who are unwilling to be converted. For just as “to loose” means to forgive sins, “to bind” means not to forgive sins.

Pulling It Together: The purpose of the keys involves both peace and terror. For those who believe in Christ and confess their sins, there is the comfort of knowing that they are forgiven because Christ alone is God’s satisfaction. The minister, under the authority of Christ, states, “You are forgiven.” But for those who do not believe, or who will not repent, there is by the same authority, the discipline of withholding forgiveness. This is meant to bring such persons to repentance. For this is the desire of God, as Peter states (2 Pet 3:9), and also evidenced in Jesus’ teaching about what to do when one believer sins against another. God goes to great length to forgive and justify—even giving his own Son to die for us (John 3:16–18). 

Prayer: Help me to confess, Lord. Amen. 

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Genesis "Old Places, New Faces" Series   Places have to do with geography. In the Bible we find God's people in many different places, both physically and spiritually, in their relationship to the Creator and Savior. We, like them, journey through many lands in our Christian walk. We move from chaos to order, from Ur to Canaan, and from obedience to disobedience. As we become more acquainted with our spiritual geography, we will better discern where God would have us go or what changes we need to make in order to serve Him better.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 62 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 29 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 4:22–25

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

But Scripture does not teach that eternal punishments are remitted only because of the payment rendered by certain traditions or by purgatory. Indulgences were formerly the pardoning of these public observances, so that people were not excessively burdened. But if human authority can pardon satisfactions and punishments, this compensation is not necessary by divine law, for a divine law is not annulled by human authority. Furthermore, since the custom has become obsolete and the bishops have remained silent, there is no necessity for these remissions. And yet the name “indulgences” remains. Just as “satisfactions” is no longer understood in terms of public discipline, but instead, in reference to the compensation of a punishment, so also “indulgences” is incorrectly understood as the freeing of souls from purgatory.

Pulling It Together: Where is it written? Where do the Scriptures teach that we pay the price of freedom from eternal death? How do our punishments replace the excelling merit of Christ’s satisfaction for sin? In fact, Scripture teaches us that the forgiveness of sins occurs without such payments, because of Christ—and only on his account. Human traditions and customs of churches must never be allowed to supplant the Word of God. And there is nothing clearer in all of Scripture than this: Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead so that those who believe will be resurrected to eternal life. 

Prayer: Thank you for giving me faith in you, God. Amen. 

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The kind of church we see in the New Testament is different from what most modern people imagine when they think of “going to church.” Experience Life Together: A 15-Week House-Church Model Resource & Session Book, by Rev. Tom Hilpert, is a 15-week house-church curriculum designed for pastors, lay leaders, and churches interested in getting a taste for what church in the home is really like. Whether referred to as a house-church, organic church, alternative church, or cell church, this material applies well to any group that wants to experience Christian worship in the context of a small group meeting within the homes of the participants.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 61 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 28 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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16 So says the Lord: “Restrain your voice from crying, and your eyes from tears; for there is reward for your work,” declares the Lord, “and they will return from the land of the enemy. 17 “There is hope for your future,” declares the Lord, “and your children will come back to their own land.” (Jeremiah 31:16–17)

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

We have already testified frequently that repentance ought to produce good fruits, and that those good fruits are what the commandments teach, namely, prayer, thanksgiving, confessing and teaching the gospel, obeying parents and magistrates, being faithful to one’s calling, not killing or holding on to hatred, but being forgiving, giving to the needy so far as we can according to our means, not committing fornication or adultery, but restraining, bridling, and chastising the flesh, and speaking the truth—not for compensation of eternal punishment, but so as not to obey the devil, or offend the Holy Spirit. These fruits have God’s command, and ought to be brought forth for the sake of his glory and command. They also have their rewards.

Pulling It Together

In order for us to produce good fruits, we must depend upon God’s promises. We must have faith in him. Otherwise, we would eventually despair of doing much, if any, good. There is plenty of opportunity for despair in this life. Their is poverty of spirit, grief, hunger and thirst, hostility, and persecution, to name a few things from the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5:2–12). But there is great reward in heaven for those who, believing God’s promises, produce the fruits of faith, righteousness, mercy, purity, and peacemaking, in spite of the difficulties. There is reward for their work, and hope for their future.

Yet these good works are not to be done because we think they will appease God or relieve eternal punishment. We are to produce good fruits because we wish to bring glory to Christ, who has already appeased God for us, and because he has provided for us an eternal inheritance. If for no other reason, we should do good because that is God’s command. 

Prayer: Turn my focus from hopeless weeping to hopeful faith in you, God. Amen. 

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Many in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) remember the loyalty, strength, and uniqueness of our Lutheran tradition and the necessity of "Christ Alone." Stand and Confess explores these traditions in light of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 60 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 27 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Luke 6:36 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

The authors of the Confutation write that the abolition of satisfactions contrary to the plain gospel is not to be permitted. But as we have shown, the gospel does not command these canonical satisfactions, that is, these optional works to be done in order to compensate for punishment. The subject itself shows this. If works of satisfaction are not mandatory works, why do they cite the plain gospel? For if the gospel commands that punishments be compensated for by such works, those works would not be optional.

They speak this way in order to deceive the inexperienced, citing testimonies about required works, though in their own satisfactions they prescribe non-obligatory works. Indeed, they concede in their schools that satisfactions can be refused without that refusal being a sin. Obviously, they write falsely when they say that we are compelled by the plain gospel to undertake these canonical satisfactions.

Pulling It Together

Does God say to do something? Then it must be done. You shall love the Lord your God, and your neighbor as yourself. These are not options; they are express commands. If God has commanded us to do certain works in order to compensate for our punishments from sinning, then we must do those works. They are not options. We are obliged to do them, if there are such works commanded by God.

Now, there are certainly commands of God—things we are obliged to do. However, these requirements are not connected with earning God’s forgiveness, being relieved of guilt, or lessening punishments for sin. They are simply things we are obliged to do—or stand in need of a Savior’s forgiveness because we have broken God’s commandments. These works—obligatory or not—should not to be prescribed to people as being necessary for obtaining God’s mercy, for that is freely given to those who have faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

Does this mean that we do not need to concern ourselves with being merciful? Of course not, for Jesus commands us to be merciful. This is not optional. It is also not required as a work to be done in order to satisfy God, be forgiven, or to lessen punishments.

Prayer: Help me to be merciful like you are, Father God. Amen. 

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Connections magazine is a voice for confessional Lutheranism in North America, featuring ministries and mission efforts of the movement. It provides reliable, Biblically based content, stories of faith, and inspirational messages all in a “coffee table quality” package that delights its subscribers. Connections has a deep commitment to the evangelical nature of Lutheranism that responds with vigor to Christ’s great commission to go and make disciples. It also gives a public center to the effort to renew Lutheranism in North America in concert with Biblical authority and the teachings of the Lutheran Confessions.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 59 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 26 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Revelation 2:2–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Additionally, the Fathers wrote that once is sufficient for the public or ceremonial penitence that the canons mention concerning satisfactions. Therefore it is understood that they did not consider these canons as being necessary for the remission of sins. In addition, they frequently say that repentance should be shown in other ways than this ceremonial one expressed in the canons about satisfactions.

Pulling It Together: You may have all of the outward signs of a Christian but if you neglect the greatest commandment, you are headed for trouble. All of your morality and ceremonies and works can be in play but if you do not have love, you will come to nothing (1 Cor 13:3). Do you love the Lord with every fiber of your being? Do you love your neighbor as yourself (Matt 22:36–39)? If not, remember how far you have fallen since you first fell in love with Jesus. Repent; head back to that relationship with him, in which he is first in your life. This is the true repentance of the heart that causes various fruits of repentance to grow out of your life.

Prayer: Help me to remember the height from which I have fallen out of love with you, Lord—and help me to return. Amen. 

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Hymns and Spiritual Songs from The North is a compliation of Nordic hymns. In the spirit of Martin Luther, such a hymn is usually a meditation or sermon on a Biblical text that grows out of the text for a Sunday. Sometimes it is long and slow, even mournful, giving singers the possibility of meditating on God's Word in their own context. Less often it is joyful, but it is always filled with longing and hope. We can imagine the grandma, during long dark winters, sitting by the fire, spinning or knitting as she sang stanza after stanza of an old favorite hymn or spiritual song, teaching her grandchildren to sing along with her. When they learned to lisp those words with her, they were learning how Scripture could be used to meet the deepest sorrows and the greatest joys of life.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 58 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 25 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Luke 3:7–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Thus, concerning restitution, Gregory says that repentance is false if it does not satisfy those whose property we have taken. Anyone who continues to steal is not truly sorry about theft or robbery. He is a thief or robber, so long as he unjustly possesses another’s property. This civil satisfaction is necessary, because it is written, “Let the thief no longer steal” (Eph 4:28). Chrysostom similarly says, “In the heart, contrition; in the mouth, confession; in the work, entire humility.” This amounts to nothing against us, for good works ought to follow repentance. Repentance should not be pretense, but a change of the entire life for the better.

Pulling It Together: Repentance means a changed mind. We might think of it as a change of heart. It follows that a real change of heart would include different fruits or results in that person’s life. What comes out of the mouth, or out of a life, originates in the heart (Matt 15:18). If a lie, it comes from a lying heart; if a kindness, it proceeds from a heart determined to be gracious. This does not mean that the repentant person is now perfect and always considerate to others. After all, that person is a fallible, human being. It does mean that when an unkind word is spoken, it is followed by grief, confession, and an apology. That is real repentance.

Prayer: Help me to be increasingly fruitful, Lord, as you continue to change my heart and turn my spirit toward you. Amen.

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The Letters of Paul looks at all but one of Paul's thirteen epistles and seeks to get at the heart of each one so that his message can inspire new hope, faith and love in us today.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 57 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 24 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Psalm 51:7–12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Now and then the Fathers use the term “satisfaction” from the rite itself, to signify true mortification. Thus Augustine says, “True satisfaction is to cut off the causes of sin, that is, to mortify the flesh, likewise to restrain the flesh, not in order to pay for eternal punishments but so that the flesh may not tempt us to sin."

Pulling It Together: God will do what he must for the good of those he loves—even if it means inflicting them with some corrective troubles. Perhaps the psalmist’s bones were not actually broken but the weight of contrition is crushing to the soul nonetheless. This is one way God purges our proclivity to sin. He puts the flesh and the old nature to death so that we will delight in his will and desire to walk in his ways. As mentioned previously, this is in no sense to be considered payment for our iniquities. Christ has already accomplished that, as only he could do. Rather, these corrections slowly kill the sinful desires that beleaguer us as long as we live in this flesh.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for blotting out my sins, through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. 

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St. John's Churches: A Parable of Faithful Discipleship is a twelve session story invites disciples to explore and discern God's will for mission and ministry. Written in parable form, this funny, engaging story follows the ministry of Pastor Jeff Mutton as he dreams the big dream of a creative, vital ministry to the community in which St. John's serves. Each session can be used as opening devotions for church council meetings, discipleship training sessions, or a visioning team. The humorous story encourages listeners to dream the big dream of God's plan for mission in their context. 

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 56 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 23 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Proverbs 20:27–30

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

As we have said above, the Fathers’ reference to satisfaction, and the framing of canons by the councils, was a matter of church discipline instituted for the sake of example. They did not hold that this discipline was necessary for the remission either of the guilt or of the punishment. Their mention of purgatory is not as compensation for eternal punishment, nor as satisfaction, but as purification of imperfect souls. Augustine also says that venial offenses are consumed, that is, that distrust towards God, and similar dispositions are mortified.

Pulling It Together: Although it is scornful topic in some circles, it has long been known that sparing the rod creates spoiled brats (Pro 13:24). Just like good, earthly parents, God sometimes punishes us so that we will not spoil. Sin, not dealt with, produces a peculiar, spiritual stink that even transfers to other parts of one’s life. Our Father deals with us accordingly, so that through these mortifications of the flesh, the imperfections of our original nature do not spoil his children. His loving discipline should not, however, be misconstrued to mean that our sins are forgiven or that we are justified through these corrections. We are saved through Christ alone.

Prayer: Create in me a clean heart, O Lord. Amen. 

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The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 55 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 22 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Jonah 3:6–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

The important and beneficial meaning of full repentance, including works due or commanded by God should not be transferred to satisfactions and works of human traditions. It is profitable to teach that common evils are mitigated by our repentance and by the true fruits of repentance, by good works wrought from faith, not, as these men imagine, works performed in mortal sin. This is illustrated by the Ninevites, who through their repentance were reconciled to God, and obtained his favor, so that their city was not destroyed (Jon 3:10).

Pulling It Together: When a child says, “I’m sorry,” sometimes a parent responds, “Then act like it.” This is no different than the relationship that a child of God has with the Father. He expects us to act like we are truly sorry by turning from our sin. For entire repentance consists both in confession of sin and the good fruits that must follow confession. The final prayer in the service of Confession and Forgiveness sums up, as it should, our position on whole repentance. “Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways...” We ask forgiveness—so that we may walk in his ways. Delighting in his will does not make us righteous, for we are forgiven and empowered to walk in his ways “for the sake of [God’s] Son, Jesus Christ.” Still, God expects us to act like his children by being fully repentant, that is, asking for his mercy, and living the life of righteousness he has given us because of his Son. 

Prayer: Help me, Holy Spirit, to turn from every evil way that remains in my old nature, for the glory of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. 

SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 54 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 21 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Isaiah 45:22–23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Common calamities are not removed by these works of canonical satisfactions, that is, by performing these human traditions, which they say avail ex opere operato so that, even though they are performed in mortal sin, they redeem from punishments. A passage of Paul is cited against us: “But if we judged ourselves truly, we should not be judged” (1 Cor 11:31). The word “judge” should not be understood as referring to works one is not required to perform—but to the whole of repentance, including fruits that should follow. Our adversaries pay the penalty for despising grammar when they understand “judge” to refer to such things as making a pilgrimage clad in mail to the church of St. James, or similar works. To judge signifies entire repentance; it means to condemn sins. This condemnation really occurs in contrition and a change of life. The entire repentance—contrition, faith, and good fruits—obtains the mitigation of public and private punishments and calamities, as Isaiah teaches. “Cease to do evil; learn to do good... Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow... If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land” (Isa 1:16–19).

Pulling It Together: Works of repentance are required of us. They are not non-compulsory things that we can use to purchase our redemption or righteousness. Indeed, we should not expect that doing such works makes us righteous before God. The same prophet who demands these works of repentance, later claims that we are only made righteous in the Lord, in other words, not by our works. “Only in the LORD, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength” (Isa 45:24). One is saved through repentance, which means turning from sin, yes, but by turning to the Lord in faith. For he is our “righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Cor 1:30). He says, “Turn to me and be saved” (Isa 45:22).

Prayer: Help me to truly repent, O Holy Spirit of the Father, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes liturgies and services for your use. There are ready-to-copy settings for Holy Communion, services, services of the Word, Vespers, occasional services, funerals, and seasonal services. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 53 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 20 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Galatians 4:13–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Thus Paul says that the strength of God is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor 12:5, 9). Therefore, because of God’s will, our bodies ought to be sacrifices, to declare our obedience, but not to compensate for eternal death, for which God has another price, namely, the death of his own Son. In this sense, Gregory interprets even the punishment of David when he says: If God had threatened that he would be humbled by his son because of that sin, why did he fulfill his threat when the sin had been forgiven? The answer is that his sin was forgiven so that man might not be hindered from receiving eternal life, but that the lesson from the threatening followed, in order that the piety of the man might be exercised and tested even in this humility. Thus God inflicted bodily death because of sin. Even after the forgiveness of sins, he did not remove it, for the sake of exercising righteousness, that is, in order that the righteousness of those who are sanctified might be exercised and tested.

Pulling It Together: Saul of Tarsus was a scholar, probably with good eyesight, able to read scrolls and manuscripts. Then he was blinded by God on the Damascus road. Though God restored his sight, Saul presumably had such trouble with his vision later that he declared the Galatians would have plucked out their own eyes and given them to the apostle (Gal 4:15). God made Saul of Tarsus, through such gracious afflictions, become the Apostle Paul, a man more troubled by the spiritual immaturity of the churches than he was of his own bodily ailments (Gal 4:19). His afflictions did not make up for his sins against God and the Church, but they tested the sinner and exercised the saints toward maturity of faith. 

Prayer: Open my eyes to the truth of your Word, Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Apostles' Creed book is a ten-week unit, with one session on the Trinity and three sessions on each article of the Creed.  The Bible Study lessons in the Creed series provide an overview of creation-redemption themes in Scripture, driving toward the promise of God at work in our present lives. Click here to see the introductory pages and a sample of session one.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 52 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 19 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Acts 9:3–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

When the disciples asked about the blind man who sinned, Jesus replied that the cause of his blindness was not sin, but that the works of God would be made manifest in him (John 9:2–3). Jeremiah said, “They whose judgment was not to drink of the cup have assuredly drunken” (Jer 49:12, KJV). So the prophets and John the Baptist and other saints were killed. Therefore afflictions are not always punishments for certain past deeds, but are the works of God, intended for our profit so that the power of God might be made more manifest in our weakness.

Pulling It Together

Many people think that our troubles originate in our sins. Often enough, this is precisely the case—but not always. Sometimes our troubles are meant to point us and others to the glory and the power of God, as in the restoring of the blind man’s sight. More often still, our afflictions are used by the Holy Spirit to blind us, in order to give spiritual sight, to wound us so that we might be healed.

Was Saul of Tarsus blinded because he was “persecuting” Jesus? Not at all. He was blinded so that God would be glorified in the restoration of his sight and so that he would gain spiritual sight. God is good to us, even in our troubles.

Prayer: Open my eyes, God, that I may see the Way. Amen.

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Winning, Losing, Loving: The Gospel in the Old Testament is an overview of Old Testament Scripture, tracing themes of chosenness, sin, and grace throughout the early books of the Bible. These cycles of sin and redemption point forward toward God's ultimate act of Redemption in Jesus Christ.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 51 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 18 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400

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James 1:2–4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession 

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Job was not afflicted because of past evil deeds, therefore afflictions are not always punishments or signs of wrath. When consciences are terrified because they see nothing but God's punishment and anger in their afflictions, they should not think that God has rejected them. They should be taught that the other end of afflictions is more important. The other more important end to be considered is that God is doing his strange work so that he may be able to do his own proper work, as Isaiah teaches in a long sermon (Isa 28:1ff).

Pulling It Together

We should learn to regard our troubles as signs of impending grace. God is at work in these afflictions. When we have gotten to the other side, we can see that suffering drew us back to God, and caused us to rely upon him, and persevere. It produced character in us and strengthened our hope in God. In short, suffering is not always punishment, and though we surely do not like it, our troubles are good for us. Even the more tragic trials bring about the blessing of drawing us closer to God, and knowing his presence and peace in deeper ways than we knew previously. This is the proper work of God: to terrify and console, to trip and turn, to kill and make alive. We do not like it much but through it all, God is awakening us more and more to real life.

Prayer: Thy will be done, Father. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Lord's Prayer is a seven lesson curriculum based around Luther's Small Catechism. Each lesson has a Bible study connected to the article of the Lord's Prayer covered. A section entitled "About Prayer" teaches students helpful items about a solid prayer life and a prayer assignment for the coming week. A major goal of this material is to help kids experience prayer and practice it in a variety of ways. This book could be used as part of a larger Confirmation series, or as a "pre-confirmation" Sunday School series for Jr. High and Middle School youth.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 50 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 17 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Peter 1:14–19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

A universal rule does not ensue from the particular punishment imposed on David, nor that, in addition to common afflictions, there is another punishment of purgatory where the degree of punishment corresponds to each sin. Where does Scripture teach that we can be freed from eternal death through the payment of certain punishments in addition to our common afflictions? On the other hand, Scripture frequently teaches that the remission of sins occurs without payments because of Christ, the victor over sin and death. Therefore the merit of satisfaction is not to be patched upon this. Although troubles remain, Scripture interprets these as the mortifications of present sin, not as payment or ransom for eternal death.

Pulling It Together: In the reasoning of God, we are to be holy, yet we are not holy, nor can we become holy, so God makes us holy through Christ. This does not make sense to our natural reason. We think that if someone does something wrong, there should be a penalty. Furthermore, we reason that the offender must pay, not someone else. But this is not God’s way. We cannot pay, so God makes the payment for us. This is why we say that God imputes his own righteousness to us. He paid the penalty and then assigns his holiness to those who believe. There is no payment we need to make—or can make—for our sins.

This is not the same thing as God afflicting us with certain troubles meant to humble and kill, or mortify, our original natures. The old person is being “put to death” (Rom 8:13; Col 3:5) a little each day. Let us be very clear, however; this is not payment for sin but the ongoing renewal of the image of God in us and our preparation for an eternal life of glory (Col 3:4–5).

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for ransoming me from the futility of my old ways. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The kind of church we see in the New Testament is different from what most modern people imagine when they think of “going to church.” Experience Life Together: Experiencing House-Church Ministry, by Rev. Tom Hilpert, is a 15-week house-church curriculum designed for pastors, lay leaders, and churches interested in getting a taste for what church in the home is really like. Whether referred to as a house-church, organic church, alternative church, or cell church, this material applies well to any group that wants to experience Christian worship in the context of a small group meeting within the homes of the participants.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 49 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 16 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Hebrews 9:22–24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Using the examples of Adam and David, who was punished for adultery, they infer a universal rule that, for sins to be forgiven, there are temporal punishments corresponding to those sins. We have said before that saints suffer punishments, which are works of God. They suffer contrition or terrors; they also suffer various common afflictions. Some also suffer particular punishments that have been levied by God. But these punishments have nothing to do with the keys, because the keys can neither impose nor remit them. God, without the ministry of the keys, imposes and remits them.

Pulling It Together: God may impose certain punishments for sins, by way of making an example of some people, and to discipline others. Previously, we explored the idea that this is one of the ways we know the Father loves us: he disciplines us as needed. But these punishments are corrections and examples, not a means of grace and forgiveness.

There are no punishments, works, or other legalities involved in the remission of sins. Nothing remits sin but the shed blood of Christ. We confess that when one believes on Christ, or has faith in him and his atoning work, that person may peacefully and confidently rest in the Father’s love. This peace happens because such persons believe that God’s forgiveness is predicated on the work of Christ’s cross, not on individual works, punishments, or anything else people impose or supposedly remit. He who stands between sinners and judgment is all the legal action needed for those who have faith in Christ.

Prayer: Bring me, O God, to maturity of faith, through the power of your Spirit within me. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 48 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 15 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 5:3–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Furthermore, canonical satisfactions do not apply to these punishments, as the adversaries claim, saying that by the power of the keys a part of the punishments is remitted. These very men also say the keys remit the satisfactions and the punishments for which the satisfactions are made. But it is obvious that common afflictions are not removed by the power of the keys. If they wish to be understood, why then insist that satisfaction is to be rendered in purgatory?

Pulling It Together: Life happens. There are going to be troubles throughout life. All of them, whether they come from God or not, are allowed by his will. Through these sufferings, the Holy Spirit helps us to endure, which develops godly character. That quality produces hope in God who gives us this hope, provides reason to hope, and indeed, who is our hope (Psa 39:7). Our hope in God “does not disappoint us” (Rom 5:5 RSV) in this life any more than in the life to come.

We already enjoy the love of God that is poured into us through the through the Holy Spirit. This gift overflows in the heart of the believer, to the extent that we know God as Abba and Father (Gal 4:6). We know, even in times of trial, that our Father cares for us and will see us through these corrections to our character.

But endurance of these tests is not payment for sin. Christ alone is our satisfaction for sin. May we be satisfied with him.

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to rejoice in my sufferings. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, Confirmation workbook which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 47 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 14 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 8:18–23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Likewise, troubles are inflicted because of present sin so that lust is mortified and extinguished in the saints, so that they may be renewed by the Spirit. Paul says, “Your bodies are dead because of sin” (Rom 8:10); that is, they are mortified because of the present sin still left in our nature. Death itself serves the purpose of abolishing this sinful flesh, so that we may rise absolutely new. Since believers overcome death through faith, there is now no terror of death. There is no longer that sting and sense of wrath of which Paul speaks: “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law” (1 Cor 15:56). This power of sin, this sense of wrath, is truly a punishment as long as it is present. But without this sense of wrath, even death is no punishment.

Pulling It Together: Martin Luther proclaimed in his sermon, “On the Hymn of Zacahrias,” that as long as we are clothed with this flesh, sin is not extinguished, nor can be wholly subdued. Sin will remain in us so long as we live in this life. Meanwhile, the Spirit is killing off those sins and desires that remain in us even after having been justified by faith in Christ. So believers are being mortified, or put to death, more and more every day, until the day of our physical deaths, when this sinful flesh, or old nature, is altogether destroyed.

There is nothing about death that should worry us. Indeed, though they do us a great good, the corrections of the present life are far more trouble than death itself. For death is no affliction or punishment but rather, it is the “redemption of our bodies” and the unveiling of the glory of God.

Prayer: Give me patience and faith, O Lord, to endure the sufferings of this life. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Full-Color Catechism Posters (Set of Seven)  These glossy full-color 11"x 17" posters feature the main texts from the six parts of Luther's Small Catechism, and are designed for use in homes and churches to help children memorize these important and timeless words. The posters include: Holy Baptism, The Lord's Prayer, The Ten Commandments (standard), The Ten Commandments (simplified),The Apostles' Creed, Holy Communion, and Confession & Forgiveness. Each poster features a picture of "Luther's Small Cat" and matches the colors of the corresponding booklet from Sola's Luther's Small Cat Series.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 46 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 13 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Hebrews 12:5–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Besides, saints are subject to death, and all general afflictions, as 1 Peter 4:17 says. “For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?” Although these afflictions are mostly punishments for sin, they have a better result in the godly, namely, to discipline them so that that they may learn from trials to seek God’s help and to acknowledge their disbelieving hearts, etc., as Paul says of himself, “We felt that we had received the sentence of death; but that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead” (2 Cor 1:9). And Isaiah says, “They poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them” (Isa 26:16). By these corrections, God disciplines the saints.

Pulling It Together: God disciplines his children because he loves them. He does not require this discipline as some means of grace. For how could this be grace, if it is required of us to endure? If we must do a work of penance, it is no longer God’s grace that saves; it is we who save ourselves. Thus, we confess that God does indeed punish us, but he does so in order to bring his children back to him, back to his grace. For it is by his grace alone that we are redeemed.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, save me and bring me back to you, even if it means I must be disciplined to return my attention to you. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Luther's Small Cat Discovers: The Seasons of the Church Year is written for 4th grade level students. This book takes students through the church year, accompanied by Luther’s Small Cat — a character who is just as inquisitive and precocious as the students. May your journey through the church year bring you closer to Christ, who walks through each moment of life alongside you.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 45 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 12 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Psalm 6:1–4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

But they object that it is compatible with Gods justice to punish sin. He certainly punishes it in these terrors of contrition when he shows his wrath. This is what David demonstrates when he prays, “ O Lord, rebuke me not in thy anger” (Psa 6:1). And Jeremiah says, “Correct me, O LORD, but in just measure; not in thy anger, lest thou bring me to nothing” (Jer 10:24). Here indeed, the most bitter punishments are uttered. Our opponents acknowledge that contrition can be so great that satisfaction is not required. Therefore, contrition is a truer punishment than satisfactions.

Pulling It Together: The human heart that is heartily sorry always turns to God. But when we are not really contrite, we seek human remedies to our guilt. The truly contrite person is so buried in spiritual remorse that there is nothing left but to depend upon God’s mercy. He no longer depends upon works of penitence, knowing that he cannot do anything but to cry out in trust to God who loves and forgives sinners in their sorrows.

Prayer: Be gracious to me, Lord, for I am a sinner in need of your mercy. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Luther's Small Cat Series from Sola Publishing is a graded elementary-aged Sunday School curriculum based on the sections of the Small Catechism, with each lesson focusing on an applicable story from the Bible. This easy-to-use workbook style curriculum, allows kids to have a keepsake of the memory piece they master for the year.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 44 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 11 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger graphic

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Isaiah 30:15–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Our opponents make a great mistake if they imagine that canonical satisfactions are truer punishments than true terrors in the heart. It is a foolish distortion to call these frigid satisfactions “punishments,” instead of referring to those horrible terrors of conscience like David mentions. “For the waves of death encompassed me” (Psa 18:4; 2 Sam 22:5). Who would not rather, clad in mail and equipped, seek the church of James, the basilica of Peter, and so forth, than bear that indescribable force of grief that exists even in ordinary persons who are truly repentant?

Pulling It Together: Those who are truly repentant would surely seek the grace and mercy of God instead of trying to fix the matter themselves. Imagine a husband or wife who has truly wronged his or her spouse, offering a box of chocolates, a bouquet of roses, or even a fancy meal, in an effort to gain forgiveness. Imagine a child who has dishonored a parent, taking the trash out for a week or cleaning his room in an attempt to compensate for that dishonor. Those who have been wronged are not interested in being bought off. A spouse or a parent want genuine sorrow, something that first happens in the heart.

It is much easier to buy a bouquet than to offer the sweetness of a real apology, followed, of course, by real devotion to the person who was wronged. We deceive ourselves when we think such bribery will bring peace to that person—or to ourselves. It is difficult to trust in the mercy of the person we have hurt, so we try to do something that might make them feel better, certainly, but even more, to make ourselves feel better.

But this does not work with God any more than it does with people. We must have faith. We must trust that these people love us. So, we can see that we must also trust in God’s love. This is the only way to have any peace in the conscience. Just as roses will not provide rest in human relationships, neither will pilgrimages, special offerings, or other so-called satisfactions provide peace in our relationships with God. These are the “swift steeds” we would ride upon to escape our guilt. But the further we ride, the more frightened and guilty we will become. For by these efforts at buying off God we are actually fleeing from him, instead of toward him. We must simply be willing to repent by returning to God with hearts broken by sin, believing that he still loves and forgives poor sinners. 

Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, a poor and wretched sinner. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Why Did Jesus Have to Die? is a six-week Bible Study that examines the most profound event of salvation history — the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ — exploring from a biblical perspective what is known as the doctrine of the Atonement.

• Participant's Book    • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 43 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 10 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 16:24–25

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

But our opponents object, insisting that vengeance or punishment is necessary for repentance, because Augustine says that “repentance is vengeance punishing,” and so forth. We grant that vengeance or punishment is necessarily a part of repentance, but not as a merit or price like the adversaries imagine satisfactions are. Vengeance is part of repentance in a formal sense because regeneration itself occurs through an ongoing mortification of the old nature. The saying of Scotus may be quite beautiful, that poenitentia, penitence, is so called because it is, as it were, poenae tenentia, it holds punishment. But of what punishment, of what vengeance does Augustine speak? He certainly speaks of true punishment and vengeance, namely, contrition and real terrors. Nor do we exclude here the outward mortification of the flesh which follows true sorrow of the heart.

Pulling It Together: Being a disciple of Jesus Christ involves taking up one’s cross and following him. That means one is willing to die rather than stop trusting God. It also entails denying the old nature, a continual death to the old person. All of this takes place through ongoing repentance, or turning to Jesus and following him. This is what one who is reborn does, but it is not the cause of rebirth, or salvation. Nor is it the grounds for justification and forgiveness. One can only follow Jesus with faith. Our human natures cannot do this, either through reason or working at religion. Faith is the only response to Jesus’ invitation to, “Follow me.” 

Prayer: Give me the faith, Lord Jesus, to follow you. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Family Matters is a nine-session Bible study that focuses on the first generations of God's people—Abraham and his descendants. It looks at how God's covenant promise sustained them as they navigated family relationships.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 42 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 09 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Titus 1:13–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

The adversaries futilely speculate about the remission of guilt, not seeing how the heart is freed from God’s anger and eternal death by the remission of guilt through faith in Christ. The death of Christ is the satisfaction for eternal death. Our adversaries even confess that these works of satisfaction are works that are not due. These are human traditions, which Christ says are unproductive practices of worship (Matt 15:9). Therefore, we can safely affirm that canonical satisfactions are not necessary by divine law for the remission of guilt, or eternal punishment, or the penalty of purgatory.

Pulling It Together: When we imagine that there is something we can do to appease God’s wrath toward our sin, we soon discover that we have deceived ourselves. The truth is that both forgiveness and peace in the heart come only through faith in what Christ has accomplished—not by any works we perform. Indeed, by trusting in such works, we deny God and his power and love. The only sound faith is to completely trust in Christ who has satisfied God’s holiness—and done so for us.

Prayer: Increase my faith, Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Come, Worship the Lord (Sola Music Series, Vol I) The Sola Music Series offers simple collections of easy-to-play worship music, including new songs and arrangements of old favorites. Based in a confessional theology and a respect for the historical and sacramental liturgy, these resources do not require a high level of musical expertise. Written in a simple and straight-forward style, these songs are intended for congregations that would like to explore a less formal musical style in worship, while still maintaining the integrity of the traditional order of worship. Such music would fit into what is sometimes referred to as "contemporary" or "blended" worship, without necessarily requiring a full band of experienced musicians and singers to lead the songs. Providing lead sheets for guitar and vocals, along with full scores for piano, Sola Publishing grants to those who purchase this volume the permission to reproduce words and music of the songs within for local congregational use. This book includes music from "The Holy Cross Setting" available with a SOWeR subscription.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 41 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 08 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 8:37–39

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Additionally, repentance and grace are obscured because eternal death is not atoned for by this compensation of works, which is futile, and does not taste death in this present life. When death attacks us, something else must contend for us. Just so, as the wrath of God is overcome by faith in Christ, so death is overcome by faith in Christ. This is what Paul says, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor 15:57). He does not say, who gives us the victory if we contend against death through our satisfactions.

Pulling It Together: We are threatened on every side. Ten things are listed in Romans 8:37–39, over which we have no power or control. Indeed, the tenth thing Paul lists is anything not mentioned in the first nine. These things constantly threaten to undo us. Who or what can contend with such enemies to our eternal existence? We cannot conquer any of these powerful foes. Nothing we try changes death or life; they happen to us no matter what we do.

But there is one who has successfully fought back for us—and won the victory. Through him, we also have victory. Faith in Christ accomplishes what a Herculean, religious effort can never achieve. Through him, we do more than conquer; we are gifted with the victory that he won. Though threats assail us, they will never separate us from the great love of God in Christ Jesus. 

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your great love that sent a Savior. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 40 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 07 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 John 5:1–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

There are works, such as pilgrimages, that depart even further from God’s commands, and of these there is a great variety. One makes a journey clad in mail, and another with bare feet. Christ calls these “vain acts of worship,” and thus, they do not serve to appease God’s displeasure, as the adversaries say. Nevertheless, they adorn these works with impressive titles. They call them works of supererogation, ascribing to these works the honor of being the price paid instead of eternal death. Thus they are preferred to the works of God’s commandments. In this way the law of God is obscured in two ways: one, because it is thought that outward and civil works satisfy God’s law, and two, because human traditions are added, whose works are preferred to the works of the divine law.

Pulling It Together: Are you a conqueror? Have you vanquished sin? Do you feel victorious?

Do not make the mistake of thinking that you need to do something special to conjure up the feeling of religious success. Working around the church, going on retreats, doing extra devotions, serving at the homeless shelter, giving special offerings, and other such things may help you feel pious. But this feeling will only last for awhile.

Nevertheless, doing things that promote religious feelings are often preferred to keeping God’s law: those works that are clearly required by God in the Ten Commandments. Perhaps the reason those other works are preferred is because they seem to make us feel better than loving God, honoring parents, being faithful, telling the truth, and not coveting.

The good news here is that being a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, does not depend upon your feelings or the things that sometimes cause those feelings. We are world-conquerors because we have faith in Jesus Christ who has overcome the world (John 16:33). The ones who overcome the world, even when they do not feel too much like victors, are those who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. They do not depend one whit upon themselves—or their feelings, or the works that sometimes cause those feelings. Christians trust in Christ alone for salvation.

Prayer: Jesus, I believe that you are the Son of God. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 39 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 06 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Isaiah 1:12–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

True prayer, charity, and fasting have God’s command, and where they have God’s command, they cannot be neglected without sin. But when these works have not been commanded by God’s law, but instead have a fixed form derived from human regulation, they are works of human traditions of which Christ says, “In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men” (Matt 15:9). For example, certain fasts have been appointed, not to restrain the flesh, but so that honor may be given to God by this work, as Scotus says, and satisfaction made for eternal death. Likewise, a prescribed number of prayers or works of charity, when performed as acts of devotion, are said to give honor to God and make up for eternal death ex opere operato. They ascribe satisfaction to these works for the sake of the works, teaching that they benefit even those who are in mortal sin.

Pulling It Together: God commands good works but he does not require them as satisfactions for sin. Any command to do fixed numbers of prayers, fasts, acts of charity, or other religious deeds are vain and human ordinances that not only do not satisfy God, they weary him. He would have us do good and seek justice because he commands these righteous acts. However, the works themselves do not make us righteous. God makes us righteous for Christ’s sake—not because of our works. 

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your perfect, saving work of the cross. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Five VBS Class Posters & Five Sticker Sheets

These glossy full-color 11"x 17" posters with the title "Welcome to VBS!" are designed for use in recording attendance for Vacation Bible School.  Five posters are included in each set, along with five color sticker sheets.  Days are numbered 1-5, to correspond to the standard weekday VBS schedule.

More from the Versatile Budget Series

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 38 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 05 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Hebrews 7:18–19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Scripture exclaims everywhere that we are far from the perfection required by the law. Our opponents imagine that the law of God consists in outward and civil righteousness. They do not see that it requires us to love God with the whole heart and condemns all the lust in our nature. Therefore, no one does as much as the law requires. It is ridiculous to imagine that we can do more. Although we can perform outward works not commanded by God’s Law, it is vain and wicked to have confidence that these satisfy God’s law.

Pulling It Together: Honest people should be able to admit that they do not keep even the one, greatest commandment (Deut 6:5), let alone all of God’s law. We do not love God with our whole hearts—not even the most devout people do, and being God-fearing, they know this to be true. So, the answer cannot be found in seeking salvation through religious practices. Following rules is not the way to God in heaven. The law will never make us perfect, righteous, or holy. But hope is not lost. Through his death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus has made a way to the Father (John 14:6) for all who believe. Have faith—in him. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for being the way to your Father. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Word of Life Series is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ, to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 37 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 04 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click above for larger graphic  •

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John 14:13–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

It is with unthinkable grief that we recite our adversaries’ absurdities. They have to enrage anyone who considers such doctrines of demons which the devil has spread in the Church to suppress the knowledge of the law and gospel, of repentance and quickening, and the benefits of Christ. For they say of the law that God, condescending to our weakness, has given people a standard that they are required to measure up to, namely, the observance of the commandments. Beyond this, from works of supererogation, they can render satisfaction for sins they have committed. These men imagine that we can do more than the law of God requires. 

Pulling It Together: There is only one mediator between God and man (1 Tim 2:5). He has worked beyond the role of intermediary, giving his life as ransom for all who are shackled by sin to death. To then say that Christ is incapable of following through on what Scripture says to be true, amounts to a rejection of the function of both Christ and Scripture. Furthermore, imagining that extra works (supererogation) must be performed in payment for sin, casts aspersion on the character of Christ. Did he promise, or not, to answer our prayers when they are asked within the will of God? Is it a trustworthy saying, or not, that Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Tim 1:15)? So then, if a sinner believes in Christ for eternal life (1 Tim 1:16) and asks for forgiveness, will Christ answer this prayer—or not? Does Christ save—or not? That is the question that the doctrine of supererogation should make everyone ask. Does Christ really save, as he promises, or is life a sort of tag-team match, in which Christ has wrestled Satan to the mat but now it is our turn in the ring, and each believer must somehow pin the devil?  

Prayer: Thank you, God, for hearing and answering my prayers. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Word of Life Series is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ, to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 36 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 03 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Hosea 13:14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Besides, the death of Christ is a satisfaction not only for guilt, but also for eternal death, according to Hosea: “O death, I will be thy death” (Hos 13:14). How monstrous, therefore, it is to say that Christ’s satisfaction redeems us from the guilt, but our punishments redeem us from eternal death. In that case, our works, not Christ, are the subject of the expression, “I will be thy death”—indeed, not even works commanded by God, but some cold observances devised by men. These works are said to abolish death, even when they are wrought in mortal sin.

Pulling It Together: Melancthon seems to depend upon the Vulgate (the Latin translation) here. The Old Testament of the Luther Bibel would not be available for three more years. The German translation of Hosea 13:14 is more dependable than the Latin, though the Latin wording sounds better and contains excellent theology. “Ero mors tua, o mors!” or “O death, I will be thy death!” rings in the soul.

The impact of English translations is the same, if less poetic. Death has been vanquished. But who is speaking in Hosea’s prophecy? It is God speaking—not our works. It is God who says, “O Sheol, where is your sting?” For God in Christ has removed the sting of death, his death destroying both death and the devil (2 Tim 1:10; Heb 2:14). Faith in Christ’s satisfaction deals, not only with our guilt but, eternal death as well. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for delivering me from eternal death. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Word of Life Series is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ, to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 35 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 02 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Galatians 5:22–25

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Moreover, a part of Lombard’s declaration about remitting a part of the punishments referred to canonical punishments, which the pastors remitted in part. We hold that repentance ought to bring forth good fruits for the sake of God’s glory and command. The good fruits of true fasting, prayer, and charity are commands of God. Yet we do not find anywhere in the Holy Scriptures where eternal punishments are not remitted except because of the punishment of purgatory or canonical satisfactions, that is, by non-mandatory works, or that the authority of the keys has the command to commute or to remit a portion of punishments. The adversaries would need to prove these things.

Pulling It Together: Do good works because God commands them to be done and because they bring him glory. But never hold the delusion that by doing good works, your sins will be forgiven or you will go to heaven. This is an almost irrelevant conversation. For those who truly repent will bear good fruits, since this is simply the result of the Holy Spirit at work within them. For example, the good fruit of true patience toward difficult people is nothing that persons muster the ability to accomplish. If they could, it would bring God no glory, and therefore, not be much good at all. But if you have been walking with the Lord for a while, you will notice changes in your character and actions that you did not produce. This is God at work within you, bringing you to maturity in Christ (Eph 4:13). But such good works—any works at all—are not so-called satisfactions that reduce temporal punishments or time in a purgatory. 

Prayer: Bring me in step with you, Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The goal of Personalities of Faith, a ten-session Bible study for youth, is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith". Using biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

Volume 1  • Volume 1 Leader's Guide  • Volume 2  • Volume 2 Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 34 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 01 Mar 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 16:19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 34

Since the cited passages of Scripture do not say that non-mandatory works compensate for eternal punishments, the adversaries are rash in declaring that canonical satisfactions compensate for these punishments. Nor do the keys have the authority to commute some punishments, or likewise, to remit part of the punishments. Where are such things found in Scripture? Christ speaks of the remission of sins when he says, “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matt 18:18). In sin being forgiven, eternal death is replaced with eternal life. The words, “whatsoever you bind,” do not mean to impose punishments but to retain the sins of those who are not converted.

Pulling It Together

The commands of God’s Word are not negotiable. We are obliged to obey God. To disobey is to sin. After sinning, we are unable to work off those sins by either deeds or devotion. Yet we can be forgiven of our sins—not by virtue of the things we do, but by the virtue of Christ. Those who have faith that Christ is both just and faithful to forgive them when they confess their sins, have no difficulty believing these words of their pastor: “As an ordained minister of the Church of Christ and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins.” There are no punishments or satisfactions to be imposed. It is the Church’s duty to absolve in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Prayer: Lord, forgive me, a poor sinner. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, presented in a question and discussion format. The Leader's Guide that accompanies this study is a resource for those facilitating group discussion, or may serve as a reader's commentary for those who are studying the Book of Concord on their own.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 33 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 29 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger graphic

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Jeremiah 2:22

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

We do not care about refuting these absurdities of the adversaries in more words. Scripture is obviously speaking of necessary works, of the entire newness of life, and not of observances of works that are not required, of which the adversaries speak. And yet, by these figments they defend monastic orders, the sale of Masses, and incessant observances to make satisfaction for punishment—if not for the guilt.

Pulling It Together: I used to be a printer, working with thick, oily inks day after day. My skin became discolored by cleaning those inks from presses. I tried everything to get my hands clean—not only commercial products, but many that I invented also. Nothing worked. It seemed that my hands were permanently stained. But in fact, my hands were clean, except for the stains.

Scrub and scrub; scour as much as you like. Invent cleansing agents, potions, and rituals. You will still be unclean. The stain of your guilt will remain before the Lord. Nothing removes it—no amount of good works, no love of God, or devotion to religion. Though works, love, and devotion are required of us, they do not cleanse us of our sin. Only Christ can do that for us. He alone has removed the stain of guilt for all who believe.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for taking away my sin and my guilt. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 32 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 28 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Colossians 2:9–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Observe what follows. If the punishments of purgatory are satisfactions, or rather “satispassions,” or if satisfactions are a redemption of the punishments of purgatory, do these passages also give the commandment that souls are to be punished in purgatory? Since this must result from the opinions of the adversaries, these passages should be interpreted in a new way. “Bear fruit that befits repentance,” and “Repent,” would mean, “Suffer the punishments of purgatory after this life.”

Pulling It Together: Jesus Christ is so completely holy and meritorious before the Father that he is holy and worthy for me. God is so pleased with his Son that he is well-pleased with those who believe in him. Christ is sufficient for you; you need nothing else but faith in him.

Compare a few translations of Colossians 2:10 to see how others have tried to express this sufficiency. “And ye are complete in him” (KJV). “You have come to fulness in him” (RSV). “In Him you have been made complete” (NASB). The Greek word used in the New Testament means to be completely filled, in the sense of being supplied with all you need. So, in Christ, we have all we need; we are well-supplied, full, complete. Nothing needs to be added to the fulness we have in Christ. 

There is no need for any satisfaction but Christ. And as there is not need for satisfactions, there is no need to invent a place for the purging of sin. Christ has sufficiently, nay, completely, accomplished this cleansing on the cross.

Prayer: Make me mature in faith toward you, O Lord, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Reading and Discussion of Luther's Catechisms is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, presented in a question and discussion format. 

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 31 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 27 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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John 3:16–18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Thirdly, indulgences remit these satisfactions, as taught in the chapter, “Penitence and Remission,” beginning with the words, “Since from this...” But indulgences do not free us from commands like, “Repent” and, “Bear fruit that befits repentance.” Therefore it is obvious that these passages of Scripture have been wickedly distorted to apply to canonical satisfactions.

Pulling It Together: If one may buy off the need for the satisfaction, what then really, is the point—that if we have enough money, we may buy God’s remission of temporal punishments? Even if that were true (and it is not), obeying God’s commands would still be required. So, all of these passages, such as Jesus’ own word: “repent,” have been twisted to maintain a religion that weakens the relationship with God. Weakened, because it dashes our hopes. If we have no hope in the Father to forgive, the Son to justify, and the Spirit to give life, then we certainly will have no hope in ourselves—in our good works and devotion. We know better. We know we are poor and wretched sinners. All hope is lost unless we take Christ at his word. “Whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

Prayer: Help me to keep turning to your grace, Lord. Amen. 

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Who is Jesus? An Introductory Bible Study

It is only in God’s Word that we find what God has to say about himself, and what he has chosen to reveal to us in Jesus Christ. This five-session study, written by the Rev. Roy Beutel, is meant to serve as an introduction to what the Bible says about Jesus Christ — who he is and what it means to trust in him as Savior and Lord. The study would work well for introducing people to Bible Study, for those new to the Christian faith, or for those who want a refresher on the basics of our faith in Christ.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 30 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 26 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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John 3:16–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Secondly, the adversaries write that if any one goes to confession but refuses to undertake satisfactions, he does not sin, but will pay the penalties in purgatory. Now the following passages are, without argument, commandments pertaining to this life. “Repent.” “Bear fruit that befits repentance.” “Yield your members to righteousness for sanctification.” These cannot be distorted into satisfactions which one is permitted to refuse, for one is not permitted to refuse God’s commands.

Pulling It Together: When Scripture tells us to repent it is not speaking of something one may do beyond this life. All that goes with repentance is to be done in this life. For “it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Heb 9:27). It will be too late for obedience then. Besides, all of this has been based upon a faulty premise, that assumption being that we can earn forgiveness through acts of penitence. This cannot be done in the afterlife any more than it can be done in this life. It is impossible to merit the remission of sins. To say otherwise is to disregard Christ who died for the sin of the world. It is faith, belief in Jesus Christ as Savior, that saves (John 20:31). Repentance—in this life—is surely commanded, but it is faith in Jesus Christ that justifies and saves to eternal life.

Prayer: Help me, Holy Spirit, to believe. Amen. 

Receive these Sola Devotions in weekday emails. Click here to fill out a quick and secure subscription form. 

David: Hero of God is a five-session VBS program that features one of the most famous people in Scripture. The Books of 1 and 2 Samuel tell the story of a young Israelite shepherd named David, who was chosen by God to be king. The biblical story shows how God can work through an ordinary person to do great things, illustrating the themes of faith, courage, compassion, and leadership. 

Sola’s Versatile Budget Series is a simple and flexible educational Vacation Bible School curriculum designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations. The flexible format works well for groups with limited budgets, or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. Unlike more elaborate and expensive VBS kits, this book is meant to serve as an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains can be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

More from the Versatile Budget Series

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 29 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 25 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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2 Corinthians 5:6–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Many arguments can also be collected to show that these passages of Scripture do not pertain in any way to scholastic satisfactions. These men imagine that satisfactions are works that are not due; but Scripture, in these passages, requires works that are due. For this word of Christ, “repent,” is a word of command.

Pulling It Together: Good works are mandatory. But they do not appease the wrath of God against sin. Repentance is required, as it is commanded by Christ (Matt 4:17). Yet again, this requirement does not make one righteous, justify a person to God, or save to eternal life. Likewise, we are mandated to keep the Ten Commandments but keeping the commandments, even if we could perfectly do so, can not, do not, and will never satisfy God. We can make no satisfaction through repentance, good works, or acts of devotion that will atone for our sins. Only Christ can satisfy or atone for sin; and he has done so for the sins of the world. So, while works are required, we must constantly remember that they do not satisfy. This is an edge that is difficult for many to walk—because it means walking in faith alone.

Prayer: Dear Lord God, help me to trust in Christ alone. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The biblical focus in this five session VBS series, Rebekah & Her Family, comes from the Book of Genesis. God's hand is seen at work throughout the story — from Rebekah’s being chosen as a bride for Isaac, through the birth and lives of their twin sons, Esau and Jacob.  The story illustrates how God remains faithful to his promise, despite our sin, and that God's power can actually change our lives!

Sola’s Versatile Budget Series is a simple and flexible educational Vacation Bible School curriculum designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations. The flexible format works well for groups with limited budgets, or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. Unlike more elaborate and expensive VBS kits, this book is meant to serve as an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains can be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

More from the Versatile Budget Series

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 28 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 24 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 6:19–23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

We also say that this is the meaning of John when he says, “Bear fruit that befits repentance” (Matt 3:8), and of Paul when he says, “Yield your members to righteousness for sanctification” (Rom 6:19). He likewise says, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Rom 12:1). When Christ says, “Repent” (Matt 4:17), he is certainly speaking of whole repentance, of the entire newness of life and its fruits. He does not speak of those hypocritical satisfactions which the scholastics imagine avail for paying off the punishment of purgatory or other punishments when those satisfactions are made by those who are in mortal sin.

Pulling It Together: We are either slaves to the devil, sin, and death, or to God, righteousness, and life. Whichever we are bonded to will determine the fruit we get. The fruit or the wages of sin is death. The fruit or wages of righteousness is life—eternal life. Be careful! This righteousness is not your own. We have observed many times in these writings that we have no righteousness of our own (Phil 3:9). That is why the apostle declares that eternal life is a free gift, given by the one who is righteous.

Because Christians have been given life, they can be fruit-bearing trees. But this fruit is nothing that they do. Quite the opposite, it is something that is done in them because they have been given life. Observe how a tree produces fruit. It happens because it is designed to bear fruit and because rain falls and sun shines. Just so, Christians are designed to bear good fruit through the life-giving agency of the Holy Spirit.

So we say that there is nothing to offer God for our sins, if we could, that would satisfy him. However, Christ the Righteous has offered himself for us and satisfied God. His righteousness and eternal life are bestowed on those who believe. Since they are now alive, they are able to bear good fruit. Clearly, this fruit is not an offering for sin, since an unforgiven, dead “tree” cannot bear fruit. Good fruit is the result of having been forgiven and made alive.

Prayer: Help me, Holy Spirit, to bear good fruit. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The biblical focus in The Adventures of Paul, a five-session VBS book, is on the life of the Apostle Paul, with lessons from the Book of Acts. Here Scripture tells the story of serious man named Saul, who worked to silence Christianity — until the risen Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus and changed his life. With his new name Paul, this one who had persecuted the Church went on to become one of the greatest apostles.

Sola’s Versatile Budget Series is a simple and flexible educational Vacation Bible School curriculum designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations. The flexible format works well for groups with limited budgets, or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. Unlike more elaborate and expensive VBS kits, this book is meant to serve as an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains can be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

More from the Versatile Budget Series

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 27 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 23 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 8:12–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

But let us return to the main point. The Scriptures cited by the adversaries speak in no way of canonical satisfactions or of these opinions of the scholastics, since it is evident that the latter were only recently invented. Therefore it is pure deception when they distort Scripture to suit their own opinions. We say that good fruits, good works in every kind of life, ought to follow repentance, that is, conversion or regeneration. There can be no true conversion or contrition where mortification of the flesh and good fruits do not follow. True terrors, true griefs of the mind, do not allow the body to indulge in sensual pleasures, and true faith is not ungrateful to God, neither does it despise his commandments. In a word, there is no inward repentance unless it also produces outward mortification of the flesh.

Pulling It Together: We are indebted to God in Christ to no longer live in the sin for which he died. This does not mean that we no longer sin, for as long as we are in the flesh of this mortal body, there is sin and death. Therefore, we are to live by the Spirit, even if it seems in fits and starts. When we do sin, we ask for and receive God’s forgiveness. We turn to Christ for justification to God. We do not depend upon our works and devotion for putting to death our sins, or mortifying our deeds of the body. We instead, depend upon God’s grace through Christ and his sacraments (Rom 6:4). So we confess that we are not perfect—yet are perfectly forgiven. Therefore, we attempt to do God’s will, but not in order to be saved. Rather, we seek to do his will because he has already saved us by dying for our sins while we were still sinners (Rom 5:8). The truest and best mortification of sin is when a sinner believes, yet again, in the one who died for sin.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for loving poor sinners like me. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The biblical focus in this five-session VBS book, Moses and the Great Escape, is found in the Old Testament book of Exodus. God has a grand plan for humankind — a plan he enacts through the Hebrew people. He created Moses to be instrumental in this plan.

Sola’s Versatile Budget Series is a simple and flexible educational Vacation Bible School curriculum designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations. The flexible format works well for groups with limited budgets, or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. Unlike more elaborate and expensive VBS kits, this book is meant to serve as an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains can be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

More from the Versatile Budget Series

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 26 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 22 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for original image

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Philippians 4:5b–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

We have said these things not because we doubt our Confession. For we know that it is true, godly, and useful to godly consciences. But it is likely that there are many in many places who waver concerning matters of no light importance, yet do not hear teachers able to lead their consciences to peace.

Pulling It Together: The only one who is able to heal you, restore your soul, and give you peace, is near you right now. He is “at hand.” So there is no need for anxiety. Make your requests; God is listening. He has promised to hear you, so you are enabled to pray with full assurance, resting in God’s promises to love and care for you. Even when it feels like God is not near and they cannot understand why he even would be, people of faith trust in his presence and providence. Their hearts and minds are kept in Christ, despite momentary appearances. They are at rest through faith in Christ, even when they have been less than faithful, knowing that God’s promises are based on his righteousness instead of their own.

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to always remember your nearness. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The biblical focus of Mary, Martha & Many Faithful Women, a five-session VBS book is found in the gospels. Through the eyes of sisters, Mary and Martha, we get a look at the ministry of Jesus. We see him as both human and as God. Along with some of Jesus' other female friends, we follow Jesus to the cross where he suffered a horrendous death to pay the price for our sins. From the darkness of the cross, we join the women at the tomb with Mary Magdalene as the mystery and victory of Easter morning unfold.

Sola’s Versatile Budget Series is a simple and flexible educational Vacation Bible School curriculum designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations. The flexible format works well for groups with limited budgets, or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. Unlike more elaborate and expensive VBS kits, this book is meant to serve as an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains can be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

More from the Versatile Budget Series

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 25 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 21 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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John 14:27

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction

We are not saying that you ought to fear God’s judgment. For those in the hierarchy imagine that they can easily provide against this, since they hold the keys. Of course, they can open heaven for themselves whenever they wish. We are talking about the judgments of men and the silent desires of all nations, which at this time, require that these matters be investigated and decided in such a manner that god-fearing minds may be healed and freed from doubt. Being wise, you can easily determine what will take place if at any time this hatred against you should explode. But by this favor of healing doubting consciences, you will be able to bind to yourself all nations, since all sane people regard it as the highest and most important matter.

Pulling It Together

Political and civil peace would be nice. Family peace would be a true blessing for many people. And of course, better finances and health would afford to many a certain peace of mind. Yet, even with all of these kinds of peace, we will still be troubled unless there is a deeper peace: peace with God. This is the very peace that Jesus has promised—a peace that is not like the world gives but instead, peace that comes from having faith that Christ alone reconciles us with God. So we are very careful to never attach to forgiveness satisfactions such as good deeds or acts of devotion. These works will not appease the conscience for long, let alone appease God. Nothing but Christ’s finished work (John 19:30) soothes and heals doubting and troubled consciences.

Prayer: Lord, help me to always depend upon and trust in you. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The biblical focus of The Adventures of Paul, a five-session VBS book, is the life of the Apostle Paul, using lessons from the Book of Acts. Here Scripture tells the story of serious man named Saul who worked to silence Christianity—until the risen Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus and changed his life. With his new name Paul, this one who had persecuted the Church went on to become one of the greatest apostles. 

The price of the book includes permission to reproduce the worksheets and handouts for local use. For smaller churches in a "one-room schoolhouse" setting, only one book is necessary. For churches with multiple grade levels and individual classes, we suggest that each teacher have a copy of the curriculum book.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 24 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 20 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 14:28–33

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

There are many good people for whom this doubt is more bitter than death. You do not sufficiently consider how important religion is, if you think that good people are anxious for slight reason when they begin to doubt doctrine. This doubt can have no other effect than producing a most bitter of hatred against those who ought to heal consciences, but instead, make themselves an obstacle to understanding the subject.

Pulling It Together: When I was a boy, I learned to carry a full cup of coffee to my father. I walked through the kitchen, down the carpeted hallway, and in to the living room, then handed it to him without having spilled a drop. I learned to do this by not looking at the coffee in the cup. Instead, I looked away from myself to a point where I was headed. When my father came in to sight, I then kept my eyes on him. This allowed me to walk naturally and evenly, which in turn, kept the cup of coffee level.

Doubt comes when we lose sight of the end or the object of our faith. Peter walked on the water but when his focus shifted to the wind and then the water, instead of the one who beckoned him, he was as good as sunk. How can I walk on water with this wind blowing? Peter probably thought. Whenever the object of our faith becomes something we will do or something we will believe, we will sink every time. For we will have come to believe in, or have faith in, ourselves instead of Jesus. 

We must, therefore, always be ready to call sinking and stumbling people back to the object of faith. Look! There is the hand of Jesus. Take it and know the calming of the storm.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for saving me. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Connections Magazine features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 23 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 19 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Jude 20–23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

You are mistaken if you think that churches should be retained only by force and arms. Men ask to be taught concerning religion. How many do you suppose there are, not only in Germany, but also in England, Spain, France, Italy, and finally even in the city of Rome, who are beginning to doubt because they see that controversies have arisen concerning subjects of the greatest importance. How many of them are silently indignant because you refuse to investigate these subjects, and rightly judge such weighty matters? For you do not rescue wavering consciences; instead, you simply command us be overthrown and annihilated by arms.

Pulling It Together: People doubt from time to time. Jesus said, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt 26:41). It is unrealistic to think that everyone will always be strong in faith. So it is up to those who are strong in the faith to bear with the weak (Rom 15:1) and have mercy on the doubting. This is especially the case when things happen in church and society that run counter to expectations, to the way things have always been thought and done. At such times, people will naturally question and even doubt. This is not the moment to toss the lambs to the wolves. Instead, they should be the more carefully shepherded, so that, by God’s grace, they may be snatched from the fire, and spared to eternal life.

Prayer: Jesus, keep me in your love and mercy. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

 

The Wise & The Foolish is a nine-session Bible study that focuses on Jesus' "people parables" — or what might be described as discipleship parables. These are the character stories that focus on the nature of discipleship and what it means to be a wise and faithful follower of Jesus.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 22 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 18 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 24:9–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction

It was your duty, Campegius, in accordance with your wisdom and in regard to matters of such importance, to have taken care that they should write nothing which might seem to diminish respect for the Roman See, either now or in the future. If the Roman See judges it right that all nations should acknowledge her as mistress of the faith, then she ought to take pains that those with learning and integrity investigate religious matters. For what will the world think if the writing of the adversaries is ever brought to light? What will posterity judge concerning these critical judicial investigations?

You see, Campegius, these are the last times, in which Christ predicted that there would be the greatest danger to religion. You, therefore, who ought to sit, as it were, in the watchtower and moderate religious concerns, should in these times employ unusual wisdom and diligence. There are many signs which, unless you heed them, threaten a change to the Roman state.

Pulling It Together: Life is hard enough without those in authority leading people astray. Scripture teaches us to have faith in Christ for forgiveness and justification. So then, when religious leaders say that people have to pay for at least some of their sins, if not the sum of their sins, people can become confused, or even indifferent to the faith. This can happen for many reasons, but it should never happen because church leaders teach that something more than faith in Christ is necessary for salvation. That sort of distortion of the basics of the Christian faith often leads to moral decay and the breakdown of society. This then, is the time for patient endurance (Heb 10:36), steadfast faith, and keeping true to the gospel of our Lord.

Prayer: Keep me in your Name, Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Aimed at Sunday School teachers, helpers, and coordinators, this book provides an overview of the whole Sunday Schoolhouse series. In addition to laying out the structure of a Sunday School program for pastors, coordinators and superintendents, it contains basic information for teachers and helpers on using the curricula, conducting class sessions, and creating a disciplined teaching environment. It also includes a number of ideas on incorporating into the classroom, including: story-telling, drama, memory work, and creative activities. (The same Leader’s Manual can be used for all three years of the curriculum cycle.)

See a flyer with a description of this series HERE.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 21 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 17 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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2 Timothy 2:15–18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

We hope that these aspersions will make little headway among good people. God will not long endure such impudence and wickedness. Nor did the Pope of Rome do well for his own dignity by using such patrons, because he has entrusted a matter of the greatest importance to the judgment of these sophists. For since we include in our Confession almost the sum of the entire Christian doctrine, judges should have been appointed, whose learning and faith would have been more approved than that of these sophists who have written this Confutation, to make a declaration concerning matters so important, so many, and so varied.

Pulling It Together: Misrepresentation of Holy Scripture will upset the faith of some, those who have itching ears (2 Tim 4:3), but also those who have not learned the faith. Such deception even leads people into lives of ungodliness. Therefore, the Church needs more sound teaching by those who are able to correctly handle the Word of God, those who put forward the power of God at work in us. Of course, this demands approved ministers—approved of God—who will stand for the truth.

The highest truth in Scripture is Christ, who is truth itself (John 14:6). But there are many in the Church who point away from Christ. They insist that people ought to cover their own sins, either by no longer calling sin sinful, or by teaching them that they can make their own satisfaction for sin through acts of devotion and other works. Such things have “the appearance of godliness” (2 Tim 3:5) but deny the power of Christ to forgive sin, justify people to God, and save sinners for eternal life. 

Prayer: Make me a worker of the Word, O Lord. Amen. 

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Introduce young students to the Church through this five-week series titled Welcome to Church. Click here for the Table of Contents and a sample session.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 20 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 16 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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2 Timothy 4:1–4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

May God rout these godless sophists who so wickedly distort God’s Word to fit their vain dreams! What good person is not moved by such deception? Christ says, “Repent”; the apostles preach repentance; therefore eternal punishments are compensated by the punishments of purgatory; therefore the keys have the power to remit part of the punishments of purgatory; therefore satisfactions redeem the punishments of purgatory! Who taught these asses such logic? Yet this is neither logic nor sophistry, but cunning trickery. Accordingly, they appeal to the expression “repent” in such a way that, when the inexperienced hear such a passage cited against us, they may derive the opinion that we entirely deny repentance. By these tricks they endeavor to alienate minds and inflame hatred, so that the naive may cry out against us, insisting that infectious heretics who disapprove of repentance should be removed from their midst.

Pulling It Together: It is important for us to keep the faith (2 Tim 4:7)—both in the sense continuing to believe in God, and in remaining true to the Word of God. Yet there are not a few who want pastors and teachers who will tell them what they want to hear, instead of what God wants them to hear. When the pastor preaches, “Repent,” many insist that they have not sinned, for sin is no longer sin. Never mind purgatory; since they imagine that they have not sinned, they think they need no forgiveness at all.

So now we must battle on two fronts. One front says God does not forgive sin unless it is compensated for or purged by the punishments of purgatory. The other front says they have not sinned and so, do not require God’s forgiveness. What is the Christian to do when faced with two battlefronts? Be ready at all times to preach and teach the word, patiently reproving, rebuking, and exhorting, whether people want to hear it or not.

Prayer: Open my ears, my eyes, and my heart to your word, O Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Experiencing Real Living guides the student in God's Word and nurtures key elements of faith. A picture diagram at the the beginning of each chapter assists the student in "seeing" the topic clearly. The series can be used to cover the over-arching biblical themes of creation, fall and redemption, or as a 12-week overview of the themes of the Catechism. It would serve especially well for leading an adult confirmation program. The volume is spiral bound for ease in use. 

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 19 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 15 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Jeremiah 33:14–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

They quote such passages as the following. “Bear fruit that befits repentance” (Matt 3:8). “Yield your members to righteousness for sanctification” (Rom 6:19). Christ preaches repentance: “Repent” (Matt 4:17). Christ commands the apostles to preach repentance (Luke 24:47). Peter preaches repentance (Acts 2:38). Then they cite certain passages of the Fathers and the canons, and conclude that satisfactions in the Church are not to be abolished, though this is contrary to the plain gospel and the decrees of the Councils and Fathers, that even that those who have been absolved by the priest should carry out the prescribed repentance, following the declaration of Paul, “...who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds” (Titus 2:14).

Pulling It Together: Christians should do good works. It has already been stated here, more than a few times, that genuine faith is shown in its works. This is an entirely different matter than saying that forgiveness happens because of those works. Even the passages quoted above prove this out. “Bear fruit that befits repentance,” does not demand the fruit as a prerequisite for forgiveness. Rather because one has faith in God’s forgiveness, there ought to be works appropriate to repentance. Surrendering oneself to righteousness should be understood as surrendering to God—who is our righteousness (Jer 33:16). Again, Christ and the apostles preached repentance, yet did not make works a requirement for forgiveness—as though our works could satisfy or appease God. God is satisfied by Christ alone, who is the perfect work of God, and our only righteousness (Phil 3:9).

Prayer: Thank you, God, for making good on your promise, saving me through your righteous Branch, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 18 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 14 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500

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Romans 5:6–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

But the gloss on the canons testifies at various places that these observances were instituted for the sake of church discipline. Let us see how they prove these figments of theirs in the Confutation, that they had the presumption to thrust upon His Imperial Majesty. They cite many passages from the Scriptures in order to impose upon the inexperienced the idea that this subject had authority from the Scriptures, though it was unknown even in the time of Lombard.

Pulling It Together: The canons are the system of laws that the medieval church had produced to regulate its authority and maintain its organization and order. It is easy to see how satisfactions would have been part of this system, for in some cases, such as have been mentioned already, some proof of repentance would be necessary in extreme instances, while in others, these satisfactions might serve as an example to the rest of the Church. But to then mandate that a system of regular satisfactions is required for all, and insist that this church law is biblical, is fabrication.

Lutherans confess with Scripture that sinners are justified before God—that is, absolved of all sins and condemnation, without any worth or work of their own—through God’s pure grace. His grace is granted to sinners because of the sole merit of Christ’s suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension. It is his obedience alone that is accounted to us for righteousness through faith in him.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your obedience to the will of your Father. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Wise & The Foolish is a nine-session Bible study that focuses entirely on Jesus' "people parables"—what might be descirbed as Discipleship Parables. These are the character stories that focus on the nature of discipleship and what it means to be a wise and faithful follower of Jesus. 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 17 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 13 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 8:3–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction

The scholastics saw that there were satisfactions in the Church, but did not notice that these exhibitions had been instituted as an example and to test those who desired to be received by the Church. They did not see that it was a discipline, and an entirely secular matter. Then they superstitiously imagined that these satisfactions availed, not for discipline before the Church, but for appeasing God. And just as in other places, where they frequently and with great ineptness confound spiritual and civil matters, they do the same with regard to satisfactions.

Pulling It Together: In the worldly kingdom, there are many disciplines we might bring to bear in order to make things more civil and orderly. Requiring certain satisfactions can even make folks feel better for a time. But in the kingdom of Christ, which is spiritual, any satisfaction we can make, any righteous deed we can perform, is of no consequence. In Christ’s kingdom, it is his righteousness that matters. Christ has satisfied God; therefore, what remains for us is to have faith in him, which produces peace, not just for a time, but for eternity. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for satisfying the requirements of the law for me. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

One For All is a nine-session Bible study explores the center of the Christian faith by focusing on the unique and exclusive promise of Jesus. It examines not only the claims that Christ made about himself in Scripture, but the claim that the Lord makes on our lives as well. By focusing on the Gospel message of salvation in Christ alone, the study seeks to show how God makes us a part of His mission to the whole world, and how "the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all."

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 16 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 12 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger iimage

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2 Peter 1:19–21

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

This entire matter is fictitious, and recently fabricated without the authority of Scripture or the old writers of the Church. Not even Lombard speaks of satisfactions in this way.

Pulling It Together: We do well to appeal to the highest authority. The academics of scholastic theology turned to Peter Lombard, who wrote the standard medieval texts on theology, as their authority. The Reformers knew his writings and used them to advantage. They recognized that Lombard did not talk about satisfactions in the way their opponents disputed. More importantly, they saw no support for this in Scripture, nor did the Church Fathers write about satisfactions as a general discipline of the Church. When the darkness of the world challenges, we do well to pay closest attention to the light of the Word of God.

Prayer: Rise, O Morning Star, in my heart. Amen. 

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A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

Part 1  • Pt 1 Leader's Guide  • Part 2  • Pt 2 Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 15 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 11 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500

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Zechariah 9:11–12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Our opponents acknowledge that satisfactions are of no profit for the remission of guilt, yet they imagine that satisfactions redeem from the penalty of purgatory or other punishments. They teach that in the remission of sins, God cancels the guilt, yet, because divine justice must punish sin, he commutes eternal punishment into temporal punishment. They further add that a part of this temporal punishment is remitted by the power of the keys, but that the rest is redeemed by means of satisfactions. But it can not be understood what punishments are remitted by the power of the keys, unless they say that part of the punishments of purgatory is remitted. Then it would follow that satisfactions are only punishments that redeem from purgatory. They say that these satisfactions work even though rendered by those who have relapsed into mortal sin, as if those who are in mortal sin could appease the divine displeasure.

Pulling It Together: Guilt and punishment alike are borne by God in Christ alone. We are set free from all bondage—from waterless pits to the depths of hell—because God promised to do so. Those who believe will be saved (Acts 16:31; Rom 3:22). Nowhere does the Scripture put this impossible burden on us. What a pitiless God we believe in if we imagine that we must buy our way out of the pit. So we confess that God is our hope and stronghold; we turn to him alone for rescue from sin and death.

Prayer: Help me to ever trust in you, God. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Basics of the Christian Faith is an edition of the catechism that is aimed at seekers, visitors, and those that may not come from a Lutheran background. It is recommended for use in outreach, as a visitor welcome gift, or in new member packets.

Get a box of 100 customized with your church name, address, and website. 

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 14 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 10 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.solapublishing.com/sola-scriptura-part-2:-the-norm-of-faith-leader's-guide-_A-7035

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1 John 4:9–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

The doctrine concerning faith must be retained, that by faith we obtain remission of sins for Christ's sake—not for the sake of our works that precede or follow. This is why we have especially discussed the question of satisfactions, because in submitting to them the righteousness of faith is obscured, and people think that they obtain forgiveness of sins for the sake of these works. This error is assisted by many sayings that are current in the schools, such as their definition of “satisfaction”: that it is done to appease the divine displeasure.

Pulling It Together: It bears repeating: our love, devotion, good works, and religious activities do not satisfy God’s justice. Only God’s Son propitiates, appeases, or satisfies God’s just demand for holiness. Through faith in Christ, we are credited with righteous (Rom 4:24; 2 Cor 5:21; Gal 3:6; Phil 3:9). We are given the righteous of Christ through faith in him (Rom 3:22). Our love for each other and for God is not a saving devotion. Real love, saving love, is that God loved us before we ever had a thought for him, and sent his Son to be the perfect and final satisfaction for our sins—and not only for ours, but for the sins of the entire world (1 John 2:2).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for satisfying your Father’s righteous demands so that I may enjoy your company forever. Amen. 

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This pocket edition of Luther's Small Catechism includes quotations from the English Standard Versions (ESV) of Scripture, and the traditional ICET liturgical texts (as used in the Lutheran Book of Worship). The primary verses of Scripture, Creed, and Prayers are printed in italics; Luther’s explanations are printed in plain text. Luther’s explanations are formatted with a mid-sentence break, to highlight contrasting phrases and to aid in memorization.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 13 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 09 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500

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1 Corinthians 6:19–20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Yet now that the custom has become obsolete, the term “satisfaction” still remains, along with a trace of the custom of prescribing in confession certain satisfactions, which they define as works that are not due. We call them canonical satisfactions. We maintain that canonical satisfactions, just like enumeration, are not necessary by divine law for the forgiveness of sins, just as those ancient exhibitions of satisfactions in public repentance were not necessary by divine law for the forgiveness of sins.

Pulling It Together: Recently, a car rental company called, wanting to know when I was going to pay the bill on a transaction from over a month ago. I let them know that the company had paid that bill, informing them of the transaction details. Their claim on me was satisfied. Take note, however, it was nothing that I did to meet their demand for payment. Someone else did it; someone else paid the debt. Indeed, because the bill had already been paid, there was no debt at all.

We may get calls from our consciences, telling us that because we are sinners that we have a bill to pay. That just is not the case at all. Christ has already paid the debt in full. Our consciences, and the devil to boot, have no further claim on us.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for satisfying my debt, through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. 

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The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes a limited selection of music for use in worship, drawing primarily upon texts and music in the public domain, along with biblical texts set to familiar tunes. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 12 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 08 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.solapublishing.com/sola-scriptura-part-2:-the-norm-of-faith-leader's-guide-_A-7035

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Colossians 3:1–3

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

The Fathers did not believe that people deserve the forgiveness of sins through such practices or such works. Nevertheless, these spectacles usually lead astray the unwitting to think that by these works they merit the forgiveness of sins before God. But if anyone believes this, he has a Jewish or heathen faith, for even the heathen had certain expiations for sins by which they imagined they were reconciled to God.

Pulling It Together: God’s justice requires the punishment of sin. We either take the punishment or pay the penalty. However, we cannot make restitution. We can neither keep from sinning, nor pay the penalty of that sin (Rom 6:23). All said, we can make no satisfaction for our sins. In other words, we cannot meet the demands of God’s law (Acts 15:10), and therefore, his justice. We must die, for that is the penalty of sin. Jesus Christ, however, has kept God’s law and met his requirements for justice. Those sinners who believe in Christ for forgiveness and eternal life, are no longer condemned by the law.

This means that Jesus Christ’s satisfaction of God’s righteous requirements was so perfect that the law can make no more demands on those who believe in him. There is no longer any more condemnation (Rom 8:1). Let us be clear about this matter. If you commit murder, the law will require your life. Subsequently, you are killed by lethal injection. What can the law require of you now? Nothing. You are dead. Just so, when you were baptized, you were put to death and buried with Christ (Rom 6:4; Col 2:12). You died (Col 3:3), so what satisfaction can the law require of you now? 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving me new life in you. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 11 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 07 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Isaiah 1:18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

The word “satisfaction” is left over from this rite of public repentance. The holy Fathers were unwilling to receive the fallen or the disreputable unless their repentance had been first examined and exhibited publicly, as far as it was possible. There seem to have been many reasons for this. To chastise those who had fallen served as an example, just as the gloss on the decrees admonishes. It was also improper to immediately admit notorious men to communion. These customs have long since grown obsolete. Nor is it necessary to restore them since they are not necessary for the forgiveness of sins before God.

Pulling It Together: It may be useful, in terms of order in the church, to in some cases make certain people show that they are truly repentant. It is too easy for wolves to steal in among the sheep, so when some people have been dishonorable or have wandered away from the faith, but now want to be part of the church, it might be a good thing to hold them accountable for awhile. This could serve to safeguard the flock. We do this when calling new pastors. Not only are efforts made to hear a potential pastor preach, but candidacy requirements such as education must be met, references are called, and even criminal backgrounds are checked. Accountability is a good thing, but are these things needed in order for God to forgive sins? Absolutely not. It doesn’t matter how far you have fallen, how disrespectable you are, or if you are downright notorious (Gal 1:23); God cleanses the worst of sinners (1 Tim 1:15).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for loving me and forgiving me. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes hundreds of hymns and songs for use in worship, organized by season and theme, available in full score, lead sheets, image files, and text only. These include popular hymns and songs, as well as new hymns from the lectionary texts and set to familiar tunes. 

SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, graphics, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 10 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 06 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Revelation 7:13–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Authors in the Church mention confession, but they speak of the rite of public repentance, not about an enumeration of secret offenses. The fallen or notorious were not received without specific satisfactions. They made confession to the presbyters so that satisfactions could be prescribed to them according to the measure of their offenses. But this is not the same as the enumeration that we are disputing. This confession was made, not because the forgiveness of sins before God could not occur without it, but because satisfactions could not be prescribed unless the kind of offense was first known. For different offenses had different rules.

Pulling It Together: Be very careful that you do not trust in your sorrow for sins. Your remorse does not merit God’s forgiveness. Being sorry—even though you go on at length about your specific regrets—does not repair your sinful condition or your broken fellowship with God. So, now you have to be even more careful that you do not place your trust in yourself, since the natural inclination is to try to make some satisfaction or atonement for your sins. But Christ has already accomplished that; and this is why faith is necessary. God does not favor you because of your remorse or because of your acts of penance. God favors you because you believe that he is gravely displeased with your sins, yet you have faith in Christ to absolve you of all your sin. God favors us because we have faith that the blood of Christ alone whitens our robes—that he cleanses us, covers our sin, and justifies us. 

Prayer: Thank you, Holy God, for counting me among the faithful, for Christ’s sake. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 05 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Hosea 14:1

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

What our opponents have expressed in the Confutation, namely, that a full confession is necessary for salvation, is certainly most false. For this is impossible. And what snares they cast upon the conscience when they require a full confession! For when will conscience be sure that the confession is complete?

Pulling It Together: This Lutheran confession comes from experience. Yet it also comes from Scripture. Luther, in particular, was tortured by guilt, and would therefore wear out his confessor with hours of lists of specific sins. After leaving confession, he would remember yet another sin and rush back to add that one to the list. He doubted his salvation, believing that God was still angry with him over some as-yet-unconfessed offense. Eventually, he came to realize that one can never confess all sins. But he also realized something more important: this brand of confession is a human invention, not called for in Scripture. Scripture requires turning to the Lord in sorrow for sin—and faith in God to forgive. 

Prayer: I believe in your love and forgiveness, Lord, for I believe in you. Amen. 

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This book and the one on The New Testament would be good individual studies for adults too. 

Sola offers a Bible Overview year to its Confirmation Series, with two ten-session booklets — one on The Old Testament and one on the New Testament. These books provide a step-by-step overview of the history and geography of the Scriptures, exploring the various time periods and sections of the Bible and how they connect to one another. The goal is to give students a sense for the over-arching story of Scripture, fulfilled in the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

OT Leader's Guide  • NT Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 04 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Isaiah 43:25

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Our adversaries will condemn many of the most generally accepted teachers if they claim that an enumeration of offenses is necessary in confession according to divine law. We approve of confession, and allow that some examination is beneficial in order to better instruct people. However, the matter must be controlled so that snares are not cast upon consciences, which will never be tranquil if they think that they cannot obtain the forgiveness of sins unless this precise enumeration is made.

Pulling It Together: Scripture does not teach that we must go to a confessor with a list of all our sins. Nevertheless, confession can be good, if seasoned with grace. When used with concern for the care of souls, specific confession may benefit people. Yet, God’s grace must always be offered, particularly when persons imagine that they must list every single offense in order to be forgiven. Of course, this can never be done; there will always be some lingering sin, forgotten until it is too late for confession. Then confession becomes a human law that imprisons souls. So, the penitent must always be reminded of God’s grace. For God has promised to not remember our sins. He does so for Christ’s sake, not because of our ability to recall lengthy lists of sins.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord God, for declaring me righteous, for Christ’s sake. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Sola offers a Bible Overview year to its Confirmation Series, with two ten-session booklets — one on the Old Testament and one on the New Testament. These books provide a step-by-step overview of the history and geography of the Scriptures, exploring the various time periods and sections of the Bible and how they connect to one another. The goal is to give students a sense for the over-arching story of Scripture, fulfilled in the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 03 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Philippians 1:27

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Perhaps some one may also cite James. “Confess your faults one to another” (James 5:16). But the reference there is not to a confession that is to be made to the priests. The reference is to general confession, concerning the reconciliation of believers with each other. For it commands that the confession be mutual.

Pulling It Together: We have been born again to the image of Christ. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is causing us to grow up into new people who share the mind of Christ. This maturing ought to cause us to labor with one another for the gospel—not strive against each other. So, we must often, because this old nature continues to assail us in the flesh, confess our sins against each other, to each other. Furthermore, we must forgive one another. Scripture calls for a reciprocal admission of wrongs, as needed, as well as for mutual forgiveness. Why? Otherwise, we get bogged down in bad feelings; we focus on ourselves. Confession and forgiveness are necessary so that we can move on together with the business of the Church: the proclamation of the truth of that gospel which produces faith.

Prayer: Grant me the grace to forgive, Lord—and to say that I am sorry. Amen. 

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Reading and Discussion of Luther's Catechisms is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, each presented in a question and discussion format. 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 02 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 9:30–33

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Such is the following confession, “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in thy sight, so that thou art justified in thy sentence and blameless in thy judgment” (Psa 51:4). We might say: I confess that I am a sinner, and have merited eternal wrath. I cannot set my righteousness or merits against your wrath. So, I declare that you are just when you condemn and punish us. I declare that you are exonerated when hypocrites judge you to be unjust in punishing them or in condemning those who deserve condemnation. Yes, our merits cannot oppose your judgment. Nevertheless, we will be justified when you justify us, if through your mercy, you account us righteous.

Pulling It Together: Anyone who wants to achieve righteousness or justification with God through religious devotion, doing good deeds, or by other things they imagine gain them merit with God, will be dreadfully unsuccessful. They will find disappointment in this life and in the life to come. For in this life, all but the most arrogant will be tormented by doubt and guilt. The proud may rarely doubt themselves, and even get to the point that they do not listen to their troubled consciences anymore. Everyone else will doubt that their devotion and their works merit the desired results, since they know they are as sinful as ever. They know that God is just in condemning them, and even punishing them.

Yet there are people who have never pursued such righteousness but have attained it in spite of themselves. Their success, where so many others have failed, was due to faith. They believed that God forgave them—and this faith was accounted to them as righteousness. In God’s immeasurable mercy, they are lifted up by Christ to peace on earth and the promise of heaven. Those who pursue a righteousness based on works instead of faith, will always find Christ to be a stumbling block. He is in an obstacle to their works-righteousness on earth, and will be their dreaded disgrace at the gates of heaven.

Prayer: I have sinned against you, O God, and ask forgiveness for the sake of Christ Jesus, my Savior. Amen. 

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Sola VBS Series

Find all of Sola's Vacation Bible School offerings here.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction - part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 01 Feb 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Deuteronomy 4:29–31

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

But let us dismiss such matters as these. The Psalms mention confession at different times, such as, “I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’; then thou didst forgive the guilt of my sin” (Psa 32:5). Such confession of sin, which is made to God, is itself contrition. For when confession is made to God, it must be made with the heart and not with the voice alone, as is made on the stage by actors. Therefore, such confession is contrition. Feeling God’s wrath, we confess that God is justly angry, and that he cannot be appeased by our works. Nevertheless, we seek mercy because of God’s promise.

Pulling It Together: We are in bondage to sin, just as the ancient Israelites were enslaved to the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. We can no more free ourselves than they could. Yet we can appeal to God’s mercy, based upon both his promise and his character. The first commandment reminds us that God rescues his people from bondage. “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Exod 20:2). His word also makes promises that we may rely upon. He will not forget his covenant, so we may have faith in the merciful God.

Therefore, we depend upon his forgiveness of, and freedom from, sin. Does this mean that you will not sin? No. It means that when you do sin, you need not remain imprisoned by guilt. So you should not seek a human remedy through such things as good works. Instead, you should confess your sin with soul and voice, assured of God’s forgiveness for Christ’s sake—the divine remedy. For he is the Lord our God, who brought us out of the land of sin, and out of the bondsman’s house.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, that though I am a disobedient sinner, you love and forgive me, for Christ’s sake. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The biblical focus in the five-session Moses and the Great Escape VBS book is found in the Old Testament book of Exodus. God has a grand plan for humankind—a plan he enacts through the Hebrew people. He created Moses to be instrumental in this plan.

Sola’s Versatile Budget Series is a simple and flexible educational Vacation Bible School curriculum designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations. The flexible format works well for groups with limited budgets, or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. Unlike more elaborate and expensive VBS kits, this book is meant to serve as an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains can be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 31 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Ephesians 5:25–33

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

It is ridiculous to use here the saying of Solomon, “Know well the condition of your flocks” (Prov 27:23). Solomon is not talking about confession, but is giving a domestic principle to the head of a family, that he should use what is his own, and abstain from that of another. He commands him to diligently care for his own property, yet in such a way that his mind is not so occupied with the increase of his resources that he does not disregard the fear of God, or faith, or attention to God’s Word. Through a fantastic metamorphosis, our adversaries transform passages of Scripture to mean whatever they please. To “know” here means with them to hear confessions; “conditions” does not mean the outward life, but the secrets of conscience; and “flocks” means people. The interpretation is assuredly neat, and is worthy of those who despise language. But if any one desires, by similitude, to transfer a principle from a head of a household to a pastor of a church, he should certainly interpret “condition” as applying to the outward life. This analogy would be more consistent.

Pulling It Together: Always interpret Scripture in the plainest sense, using the clear meaning of the words. If a parable is being used, we might allow our minds to wonder what Jesus meant—until he tells us plainly. We see in his parables (and in other places in Scripture, eg: Eph 5:31–32) that allegory is used in Scripture. Still, the plain sense of the words should first be considered, and secondly, as has already been stated, Scripture should be allowed to interpret Scripture. In other words, we should not bring a preconceived notion to the Bible and then pursue some verse to back up that human idea. We see how Jesus told his disciples the meaning of parables. Paul does the same in the above-cited passage, telling us that Genesis 2:24 is an allegory of Christ and the Church, in which Christ is the head of that household. Even in such examples, the plain sense is clear—for Scripture immediately tells us the meaning.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for sanctifying the Church in your word. Amen. 

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Five VBS Class Posters & Five Sticker Sheets

These glossy full-color 11"x 17" posters with the title "Welcome to VBS!" are designed for use in recording attendance for Vacation Bible School.  Five posters are included in each set, along with five color sticker sheets.  Days are numbered 1-5, to correspond to the standard weekday VBS schedule.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 30 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger graphic

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Micah 7:18–19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

But in reference to the enumeration of sins in confession, we have said above that we do not consider this necessary by divine right. Some object, saying that a judge ought to investigate a case before pronouncing sentence. Their objection does not pertain in any way to this subject, because the ministry of absolution is about favor or grace, not legal process or law. Ministers in the Church have the command to remit sins; they do not have the command to investigate secret sins. Indeed, they absolve of sins which we do not remember. Therefore, absolution—the voice of the gospel forgiving sins and consoling consciences—does not require official examination.

Pulling It Together: God is the Judge from whom no secrets are hidden. Yet he is Judge of a different kind of court than we may have experienced. In his court, he has called ministers of the gospel to an office of grace. For those who desire an acquittal of their sins, through faith in Jesus Christ, grace is the judgment. It need go no further than their confession and their faith that God forgives: Lord, I am a sinner; have mercy on me for Jesus’ sake. The minister is only charged with declaring the entire forgiveness of all their sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. This is the very voice of Christ forgiving all sins—thoughts, words, and deeds, known and unknown, remembered and forgotten—through faith in the same Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Prayer: I trust in your faithfulness, O Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Mary, Martha & Many Faithful Women is a five-session VBS book designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations with a limited budget or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. This resource includes worksheets and handouts that may be reproduced, Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

Sola’s Versatile Budget Series is a simple and flexible educational Vacation Bible School curriculum designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations. The flexible format works well for groups with limited budgets, or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. Unlike more elaborate and expensive VBS kits, this book is meant to serve as an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains can be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 29 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Revelation 3:7

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

For we also retain confession, especially because of absolution being the word of God which the power of the keys declares to individuals by divine authority. It would therefore be wicked to remove private absolution from the Church. If there are any who despise private absolution, they understand neither the forgiveness of sins nor the power of the keys.

Pulling It Together: The Greek word that we transliterate as “angel,” literally means “messenger.” This can either be a heavenly or a human delegate, sent by God to declare his message. Thus, it is proper to consider the angels of the seven churches in Revelation as the pastors of those churches. Pastors are the ones called and sent by God to proclaim his message. They are given the keys of the kingdom, that “whatever [they] bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever [they] loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matt 16:19). These messengers, these pastors (these angels, if you will permit me to say so) speak the very words of the holy and true one, who has the key of David. These are the words of forgiveness—or indeed, the refusal of forgiveness. These messengers open the gates of heaven, and shut them as well.

We therefore, keep both corporate and private confession in our churches, and encourage our people to make frequent use of the former, but also the latter, when necessary. By doing so, they not only confess their sins, but hear the words of absolution. We need to be regularly assured by God through his messengers that we are forgiven, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me to hear what you say to your Church. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The biblical focus of The Adventures of Paul, a five-session VBS book, is the life of the Apostle Paul, using lessons from the Book of Acts. Here Scripture tells the story of serious man named Saul who worked to silence Christianity—until the risen Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus and changed his life. With his new name Paul, this one who had persecuted the Church went on to become one of the greatest apostles. 

The price of the book includes permission to reproduce the worksheets and handouts for local use. For smaller churches in a "one-room schoolhouse" setting, only one book is necessary. For churches with multiple grade levels and individual classes, we suggest that each teacher have a copy of the curriculum book.

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Concerning Confession and Satisfaction – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 28 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Isaiah 38:16–19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession and Satisfaction 

Good people can easily determine the greatest importance of preserving the true doctrine concerning the above-mentioned parts, namely contrition and faith. Therefore, we have focused more on the clarification of these topics, and have presented nothing as yet concerning confession and satisfaction.

Pulling It Together: In the time of the Reformation, Europe was beset by indulgence sellers. An indulgence was a certificate purchased with either prayers, good works, or money, that claimed to reduce the amount of one’s time spent in Purgatory. According to Roman Catholic doctrine, Purgatory is where believers go after death, but before they may go to heaven. It is an intermediate location where one is purged of sin and made fit for heaven. There are two errors here.

First, Christ makes us suitable for heaven. Through his death, resurrection, and ascension, he justifies all those who have faith in him (Phil 3:9; Rom 3:22). He makes us entirely righteous on his account, for we have nothing righteous in our account (Rom 3:10; Eccl 7:20). We “were bought with a price” (1 Cor 6:20). There is no partial payment or matching contribution to which we must add our contributions over time—or outside of time in a Purgatory—in order to bring God’s share up to full.

Second, we do not pay anything for this righteousness of God, as if we had anything of merit to offer. His righteousness and salvation is given to us freely. These are a gift, given by grace through faith (Rom 5:16; 6:23).

Therefore, when when confess our sins to God, we do so, knowing that Christ Jesus has made complete satisfaction or atonement for our sins. Having faith in Christ our Lord, we are very confident that God has put our sins “behind his back”—that we are wholly forgiven on his account, or as we say, for Christ’s sake.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for the free gifts of forgiveness, righteousness, and salvation through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The biblical focus in this five session VBS series, Rebekah & Her Family, comes from the Book of Genesis. God's hand is seen at work throughout the story — from Rebekah’s being chosen as a bride for Isaac, through the birth and lives of their twin sons, Esau and Jacob.  The story illustrates how God remains faithful to his promise, despite our sin, and that God's power can actually change our lives!

Sola’s Versatile Budget Series is a simple and flexible educational Vacation Bible School curriculum designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations. The flexible format works well for groups with limited budgets, or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. Unlike more elaborate and expensive VBS kits, this book is meant to serve as an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains can be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

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Concerning Repentance – part 75 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 27 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Acts 20:18–21

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Ambrose also speaks well about repentance: “Therefore it is proper for us to believe that we are to both repent and be pardoned, but to expect pardon through faith, like it would obtain it from a written contract. Again, “It is faith that covers our sins.”

So, there is material in the Fathers, not only about contrition and works, but also concerning faith. But since the adversaries understand neither the nature of repentance nor the language of the Fathers, they select passages concerning only a part of repentance, namely works. Since they do not understand the statements made elsewhere concerning faith, they exclude them.

Pulling It Together: Of what use is repentance, if it is merely being sorry for sins and then doing something good? People will remain in guilt, knowing that they are never good enough to merit forgiveness. That kind of repentance focuses on self and our guilt, not on God and his peace. So, faith must always be joined to confession. We must believe that, for Christ’s sake, we are forgiven all of our sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Strictly speaking, good works should not be considered in repentance; for good works come after repentance. We must believe the words of absolution before we can do good works. Once we have believed in the promise, or had faith in Christ, repentance is finished. Now is the time for good works—because God desires them, not because they are required for forgiveness.

In summary, repentance consists of these two parts. One, we must acknowledge through confession that we have sinned. Two, we must then have faith that the Father forgives us because of his Son.

Prayer: Help me to faithfully serve you, Lord, because I do not need to worry about your love and forgiveness. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

David: Hero of God is a five session VBS series that features one of the most famous people in Scripture. The Books of 1 and 2 Samuel tell the story of a young Israelite shepherd named David, who was chosen by God to be king. The biblical story shows how God can work through an ordinary person to do great things, illustrating the themes of faith, courage, compassion, and leadership. 

Sola’s Versatile Budget Series is a simple and flexible educational Vacation Bible School curriculum designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations. The flexible format works well for groups with limited budgets, or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. Unlike more elaborate and expensive VBS kits, this book is meant to serve as an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains can be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

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Concerning Repentance – part 74 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 26 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Isaiah 53:5–6, 11–12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

For Tertullian writes: “He invites to salvation with an offer, and even an oath. In saying, ‘I live,’ he wants to be believed. Oh! blessed are we for whose sake God swears. Oh, most miserable are we if we do not believe the Lord—even though he swears.” Faith is to be confident that God freely forgives us for the sake of Christ, because of his own promise, not because of our works, contrition, confession, or satisfactions. For if faith relies upon these works, it immediately doubts, because the frightened conscience sees that these works are unworthy.

Pulling It Together: Because the guiltless and incarnate God died for our iniquities, bearing upon himself the sin of the world, he carried our sins to the grave. Because he lives, having been raised from the dead, those who have faith in him will also live (2 Tim 2:11). This is the promise of God. It is not dependent upon us—upon our devotion, good works, pietism, or any other atonement we might offer. For that is the point: we cannot make any satisfaction that merits God’s forgiveness. So we have faith in Christ alone, believing God’s promise that we are thereby justified to him. This faith brings righteousness, healing, peace, and eternal life for those who believe that Christ gave himself for us (Gal 2:20).

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving me your righteousness through the wounds of your only Son, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Brave Queen Esther focuses on the story of a young Jewish girl named Esther, who was raised by her older cousin Mordecai after the death of her parents. Set in a time when people of faith were suspect in the eyes of the surrounding culture, the story illustrates the values of integrity and honesty. It shows how being faithful to God, caring for one another, and standing up for what we believe, can help us through times of fear and doubt.

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Concerning Repentance – part 73 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 25 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Ezekiel 33:10–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Tertullian speaks excellently about faith, dwelling upon the oath in the prophet: “As I live, says the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live” (Ezek 33:11). In swearing that he does not wish the death of a sinner, God shows that faith is required so that we may believe him and be firmly confident that he forgives us. The authority of the divine promises, by itself, ought to be great in our estimation. Still, this promise has also been confirmed by an oath. Therefore, if any one is not confident that he is forgiven, he denies that God has sworn what is true. A more horrible blasphemy cannot be imagined. 

Pulling It Together: Should you try not to sin? Certainly; but your ability or inability has nothing to do with forgiveness. Should you be sorry when you sin, and seek to do better? Absolutely, yet again, this has nothing to do with forgiveness of sin. Your righteousness will not deliver you from your transgressions. How can the Scripture be any more clear? Our sorrow, devotion, love, and good works are not part of the justification equation. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim 1:15). Now, you either have faith that he does this, or you believe that he needs your assistance. What is written? Jesus saves! Do you believe?

Prayer: Lord, help me to truly repent by having faith in you. Amen. 

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This edition of the Luther's Small Catechism is specifically designed to go with the Sola Confimation Series. The 2010 Sola/ReClaim Edition* is a faithful word-for-word translation from Luther's German Catechism. It also includes the section on the Office of the Keys, added later to Luther's Catechism.

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Concerning Repentance – part 72 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 24 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 4:20–5:1

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Therefore, we have enumerated the doctrine of faith among the parts of repentance so that it might be more apparent. For those statements requiring contrition or good works, yet make no mention of justifying faith, are obviously dangerous. Prudence may justly be desired from those who have collected these centos of the Sentences and decrees. Since the Fathers speak of repentance in some places concerning one part, and in other places concerning another part, it would have been better to select and combine their judgments not only concerning one part but concerning both, contrition and faith.

Pulling It Together: Faith must always be in the forefront because it makes us think of Christ. Even sorrow, though necessary but, because it naturally causes us to try to settle our own sins, must never be considered alone. Sorrow alone, makes us think of ourselves, instead of Christ. Sorrow by itself, leads to attempts at personal atonement, which always end in failure—either through inability or because of self-righteousness. Faith must be joined to contrition, or we will end up in a system of religion every time. Faith in Christ’s atonement for us must be added to our contrition for there to be that true repentance which yields peace in the conscience.

Prayer: Though it is natural to doubt sometimes, O Lord, help me to keep the faith in and through Jesus. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Music Series offers simple collections of easy-to-play worship music, including new songs and arrangements of old favorites. Based in a confessional theology and a respect for the historical and sacramental liturgy, these resources do not require a high level of musical expertise. Written in a simple and straight-forward style, these songs are intended for congregations that would like to explore a less formal musical style in worship, while still maintaining the integrity of the traditional order of worship. Such music would fit into what is sometimes referred to as "contemporary" or "blended" worship, without necessarily requiring a full band of experienced musicians and singers to lead the songs. Providing lead sheets for guitar and vocals, along with full scores for piano, Sola Publishing grants to those who purchase this volume the permission to reproduce words and music of the songs within for local congregational use.

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Concerning Repentance – part 71 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 23 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Psalm 143:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

We have said why we specify contrition and faith as the two parts of repentance. We have done this more readily because many expressions from the Fathers concerning repentance are published, but which are cited in a mutilated form, that the adversaries have distorted in order to put faith out of sight. For example, repentance is to grieve over past sins, and to not commit sins again that would be lamented. Again, repentance is a kind of retribution of him who grieves by punishing himself for what he is sorry for having committed. No mention is made of faith in these statements, nor in their interpretations do the scholastics add anything about faith.

Pulling It Together: Let us be reasonable. Were we to depend upon our own righteousness and faithfulness, who could survive the wrath of God? They are deluded and arrogant persons who really believe that they are capable of remitting their own sins, and further, to get to a stage of life in which they do not sin any more. Indeed, there is a term for such people: self-righteous. But these persons are not righteous at all. They are sinners of the worst kind: offenders who imagine that they can pay the ultimate fine by committing a greater offense—by thumbing their nose at the Judge of the high court of heaven.

So we confess our complete incapability to save ourselves, to cover our sins, to be faithful, or righteous. We ask for God’s mercy, and expect that he will answer our prayers. We cast ourselves wholly upon the Father’s love. Thanks be to God, who delivers poor sinners like us through Jesus Christ the Lord! Our faith is in him alone. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness to forgive. Amen. 

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Many Gifts, One Lord considers grace in relation to the gifts of the Holy Spirit in order to show that the grace of God is free to flow with all those gifts without causing division and disharmoney in the body of Christ. It is interesting that we really never seem to tire of gifts. Sad to say many go through life not even aware that they have specific gifts; which could not only be a blessing to themselves but to others. 

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Concerning Repentance – part 70 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 22 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Ephesians 4:20–25

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Now we are glad for all good people to consider this topic of repentance so that they may decide whether we or the adversaries have taught those things which are more godly and beneficial to consciences. These conflicts in the Church do not please us; so if we did not have important and necessary reasons for dissenting from the adversaries we would happily be silent. But since they condemn the unmistakable truth, it is not right for us to abandon a cause which is not our own, but is that of Christ and the Church.

Pulling It Together: This is not an obscure teaching; it is quite clear. We cannot, with any honesty to God or conscience, deny that we are all sinners and completely incapable of being righteous before God in this life, let alone sharing his holy fellowship in the life to come. Someone better make us holy and righteous or we are in eternal trouble. We have faith that Jesus was sent by his Father to accomplish this very thing. Christ makes righteous those who believe in him (Phil 3:9). He is our only hope and peace. To teach otherwise would be the worst lie. So we urge all people to take off their old rags—the original, human nature—and put on the new self which is the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 13:14). Be renewed in the spirit of your minds. Believe; have faith in God.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to remember that I am baptized, am dead to sin, and have been raised to live a new life. Amen. 

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Be the unique "you" Jesus is calling you to be. Seek, discover, and incorporate the Lord's call into all of life...family, work, neighborhood, world, and the gathering of believers. Discover how the Lord equips with His Spirit and power so that you can be the "church" in action. Custom Designed – Reflection Guide is a practical and interactive spiritual journal integrating Scripture, teaching, personal reflection exercises, conversation, and prayer.

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Concerning Repentance – part 69 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 21 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 10:8–11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Consciences do nothing from faith if they are always doubting whether they have forgiveness. How can they call upon God with doubt; how can they be confident that they are heard? Therefore, their entire life is without God and without the true worship of God. This is what Paul says, “Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin” (Rom 14:23). Because they are constantly occupied with this doubt, they never experience what faith is, and eventually rush into despair. Such is the doctrine of the adversaries, the doctrine of the law, the annulling of the gospel, the doctrine of despair.

Pulling It Together: It is not possible for someone to have a peaceful conscience, if they doubt that God is gracious toward them. No matter how hard they try to do right and be religious, they still question whether they have forgiveness of sins. Thus, never knowing by faith that God loves and forgives because of Christ—not because of our deeds and devotion—they die in doubt, without confidence in God and his forgiveness. This is a religious life of despair—all because Christ and the gospel have been suppressed. The result is that people are led into irresistible sorrow because of tortured consciences.

This is the inevitable result of a religious system of works. So we confess the word that is near us—in our mouths and in our hearts—since we have come to believe that God loved us so much that he sent his only Son to die for us. We believe this, and believing, are justified to God and saved—not because of our devotion, nor by works, but by faith that God in Christ has accomplished what we can never do.

Prayer: Father, I believe in your Son, and rely upon him alone for the remission of sin, so that I may live in you and not be put to shame. Amen. 

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Sola added a Bible Overview year to its Confirmation Series, with two ten-session booklets — one on the Old Testament and one on the New Testament. These books provide a step-by-step overview of the history and geography of the Scriptures, exploring the various time periods and sections of the Bible and how they connect to one another. The goal is to give students a sense for the over-arching story of Scripture, fulfilled in the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

OT Leader's Guide
NT Leader's Guide

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Concerning Repentance – part 68 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 20 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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James 1:6–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Lastly, when will conscience be pacified if we receive forgiveness of sins on the ground that we love, or that we do the works of the law? For the law will always accuse us because we never satisfy God's law. It is just as Paul says: “For the law brings wrath” (Rom 4:15). Chrysostom asks concerning repentance, “When are we made sure that our sins are remitted us?” The adversaries also, in their Sentences, ask about the same subject. This cannot be explained nor consciences be stilled unless they know that it is God’s command and the very gospel that they should be firmly confident and not doubt that their sins are freely forgiven for Christs sake. If any one doubts, he charges the divine promise with falsehood, as John says (1 John 5:10). We teach that this certainty of faith is required in the gospel, but the adversaries leave consciences uncertain and wavering.

Pulling It Together: James is speaking to the topic of receiving wisdom from God in this passage of Scripture. However, the same exhortation may be applied to anything one asks of God. Ask in faith. Believe! Otherwise, one’s prayers, be they requests for wisdom or forgiveness, must fall on the ears of a deaf or faithless god. The Father is faithful to do as we ask within his will in his Son’s name (John 14:13). To disbelieve that he will forgive, which is most certainly within his will, is not only to doubt; it also calls God a liar, for whoever does not believe God, calls him a liar (1 John 5:10).

So, here is the answer to Chrysostom’s question: “When are we made sure that our sins are remitted us?” We are certain God will do as he promises when we ask with faith in Christ Jesus. If we ask with doubt, instead of faith, we should not expect that we will receive anything from the Lord, since we are double-minded, unstable in all our ways (James 1:7–8).

Prayer: Give me faith in you, Lord, in increasing supply. Amen.

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In Harmony with the Word is an eight-session Bible Study focusing on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, from Matthew 5-7. It is written at an introductory level, to be led by a lay leader or pastor in a small-group question and discussion format. The study would serve as an excellent resource for monthly women's group meetings, or in an informal small-group setting.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Repentance – part 67 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 19 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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John 15:1–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Therefore, we reject these pharisaic opinions of the adversaries, namely, that we do not receive by faith the forgiveness of sins, but that it ought to be earned by our love and works, that our love and our works must oppose the wrath of God. This doctrine is not of the gospel, but of the law, which feigns that people are justified by the law before being reconciled through Christ to God. Christ says, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5); likewise, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” But the adversaries contrive that we are branches, not of Christ, but of Moses. For they wish to be justified by the law, and to offer their love and works to God before they are reconciled to God through Christ, before they are branches of Christ.

Pulling It Together: How can I keep the law without Christ’s help? I cannot, for I will either not do it at all, do it imperfectly, or as likely as not, do it with an impure devotion. This was the very thing that the Pharisees did when they put their law-keeping on display—if only by pointing out to others their improper practices. So, I must admit that, if justification depended upon my devotion and my deeds, I would be in at least as bad a place as the ancient Pharisees. I will not quarrel with him, as they did, pointing to some righteous deed when it is obvious I do not love God with my whole heart. Instead, I will simply keep following him, despite my sins. And what does following him mean, except that when I see my works and my devotion wanting, that I stay by his side, continuing to believe in him when I am all-too-aware of my lack. I must conclude that following him is an act of the faith God has given me. In the end, this is all that matters: that I abide in Christ, and he in me. This is following; this is faith in Christ; and in this is salvation. 

Prayer: Jesus, keep me near. Amen.

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Connections Magazine features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Luther's Small Catechism provides inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design.

Subscribe today. For information on congregational/group orders, click HERE.

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Concerning Repentance – part 66 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 18 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Hebrews 9:13–15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

We would cite more verses if they were not obvious to every godly reader of the Scriptures. We do not wish to be too long-winded, so that this case may be more readily seen through. There is no doubt that Paul’s position is what we are defending: that by faith we receive the forgiveness of sins for Christ’s sake, and that we should stand against God’s wrath with faith in Christ as mediator, not with our works. It should not disturb godly minds, even though the adversaries find fault with the teachings of Paul, for nothing is stated so simply that it cannot be distorted by nitpicking. We know that what we have stated is the true and genuine meaning of Paul, and that this belief brings sure comfort to godly consciences, without which no one can stand before God’s judgment.

Pulling It Together: Cleansing from sins has always been necessary to God. Atonement has been required since the earliest days of Judaism (Lev 16:14–16). Even the first sin needed covering with death (Gen 3:21). This is not only Paul’s position; it is the teaching of all Scripture. But we no longer make animal sacrifice to God to atone for our sins. Since the old covenant is ended, how is this covering and cleansing received?

Jesus has negotiated a new covenant that promises, not only the forgiveness of sins but, eternal life. The new covenant still requires sacrifice, yet Jesus made that sacrifice once to atone for the sin of all people (Heb 9:26). We receive God’s forgiveness of sin because of what Christ did, not for the sake of our own deeds. Knowing that “it is finished” (John 19:30), brings peace to troubled consciences. Therefore, we confess that faith in Christ Jesus is the only way (John 14:6) for sinners to stand before the coming judgment of God. For it is only by the blood of Christ that poor sinners are promised the inheritance of saints (Col 1:12), those for whom atonement has been made.

Prayer: I have faith in your covering for my sin, Lord, as all my deeds are worthless rags. Amen.

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A Listening Bible: Letters from Jesus in the Written Word, by Glen S.R. Carlson, helps you take time to LISTEN to what Jesus is saying to you from Romans to Jude (softcover; 692 pages). 

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Concerning Repentance – part 65 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 17 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 5:13–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Therefore we must accept the forgiveness of sins by faith before we do the works of the law, although, as we stated above, love does follow faith, because those who are born-again receive the Holy Spirit, and accordingly begin to keep the law.

Pulling It Together: Either we are justified and made righteous by Christ or we must be made holy and forgiven in some other way. If we believe that we must keep the law in order to be forgiven by God, then we are saying that justification, righteousness, and forgiveness are not matters over which Christ has any power. We would be saying that these are things we must work out with human will and power—that eternal life is our own hands and that Christ died for no reason. But we confess the very opposite.

This is not say that we do not believe in doing good works. We should do good works so that God is honored and glorified in our lives. However, let it be clearly stated: we do not believe that our good works justify us, make us righteous, or merit God’s forgiveness—let alone save us to life eternal. As has been said before, we are to do good works because the Spirit motivates believers to do these things. Our devotion and deeds do not make us righteous but they are the result of having been made righteous for Christ’s sake.

Prayer: Make me salt and light, Lord Jesus, so that your Father is glorified. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Sola has certificates for all your services (Baptism, Baptismal Sponsor, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, and Membership). Sola Certificates are printed in color on heavyweight parchment paper, with a matching envelope to go with each certificate. The traditional 'half-sheet' size is perfect for inclusion in a picture album or scrapbook.

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Concerning Repentance – part 64 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 16 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

Click above for larger graphic.  Image  •  Index of Scripture Graphics and posts by Scripture reference

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Galatians 3:22–24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Therefore it is necessary for contrite persons to apprehend by faith the promise that sins are remitted for Christ’s sake, and to be confident that freely for Christ’s sake they have a reconciled Father. This is the meaning of Paul where he says, “That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed” (Rom 4:16). And, “But the Scripture consigned all things to sin, that what was promised to faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe” (Gal 3:22). In other words, all are under sin and can not be freed except by faith laying hold of the promise of the forgiveness of sins.

Pulling It Together: The law incarcerates; it does not free. Only faith in Christ frees us from captivity to sin and death. Yet thank God for the law, for without its accusations, we would never know our need for salvation and God’s grace. If there is only the law, however, we would know our need but have no solution. For without faith, our cell will stay locked up tightly and there will be no hope for release.

Then we hear the promise of remission of sins and deliverance from this prison. When we believe, faith takes hold of the key who is Christ Jesus, and discovers freedom and forgiveness. Having then been justified by faith in Christ, our cell is unlocked and we are set free from sin, death, and the devil. The law can no longer restrain us, so long as we keep our faith in the promise of the forgiveness of sins.

Prayer: Help me to remember, Father, that I am baptized into the death of your Son, and have been freed to live a new life by faith in the same Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Concerning Repentance – part 63 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 15 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Ephesians 6:14–20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

For these reasons Paul contends that we are not justified by the law. He sets the promise of the forgiveness of sins against the law. This promise is granted for Christ’s sake, and he teaches that we freely receive the remission of sins for Christ’s sake. Paul calls us away from the law to this promise. He bids us to look upon this promise, which would certainly be useless if we are justified by the law before we are justified through the promise, or if we obtain the remission of sins on account of our own righteousness. But it is clear that the promise was given to us and Christ was given to us for the very reason that we cannot do the works of the law. Therefore it is necessary that we are reconciled by the promise before we do the works of the law. This promise, however, is only received by faith.

Pulling It Together: Believe the promise of the gospel; it is the truth. Know that Christ’s own righteousness has been granted to you as protection against sin and death. Walk in the peace of Christ, that you be comforted and assured in spiritual battle. Hold fast with faith to Christ and the promise so that all the attacks of evil are frustrated. Trust in your salvation and in the word of God that defeats the evil one. Persevere in prayer for all, that the mystery of the gospel may be proclaimed and believed. And what is this mystery but that Christ has died for all people so that in believing, they may be saved to eternal life. The promise of this mystery, this gospel, is not granted because we have kept the law, but is freely given for the sake of Christ who has fulfilled the law and outfitted us to withstand the forces of evil.

Prayer: Help me to stand firm in the truth through your righteousness, my Lord Christ. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Custom Designed presents guided questions, ancient wisdom, and insightful diagrams for understanding your unique individuality, recognizing God’s guiding hand, and even grappling with two of life’s more practical yet significant questions: “Who am I?” and “What am I to do?”

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Concerning Repentance – part 62 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 14 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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2 Corinthians 3:12–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Therefore the teaching of the adversaries that people obtain the remission of sins by their contrition and love, and trust in their own contrition and love, is merely a doctrine of the law. Furthermore, it is misunderstood, just as the Jews looked upon the veiled face of Moses. For let us imagine that love is present, let us imagine that works are present, yet neither love nor works can be a propitiation for sin. They cannot oppose the wrath and judgment of God, according to Psalm 143:2: “Enter not into judgment with thy servant; for no man living is righteous before thee.” Nor should the honor of Christ to be transferred to our works.

Pulling It Together: We cannot read the law with veiled hearts and expect to find the grace of God. All we sense is God’s displeasure. So, we cannot expect the law to come to our rescue. All it will ever do is accuse and condemn, for that is what it was made to do. But when we hear the Scripture with the mind of Christ, we know nothing but grace and peace. We believe that our heavenly Father loves us better than the best father on earth. We are assured by the Holy Spirit that he forgives us because of what his only begotten Son accomplished at Calvary. Knowing this, how could we presume to take his place? Expecting that our own contrition and devotion is required is the same as saying, Step aside, Christ. You made a valiant effort on the cross but it didn’t work. So, I will have to do what you failed to do, and save myself. “God forbid” (Rom 6:15) that we would be so arrogant. Let us then turn to the Lord, instead of to ourselves, so that the veil is removed and, beholding the glory of the Lord, we see clearly and finally that he is our only propitiation.

Prayer: Open my eyes, Lord, that I may behold the beauty of your glory. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

    

The Sola "Word of Life" Series is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meant for use in Small Group gatherings, each of the six sessions in each book is based on a primary Scripture text, with intentional time for reflection. There are questions, prayer, faith sharing, and mini-evangelism case-studies. The series would be helpful for those involved in starting a Bible study fellowship, house church, or mission congregation. They may also be used by established congregations to aid in establishing a small group ministry.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning Repentance – part 61 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 13 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

Index

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Romans 3:19–22

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Indeed, it is a reproach to Christ and a repeal of the gospel to believe that we obtain the forgiveness of sins because of the law, or in any other way than by faith in Christ. We spoke of this earlier in the article Concerning Justification, where we declared why we confess that men are justified by faith, not by love.

Pulling It Together: The law shows us who we really are: human beings in need of a savior. This is why the Father sent his Son, who redeemed us from sin and death. What an insult it is when people insist on saving themselves. Think for a moment how silly it would be for a person to look in the mirror and say, “You’ve been so good lately; I forgive you.” That is the picture of a sick, self-absorbed being. We cannot forgive ourselves, so we must turn to Christ, whom we confess provides the only way of salvation. Our works will never save us. But thanks be to God for Jesus Christ, in whom is all righteousness—even yours.

Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, a poor sinner who loves you. Amen.

In Prayer as Joy, Prayer as StruggleBraaten explores many types of prayer, including thanksgiving, confession, praise, wrestling, petition, intercession, listening, and hope. He also explores what it means when the answer to prayer is "no" and how we experience prayer in times of doubt. In each chapter, he uses and extended biblical example of prayer and also provides the text of prayers we can use in our own practice. For all who seek joy in prayer, even as we struggle, Braaten offers an engaging personal and pastoral reflection on the ways we pray.

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Concerning Repentance – part 60 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 12 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 1:18-21

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

We, on the other hand, call consciences away from the law to the gospel, and from confidence in their own works to confidence in the promise and Christ. For the gospel presents Christ to us, and promises the forgiveness of sins freely for Christ’s sake. This promise bids us to trust that for Christ’s sake we are reconciled to the Father, not because of our own contrition or love. For there is no other mediator or propitiator than Christ. Nor can we do the works of the law unless we have first been reconciled through Christ. Even if we could do anything, we must believe that we obtain the remission of sins because of Christ, the mediator and propitiator, not because of these works.

Pulling It Together: We preach and confess that Christ died for our sins and saves all those who believe (1 Cor 1:21). The world responds, “What kind of babbling is this” (Acts 17:18)? We seem foolish to sophisticated religion but we are wise in Christ (1 Cor 4:10). “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor 1:18).

Religion contends that there must be something a person has to do in order to be forgiven. Laws must be kept, rituals observed. Indeed. We concede to religion’s point, and say that Jesus Christ has done all this, even dying for the sins of all people. He has accomplished everything required by the law. The incarnate God has done this for us, so that believing, we may be saved.

“Foolishness!” religion cries, and redoubles its efforts. Still, being fools for Christ sake (1 Cor 4:10), we rest and trust in the work of God, believing his promise that we receive forgiveness of sins, justification, and eternal life, not because of anything that we do but, because of Christ. Only his work on the cross is the atonement for our sins, and he alone our intermediary with God.  

Prayer: Though the world calls it babbling, provoke me, O God, to confess the truth of Jesus and the resurrection. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

By What Authority is a book that confronts churches who no longer believe their own message. 

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Concerning Repentance – part 59 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 11 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 1:1–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Thirdly, the adversaries say that sin is forgiven because a person with attrition or contrition elicits an act of love toward God, and by this act merits the receipt of the remission of sins. This is nothing but teaching the law, blotting out the gospel, and abolishing the promise of Christ. They only require the law and our works—because the law demands love. Besides, they teach us to be confident that we obtain forgiveness of sins because of contrition and love. What else is this than to put confidence in our works, not in the Word and promise of God concerning Christ? But if the law is sufficient for obtaining the remission of sins, what need is there of the gospel? What need is there of Christ if we obtain forgiveness of sins because of our own work?

Pulling It Together: Faith arouses good works, but it is faith in Christ that receives forgiveness. Although God certainly wills that we speak and do good, our salvation does not depend upon such goodness. Salvation depends upon Christ alone. Jesus tells us that the work of God is to believe in him (John 6:29). So faith is the thing that we must always return to—especially when we think that we are wretched sinners. Too often, we think we must try harder, do better, or give up more, when the fact is, Christ has done it all. Your works will not make one whit of difference, for Christ has already saved and justified you. Believe in him—not yourself. This “obedience of faith” is the true work of God. 

Prayer: Help me do the work of God by having faith in you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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The Wise & The Foolish is a nine-session Bible study that focuses entirely on Jesus' "people parables"—what might be descirbed as Discipleship Parables. These are the character stories that focus on the nature of discipleship and what it means to be a wise and faithful follower of Jesus. 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Repentance – part 58 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 10 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Luke 5:18–24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Let them know that saints have believed this since the beginning of the world. For Peter clearly cites the consensus of the prophets. The writings of the apostles testify that they believe the same thing. Nor are testimonies of the Fathers wanting. Bernard says the same thing in words that are in no way obscure: “First of all, it is necessary to believe that you cannot have the remission of sins except by the indulgence of God. Then you must also believe that sins are forgiven through him. This is the testimony which the Holy Spirit asserts in your heart, saying: ‘Your sins are forgiven you.’ For thus the apostle judges that man is justified freely through faith.

Pulling It Together: It was common in Jesus’ time for people to think their physical ailments and disabilities were the result of their sins (John 9:2). Imagine the paralyzed man being carried on a cot to Jesus. His friends brought him so that he might be healed. In fact, it was the faith of the man’s friends that Jesus found notable, but Jesus responded to a more urgent need. When he saw their faith, he said to the man, “Your sins are forgiven you.”

This man had done no religious deeds or good works. Indeed, he probably thought himself to be a sinner. Yet Jesus rewarded the faith of his friends by forgiving the man and healing him of his paralysis. That man was not given the chance to do anything to try and merit forgiveness. All he could do was believe that he was forgiven and healed. He might just as well have continued to lay there on the cot, disbelieving what had happened.

This is the stricken state of all people. When Jesus says, “Your sins are forgiven you,” we either believe in him, rising and walking—or disbelieve, remaining paralyzed by lack of faith.

Prayer: Give me faith in you, Lord, so that I may rise and walk in newness of life. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

A Thirty-Day Walk through Luther's Small Catechism is a devotional book that follows the sections of Martin Luther's Small Catechism, and is designed for daily reflection on the Scriptures and the faith that we believe. Guiding the reader through a journey of Law to Gospel, the devotions are meant to show readers not only their need for grace, but where that grace is found in Jesus Christ. The book is not only meant as a basic daily devotional and prayer resource, it also serves as a brief overview of the themes of the Catechism.

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Concerning Repentance – part 57 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 09 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 Thessalonians 2:13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Let us not hesitate then, to use this declaration of Peter that cites the consensus of the prophets, and rebuts ever so many legions of commentators on the Sentences. The testimony of the Holy Spirit is added to this utterance of Peter. For the text says, “While Peter was still saying this, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word” (Acts 10:44). Therefore, let pious consciences know that God commands them to believe that they are freely forgiven for Christ’s sake, and not for the sake of their works. Furthermore, let them sustain themselves with this command of God against despair and against the terrors of sin and of death.

Pulling It Together: We must be sure to believe in the word of God, not the words of men. The testimony of men reasons that we must do good things to appease an angry God. The word of God, however, tells us that we are freely forgiven by the God who loved us so much that he sent his only Son to save a world of lost sinners. This justification of sinners is done for Christ’s sake, not because of any supposed goodness of our own (Isa 64:6). We are made righteousness by Christ, not by religion.

Therefore we must also be sure to believe that the Holy Spirit is at work in us through the word that we believe. Do not despair. Though you are not the kind of person you want to be (Phil 3:12), press on in faith. The Spirit of Christ is at work in you, sinner, fitting you for the kingdom in spite of yourself. 

Prayer: Help me, O God, to confess my faith in you, through Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Come, Worship the Lord (Sola Music Series, Vol I) The Sola Music Series offers simple collections of easy-to-play worship music, including new songs and arrangements of old favorites. Based in a confessional theology and a respect for the historical and sacramental liturgy, these resources do not require a high level of musical expertise. Written in a simple and straight-forward style, these songs are intended for congregations that would like to explore a less formal musical style in worship, while still maintaining the integrity of the traditional order of worship. Such music would fit into what is sometimes referred to as "contemporary" or "blended" worship, without necessarily requiring a full band of experienced musicians and singers to lead the songs. Providing lead sheets for guitar and vocals, along with full scores for piano, Sola Publishing grants to those who purchase this volume the permission to reproduce words and music of the songs within for local congregational use. This book includes music from "The Holy Cross Setting" available with a SOWeR subscription.

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Concerning Repentance – part 56 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 08 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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2 Timothy 3:16–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

But they have authors of reputation, Scotus, Biel, and the like, as well as passages of the Fathers which are cited in a mutilated form in the decrees. Certainly, if their testimonies are to be counted, they win, for there is a multitude of trifling experts on the Sentences, who, as though they had conspired, defend these figments about the merit of attrition and of works, and other things which we have addressed above. Lest anyone be moved by the mass of citations, there is no great weight in the testimonies of the later writers, who did not produce original thoughts, but only compiled the writers before them, transferring these opinions from one book to another. They have exercised no judgment, but like petty officials have silently and without comprehension approved the errors of their superiors.

Pulling It Together: In C. S. Lewis’ poem, “As the Ruin Falls,” he writes, “a scholar’s parrot may talk Greek.” People may sound authoritative; indeed, some birds may seem so. But by their singing, one may determine what sort of birds these authorities are. Do they whistle works and human philosophy, or do they sing of Christ and the work of God? This is why we insist upon the phrase, “sola Scriptura”—Scripture alone. By this we mean that Scripture is the basis of truth and doctrine. Our ideas and philosophies, as well as the multitude of authorities who bombard us daily, must be subjugated by the word, “It is written” (Matt 4:4; Rom 1:17; etc.). What Scripture says about a matter must always caution and correct cultural righteousness. It does not matter if it is church, state, or society, claiming authoritative status. God’s Word is our final authority. 

Prayer: Train me in righteousness through your Word, Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is written in easy-to-understand language but is a challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, each presented in a question and discussion format. Click here to see the Table of Contents and a sample session.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Repentance – part 55 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 07 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500

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1 Corinthians 15:55–58

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

But the bull of Leo openly condemns this article, “Concerning Repentance,” and the adversaries condemn it in the Confutation. From these, it is apparent what sort of a church we must judge these men to be. By their decrees they censure the doctrine that we obtain the forgiveness of sins through faith—not because of our works but on account of Christ. Further, they also give the command to abolish this teaching by force and the sword, and by every kind of cruelty to put to death good people who have this belief.

Pulling It Together: The doctrine of justification by faith is one for which people have given their lives. Luther himself, knowing that his life would be forfeit, declared that his conscience was captive to the Word of God, not to the doctrines of men. Today, we face a challenge of a similar sort that may yet bring about a second reformation of the Church. In Luther’s day, the reformers protested a works righteousness. In today's Western world, though a righteousness of works persists, we face a cultural righteousness, in which our doctrine of the authority of Scripture would be abolished by any means. Indeed, as in the time of the Reformation, this threat comes from both government and parts of the established churches in our lands.

We too, know what sort of people confront the Church today. It may yet be that some of us will give their lives for the truth. Nevertheless, the victory is God’s, not culture’s. So, like the reformers, the apostles, our Lord himself, and those brothers and sisters who have gladly lived and died for the truth in our own time, let us “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord [our] labor is not in vain.”

Prayer: Thank you, God, for giving me victory over sin, death, and the devil—not through any work of my own but on account of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Learning About Confession - Teacher's Guide guides leaders in teaching the meaning of Confession and Forgiveness according Luther's guidance in the Small Catechism. The student book, Learning About Confession is recommended for the Sixth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story that illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. With a healthy balance of Law and Gospel, lessons emphasize the connection between repentance and forgiveness, and how the promise of God’s forgiveness changes our lives.

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Concerning Repentance – part 54 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 06 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500

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Isaiah 40:28–31

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance – part 54

Our adversaries cry out that they are the Church and are following the consensus of the Church. Yet Peter cites here that the consensus of the Church is in favor of our position: “To him all the prophets bear witness that every one who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43). Surely the consensus of the prophets should be judged as the consensus of the whole Church. We do not concede to the pope or to the church the power to make decrees against this consensus of the prophets.

Pulling It Together: Isaiah tells us that “whoever believes will not be in haste (Isa 28:16). Those who believe will wait upon the Lord for righteousness. Therefore, they will “not be put to shame” (Isa 49:23). Isaiah and all the prophets teach us what the apostles also proclaim. We are saved, forgiven, and made righteous through faith in God’s Christ. There is no other way (John 14:6); there is no shortcut. It does not sway us that some denomination or popular pastor says otherwise. Their opinions can not alter our confession that righteousness and eternal life come through faith in Jesus Christ alone, since the prophets and the apostles, with united voice, declare the same. 

Prayer: Everlasting God, strengthen me so that I may not faint in faith. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Learning About Confession teaches the meaning of Confession and Forgiveness according Luther's guidance in the Small Catechism. It is recommended for the Sixth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story that illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. With a healthy balance of Law and Gospel, lessons emphasize the connection between repentance and forgiveness, and how the promise of God’s forgiveness changes our lives.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Repentance – part 53 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 05 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Acts 10:42–43

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Peter cites from Isaiah 49:23 and 28:16: “He who believes in him will not be put to shame” (1 Pet 2:6). Therefore it is necessary that hypocrites be confounded, since they are confident that they receive the remission of sins because of their own works, and not because of Christ. Peter also says, “To him all the prophets bear witness that every one who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43). It could not be expressed more clearly when he says, “through his name,” and he adds, “every one who believes in him.” Therefore, we receive the forgiveness of sins only through the name of Christ, that is, for Christ’s sake, and not because of any merits and works of our own. This occurs when we believe that our sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake.

Pulling It Together: The whole of Scripture proclaims that forgiveness of sins is received only through faith in Christ. Those who suppose that God forgives their sins because they are good people, are led astray by their vain imaginings. Our sins are covered in the name of Christ, that is, because we believe in his offering for sin. This is what is meant by, “for Christ’s sake.” We are forgiven because of Christ, because of his redemptive work. It would be the height of vanity to imagine that we could add anything to the blessed work he has already accomplished.

Prayer: Give me the courage, O Lord, to proclaim your salvation. Amen. 

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My New Bible is a five-session study for use in Sunday School at the presentation of the Holy Scriptures to elementary students. It introduces them to the layout and contents of their new Bible, shows them how to identify books and find verses, and gives them an overview of the major parts of Scripture.

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Concerning Repentance – part 52 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 04 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 4:1–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance

For a terrified conscience cannot confront God’s wrath with works or love. It finally finds peace when it apprehends Christ as mediator, and believes the promises given for his sake. For those who dream that hearts become pacified without faith in Christ, do not understand what the forgiveness of sins is, or how it comes to us.

Pulling It Together: Everyone acknowledges that, “You can’t take it with you.” Common sense wisdom understands that our works have no eternal value. So why do some try to stack them up as having merit with God? Belief in God’s promises is what counts as righteousness.

You may be a very fine person but your decency and civic virtue will never afford you peace. For you know yourself far better than do those who think they know you. You know you are a sinner; and you know just how great a sinner you really are. You have come to realize that all your decency and hard work and virtuous deeds do not add up to anything of eternal value. They have not and never can purchase redemption and forgiveness. You sense it deep in your spirit. And it troubles your soul.

Our souls come to know peace when they have been quieted by Christ. When we take Christ at his word: that just as he does not count our so-called goodness for us, he does not count our sins against us. Instead, he covers the sins of all who believe—not of all who work harder. He forgives us and makes us righteous for the sake of what he has done—not because of what we do.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your free gifts of salvation and forgiveness. Amen. 

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A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is written in easy-to-understand language but is a challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, each presented in a question and discussion format. Click here to see the Table of Contents and a sample session.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Repentance – part 51 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 03 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 3:21–25

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Secondly, we think that our opponents will acknowledge that the forgiveness of sins is either a part of repentance, or the conclusion, or to speak in their manner, the terminus ad quem. Therefore that by which the remission of sins is received is correctly added to the parts of repentance. It is very certain, even though all the gates of hell contradict us, that the forgiveness of sins cannot be received except by faith alone, which believes that sins are remitted for Christ's sake, according to Romans 3:25: “...whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood, to be received by faith.” Likewise: “Through him we have obtained access to this grace” (Rom 5:2), etc.

Pulling It Together: The forgiveness of sins is received—not earned. Now a sizeable portion of the Church thinks otherwise. Yet this is clearly what Scripture teaches us. Forgiveness is received by faith. The Word of God offers us no other options; faith receives the remission of sins. The Spirit of God bears witness to this within our own spirits. When we try to earn God’s forgiveness, we wonder if we have done enough or well enough. We worry if our works have satisfied God. Consequently, there is no peace of mind, no security. But when we believe, when we receive in faith him whom God has put forward as the only satisfaction or atonement for sin, there is both forgiveness and peace of mind. 

Prayer: Help me trust you, Lord, for righteousness, forgiveness, and salvation. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

This booklet teaches the meaning of Holy Communion according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Fifth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons emphasize the sacramental promise of the forgiveness of sins conveyed to us in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. This booklet was designed to be used as a Sunday School unit, or for classes to prepare students for their First Communion.

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Concerning Repentance – part 50 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 02 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 John 5:9–12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Since absolution is the promise of the forgiveness of sins, it necessarily requires faith. We do see how he who does not believe it may be said to receive absolution. And what else is the refusal to believe the absolution but to call God a liar? If the heart doubts, it regards God’s promises as uncertain and of no account. Accordingly, it is written, “He who does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne to his Son” (1 John 5:10).

Pulling It Together

When God promises a thing, it is as certain as the sun rising in the east. When God says that he forgives your sins because of Christ, you may believe it to be quite definite. If you cannot believe God’s promise then you may as well insist that the sun will rise in the west tomorrow morning. For if you cannot believe that which is most sure, how certain is anything else that has been taken for granted up until now?

But God is not a liar, no matter whether we believe him or disbelieve. The wise person believes his promise. So, when God says he forgives you for Christ’s sake, and without your assistance, it would be best for you to have faith in his promise. It is certain and it is for your good. Furthermore, what sort of person would presume to call God a liar?

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for eternal life in your Son. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Repentance – part 49 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 01 Jan 24 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Genesis 17:15–18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance

Furthermore, we ask the adversaries, to begin with, whether receiving absolution is a part of repentance, or not. If they try to make a subtle distinction that separates it from confession, we do not see of what benefit confession is without absolution. However, if they do not separate the receiving of absolution from confession, then it is necessary for them to hold that faith is a part of repentance, as absolution is not received except by faith. That absolution is not received except by faith can be proved from Paul, who teaches that the promise cannot be received except by faith (Rom 4:16).

Pulling It Together: Promises are laughable words, unless received with faith. Abraham and Sarai were promised a son in their advanced old age. Abraham laughed; he laughed so hard that he fell to the ground. This was no chuckle at a joke; he roared with laughter—at God and his promise. Worse, in his disbelief, Abraham promoted his own idea to God. Bless this thing that I have done instead. Through lack of faith, Ishmael was born, and because of our lack of faith, all manner of our ideas are also kicked upstairs. Indeed, religion with all of its works, is elevated as faith.

But faith believes, “Your sins are forgiven.” Disbelief laughs at these words of promise, and says, Do this, do that, and then, perhaps, you may yet be forgiven. So, we see that faith is very necessary to absolution. Without faith, we never come to a place of forgiveness. Instead we laugh at God and busy ourselves with religious works, hoping that we may garner our own salvation.

Prayer: I trust in your promises, Lord; help me believe. Amen. 

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The Apostles' Creed book is a ten-week unit, with one session on the Trinity and three sessions on each article of the Creed. The Bible Study lessons in the Creed unit of the Sola Confirmation Series provide an overview of creation-redemption themes in Scripture, driving toward the promise of God at work in our present lives. Click here to see the introductory pages and a sample of session one.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Repentance – part 48 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 31 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500

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John 3:16–18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance

When the adversaries speak of faith, and say that it precedes repentance, they do not mean that faith which justifies, but a general faith that believes God exists, that punishments threaten the wicked, etc. We require, in addition to that kind of faith, that each one believe his sins are forgiven. Concerning this special faith we are disputing, we place it in opposition to the opinion that bids us to trust in the opus operatum of contrition, confession, satisfactions, and so forth, instead of in the promise of Christ. That faith follows terrors in such a way as to overcome them and pacify the conscience. We ascribe justification and regeneration to this faith because it frees from terrors, and brings not only peace and joy to the heart, but also new life. We maintain that this faith is truly necessary for the forgiveness of sins, and accordingly place it among the parts of repentance. The Church of Christ believes as we do, though our adversaries contradict us.

Pulling It Together: We cannot place our trust in works wrought (opus operatum) by ourselves. Surely, this is evident to everyone. Who among us has been found faithful—even to his own intentions? We fail ourselves time and time again. We know this to be true about ourselves, though we may try to hide the fact. When we are so incapable of keeping our own resolutions, how should we expect to find ourselves capable of keeping the commandments? Yet, even if we could, this is not God’s answer to the problem of sin. Our religious and moral aptitude is not the solution; Christ is.

So we must do more than believe in the existence of God. We must believe that God loved us to such a great extent that he sent his only Son into the world to give us eternal life. Christ did not come to condemn us, but instead, to save us. Believe; have faith in him.

Prayer: Give me ever-increasing faith in you, Lord. Amen. 

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The Sacraments is a ten-week study, including sessions on Baptism, Communion, and the Office of the Keys. The Bible Study lessons in the Sacraments unit of the Sola Confirmation Series emphasize the connection between Old and New Testaments, by drawing on sacramental themes foreshadowed in familiar Old Testament stories, and how the promises of God "for you" are expressed and fulfilled in Christ.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Repentance – part 47 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 30 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 11:28–30

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

As the adversaries expressly condemn our statement that people obtain the remission of sins by faith, we shall add a few proofs from which it will be understood that the forgiveness of sins is not obtained ex opere operato because of contrition, but through that special faith by which people believe that sins are forgiven. For this is the main subject which we contend over with our adversaries, and which we believe all Christians must understand. Since it is clear that we have spoken sufficiently already about this topic, we shall now be briefer. For the doctrines of repentance and justification are very closely related.

Pulling It Together: Being sorry for our sin does not merit forgiveness. You probably heard a retort something like this at some point in your life: “Sorry doesn’t fix what you broke.” Sin breaks our relationship with God and being sorry about it is not enough to effect repairs. It is a good start but it is insufficient. So, the typical response is to try to placate God through offerings, changed lives, or other forms of devotion. We soon see the error of our ways. The harder we try to change, be good, and make God happy with us, the more we see that we cannot accomplish our goals. We continue to sin in thought, word, and deed; and we do so by those things we have done as well as things we should have done.

So, the sooner we give up our religious scruples, the better our chances of not driving ourselves crazy, along with everyone around us. Instead of working so hard to be good enough for God, carrying on our shoulders the burdens of sin, contrition, and a variety of religious anxieties and fears, let us trust Christ to satisfy God. His yoke is so easy: believe in him instead of yourself and your fastidious religious practices. Have faith in Christ, and you will find rest for your soul.

Prayer: Teach me the way of faith, Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Lord's Prayer workbook is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on the Introduction, one for each of the Petitions, and a one-session Conclusion. The Scripture focus in the Lord's Prayer unit of the Sola Conformation Series is on the Parables of Jesus, with Bible Study lessons taken from the Gospels.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Repentance – part 46 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 29 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 3:4–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

From all these verses, godly readers will easily see that we assign to repentance those parts which properly belong to it in conversion, or regeneration, and the remission of sin. Worthy fruits and punishments follow regeneration and the remission of sin. We have mentioned these two parts, so that the faith which we require in repentance will be better seen. The faith that the gospel proclaims can be better understood when it is contrasted with contrition and mortification.

Pulling It Together: Repentance, as has been stated here multiple times, is in two parts: sorrow about sin, and faith in the one who forgives sin. Sometimes, there is punishment for sin even though there has been forgiveness. Yet this punishment is not part of repentance; it is simply, either a consequence of sin or a blessed gift from God to aid one in not sinning. There should also be fruit of repentance, as John the Baptizer said to the Pharisees. “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” Again, this fruit is not repentance, otherwise John would have said, “Bear fruit so that you may repent,” or even “Bear the fruit of repentance.” Instead, we are to bear fruit that is an indication that we have truly repented.

These are important distinctions. Faith is different than sorrow or contrition. It is also different from devotion or works of penance. Faith stands apart, believing in the Redeemer whether there is an abundance or a scarcity of fruit. Yet there should be fruit in keeping with repentance nonetheless. This fruit follows repentance. It is not a third part of repentance for the understandable reason that God wants us to have faith in him, not in ourselves (Rom 3:27).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for redeeming me, a poor sinner. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Repentance – part 45 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 28 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Luke 7:36–38, 48–50

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Nor are special punishments always added, but contrition and faith always exist in repentance. In Luke 7:37–38, a woman who was a sinner came weeping to Christ. Contrition is recognized in these tears. Afterward she hears the absolution. “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:48). “Your faith hath saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:50). The faith that encouraged and consoled her is the second part of repentance.

Pulling It Together: In this passage, we see two kinds of sinners. One is dull in spirit, self-absorbed, and very capable of seeing the sin in others but unable to see it in himself. The second is overcome with sorrow over her sin. This contrition is the first step in repentance.

Later, Jesus speaks a word that would be shockingly unintelligible to the first sort of sinner, but to the second, it is the word of life. “Your sins are forgiven.” These words of forgiveness must be believed. There is no peace with God or with self until Christ’s word is taken to heart in faith. The dull in spirit will say such things as, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:7) or “Ah! Then we must do some work such as washing the feet of Christ to be forgiven.” Yet it was not her devotion that merited forgiveness. Rather, it was her faith, just as Jesus said. “Your faith has saved you.”

When sinners have faith in the forgiving God—instead of in their acts of devotion or other penitential works—they will, like the woman in our story, “go in peace.”

Prayer: Lord God, give me such grace that I may be truly sorry for my sin, but also truly believe that you forgive. Amen. 

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A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

• Part 1  • Leader's Guide  • Part 2  • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Repentance – part 44 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 27 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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2 Samuel 12:13–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Just so, David is reproved by Nathan, and, terrified. He says, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Sam 12:13). This is contrition. Afterward he hears the absolution. “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die” (ibid). This voice encourages David, and by faith sustains, justifies, and quickens him. Here a punishment is also added (2 Sam 12:14), but this punishment does not merit the remission of sins.

Pulling It Together: There are three important things to notice in these two verses. When David was brought up short by the knowledge of his secret sin, he was contrite and confessed his sin. After his confession, the prophet Nathan spoke words of forgiveness from the Lord. Notice how David has done nothing but confess his sin. He has made no restitution or offering, in order to pay for his sin. The Lord freely offered forgiveness. Now, David must believe that God would forgive him of such great offense, for his sin was not only against Bathsheba, but against her husband Uriah. Indeed it was a sin against the people of Israel, for David was their king. More importantly, it was a sin against God, as David said, “I have sinned against the Lord.” God forgives even such a great sin as this, but David must believe.

So far, we see that there is contrition and remission—confession and forgiveness. Yet there is a third thing to bear in mind. After David was forgiven, the consequence of his sin remained. The child born of his sin with Bathsheba, would die. This was not a payment for sin, as we see that his sin had already been forgiven. We must be very careful here, for when we consider the consequence of sin a payment for that sin, we have already lost faith in the God who forgives us for his own sake. 

Prayer: Forgive me of my secret sins, O Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

We Still Believe is a Bible study resource reflecting on key themes in biblical Lutheran doctrine that are at risk in the Church today. It is offered in the hope that it will inspire individuals and congregations to examine the core beliefs of traditional Lutheranism and how these beliefs apply to our own present context. Written in a question and discussion style, the participant's book includes an introduction to and copy of the faith statement known as the Common Confession.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Repentance – part 43 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 26 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Genesis 3:6–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

The lives of the saints also reveal these two parts. After his sin, Adam was reprimanded and became terrified. This was contrition. Afterward God promised grace, and spoke of a future seed which would destroy the kingdom of the devil, death, and sin. Here God offered the forgiveness of sins. These are the chief parts. Though punishment is added afterward, this punishment does not merit the forgiveness of sin. We shall deal with this kind of punishment later.

Pulling It Together: After we take the tantalizing fruit of sin, a frightening self-consciousness overwhelms us. All we want to do is cover our sin and hide from God. This terror is contrition; and it is not enough. Hiding from God does not deal with sin. Furthermore, we cannot cover our own sin. Our attempts to do so, wither like day-old fig leaves. Only God can cover our sin, as he did in the garden. But we need something more permanent than animal skins (Gen 3:21). We must be covered in the permanence of Christ’s own skin (Rom 3:14; Gal 3:27). This covering in grace is the second, needful part of repentance. Without faith in the forgiving grace of God, we remain in terror and hiding.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving me faith in your Son who has destroyed sin and death forever. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Faith Webbing is a deep, purposeful intergenerational approach to connecting youth to faith through a congregation. Its premise is to intentionally identify relationship voids in young peoples’ lives and then to fill those voids with members from within the congregation. For some youth, there might not be a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, older sibling, or younger sibling in their life. With Faith Webbing youth develop scores of long-term surrogate church family relationships of all ages.

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Concerning Repentance – part 42 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 25 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Genesis 3:14–15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

The two principal works of God in men are to terrify and to justify, and quicken those who have been terrified. These two works are distributed throughout the Scripture. The one part is the law that exposes, admonishes, and condemns sins. The other part is the gospel: the promise of grace bestowed in Christ. This promise is constantly repeated in the whole of Scripture, first having been delivered to Adam, then to the patriarchs, then still more clearly proclaimed by the prophets, and lastly, preached and set forth among the Jews by Christ, and broadcast over the entire world by the apostles. For all the saints were justified by faith in this promise, and not by their own attrition or contrition.

Pulling It Together: The promise, though veiled, goes all the way back to Genesis. That very first sin demanded the declaration of a Savior from the loving God. For from those tragic bites of forbidden fruit—the overreaching of a divine boundary—comes the most tragic boundary of all. Through sin, death comes to us all (Rom 6:23). We cannot circumvent this boundary. Our fear of God (attrition) will never keep us from sin and death. Nor will love of God (contrition) cause the first person to escape the boundary of death. Though these will never save us, we must fear and love God, but we must also trust him. We may take to heart the response of Adam and Eve, who having just gravely sinned, understood the promise, believing with faith in the salvation to come. Even Adam and Eve, though contrite, had faith in God’s promise.

Prayer: God, give me faith in your gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Sola's Through This Vain World Bible study takes a Christ-centered approach by looking at the book of Ecclesiastes through the lens of the Cross. It asks the hard questions of purpose and meaning in a world that often seems empty and vain. From the perspective that Martin Luther called a "theology of the cross," the questions and discussion in this study focus on our calling to take up our cross and follow Christ in faith "through this vain world."

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Repentance – part 41 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 24 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 John 4:15–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

“For the LORD will...be wroth...to do his deed—strange is his deed! and to work his work—alien is his work!” (Isa 28:21). He calls it the strange work of the Lord when God terrifies, because to quicken and console is God’s own work. But God terrifies, he says, for this reason, namely, that there may be a place for consolation and quickening, because hearts that are secure and do not feel the wrath of God, loathe consolation. In this manner Scripture is accustomed to join these two, the terrors and the consolation, in order to teach that in repentance there are these chief members, contrition and faith, that console and justify. We do not see how the nature of repentance can be presented more clearly and simply.

Pulling It Together: How strange it must seem to a child, for the parent who loves to also seem so angry. For the threat of an oncoming car does not concern the unknowing child who is chasing a ball into the street. But the parent’s yelling terrifies the child. How could my dad be so upset with me? I’m just playing. Yet we easily see from a mature perspective that mothers and fathers were not angry but instead, very loving when they yelled at their children. Their “wrath” was meant to keep children from tragedy. Afterward, children enjoy their parents’ love, even when they have done something wrong, for they have become accustomed to forgiveness. They have faith in this strange love that yells and then consoles. 

Prayer: Help me, O Father, to cling with faith to your love. Amen. 

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Dwell In My Love! - Word of Life Series (Unit 3) is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meant for use in Small Group gathering, each of the six sessions is based on a primary Scripture text, with intentional time for reflection. There are questions, prayer, faith sharing, and mini evangelism case-studies. The series would be helpful for those involved in starting a Bible study fellowship, house church, or mission congregation. It can also be used by established congregations to aid in establishing a small group ministry.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning Repentance – part 40 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 23 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 Samuel 2:2–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

“The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up” (1 Sam 2:6). One of these signifies contrition; by the other is meant faith.

Pulling It Together: The prayer of Hannah agrees with Moses’ teaching about the Almighty. God kills and makes alive; he wounds and he heals; and there is no one that can deliver out of his hand” (Deut 32:39). Life and death are in God’s hands. And there is nothing that we can do to deliver ourselves from the grave. The foolish harden their hearts to this fact of life. But the wise are contrite. They “talk no more so very proudly” (1 Sam 2:3) and are humble before the one who lays all people low in that grave place of rest, but also raises up to newness of life.

So again, we see that the first part of repentance is contrition before God but the second is faith. Christians put their whole trust in God, who not only ushers them to the grave but raises them up at the coming of the Lord (1 Thes 4:13–18).

Prayer: I confess that my life and death are in your hands, O God, as is my eternal life, through Jesus Christ the Lord in whom I have put my trust. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Personalities of Faith is a ten-session Bible study for youth. The goal of the series is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith." By showing biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Repentance – part 39 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 22 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Psalm 119:25–28

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

What need is there to cite many testimonies since they are obvious throughout the Scriptures? “The Lord has chastened me sorely, but he has not given me over to death” (Psa 118:18). “My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to thy word” (Psa 119:28)! Contrition is contained in the first part here, while in the second, it clearly describes how we are revived in contrition, namely, by the Word of God which offers grace, sustaining and quickening hearts.

Pulling It Together

Our ways lead us to certain death. They are low and dusty, clinging to the world and sin. Yet, God is always calling us to the way of life. This begins to happen when our souls melt away in sorrow because of a knowledge of sin. But this is only the beginning, for if contrition was all there was to repentance, we would be left with no hope, no peace, no life. Thus, the second part of repentance is faith in the promise of God’s Word which strengthens and even quickens the penitent. There we find grace, forgiveness, and renewal of the heart, which allow us to continue walking in the way of life.

Prayer: Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. See if there is any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Amen. 

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Written in 1521, Martin Luther's Commentary on the Magnificat is a spiritual classic with a timeless message: soli deo gloria — to God alone be the glory. Johann Sebastian Bach wrote his musical masterpiece, Magnificat, during his first year as Kantor of the Church of St. Thomas in Leipzig. Luther and Bach on the Magnificat interprets the timeless message of the Magnificat in a unique and inspirational word and music study experience that can be enjoyed year after year by individuals and congregations alike.

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Concerning Repentance – part 38 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 21 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 7:24–8:2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Then, in Colossians 2:14, it is said that Christ “canceled the bond which stood against us with its legal demands.” Here also there are two parts, the bond and the cancellation of the bond. The bond is conscience, convicting and condemning us. The law, moreover, is the word which reproves and condemns sins. Therefore, this voice which says, “I have sinned against the Lord,” as David says (2 Sam 12:13), is the bond. The wicked and self-satisfied do not say this seriously, for they do not see, they do not read the sentence of the law written in the heart. This sentence is only perceived in sincere griefs and terrors. Therefore the bond that condemns us is contrition itself. To cancel the bond is to expunge this sentence which declares that we are condemned, and engraves the sentence by which we know that we have been freed from this condemnation. Faith is the new sentence that overturns the former sentence, and gives peace and life to the heart.

Pulling It Together

We ae in bondage to the flesh: these bodies of death with their natural inclinations that serve the law. We are bound by nature to sin “in thought, word, and deed.” Try as we might, we cannot free ourselves. Who can deliver us? Indeed, who but Christ who has already freed us from the bond or condemnation of the law. Though we are caught in our offenses and the tickets have been written, the judge declares that we are no longer condemned if we are in Christ Jesus. It is difficult to conceive in the flesh that this is true. But with the mind of the spirit, that is, by faith, we confess that Christ has set us free from the law of sin and death. By faith in the new testament, the old bond is overturned and abolished.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, lead me in continual repentance, and fortify my faith in you. Amen. 

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The Essential Bible (100 pages) is a readable, easy-to-understand summary of all the major stories in both the Old and New Testaments.  A helpful overview for pastors, seminary professors, Bible study leaders, confirmation instructors, Sunday School teachers, and parents, this book serves as an invaluable tool for teaching about the most important people and events in the scriptures.  The Essential Bible puts readers on a fast track to Biblical literacy. 

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Concerning Repentance – part 37 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 20 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

Click above for larger graphic. • Original image  • Index of Scripture Graphics and posts by Scripture reference

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Habakkuk 2:1–4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

So, what we ordinarily call contrition, Paul names as the putting off of the body of sins which, because in these griefs the natural desire is purged away. And quickening should not to be understood as a Platonic fancy, but as consolation that truly sustains the life that is escaping in contrition. There are therefore, two parts here: contrition and faith. For as conscience cannot be pacified except by faith, therefore faith alone quickens, according to the declaration, “The righteous shall live by his faith” (Hab 2:4; Rom 1:17).

Pulling It Together

It is the height of arrogance for someone to think that justification occurs through the human acts of contrition, devotion, or other acts of love or good works. Of course, all but the most hard-hearted, stiff-necked, and puffed up egos are sorry when they sin. This grief begins to drive away the natural inclination, simply because that person begins to be concerned about the consequences of sin. But a concerned, or even a terrified conscience, cannot evoke peace with God, because contrition alone will always leave one in doubt about their relationship with God. Have I been sorry enough? Was I really contrite or was I just afraid of hell? Do I truly love God? Have I done the requisite good deeds to satisfy God for my sins? These are just a few of the questions that plague the troubled conscience.

So, the troubled conscience should ask this one question: Do I believe that Christ died for my sin? If we believe this, then we also believe that it is Christ alone who was raised for our justification, to make us right with God (Rom 4:25). This is why faith is necessary for repentance to occur. Faith believes that Christ makes sinners righteous before God. Faith does not believe that sinners make themselves righteous or justified before the Almighty. So those whom God has made righteous will live by their faith, while those who imagine they are responsible for their righteousness will remain in terror.

Prayer: Forgive me, God, and cleanse me of my sin, through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

All God's Critters, Unit 4: New Testament is a Sunday School Resource Book for Preschool & Kindergarten. 

Unit 4 completes a full year of lessons based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children.

The All God’s Critters curriculum is fully reproducible and is designed with the particular needs of small churches, mission congregations, and house churches in mind. 

Unit 1   Unit 2   Unit 3   Unit 4

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Concerning Repentance – part 36 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 19 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 6:2–4, 11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

When describing conversion or renewal, Paul almost everywhere assigns these two parts: mortification and quickening, as in Colossians: “In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of flesh.” Then, “in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God” (Col 2:11–12). There are two parts here. One is putting off the body of sins; the other is being raised through faith. These words, mortification, quickening, putting off the body of sins, raised, are not to be understood in a Platonic way, concerning a feigned change. Mortification means true terrors, like those of the dying, which nature could not suffer unless it were supported by faith.

Pulling It Together: Paul speaks plainly about these two parts of repentance. He writes that we are dead to sin, this taking place through our baptism. Then, even though we are sorry for our sin, we know that we are forgiven and shall rise again with Christ. Through this faith, we obtain consolation and life over and over again. For according to Paul, faith in Christ is meant to bring consolation and peace to troubled consciences. “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). Since, being justified by faith, we have peace, it follows that there is first terror and anxiety in the conscience. Thus, we confess that contrition and faith must go side by side.

Prayer: Help me believe, Lord, that I am dead to sin, through my baptism into Christ’s death. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The newest volume in the series, Old Places, New Faces, The General Epistles offers a series of 12 Bible studies based on Hebrews, James, I & II Peter, I, II, & III John, and Jude. The geographical locations of Biblical characters can symbolically refer to places we find ourselves with respect to our faith. As we become more acquainted with our spiritual geography, we will better discern where God would have us go or what changes we need to make in order to serve Him better.

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Concerning Repentance – part 35 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 18 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500

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Mark 1:14–15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

There are here, therefore, these two chief parts: contrition and faith. Christ says, “Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15) In the first part, he convicts of sins; in the latter he consoles us, and shows the forgiveness of sins. For to believe the gospel is not that general belief which demons also have, but in the proper sense, to believe that the forgiveness of sins has been granted for Christ’s sake. For this is revealed in the gospel. You see also here that the two parts are connected: contrition when sins are rebuked, and faith, when it is said, “Believe in the gospel.” If any one should say here that Christ also includes the fruits of repentance or the entire new life, we shall not dissent. For this satisfies us, that contrition and faith are named as the chief parts.

Pulling It Together: It is not enough to only believe the history of the gospel. One must have faith in the one who is the incarnate gospel. One must trust in Christ for the remission of sins. James tells us that even the demons believed and were afraid (James 2:19). But faith does more than fear; it also loves and trusts God. We confess then, that because we fear, love, and trust God, we repent by first, being sorry for our sins, and then, having faith that God will forgive us for Christ’s sake. This is the promise of the gospel.

Prayer: I believe in your promise of forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and place all my trust in you, Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

For centuries, the apostle Paul's letters have instructed Christians in the faith. His epistles teach us right theology, remind us repeatedly of the centraility of the good news of God's grace expressed best in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and relentlessly encourage us to follow and serve our God with passion. The Letters of Paul in Sola's "Old Places, New Faces" series looks at all but one of Paul's thirteen epistles and seeks to get at the heart of each one so that his message can inspire new hope, faith and love in us today.

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Concerning Repentance – part 34 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 17 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Hebrews 9:11–15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Because the Confutation condemns us for having assigned these two parts to repentance, we must show that Scripture expresses these as the chief parts in repentance or conversion. Christ says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28). There are two parts here. The labor and the burden signify the contrition, anxiety, and terrors of sin and of death, while coming to Christ is believing that sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake. When we believe, the Holy Spirit quickens our hearts through the Word of Christ.

Pulling It Together: To think of repentance in terms of contrition alone is to act in accordance with the law. This is unstable ground since it depends so much upon the person who is sorry for their sin. Whereas a truly contrite person is heartily sorry for their sin, how does one know the degree of their sorrow? So, Lutherans confess that faith must be added to contrition so that one may be at peace before God. We teach that there is a new covenant, not based upon sacrifices (Exod 24:8) but, founded upon the blood of Christ. We have faith that Christ’s sacrifice for the sins of the world is what satisfies God. Thus we are no longer sorry, then offering sacrifices and other works of the law. Rather, we are sorry and then have faith in Christ.

Prayer: Thank you, eternal Spirit, for the promise of a heavenly inheritance through faith in the mediator of the new covenant. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Acts in Sola's "Old Places, New Faces" series is a twelve lesson study that focuses on the life of the early church as a model for church life today. The message and power of the church today needs to be revitalized and renewed by the power of God's Spirit, just as it was in the early church.

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Concerning Repentance – part 33 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 16 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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2 Chronicles 7:11–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Meanwhile this faith is nourished in many ways during temptations, through the declarations of the gospel and the use of the sacraments. For these are signs of the new testament, signs of the forgiveness of sins. Therefore, they offer the remission of sins, as the words of the Lord’s Supper clearly testify. This is my body, which is given for you. This is the cup of the new testament (Matt 26:26–28). Thus faith is conceived and strengthened through absolution, through the hearing of the gospel, through the use of the sacraments, so that it may not succumb while it struggles with the terrors of sin and death. This method of repentance is plain and clear, and increases the worth of the power of the keys and of the sacraments. It illumines the benefit of Christ, and teaches us to avail ourselves of Christ as mediator and propitiator.

Pulling It Together

God has always been ready to forgive. Proof of his willingness is the ways he has provided for people to turn to him in faith. He has given us the Scripture so that in the reading and hearing of his Word, we may be strengthened in faith. He also uses the singing of the Scriptures in the liturgy of worship to not only sustain us in the moment but, because the tunes and the words linger, he brings his promises back to our memories throughout the week. The Holy Spirit also uses sermons to bring people to faith and fortify the faith of others. Holy Communion also strengthens us and keeps us in his grace. And prior to Holy Communion, we are afforded the opportunity to confess our sins with faith that God will forgive and are assured of his forgiveness through the words of absolution. God gives us all these ways, while we are struggling with sin, to turn to him in faith and be forgiven. Each of them involves two things that together are rightly considered true repentance: contrition and faith in the one who forgives.

Prayer: Help me to turn from sin, Lord, and seek you in prayer. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

John in Sola's "Old Places, New Faces" series is a twelve lesson study that explores the profound metaphors of the Gospel of John. This study guide will make the story of Christ alive and relevant for today's readers.

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Concerning Repentance – part 32 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 15 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Luke 10:10–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Because God truly quickens through the Word, the keys really remit sins before God, according to this verse: “He who hears you hears me” (Luke 10:16). Therefore the voice of the one absolving must be believed as though it were a voice from heaven. Absolution may properly be called a sacrament of repentance, as the more learned scholastic theologians also say.

Pulling It Together

Here is one of the surest and most obvious ways that the Lord’s Prayer is answered. We pray, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” As God wishes to forgive sinners for Christ’s sake, he sends pastors to call them to repentance, who then speak to them the words of absolution. There! See it? God’s will was done on earth, as it is in heaven. Our sins are truly remitted, canceled, and forgiven on earth through the absolution so that they are also canceled before God in heaven. Your pastor is a messenger sent by God. Believe that you are truly forgiven in heaven when you hear such words as these on earth: “I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of our sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Prayer: Keep me in faith, Lord, that I may believe in your mercy and grace until that Day. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Luke in Sola's "Old Places, New Faces" series is a twelve lesson study that will take you from a night in Jerusalem to the day of Pentecost. This small group Bible study looks at the old places from the New Testament stories and gives relevant and faith-stimulating messages for new faces — today's believers.

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Concerning Repentance – part 31 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 14 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 10:13–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

The power of the keys administers and presents the gospel through absolution, which is the true voice of the gospel. Thus we also include absolution when we speak of faith, because “faith comes from what is heard”, as Paul says (Rom 10:17). For when the gospel and the absolution are heard, the conscience is encouraged and receives consolation.

Pulling It Together: The promise of divine grace is received through hearing the gospel. This hearing occurs in many ways. It is received through the reading and singing of the Scripture, both individually and corporately. It happens in both sacraments, when the gospel is presented—to those receiving as well as to those who affirm their own faith, as happens at baptism. The gospel is heard during preaching and when the Holy Spirit brings it to mind, especially when the conscience has been fearful because of sin. This remembrance also occurs when Christ’s words of forgiveness are spoken privately through a confessor, and corporately in the absolution. This is how the power of the keys delivers the gospel. For when we hear that we have received the entire forgiveness of our sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we have heard the very gospel, are at peace with God, and our faith is strengthened. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your word of grace, delivered to us in the power of your Spirit. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Mark in Sola's "Old Places, New Faces" series is a twelve lesson study that will take you from the stormy Sea of Galillee to the empty tomb. This small group Bible study looks at the old places from the New Testament stories and gives relevant and faith-stimulating messages for new faces — today's believers.

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Concerning Repentance – part 30 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 13 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Ephesians 2:18; 3:11–12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Nor is love present before reconciliation has been accomplished through faith. For the law is not performed without Christ, according to this verse: “Through him we have obtained access to this grace” (Rom 5:2). This faith grows gradually and throughout the entire life, struggles with sin in order to overcome sin and death. But love follows faith, as we have said above. So filial fear can be clearly defined as an anxiety connected with faith, where faith consoles and sustains the anxious heart. Servile fear, however, has no faith to sustain the anxious heart.

Pulling It Together

We cannot fear, love, and trust God without faith. In other words, we cannot keep even the first of the commandments without faith, let alone the rest of the law. So, in this life, where we are tested by various temptations, we must do more than be sorry for our sins. We must have faith in a forgiving Father. For without faith, there is only fear of God’s wrath. The result is doubt of the Father’s love. Because we have faith in God, we are enabled by his Spirit to do more than fear; we also love and trust him. Indeed, we grow in faith because we have been given admittance to the Father. One has confidence of this filial access only through faith. Our works will never give us such confidence. Human love or devotion will never attain it, for this bold assurance is a gift granted by the Holy Spirit through faith. Believers have been made citizens in God’s kingdom but they are given more than citizenship. They are given family status. So we confess that through faith, we may confidently approach our Father with fear, love, and trust that he forgives.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for giving me faith to fear you, but to also love and trust you. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Matthew in Sola's "Old Places, New Faces" series is a twelve lesson study that will take you from Egypt to the ends of the earth. This small group Bible study looks at the old places from the New Testament stories and gives relevant and faith-stimulating messages for new faces — today's believers.

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Concerning Repentance – part 29 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 12 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500

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Romans 5:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

This faith cheers, sustains, and quickens the contrite, according to this verse: “Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God” (Rom 5:1). This faith obtains the forgiveness of sins. This faith justifies before God, as the same passage testifies: “We are justified by faith.” This faith shows the distinction between the contrition of Judas and Peter, of Saul and of David. The contrition of Judas and Saul did not help because there was no faith added to apprehend the forgiveness of sins conferred as a gift for Christ’s sake. Accordingly, the contrition of David and Peter availed, because faith was added to sorrow so that the forgiveness of sins given for Christ’s sake was apprehended.

Pulling It Together: The witless child who does not believe his parents got him a birthday present, will never enjoy the gift. Perhaps he was sorry for having been a disobedient child but just could not accept that his parents loved him nonetheless. This was the state of Saul and Judas. They were disobedient but God still loved them. The gift of forgiveness was available even for them. But they could not believe, and lacking faith, they did not grasp the gift. Faith must be added to contrition, or repentance will never avail itself of the remission of sins. But for the one who believes, God justifies that person because of faith in him and his free gift of forgiveness for Christ’s sake.

Prayer: Lord, increase my faith. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Minor Prophets in Sola's "Old Places, New Faces" series is a twelve lesson study that peeks at each of the dozen books we call the minor prophets, books that are often forgotten or neglected. Yet, their messages are deeply relevant for today's believer. The prophetical books contain God's call upon His followers of every century. These exhortations are either calls to positive actions that honor God or warnings to stop attitudes and behaviors that dishonor Him. As we rediscover these profound words, we will be reminded of what it means to follow and obey God, as well as be challenged to live a life that glorifies God in greater and more significant ways.

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Concerning Repentance – part 28 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 11 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Hebrews 10:39–11:2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Therefore, we add faith in Christ as the second part of repentance so that during these terrors, the gospel of Christ is presented to consciences. For in his gospel the forgiveness of sins is freely promised through Christ. Therefore, they ought to believe that their sins are freely forgiven for Christ’s sake.

Pulling It Together

If repentance is only a matter of sorrow for sin, then human nature tries to appease God. But we cannot appease God by any means. We cannot do enough good works to appease God. Nor are we able to love God sufficiently or in a manner that might appease him. At any rate, appeasement is not our business, since none of this has anything to do with our love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and because of his great love, sent his Son to be the propitiation or the appeasement for our sins (1 John 4:10). Appeasement is God’s business—not ours.

So, yes, we must be sorry for our sin but then, we must turn to God in faith that he forgives us because Christ Jesus is the sacrifice for our sins. Thus, we confess that we are forgiven for Christ’s sake. God has taken care of our sins. Have a little faith. 

Prayer: Give me faith, O Lord, that I may be confident of my hope in you. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Psalms in Sola's "Old Places, New Faces" series is 12 studies that make Bible stories come alive for today's Christian by Rev. Kent Groethe. This small group Bible study looks at the old places from the Old Testament stories and gives relevant and faith-stimulating messages for new faces — today's believers.

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Concerning Repentance – part 27 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 10 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Galatians 2:19–21

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Amidst these terrors, the conscience senses the wrath of God against sin, which is unknown to secure people who walk according to the flesh. It sees its depravity, and genuinely grieves that it has sinned. The conscience then flees from the dreadful wrath of God, because human nature cannot endure it unless sustained by the Word of God. This is why Paul says, “For I through the law died to the law” (Gal 2:19). For the law only accuses and terrifies consciences. In these terrors our adversaries say nothing of faith. They only present the Word that convicts of sin. When this alone is taught, it is the doctrine of the law, not of the gospel. They say that people earn grace through these griefs and terrors, provided they love God. But how will they love God if they are truly terrified, having sensed his terrible and inexpressible wrath? What do they teach other than despair when they only present the law during these terrors?

Pulling It Together

How does one know if repentance comes from a pure heart? Perhaps that person does not truly love God, but merely fears hell. Indeed, it is very likely that a person is terrified of damnation and wants to turn to God with sorrow for sin, yet in the next moment, doubts that genuine repentance has occurred because the fear remains. Such people are mired in feelings, and they will never escape them unless they hear the gospel. In the gospel, one moves from feelings to faith. Feelings are certainly real, and they never go away. What persons are able to doubt the reality of fear, anxiety, and guilt when they feel these emotions after having sinned? But what of peace and hope? These joys of the Spirit will never be known until one moves from feelings to faith.

As long as we live in this flesh, we will experience all of these feelings. For the law will never cease to accuse us of sin. But the person of faith has died to the law. The law has no legal power in the kingdom of God’s Son. So the person of faith senses the law’s accusation but is able to proclaim, “I am dead to the law, for I have been crucified with Christ in my baptism!” Christ now lives in that person. This is why the law holds no sway in the heart of faith. Thus, genuine repentance requires faith be added to contrition.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, grant to me full confidence in your forgiveness, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. 

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Numbers and Deuteronomy in Sola's "Old Places, New Faces" series is an adult Bible study that uses the geographical locations of Biblical characters to symbolically refer to places we find ourselves with respect to our faith. The Bible is not only intended to give the reader knowledge about events and people in the past, but through these events and people, inspire greater faith.

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Concerning Repentance – part 26 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 09 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger imiage

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Isaiah 38:14–15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Scripture speaks of these terrors, as in Psalm 38:4, 8: “For my iniquities have gone over my head; they weigh like a burden too heavy for me.... I am utterly spent and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart.” And, “Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is sorely troubled. But thou, O LORD—how long” (Psa 6:2–3)? Also, “I said, In the noontide of my days I must depart; I am consigned to the gates of Sheol for the rest of my years.... I cry for help until morning; like a lion he breaks all my bones; from day to night thou dost bring me to an end” (Isa 38:10, 13).

Pulling It Together: We are very weak. Jesus reminds us of this fact of human nature. “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt 26:41). Though we may want to do good and to please God by doing his will, we fail. And we fail miserably. If we were honest, we would agree with David, that our guilt is deep; it has risen over our heads. We are drowning in sin. The willing spirit therefore, chirps and moans before God. We look to his mercy, for there is not much that we can do in this flesh but walk humbly before God all our years.

This is the first step in repentance. When one admits this humbled condition and confesses the guilt of sin, then contrition has occurred. This contrition may arise either from fear or love, but finally, it should come from both fear and love. For we should fear and love God above all things. Yet one is not repentant if only contrite, since we are not only to fear and love God, but to also trust him above all things. As has been said here, this trust, or faith, is the second step in repentance. Being sorry for sin is not enough. Trying harder is not the answer either. We must come to trust God with a confident faith, that he cares for helpless, weak sinners such as ourselves, and is himself the answer to our problem, our help in these years of trouble, and the one who sustains us (Psa 54:4).

Prayer: Deliver me from this flesh, O Lord, and sustain me with your Spirit. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Exodus in Sola's "Old Places, New Faces" series is an adult Bible study that seeks to make the stories and places of the Bible a reality in our lives today. It makes the messages of Exodus relevant for today. This study relates to the Bible as a book that speaks clearly about present realities through stories of the past. Old places from within the Bible can come alive with present significance to new faces—us. 

Other books in the "Old Place, New Faces" series

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Concerning Repentance – part 25 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 08 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

• Index of posts

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Luke 24:45–48

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

We remove from contrition those idle and infinite discussions, as to when we grieve because of the love of God, and when because of the fear of punishment. But we say that contrition is the true terror of conscience that perceives God is angry with sin, and that grieves that it has sinned. This contrition takes place when sins are censured by the Word of God. For the sum of the preaching of the gospel is to convict of sin, to offer the forgiveness of sins and righteousness for Christ’s sake, to give the Holy Spirit and eternal life, and to lead regenerated people to do good works. Christ summarizes the gospel in this way when he says “that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations” (Luke 24:47).

Pulling It Together: It is easy enough to get caught up in useless babbling about when contrition takes place, or whether sorrow stems from the correct attitude. Simply stated, contrition is when a person, because of love or fear, stops defending sin and confesses it instead. But repentance has not yet occurred, for contrition is only the beginning of true penitence. Since we confess that one should fear, love, and trust God, faith in his forgiveness must follow sorrow. We do not only have faith in God’s forgiveness, but also trust that he has granted the Holy Spirit who will renew us and lead us to delight in his will and to walk in his ways.

Prayer: Forgive me, a poor sinner, and grant me the power and guidance of your Holy Spirit. Amen. 

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Genesis in Sola's "Old Places, New Faces" series is twelve studies that make Bible stories come alive for today's Christian. In the Bible we find God's people in many different places, both physically and spiritually, in their relationship to the Creator and Savior. We, like them, journey through many lands in our Christian walk. We move from chaos to order, from Ur to Canaan, and from obedience to disobedience. As we become more acquainted with our spiritual geography, we will better discern where God would have us go or what changes we need to make in order to serve Him better.

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Concerning Repentance – part 24 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 07 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Proverbs 32:5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

In order to deliver pious consciences from these labyrinths of the scholastics, we have ascribed these two parts to repentance: contrition and faith. If any one desires to add fruits worthy of repentance, or a change of the entire life and character for the better as a third part, we will not resist.

Pulling It Together

As good works follow true repentance or conversion, the Lutherans did not quibble on this point. Their position was that contrition and faith cannot be removed from repentance, leaving only the good works. This removes Christ from repentance, since penitence would only involve the devotion of the penitent—or worse, their money. Repentance begins with a heart that is moved toward God’s mercy and then has faith that he forgives for Christ’s sake. As has been said here many times, good works will surely follow. Does this make good works necessary for repentance to occur? We confess that in true repentance, good works will necessarily follow. 

Prayer: I acknowledge to you my many sins, Lord, and rejoice in your salvation. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Concerning Repentance – part 23 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 06 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500

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John 2:13–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

XI. That in reserved cases, not only canonical punishment, but also the guilt ought to be reserved in the case of one who is truly converted.

Pulling It Together

At the time of the Reformation, part of the concern was that people were instructed in certain cases, they could purchase their pardon. In these reserved cases, persons had only to go through the motions of confession, but without either contrition or faith in God to forgive. All they had to do was pay a willing confessor to absolve them. This makes the Church of God a market place, where people no longer not only buy and sell sacrificial animals, but instead purchase the sacrifice itself. Their purchasing power would become the power of absolution.

The Lutherans, on the other hand, confessed that the power of the keys was the authority of Christ spoken by any confessor, and dependent upon two things: contrition and faith. First, a person had to actually be sorry for sin, not merely go through the motions, ex opere operato. Second, that person must have faith that God forgives for Christ’s sake, not because enough money was in-hand to leverage forgiveness. 

Prayer: Give me faith, O Lord, to trust in your forgiveness. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship eResource (SOWeR) is a lectionary-based resource site for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! There are subscription levels for every congregation size. 

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Concerning Repentance – part 22 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 05 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500

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Ephesians 1:7–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

X. That the power of the keys frees our souls from purgatory through indulgences.

Pulling It Together

On March 31, 1515, Pope Leo X issued an indulgence that promised to forgive the temporal punishments of sins for anyone who purchased that certificate. These indulgences were especially attractive purchases, even to the poor, because it was thought that if enough indulgences could be acquired, people could free themselves—or even others—from the sins that kept people in purgatory.

The fault with indulgences lies not only in who it is that forgives sin, but in what this forgiveness costs. God’s gracious forgiveness is a gift to those who believe in the one who redeemed them with the price of his own life (1 Cor 6:20; Gal 3:13). Forgiveness is not something we may purchase at any price. The power of the keys is the authority of Christ who eternally showers his forgiveness on us at the cost of his blood, not the authority of the Church to temporally forgive with the price of a coin. The remission of sins and eternal life without a purgatory are granted to those who believe in the riches of Christ. We have redemption, not through our purchasing power but, through the riches of his grace.

Prayer: Thank you for redeeming me, Lord, and for forgiving me through your grace. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Winning, Losing, Loving ; The Gospel in the Old Testament traces themes of chosenness, sin, and grace throughout the early books of the Bible. These cycles of sin and redemption point forward toward God's ultimate act of redemption in Jesus Christ.

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Concerning Repentance – part 21 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 04 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500

Index

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Romans 3:21–28

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

IX. That receiving the sacrament of repentance obtains grace ex opere operato, without a right attitude on the part of the recipient—without faith in Christ.

Pulling It Together

Everything depends upon faith in Christ. Going to church, doing good works, being president of Council, having perfect attendance, teaching Sunday School, and even knowing all three of the ecumenical creeds (yes, even the Athanasian Creed) by heart mean nothing without faith. Simply doing the deed (ex opere operato: by the work worked) does not bring grace. Only faith in Christ apprehends grace (Eph 2:8–9). So we confess that the righteousness and grace of God has been given apart from works of the law. People are justified by God’s grace through faith in Christ, not by doing works. Works are evidence of one’s faith but they do not merit grace.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your grace to me, a poor sinner. Amen. 

Learning the Apostles' Creed teaches the Apostles' Creed according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Fourth Grade Level.

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Concerning Repentance – part 20 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 03 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500

Index

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2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:1

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

VIII. That canonical satisfactions are necessary for redeeming the punishment of purgatory, or that they profit as a payment to blot out guilt. Uninformed people understand it in this way.

Pulling It Together

The uneducated persons mentioned in this eighth statement in the list of false teachings are the very ones teaching those doctrines. Melancthon referred to them as “uninformed” since they relegated believers to a purgatory. Because it was taught in the schools that satisfactions are made to apply only to the punishment—instead of Christ being the satisfaction for sin—there had to be a place in the schoolmen’s minds where believers went when they died but had not yet paid the entire debt of their sins.

The Lutherans however, confessed that everything hinges on Christ. He bore our sin on the cross (1 Pet 2:24) so that we would be made “the righteousness of God.” This free gift of God (Rom 6:23) does not depend upon our righteousness or our satisfactions for sins. Our devotion and good works are not the point. Righteousness and salvation are not about our love, but instead, rest completely in God having loved the world so much that he sent his Son to be the propitiation for sin (1 John 4:10). God in Christ has reconciled us to himself. Do not receive his grace vainly by now trying to make satisfactions for your sins.

Prayer: Dear Lord and Savior of the world, move me to know your great love and be at peace in you. Amen. 

Dwell In My Love! - Word of Life Series (Unit 3) is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meant for use in Small Group gathering, each of the six sessions is based on a primary Scripture text, with intentional time for reflection. There are questions, prayer, faith sharing, and mini evangelism case-studies. The series would be helpful for those involved in starting a Bible study fellowship, house church, or mission congregation. It can also be used by established congregations to aid in establishing a small group ministry.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning Repentance – part 19 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 02 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500

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Psalm 38:1–4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

VII. That the enumeration of sins in confession, which the adversaries teach, is necessary according to divine right.

Pulling It Together

There are surely some specific sins that we ought to confess so that we are honest before God, hear absolution of that specific, troublesome sin, and thereby, know God’s peace. But it is not necessary to name every sin in order to be fully forgiven. We have to admit that our sins are great in number, that they have gone over our heads as if if we were drowning in our iniquities. Who could confess such a volume of transgressions? There would be no end to confession.

We are given salvation and a good conscience before God through baptism (1 Pet 3:21). So, we have the assurance of God’s forgiveness in general confession, since we believe that Christ has died for our sins (John 3:16; 8:24). We have redemption and the forgiveness of sins through him; indeed, we have been given citizenship in his kingdom (Col 1:13–14). If you believe that Jesus is the one sent down from heaven to save us from our sins, you have eternal life (John 6:47). So, we confess that one does not need to name all sins in order to make Christ’s saving work effective. We are saved through God’s grace by faith in Christ, not by our exhaustive cataloging of sins.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for drawing me out of this abyss. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Learning About Confession - Teacher's Guide guides leaders in teaching the meaning of Confession and Forgiveness according Luther's guidance in the Small Catechism. The student book, Learning About Confession is recommended for the Sixth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story that illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. With a healthy balance of Law and Gospel, lessons emphasize the connection between repentance and forgiveness, and how the promise of God’s forgiveness changes our lives.

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Concerning Repentance – part 18 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 01 Dec 23 00:00:00 -0500

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John 8:21–24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

VI. That sins are not remitted before God by the power of the keys, but that the power of the keys has been instituted to change eternal punishments to temporal punishments, to impose certain satisfactions upon consciences, to institute new acts of worship, and to obligate consciences to such satisfactions and acts of worship.

Pulling It Together

Luther wrote many letters to pastors who were facing various problems in their churches. Some of those difficulties were caused by their peoples’ consciences being troubled by obligations imposed upon them by the church in Rome. Rather than urging them to deal specifically with those issues, Luther urged these pastors to get to the heart of the issue, that which caused the confusion. He wrote to John Gulden, pastor of St. Peter’s Church in Weida, Thuringia, who argued publicly with fellow clergy who disagreed with him about ceremonies: “I beg you to give first place in your preaching to those things which are of greatest weight, namely that you urge faith and love upon your hearers” (Letters of Spiritual Counsel, Regent College Publishing, Vancouver, 1960, 295). He wrote to the entire clergy of Luebeck about the gradual introduction of reform by focusing on the basic principles of the faith. “Put first and foremost what is fundamental in our teaching, the doctrine concerning our justification... Reform of impious rites will come of itself when what is fundamental in our teaching, being effectively presented, has taken root in pious hearts” (ibid. 296).

So today, we ought to be teaching our people that God forgives sins for Christ’s sake, not because we perform certain rituals. We must teach that people may have peace of conscience through faith in Christ’s work. When they hear Christ speak in the absolution, they are to take him at his word, believing with absolute certainty that they are truly forgiven for Christ’s sake, that there is nothing they need add to his promise. In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins.

If we do not teach this with clarity and passion, our people may believe instead, that there is something else they must do to appease God, and so, they will never have peace with him. They must come to believe that Jesus has died for their sins, or there is the very great danger that they will die in their sins. This is fundamental and must have first place in our preaching so that the reform of hearts and churches may gradually take hold. 

Prayer: Lord, be merciful to me, a poor sinner. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Connections is a magazine for evangelical Lutheran Christians filled with meaty articles as well as lighter spiritual fare. Articles and features are contributed by individuals and ministries of LCMC, NALC, CALC, Lutheran Core, and other confessional Lutherans from congregations across North America. Connections is published six times a year. 

Subscribe today.

For information on congregational/group orders, click HERE.

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Concerning Repentance – part 17 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 30 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500

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Mark 16:19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

V. That the power of the keys is beneficial for the forgiveness of sins before the Church, but not before God.

Pulling It Together

The power of the keys binds things in heaven, not just on earth. When a “door” is unlocked or locked on earth in the name of Christ, it is done in heaven too. Whatever is bound or locked on earth is also bound or locked in heaven. This happens because it is not by the authority of the pastor that absolution or the forgiveness of sins is conferred. The Church is not the authority here either. If we think of absolution as something bestowed by the Church, there will be no end of confusion. Lutherans confess that the pastor and the Church absolve sin under the authority of Christ. It is God’s voice you hear when your pastor pronounces absolution. Your pastor is speaking with God’s authority and by his command. And so, it is bound on earth—and in heaven.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for locking the gates of hell. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power.” (1 Cor 6:14)

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Concerning Repentance – part 16 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 29 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500

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Romans 4:20–25

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

IV. That we obtain remission of sins because of contrition, not by faith in Christ.

Pulling It Together

Contrition is also insufficient to merit the forgiveness of sins. Being sorry for sin (attrition) and then doing something that would balance the scale of one’s righteousness before God (contrition), each or together exclude the merits of Christ. We cannot balance the scales; and we need not balance them. The scales are already balanced by Jesus. He has earned righteousness and remission of sin for us, since we cannot (Rom 8:3). Nevertheless, God has called us to lead holy lives. Christ “has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace” (2 Tim 1:9, NIV). It is by faith that we are counted as righteous before God. So we confess that our holiness, our works of contrition, is insufficient for the remission of sins, while faith in Christ merits forgiveness of sin by “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe” (Rom 3:22).

Prayer: When I doubt, Lord, help me trust in your promises. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes liturgies and services for your use. There are ready-to-copy settings for Holy Communion, services, services of the Word, Vespers, occasional services, funerals, and seasonal services. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning Repentance – part 15 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 28 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Psalm 38:18–22

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

III. To blot out sin, disgust of the iniquity is sufficient.

Pulling It Together

It is not enough to be sorry for our sin. Nor is it sufficient to do good. For we cannot assist ourselves. Instead, we must avail ourselves of the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. He is the only one who can help us. He alone is our salvation. Penance—acts of devotion, service, and even worship—is not sufficient for the remission of sin. Only death blots out sin. “For one who has died has been set free from sin” (Rom 6:7). Thanks be to God “that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death” (Rom 6:3) and therefore, have been set free from sin and death. “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Rom 6:5).

Prayer: O Lord of my salvation, I confess my iniquity and trust in your mercy and forgiveness. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes a limited selection of music for use in worship, drawing primarily upon texts and music in the public domain, along with biblical texts set to familiar tunes. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Repentance – part 14 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 27 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Romans 4:4–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

II. That we deserve grace because of attrition.

Pulling It Together

Although we should certainly “fear, love, and trust God” (Small Catechism), these things, including the fear of God (attrition), do not earn grace. Grace is freely conferred by God to those who are then expected to fear, love, and trust him. God’s freely given grace is not had by our works or by our state of mind or heart. We do not first give him our time, talents, money—or even our fear, love, and trust—and then receive his grace. That would be grace paid for services rendered. Instead, through no merit of our own, we are given his grace because of the merits of Christ alone. So we confess what is written, that though our works are filthy rags (Isa 64:6), if we believe in Christ, we are justified and our faith is credited to us as righteousness. 

Prayer: Gracious Father, give me the heart of Abraham, so that I may trust in you alone for righteousness and salvation. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Repentance – part 13 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 26 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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2 Corinthians 12:9–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

For the following teachings are clearly false and foreign not only to Holy Scripture, but also to the Church Fathers:

I. That from the divine covenant we deserve grace from good works done without grace.

Pulling It Together

You cannot reason or work your way into God’s grace. God’s grace is a free gift (Eph 2:8), something that is given by him for you. It is not something that you earn, either by reason of decision or by doing good works. The poor in spirit receive the kingdom of heaven (Matt 5:3), not those who are wise and industrious. God does not command us to work for his grace. Instead, he liberally bestows his grace and expects his children to offer themselves totally to him (Rom 12:1). We are to do this, not to be saved or be considered righteous, but so that the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23) will be manifested in our lives through the Holy Spirit, and bring God the glory. His grace is sufficient for us; God does not need our assistance. This frees us to live by the Spirit, content with the righteousness of Christ alone.

Prayer: Thank you, Almighty God, for paying the price for my weakness. Amen. 

Receive Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

"SOWeR is the first place I go every week to start thinking about my sermon." —Pastor William Maki, Zion Lutheran Church, St. Marys, OH

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Concerning Repentance – part 12 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 25 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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John 11:23–26

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

In a word, the subject of satisfactions is infinite, so we cannot enumerate all things. But laying beneath these scandalous doctrines of devils, the doctrine of the righteousness of faith in Christ and the benefit of Christ is buried. Therefore, all good people understand that the doctrine of the sophists and canonists concerning repentance has been censured for a useful and godly purpose.

Pulling It Together

Since the consequence of sin is death (Rom 6:23), it is no wonder there is the felt need to confess all sins. Perhaps, we might imagine, if we could confess them all, we might overcome death. But no one is likely to list all of their sins, any more than they are able to cheat death. Even if all sins could be named, original sin remains and so, death will come to us all. But there is a way to cheat eternal and spiritual death. It will not happen because we have confessed all our sins or are able to make some satisfaction for them. Eternal death is cheated because we confess Christ, who has overcome sin, death, and the devil, satisfying God through his one sacrifice (Heb 11:14). He alone is the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in him, even though dying in this life, will rise to everlasting life through faith in the Son of God. 

Prayer: Give me faith in the eternal promise, through Jesus Christ, the Lord of life. Amen. 

Receive Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

  

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power.” (1 Cor 6:14)

A separate Leader's Guide is available. 

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Concerning Repentance – part 11 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 24 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

Click above for larger graphic.  • Original image  • Index of Scripture graphics and posts by Scripture reference 

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Ephesians 1:7–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

The third act remains, concerning satisfactions, which contains the most confused discussions. They imagine that eternal punishments are commuted to punishments of purgatory, and teach that a part of these is forgiven by the power of the keys, and part is to be redeemed by means of satisfactions. They further add that satisfactions ought to be works of supererogation consisting of the most foolish observances such as pilgrimages, rosaries, or similar observances that do not have the command of God. Then, just as they redeem purgatory by means of satisfactions, a scheme of redeeming satisfactions was devised that was most abundant in revenue. They sell indulgences, which they construe as remissions of satisfactions. This revenue is not only collected from the living, but more amply from the dead. Nor do they redeem the satisfactions of the dead only with indulgences, but also by the sacrifice of the Mass.

Pulling It Together

“We confess that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves” (Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness). Christ alone has redeemed us from sin. He has ransomed or freed us from this subjugation. Our redemption is not had by payments of money or by works that satisfy God. He has been appeased or propitiated by the blood of his own dear Son. His blood is the payment, and his sacrifice the work, that sets us free. “In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for [us], and for his sake God forgives [us] all [our] sins” (ibid). “According to the riches of his grace,” and for the sake of his Son, Jesus Christ, God has mercy on us, so that his holy name is glorified. If we were redeemed by our own payments or works of satisfaction, we could boast in ourselves. But it is by grace that we have been saved through faith, so that no one may boast (Eph 2:8–9) except “in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal 6:14).

Prayer: Thank you, Almighty God, for setting me free through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

        

    

The Sola Confirmation Series is a basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum composed of five books. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. Click HERE to download a pdf sheet describing the program, including an outline of session topics.

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Concerning Repentance – part 10 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 23 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500

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Psalm 34:17–19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

These things occur in the first act. What occurs when they come to confession? What a work there is in the endless enumeration of sins—in great part devoted to those against human traditions! In order that good minds may be even more tortured by these means, they falsely assert that this enumeration is by divine commandment. While they demand this enumeration under the pretext of divine right, they speak coldly concerning absolution, which actually is of divine right. They falsely assert that the Sacrament itself confers grace ex opere operato, without a good disposition on the part of the recipient. No mention is made of faith apprehending the absolution and consoling the conscience. This is really what is generally called “departing before the mysteries.”

Pulling It Together

The first step in repentance is being contrite. God does not desire sacrifices from us, in order to appease him (Psa 51:16). This offering has already been accomplished by Jesus (Heb 10:12). What God desires is broken hearts that are sorry for sins (Psa 51:17). Then he wants our faith—trust that he really does forgive us for Christ’s sake.

Godly minds understand that this cannot be accomplished through sacrifices, works of devotion, endless itemization of sins, or ritual observances. Forgiveness is apprehended through faith, through total trust that Christ alone has delivered us from all our sins (Gal 1:3–4). The faithful add nothing to what Christ has already finished. They are at peace before the mystery of God, knowing that Christ has fully accomplished what they cannot. So we confess that contrition and then faith are required for true absolution. 

Prayer: Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me as I humble myself in confession before your holiness. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

        

The Sola Confirmation Series is a basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum composed of five books. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program.  Click HERE to download a pdf sheet describing the program, including an outline of session topics.

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Concerning Repentance – part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 22 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500

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Colossians 1:21–23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Here we appeal to the judgment of all good and wise people. They will undoubtedly confess that our adversaries’ writings are very confused and intricate. Nevertheless the most important subject is at stake, the chief topic of the gospel: the remission of sins. This entire doctrine of our opponents concerning these questions that we have reviewed is full of errors and hypocrisy. It obscures the benefit of Christ, the power of the keys, and the righteousness of faith.

Pulling It Together

There is nothing confusing about the gospel when it is heard with the ears of faith. We confess that Christ has killed our sinful old nature through his own death on the cross, so that we are reborn by faith in him. This is why he is able to present us holy and blameless to God. He does this; we do not. We must only “continue in the faith.” In this way, we have the certainty that we have been reconciled to God through Christ. We have this certainty in no other way. It will never come through works of love, devotion, religion, or law. For that would be faith in ourselves. But because we have faith in Christ, we have a hope that does not disappoint (Rom 5:5). 

Prayer: Spirit of God, keep me ever faithful; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Cross and the Crown is an eight session study in Lutheran Basics, using the word "sola" to get the big picture right: that salvation is all God's doing.

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Concerning Repentance – part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 21 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Psalm 145:8–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

When can a terrified conscience be able to decide whether it fears God for his own sake, or is fleeing from eternal punishments—especially in those serious, true, and great terrors which are described in the Psalms and the prophets, and which are certainly experienced by those who are truly converted? These great causes may be defined in letters and terms but in fact, they are not as distinguishable as these cunning sophists imagine.

Pulling It Together: Our anxieties about sin may sometimes be managed on the surface with words and semantics, but when the test is applied in the heart, these matters turn out differently. For the conscience cannot be fooled, nor will it find peace with God by spinning words. There is nothing to be done when the conscience is troubled other than to trust in and appeal to God’s mercy. His mercy is not decided by our love and devotion. Nor does he determine to not be gracious to us because we are simply frightened of wrath, damnation, and hell. This is easily understood when we finally come to believe that we are not in any way responsible for God’s actions. His favor toward us does not occur because we either love him or fear his punishment. His favor arrives because we be believe his word, that he is graciously disposed to us for Christ’s sake. We are able to repent and know with certainty that God forgives us when we have faith that God’s mercy depends upon Christ alone. This faith in Christ is what brings peace to troubled consciences. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, enlarge my vision of your love. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Learning About Communion teaches the meaning of Holy Communion according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Fifth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture andLuther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons emphasize the sacramental promise of the forgiveness of sins conveyed to us in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. This booklet was designed to be used as a Sunday School unit, or for classes to prepare students for their First Communion.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning Repentance – part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 20 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

Index

  Click for audio of today’s devotion.

Psalm 103:8–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

What follows is still more complex. They teach that we earn grace by contrition. When then, did Saul and Judas and similar persons who were dreadfully contrite not obtain grace. If one asks, the answer must in cited according to faith and the gospel, that Judas did not believe or support himself with the gospel and promise of Christ. Faith shows the distinction between the contrition of Judas and of Peter. But our antagonists take their answer from the law, that Judas did not love God, but feared the punishments. 

Pulling It Together

Look to the Word. What is written? How far does God say that he hurls our offenses? “As far as the east is from the west,” is how far he removes our sins from us. This occurs in that moment that we believe the Lord is merciful and gracious to us. If, in absolution however, we think, “Oh, there is that one additional sin that I haven’t purged or confessed,” we question the Lord’s mercy. Our faith is then in ourselves instead of the one who loves us as a father. For he is indeed, the Father who loves us so constantly and with such abundant compassion that the mountains are not high enough to measure the height of his love. The horizons cannot tell the full and true measure of how far our transgressions have been removed. Believe; have faith in your Father.

Prayer: Blessed are you, O Lord, for you are my redemption. Amen.

All God’s Critters (unit 3 of 3) is a Sunday School series designed for young students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children.

The All God’s Critters curriculum is fully reproducible and is designed with the particular needs of small churches, mission congregations, and house churches in mind. Check out some sample pages by clicking here.

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Concerning Repentance – part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 19 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500

• Index

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John 20:21–23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Some suppose that the power of the keys does not remit guilt, but simply commutes eternal punishments to temporal ones. Then the most beneficial power of the keys would be the ministry of wrath and punishments, instead of life and the Spirit. Those more cautious imagine that by the power of the keys sins are remitted before the Church but not before God. This also is a pernicious error. For if the power of the keys does not console us before God, what then, will pacify the conscience?

Pulling It Together

The “power of the keys” is the clear charge of Christ to preach the gospel (Mark 16:15), to remit and retain sins, and to administer the sacraments. By “remit,” we mean “to forgive,” and by “retain,” we mean “to withhold forgiveness.” So, in our more modern versions of the New Testament, we use the word “forgive,” instead of “remit,” which is used in the Vulgate, Tyndale, and King James versions. Yet, in the more archaic phrase, “the remission of sins,” is an understanding of forgiveness that will give us reassuring peace with God.

“Remission” and “remit” are English words we get from the Latin, which literally mean to “send back” “or send away.” Appropriate translations of the biblical Greek are of course, “forgiven,” but also “release” or even “hurl.” We have the sense of this in the English word “missile,” constructed from the same Latin word. In the power of the keys, we hear Christ hurling our sins away as if by a missile launch.

There is no better news than the news of remission. When cancer patients hear that the disease is in remission, they are finally at peace. The cancer has been sent back, hurled away, canceled. This is what happens when Christ remits our sins. Through the power of the keys, we hear Christ says to us that our sins have been hurled away and canceled. We are completely forgiven and in remission. We are at peace with God. 

Prayer: Thank you, God, for canceling my sin; through Christ the Lord. Amen.

All God’s Critters (unit 2 of 3) is a Sunday School series designed for young students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children.

The All God’s Critters curriculum is fully reproducible and is designed with the particular needs of small churches, mission congregations, and house churches in mind. Check out some sample pages by clicking here.

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Concerning Repentance – part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 18 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500

Index

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Psalm 6:1–4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Let any one of our opponents come forward and tell us when the forgiveness of sins takes place. O good God, what darkness there is! They wonder whether it is in attrition or in contrition that forgiveness of sins occurs. If it happens because of contrition, what need is there of absolution? What does the power of the keys effect if sins have already been forgiven? They labor here even more, wickedly reducing the power of the keys.

Pulling It Together

Around the time of the Reformation, there was endless quibbling in the Church about how and when things happened. In this case, the debate was about whether the remission of sins occurred as a result of attrition or contrition. Did forgiveness happen when persons were sorry because they feared God (attrition) or because they loved God (contrition)?

We should both fear and love God. So, let us simplify the argument over attrition or contrition by simply speaking of repentance. Repentance happens when the Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to convict us of sin. Because we fear and love God, we are led by his Spirit to turn away from sin or to repent, and to request God’s forgiveness. But it does not end there.

We must also trust him. “We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.” (Small Catechism) Repentance can easily become a work of the flesh that simply tries harder to be good. So we confess that faith must be added so that the gospel may be put to its proper use. Faith permits us to depend upon God alone. Hear the great power in the Keys! You ask God’s forgiveness and hear his forgiveness announced to you in the name of the Holy Trinity. What did you do to obtain that forgiveness?

You feared. You loved. And you trusted. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, allow me at the last to trust in Christ alone. Amen.

All God’s Critters (unit 1 of 3) is a Sunday School series designed for young students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children.

The All God’s Critters curriculum is fully reproducible and is designed with the particular needs of small churches, mission congregations, and house churches in mind. Check out some sample pages by clicking here.

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Concerning Repentance – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 17 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500

Index

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1 Peter 1:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

Before we come to the defense of our position, we must first say that all good men of every rank, including theologians, undoubtedly confess that the doctrine of repentance was very confused before the writings of Luther appeared. The commentaries on the Sentences are available as example of the endless questions which the theologians were never able to explain satisfactorily. The people were unable to comprehend the sum of the matter, or what things were required in repentance, or where to seek peace of conscience.

Pulling It Together

Peace is only found in the grace of God. This is why Peter says, “May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” Who does this math? We are entirely unable to extend God’s grace to ourselves, let alone multiply his grace. We cannot create a lasting peace of mind; nor can we cause it to increase in ourselves. But God can and does. So Peter says, “May [it] be...” This is something done to us, or for us; it is not something we do for ourselves, or even in cooperation with God. God alone is the author of grace and peace. If we are looking for peace anywhere other than in the grace of God, we are looking in the wrong place.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for choosing, redeeming, and sanctifying me. Amen.

Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord is a Lenten Sermon Series booklet that provides the background and thematic resources to allow a preacher to put together a five-week sermon series for Lent. The booklet uses a unique approach called the "Telemetry Method" for preaching that helps to visualize each sermon, including the launching point for the sermon, two nodal points along the trajectory of the message, the place where the good news touches the human heart by connecting believers to the heart of Christ, and then the landing place, which represents the sermon's conclusion. Also provided are "thoughts to ponder," theological reflection, as well as sample bulletins and hymn suggestions, making it easy to plan an entire Lenten series.

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Concerning Repentance – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 16 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500

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2 Corinthians 7:9–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

We therefore beseech you, O Charles, most invincible Emperor, to patiently and diligently hear and examine this most important subject, which contains the chief topic of the gospel, and the true knowledge of Christ, and the true worship of God. For all good men will discover that, especially on this subject, we have taught things that are true, godly, salutary, and necessary for the whole Church of Christ. They will determine that the writings of our theologians have added much light to the gospel, and have corrected many harmful errors which, through the opinions of the scholastics and canonists, had clouded the doctrine of repentance.

Pulling It Together

The doctrine of faith is no small matter, for true repentance depends upon faith. Repentance needs faith to believe that God is so merciful toward us that our sins have been forgiven for Christ’s sake. Otherwise, we begin to imagine that our own love and religious works are what make the difference, are what cause God to actually forgive. There must be no mystery here; our confession should be clear.

We believe that we have rest or peace with God through righteousness. This is not a righteousness of our own. Righteousness is imputed or ascribed to us, not by any merit of our own but by the grace of God because of what Christ has accomplished. Christ has overcome sin—our sin. The good confession relies upon Christ through faith that God forgives us for his sake.

Our teaching is a happy and peaceful doctrine because it removes all doubt about whether one is forgiven or if the promise of salvation is certain. It never wonders if it has done enough good to balance out the bad. For the doctrine of faith does not depend upon our works, our goodness, or our love. It depends upon God in Christ. So we confess that repentance is a godly grief about sin that causes one to return to God with faith that he freely forgives for the sake of Christ.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for removing the sin and the guilt, through your blessed Son. Amen.

Reading and Discussion of Luther's Catechisms is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, presented in a question and discussion format. 

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Repentance – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 15 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500

• Index

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Acts 3:18–21

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

What are we to do here, O Charles, most invincible Emperor? The very voice of the Gospel is this: that by faith we obtain the forgiveness of sins. The writers of the Confutation condemn the voice of the gospel, so we can in no way assent to the Confutation. We cannot condemn the voice of the gospel, so beneficial and abounding in consolation. What else is the denial that we obtain forgiveness of sins by faith than to scorn the blood and death of Christ?

Pulling It Together

What are we to do but to turn again and again to Christ? The heart of this turning, this repentance, is faith. We believe that in turning from our sins to Christ, those sins are blotted out. In this turning from sin, we are turning from the trust of self. We do not simply turn from sin; we turn to Christ. We put our whole trust in him alone. He is the one who erases sin. Do we try harder to live a godly life? Most certainly. But our trust is that God makes us righteous, that he forgives us for Christ’s sake—not because we have added our own goodness and faithful deeds to repentance in order to earn his mercy. There is nothing for us to do here but to have faith in the benefits of God in Christ alone.

Prayer: Grant me life in your eternal kingdom, O God, through the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

Written in clear, understandable language, Who Cares About the Bible? tackles the most important questions concerning this unique book. It is an excellent primer for anyone interested in what the Bible is, how to properly understand it, and how to deal with the vast amount of misleading information that has been spread about it.

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Concerning Repentance – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 14 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500

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Psalm 51:7–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Repentance 

They approve the first part the twelfth article where we explain that those who have fallen after baptism may obtain forgiveness of sins at whatever time, and as often as, they are converted. They condemn the second part, in which we say that the parts of repentance are contrition and faith. They deny that faith is the second part of repentance.

Pulling It Together

God creates clean hearts within us. This happens when we are first, stricken in our consciences, and then, have faith that God will forgive us and make us righteous for Christ’s sake. We are not penitent, but then left wanting for righteousness. We confess that God upholds us and restores to us the joy of salvation. Therefore, we do not busy ourselves with earning favor with God through acts of righteousness. Rather, God forgives us and renews righteous spirits in us. We believe that he does this because of what Christ Jesus has done for us, not because of what we do for him. This requires nothing less than faith.

Prayer: I will declare your praise, O Lord, for you have delivered me from all my iniquities. Amen.

Dwell In My Love! - Word of Life Series (Unit 3) is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meant for use in Small Group gathering, each of the six sessions is based on a primary Scripture text, with intentional time for reflection. There are questions, prayer, faith sharing, and mini evangelism case-studies. The series would be helpful for those involved in starting a Bible study fellowship, house church, or mission congregation. It can also be used by established congregations to aid in establishing a small group ministry.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning Confession – part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 13 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500

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Isaiah 44:22–23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession 

Good pastors know it is advantageous to examine inexperienced persons. But we do not wish to sanction the torture of the Summists. Despite what they have done, it would have been less intolerable if they had added one word concerning faith to comfort and encourage consciences. There is not a syllable about the faith which obtains the forgiveness of sins in their great a mass of regulations, glosses, summaries, and books of confession. Christ is nowhere in their writings. They only list sins. The greater part is occupied with sins against human traditions, and this is most vain. This doctrine has forced many god-fearing minds to despair. They were not able to find peace because they believed that divine law made an enumeration of sins necessary, while experiencing that this was impossible. There are other faults of no less consequence inherent in our opponents’ doctrine concerning penitence, which we will now recount.

Pulling It Together

Confession must lead to Christ—not to more and more confession. Christ is the focus, not ourselves. Therefore forgiveness must be the outcome of confession, not the tyranny of a guilty conscience. God has covered our sin like a deep fog covers the landscape. He has erased our iniquities. All he asks is that you return to him instead of returning to your sinning—or to the memories of your sins. Confess your sin with an eye on Christ, not an anxious glance for yet another sin to confess. Give thanks for his grace and forgiveness; then live in peace with God. Look to the redeemer, not to the sinner or his sins.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you have made me righteous through your grace, not by meticulous acts of religion. Amen.

Go and Tell - Word of Life Series (Unit 2) is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meant for use in Small Group gathering, each of the six sessions is based on a primary Scripture text, with intentional time for reflection. There are questions, prayer, faith sharing, and mini evangelism case-studies. The series would be helpful for those involved in starting a Bible study fellowship, house church, or mission congregation. It can also be used by established congregations to aid in establishing a small group ministry.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning Confession – part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 12 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500

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Psalm 40:11–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession 

What tragedies the questions about who is one’s own priest excite among the pastors and brothers, who are then by no means brothers when they are fighting about jurisdiction of confessions! Therefore, we believe that, according to divine law, the enumeration of sins is not necessary. This view also pleased Panormitanus and many other experts on the law. We do not wish to impose necessity upon the consciences of our people by the regulation omnis utriusque, which we judge, just as we do other human traditions, that they are not acts of worship necessary for justification. This regulation commands that we confess all sins—an impossible matter. It is evident, however, that most sins we neither remember nor understand. “Who can discern his errors?” (Psa 19:12).

Pulling It Together

Only a foolish or crazed person would undertake the task of counting the hairs on his head. There are too many to count. Yet we imagine that we can enumerate our sins when we have more sin than hair? This is an impossible undertaking. Do not bother God, let alone yourself, with endless lists of sins. The Holy Spirit will lay on your heart what needs confessing. Though it feels like your sin is piled higher than the mountains, God is merciful. He has delivered you from your sin and forgives you. Count on God, not on your ability to recount. 

Prayer: Deliver me, O Lord, from all my iniquities. Amen.

Come and See - Word of Life Series is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning Confession – part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 11 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500

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Revelation 22:11–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession 

The whole Church throughout Europe knows that consciences have been ensnared by this point of the regulation that commands that all sins be confessed. The text itself is less disadvantageous than what the Summists added later, who even collected the particulars of the sins. What labyrinths and great tortures for the best minds! Yet, the licentious and profane were in no way moved by these instruments of terror.

Pulling It Together

Luther writes in The Bondage of the Will, “But when the works and power of God are unknown, I do not know God himself, and when God is unknown, I cannot worship, praise, thank, and serve God, since I do not know how much I ought to attribute to myself and how much to God. It therefore behooves us to be very certain about the distinction between God’s power and our own, God’s work and our own, if we want to live a godly life.”

The imposition of rules and regulations will change no heart. The Holy Spirit changes hearts by drawing people near to the crucified Christ (John 12:32). It is God who calls us to himself. Just as surely, instead of acknowledging God, the impious and debased, moved only by their desires, are eventually delivered over completely to their depravity (Rom 1:28). They will be moved more and more toward self and sin, by self and Satan. But they will never be moved to love God because of Church regulations. 

Prayer: Draw me nearer to you, blessed Lord. Amen.

"Outcome-Based Youth Ministry" is a list of faith skills that we are prepared to build into young people. These faith skills will equip youth with the necessary tools to live out their personal calling in life. Learn how to make this happen in your congregation with What's In Your Bag.

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Concerning Confession – part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 10 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500

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1 Corinthians 10:12–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession 

Concerning the enumeration of sins in confession, we teach people in such a way as not to ensnare their consciences. There is an advantage to accustom inexperienced people to enumerate some things so that they may be more easily taught, but we are discussing here what is necessary according to divine law. So, the adversaries ought not to cite for us the regulation Omnis Utriusque. We know this rule, so they should instead show us in the divine law that an enumeration of sins is necessary for obtaining forgiveness.

Pulling It Together

As has been stated before, our focus should be Christ, not our sins. One can spend so much time in introspection and the endless recounting of sin that Christ is lost in the shuffle. Let us, as needed, name those specific sins that have ensnared us so that we may be instructed how to escape (1 Cor 10:13). But may we be content to confess that we are sinners—indeed, poor, miserable sinners—so that we may focus on the one who has saved us from our sins. May Christ be the focus of confession, not our sins which, as always, slyly tempt us to concentrate overly much upon ourselves. 

Prayer: Lord, let me see you more clearly. Amen.

The Norm of Faith, part two of Sola Scriptura, shows how an active view of the Word informs and guides our understanding of what Scripture says. In other words, it will talk about what the Bible means based on what it does. In terms of how we come to articulate our faith and our doctrinal teachings, to speak of Scripture as the "norm" of faith means that it is the standard against which our theology and proclamation are measured.

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Concerning Confession – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 09 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500

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1 Corinthians 11:27–29

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession 

A fixed time is not prescribed because all are not ready in the same way at the same time. If everyone were to come at the same time, they could not be heard and instructed in order. The old canons and the Fathers do not appoint a fixed time. The canon speaks only thus: “If any enter the Church and are found never to commune, let them be admonished. If they do not commune, let them come to repentance. If they commune, let them not be expelled. If they fail to do so, let them be excommunicated. Paul says, “For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself” (1 Cor 11:29). Accordingly, our pastors do not force those who are not qualified to use the Sacraments.

Pulling It Together

Confession precedes Holy Communion. We are to earnestly confess our sins and hear the words of absolution before receiving Christ. We are also to rightly consider the Sacrament, that it is the “true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine” (Small Catechism). If we commune without doing these things, we invite judgment. Therefore, we teach people, preparing them for the feast of Christ, including confession which must attend the Supper. But we do not force people to commune if they are not ready. God’s grace is not a matter of legislation.

Prayer: Search me, O God, and know my heart and see if there is any wicked way in me. Amen.

In Harmony with the Word is an eight-session Bible Study that focuses on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, from Matthew 5-7. It is written at an introductory level, to be led by a lay leader or pastor in a small-group question and discussion format. The study would serve as an excellent resource for monthly women's group meetings or in an informal small-group setting.

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Concerning Confession – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 08 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500

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Acts 2:42–43

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession 

With respect to the time, certainly most of the people in our churches use the Sacraments, absolution and the Lord’s Supper, many times a year. Our teachers speak about the worth and fruits of the Sacraments in such a way as to invite the people to use them frequently. Our theologians have written many things on this subject in such a manner that the adversaries, if they are good men, will undoubtedly approve and praise. We also excommunicate the openly wicked and despisers of the Sacraments. These things are done both according to the gospel and the old canons. 

Pulling It Together

As Christ is known to us in the breaking of the bread (Luke 24:25), the early Church assembled to know Christ in his Supper, the Apostles’ teaching, prayer, and fellowship. We encourage our people to break bread, to receive the grace of God through Christ’s body and blood, on each Lord’s Day (Acts 20:7) but there is no rule among us as to frequency. When Christians come to understand the great value of Holy Communion, they will desire it more and more, as is happening in many of our churches today.

The earliest Lutherans also put people out of the church when they despised the Sacraments by their open wickedness. Those who lived in obvious vices, fornication, adultery, and so forth, deride and make a mockery of God’s grace. So they were denied the fellowship of grace according to ancient and biblical practice (1 Cor 5:11-13).

Prayer: Sovereign Lord, order my priorities and my days according to your word. Amen.

Sola First Communion Certificates are printed in color on heavyweight parchment paper, with a matching envelope to go with each certificate. The traditional 'half-sheet' size is perfect for inclusion in a picture album or scrapbook.

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Concerning Confession – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 07 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500

Index

1 John 1:7-10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession 

It is well known that we have so explained and extolled the benefit of absolution and the power of the keys that many distressed consciences have derived consolation from our teaching. They have heard that it is the command of God—indeed, the very voice of the gospel—that we should believe the absolution, and consider it certain that the forgiveness of sins is freely granted to us for Christ's sake; and that we should trust that by this faith we are truly reconciled to God. This teaching has encouraged many godly minds, and in the beginning brought Luther the highest commendation from all good men, since it establishes a sure and firm consolation for consciences. Previously the whole power of absolution had been suppressed by doctrines concerning works, since the sophists and monks taught nothing of faith and free forgiveness.

Pulling It Together

Confession and absolution provide persons of faith with the regular assurance that their sins are forgiven because of what Christ has accomplished for them. When they hear the words of absolution, “By [Christ’s] authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” it is not the pastor they hear. They hear a voice from heaven since the pastor speaks in the name of God. Confession and absolution direct them away from trust in their own works, which would leave them with nothing but the despair of troubled consciences. In the absolution, the voice of God leads them out of darkness and into the full light of God’s forgiveness, reconciliation, and righteousness.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me a believing heart, that trusts in your forgiveness of all my sins. Amen.

The Upper Room is a six-part drama and sermon series for use during the weeks of Lent, in midweek or Sunday morning services. The stories in this series seek to focus our hearts and minds on the last days of Jesus, drawing us into a greater spiritual maturity that recognizes the blessings and responsibilities of this life of faith, as we walk with our Lord on the path to the cross.

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Concerning Confession – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 06 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Proverbs 28:13-14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Confession 

The eleventh article on retaining absolution in the Church is approved. But they add a correction in reference to confession, that the regulation Omnis Utriusque be observed—that annual confession be made, and though all sins cannot be enumerated, diligence should be employed so that they are recollected, and those which can be recalled, be recounted. We will speak at greater length later about this entire matter, when we will explain our full opinion concerning repentance.

Pulling It Together

People recoil at the idea of fearing God because they believe that God loves them. “Why should I fear someone who loves me?” they might ask. Yet Scripture tells us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psa 111:10). That “we should fear, love, and trust in God above all things” is also repeated throughout the Small Catechism. Obviously, fearing God is a matter of great importance. We should fear God, but why?

Our sins hold us back from fellowship with God because we know that, though God loves us, we have displeased him. As a result of this fear, we confess those sins that have separated us from divine fellowship, in the hope that somehow God would forgive the likes of poor sinners like us. Confession leads us to an understanding of his love and forgiveness. We are then, able to love and trust the God who loves us. So we should not harden our hearts but instead, “fear, love, and trust in God above all things.” 

Prayer: Help me to trust you with my transgressions, loving Lord. Amen.

Learning About Confession - Teacher's Guide guides leaders in teaching the meaning of Confession and Forgiveness according Luther's guidance in the Small Catechism. The student book, Learning About Confession is recommended for the Sixth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story that illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. With a healthy balance of Law and Gospel, lessons emphasize the connection between repentance and forgiveness, and how the promise of God’s forgiveness changes our lives.

Student's Book

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Concerning the Holy Supper – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 05 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Luke 22:19-20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Holy Supper 

We have cited these testimonies, not to prompt a discussion here on the subject, for His Imperial Majesty does not disapprove of this article, but so that all who read them may clearly perceive that we defend the doctrine received by the entire Church: that in the Lord’s Supper the body and blood of Christ are truly and substantially present, and are truly offered with those things that are seen, bread and wine. We speak of the presence of the living Christ, for we know that, "death no longer has dominion over him” (Rom 6:9).

Pulling It Together

Holy Communion is not something that we do; it is something that God does for us. It is not an act or ritual that we perform; it is an activity of God that we receive. We eat and drink bread and wine but we receive body and blood. We are given Christ himself. This is important to understand. Grace comes to us in Holy Communion because God comes to us. “This is my body, which is given for you.” In this giving of himself, his body and blood, we become his body and by this grace, share in his eternal glory.

Prayer: Help me, Holy Spirit, to remember all the benefits of your grace. Amen.

Of One Mind and Purpose is a six-session study examines the unique way in which the Bible describes being united in Christ. It explains how God’s Word can either divide people or bring them together in faith, showing how the relationship we have with one another in the Church comes through Christ alone.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Holy Supper – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 04 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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John 6:47-57

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Holy Supper 

There is a long exposition of Cyril on John 15, in which he teaches that Christ is bodily offered to us in the Supper. He says, “Nevertheless, we do not deny that we are spiritually joined to Christ by true faith and sincere love. But we entirely deny that we have no mode of connection with him according to the flesh. This would be altogether foreign to the sacred Scriptures. For who has doubted that Christ is in this manner a vine, and we the branches, deriving life for ourselves from him? Hear Paul saying that we are all one body in Christ. Although we are many, we are nevertheless, one in him, for we all partake of that one bread (Rom 12:5; 1 Cor 10:17; Gal 3:28). Does he think perhaps that the virtue of the mystical benediction is unknown to us? Since this is in us, does it not also cause Christ to dwell in us bodily by the communication of Christ’s flesh?” A little later Cyril writes, “Therefore we must consider that Christ is in us not only according to the habit, which we call love, but also by natural participation,” etc.

Pulling It Together

Faith is the theme of our discussion. We have been talking about Holy Communion, Baptism, the Church, justification, and other matters but in all of these topics, we are actually considering faith. We believe that God justifies us for Christ’s sake, that the Church is the body of Christ, that our original nature is buried in Christ’s death through the water and word of Holy Baptism, and that Christ gives us more grace (James 4:6) through the true food of his flesh and the true drink of his blood. These are all matters of faith. For who would confess such things could be, unless God himself had revealed them? Specific to our present topic of Holy Communion, whoever believes that Christ Jesus is the bread of life, has eternal life. We confess with the Scripture, with Christ’s very words, that when we receive the bread and wine of the Holy Supper, we truly partake of the substance and life of Christ’s flesh and blood. “For,” Jesus said, “my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.” We believe with faith, and confess this to be true.

Prayer: I believe, Lord Jesus; I believe in the bread of life; I believe in you. Amen.

Faith Webbing is a deep, purposeful intergenerational approach to connecting youth to faith through a congregation. Its premise is to intentionally identify relationship voids in young peoples’ lives and then to fill those voids with members from within the congregation. For some youth, there might not be a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, older sibling, or younger sibling in their life. With Faith Webbing youth develop scores of long-term surrogate church family relationships of all ages.

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Concerning the Holy Supper – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 03 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 26:26-28

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Holy Supper 

We know that not only the Roman Church affirms the bodily presence of Christ, but the Greek Church also has come to believe and continues to believe the same. For their canon of the Mass testifies to this where the priest clearly prays that the bread may be changed and become the very body of Christ. Vulgarius, who seems to us to be a reasonable writer, clearly says that bread is not merely figurative but is truly changed into flesh.

Pulling It Together

Jesus called the bread that he broke and gave to his disciples to eat, “my body.” He said of the cup, “This is my blood.” This is what we believe. We do not fuss overly much with the “how” and the “when,” but we are very much concerned with the “why.” The reason we believe is because Jesus said the bread is his body. He said the wine is his blood. This is his word that we take on faith in the one who said it, like we believe the rest of his word. We believe it because Jesus says it is so, because he gives his word. And in his promise is the pouring out of forgiveness for our sins.

Prayer: Lord, increase my faith. Amen.

Learning About Communion teaches the meaning of Holy Communion according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Fifth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture andLuther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons emphasize the sacramental promise of the forgiveness of sins conveyed to us in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. This booklet was designed to be used as a Sunday School unit, or for classes to prepare students for their First Communion.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning the Holy Supper – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 02 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 10:15-17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Holy Supper 

The Tenth Article has been approved, in which we confess that we believe, that the body and blood of Christ are truly and substantially present in the Lord’s Supper, and are truly offered to those who receive the Sacrament with those things that are seen: bread and wine. We constantly defend this belief, having carefully examined and considered the subject. Since Paul says that the bread is “a participation in the body of Christ” (1 Cor. 10:16), it would follow, if the Lord’s body was not truly present, that the bread is not a participation in the body but only in the spirit of Christ.

Pulling It Together

This participation, as the Revised and English Standard versions translate the word, is a fellowship or, as the King James Version phrases it, a communion. The Holy Supper is a communion in the body and the blood of Christ. So, we have come to understand that he shares with us the gift and the grace of his real presence. Christ Jesus does not offer us a metaphor; he gives us his true body and blood. We are not sharing something merely spiritual in Holy Communion. Because the Lord is truly present in his supper, we receive him—not a memory, not a figure of speech, but Christ himself.

Prayer: Thank you, God my High Priest, for offering yourself as sacrifice for my sin. Amen.

We Still Believe is a Bible study resource reflecting on key themes in biblical Lutheran doctrine that are at risk in the Church today. It is offered in the hope that it will inspire individuals and congregations to examine the core beliefs of traditional Lutheranism and how these beliefs apply to our own present context. Written in a question and discussion style by Pastor Steven King, the participant's book includes an introduction to and copy of the faith statement known as the Common Confession.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Baptism – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 01 Nov 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

Index

Titus 2:11-15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Baptism 

As it is clear that God approves of the baptism of little children, the Anabaptists believe wickedly in condemning the baptism of these children. That God approves of the baptism of little children is shown by God giving the Holy Spirit to those who were baptized as children. For if this baptism is in vain, the Holy Spirit would be given to none, no one would be saved, and eventually there would be no Church. This reason, even taken alone, can sufficiently establish good and godly minds against the godless and fanatical opinions of the Anabaptists.

Pulling It Together

God gives authority to people to speak and act in his name through Holy Baptism. The pastor seems to be the one using the water, and if that were all the pastor did then that would be all there was to see. But because the pastor baptizes in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, there is something to believe too. We see the pastor but it is God who acts. It is a blessed thing that pastors do in baptism but be sure of this: it is really God who is at work through his ministers. God is the baptizer. The Holy Spirit is given in baptism because the Holy Spirit is the giver. Salvation comes through baptism because Christ the Savior is the baptizer. The Church is built and established because the Father of us all forgives and grants new life in his kingdom. This is the grace of God that we confess concerning baptism.

Prayer: I will bless you, O Lord, and forget none of your benefits. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes a limited selection of music for use in worship, drawing primarily upon texts and music in the public domain, along with biblical texts set to familiar tunes. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Baptism – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 31 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 19:25-26

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Baptism 

Baptism does not, however, pertain to those who are outside of Christ’s Church, where there is neither Word nor Sacraments, because the kingdom of Christ exists only with the Word and Sacraments. Therefore it is necessary to baptize little children so that the promise of salvation may be applied to them, according to Christ’s command to baptize all nations (Matt 28:19). Just as salvation is offered here to all, so baptism is offered to all—to men, women, children, and infants. It clearly follows, therefore, that infants are to be baptized, because salvation is offered through baptism.

Pulling It Together

The universal grace and promise of the gospel is just that: universal. It is not applied to everyone except some persons. There are those however, who insist that a person must understand what is being offered before they are baptized and therefore, little children are not to be baptized because they do not comprehend God’s grace. Yet, those people would not withhold baptism from someone who is mentally challenged. Though people with learning or intellectual disabilities may not understand the grace of God or be able to recount what Jesus has done for them, baptism is not withheld from them. Salvation is possible through God’s powerful grace, not through our intellectual capacity. Therefore, we confess that since salvation is offered through baptism, our Christian duty is to do as Christ instructs us: to offer his promise of salvation “to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15), “to everyone” (Mark 16:15, NLT).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for making possible the impossibility of my salvation. Amen.

Baptized: Marked for Living is a series of meditations developed in an attempt to use the Lenten season as a time for reflection upon who we are as God's covenant children in baptism and how we are to live as people forever marked with the cross of Christ. Using symbols appropriate to the theme, each person or family is shown how to create a "home altar" as the centerpiece of their Lenten baptismal journey.

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Concerning Baptism – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 30 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

Index

  Click for a recording of today’s lesson.

Mark 10:13-16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Baptism 

Since the gospel is taught among us purely and diligently, we have also received by God’s favor this fruit, that in our Churches no Anabaptists have arisen because the people have been fortified by God’s Word against the wicked and seditious sect of these robbers. We condemn quite a number of errors of the Anabaptists, but we also condemn that they dispute that the baptism of little children is profitable. For it is very certain that the promise of salvation pertains also to little children.

Pulling It Together

The divine promises of grace and of the Holy Spirit do not belong to the old alone, as if Jesus, who loved little ones, would have them wait for his promises. Jesus welcomes and freely offers the kingdom to all, regardless of age. See how even infants rejoice in the love of their parents. They smile and coo with such obvious delight that only cold and uncaring parents would deny them their love and attention. God does not ignore our children, denying them his gifts until some age of so-called awareness—as if the omnipotent God is unable to make babies coo and delight in his love. God does not depend upon our awareness but instead, upon his awareness of our need for grace. Thank God that his kingdom belongs to little children.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for extending your grace to all. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Baptism – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 29 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

Index

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Acts 16:30-33

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Baptism 

The Ninth Article has been approved, in which we confess that Baptism is necessary to salvation, and that children are to be baptized, and that the baptism of children is not in vain, but is necessary and effective for salvation.

Pulling It Together: As has been stated here before, baptism is mere water unless the word of God is added to that water. Baptism is effective for salvation only when the word of promise is added to the water. So it is at the moment of baptism and so it is throughout life. A person must be nurtured by the word of God at all points in life. When a child, or anyone else in a household or family, is baptized, the will of God, the promise of God’s salvation, is realized. The work of salvation continues if the word abides with the water through faith. We affirm God’s word and salvation each time we give thanks that we are baptized. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that I am baptized. Amen.

Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Concerning the Church – part 34 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 28 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

Index

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Romans 13:1-7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Christ has warned us in his parables about the Church that when offended by the private vices of priests or people, we should not instigate schisms as the Donatists wickedly did. We consider those who have incited schisms to be altogether seditious because they denied that priests are permitted to hold possessions and property. The holding of property is a civil ordinance. It is as lawful for Christians to use civil ordinances as they use the air, light, food, and drink. Just as the order of the world and fixed movements of the heavenly bodies are truly ordinances of God and are preserved by him, so lawful governments are truly God’s ordinances, and are preserved and defended by him against the devil.

Pulling It Together

It is important for us to distinguish between the two kingdoms—the kingdom of God and worldly kingdoms. Both Church and State are under God’s authority but they serve different ends. The State is used by God to provide order in civic matters. God uses his Church to bring about a different kind of order. The Church’s job is to bring the peace of Christ into the world by proclaiming the gospel of grace and forgiveness. Both of these kingdoms work together for the common good under divine authority. So the Church does not exercise legal authority and the State does not legislate in affairs of the kingdom. May the Church be about the work of the gospel while they pray for peace, pay their taxes, vote, and trust in God. 

Prayer: Bless and guide, O Lord, those you have placed in authority over me. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes liturgies and services for your use. There are ready-to-copy settings for Holy Communion, services, services of the Word, Vespers, occasional services, funerals, and seasonal services. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning the Church – part 33 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 27 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

• Index

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Matthew 28:18-20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

The entire Eighth Article has been approved, in which we confess that hypocrites and wicked persons have been mingled with the Church, and that the Sacraments are efficacious even though administered by wicked ministers, because ministers act in the place of Christ, and do not represent themselves. Jesus said, “He who hears you hears me” (Luke 10:16). Impious teachers are to be deserted because they are antichrists who no longer act in the place of Christ. Again Christ says, “Beware of false prophets” (Matt 7:15). And Paul, “If any one is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed” (Gal 1:9).

Pulling It Together

Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions urge us to be not only wary of false teachers and ministers, but to have nothing to do with them. Remove them from the churches or if need be, get out of their congregations. Their words are not to be trusted. But the sacramental ministry that they have done in the name of Christ is still effective. If you were baptized by a minister who does not believe or no longer believes in Christ, your baptism is still effective because that minister did not baptize you. God baptized you. You were baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit—not in the name of Reverend Whatshisname. Remember that you are baptized by God, so the work of God in Christ remains, whether done at the hand of a pious minister or not. Your sins are forgiven because the sinless Christ baptized you, not because you were baptized by a sinless minister of Christ. 

Prayer: Help me to remember my baptism, Lord. Amen.

Connections Magazine features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther's Small Catechism provides inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design.

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Concerning the Church – part 32 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 26 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

Click above for larger graphic.  • Index of Scripture graphics and posts by Scripture reference 

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Mark 14:22-24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

See how religious our adversaries are? They require uniform human observances for the unity of the Church, though they themselves have changed the ordinance of Christ in the use of the Supper—which was certainly a universal ordinance before. But if universal ordinances are so necessary, why do they alter the ordinance of Christ’s Supper, which is not human, but divine? We will have more to say later about this entire controversy.

Pulling It Together

The words of Christ spoken over the bread and wine insure the promise of grace to those who believe. When we speak his word over the elements, he is truly present in them. It is his body and his blood that we eat and drink; otherwise we have no life within us (John 6:53). The Lord is our portion (Lam 3:24). So, we see that Christ is both comprehended and apprehended through hearing with faith. This is what Christ instituted and what we ought to celebrate as often as we eat this bread and drink this cup. For this sacrament is divinely established and cannot be overruled by human authority. Human ordinances, however, may be changed or practiced differently in different places without injury to faith or unity in the Church. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making yourself present your Church. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

The Sola Online Worship Resource is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning the Church – part 31 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 25 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

Index

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Matthew 15:1-9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Many similar examples may be gathered from the histories, in which it appears that differences in human observances do not injure the unity of faith. Still, what need is there of discussion? The adversaries do not understand the righteousness of faith and the kingdom of Christ at all, if they consider as necessary the uniformity of practices in food, days, clothing, and the like—things that do not have the command of God.

Pulling It Together: I like to sing the “Kyrie” in worship. For that matter, I love to sing the entire liturgy, including the intonation of the Psalm. Some of our churches do not sing the liturgy; they speak the words. Now, if I considered my musical preference to be a commandment instead of a tradition, I could cause a great deal of confusion and harm. The crucial thing here is not my preference but instead, that God is worshiped in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Otherwise, a danger looms: that my preferences, traditions, and practices become what I worship. 

Prayer: Help me to hear your command and obey you, Lord. Amen.

Connections Magazine features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther's Small Catechism provides inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. Subscribe today.

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Concerning the Church – part 30 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 24 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

• Index

  Click for a recording of today’s lesson.

Galatians 2:4-5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Some in the East who were called Audians, after the author of the doctrine, contended that because of this apostolic decree, the Passover should be observed with the Jews. In refuting them, Epiphanius praises the decree, saying that it contains nothing which deviates from the faith or rule of the Church. He faults the Audians because they misinterpret the expression. He interprets it in the sense in which we do, because the apostles did not consider what time the Passover should be observed to be of any importance. Yet for the sake of harmony they wished the rest to follow the example of some prominent brethren had been converted from the Jews and observed their custom. The apostles wisely admonished the reader neither to remove the liberty of the gospel nor to impose necessity upon consciences, by adding that they should not be troubled even though there should be an error in calculation.

Pulling It Together

The truth of the gospel is that righteousness and salvation come through faith in Christ. This is the word that sets us free (John 8:32). When we begin to be enamored with customs, rituals, dates, and other external and human practices, we are in danger. We will have begun our travels back across the wilderness to Egypt. When we add to faith, such as many modern-day Audians insist, that certain practices must also be kept, then our bondage is complete. Furthermore, we would be enslaving others with our insistence. Let us not yield to such teachings for even a moment, so that the truth and freedom of the gospel may be preserved for ourselves and for others.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to hear you among the competing voices. Amen.

Combining the message of salvation in Christ with personal witness, The Gospel in Miniature is a Lutheran guide for evangelism. 

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Concerning the Church – part 29 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 23 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for jigsaw puzzle.

• Index of posts

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1 Corinthians 2:2 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Mass 

All Levitical sacrifices may be sorted under one of these groups. The Law titled certain sacrifices as propitiatory because of their significance or similarity. These sacrifices did not merit the forgiveness of sins before God, but did on the basis of the righteousness of the Law, so that those for whom they were made might not be excluded from the community. Therefore they were called atoning sacrifices for sin and burnt offerings for trespasses. The eucharistic sacrifices were food offerings, drink offerings, thanksgivings, first fruits, and tithes.

Pulling It Together: Our concern is what a propitiatory or atoning sacrifice is for Christians. For that matter, what is an atoning sacrifice for anyone during this Christian era? There is just one: Christ crucified. Every other sacrifice is not one that atones or reconciles God to sinners. We may render the sacrifice of praise, but it does not atone. We may offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, tithes, time, our very selves, but these will never satisfy God. Any sacrifice that we make can not make us righteous before God. Only “Christ and him crucified” satisfies God and justifies believers.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for dying so that I may live. Amen.

All of the Sola Sunday Schoolhouse materials for Year C may be found here. They include reproducible sheets of Bible lesson, pictures, drama, worksheets, and a Christmas program. This is the Schoolhouse unit subtitled "Stories from the Beginning," covering Bible stories from the first half of the Old Testament, from Genesis through Joshua.

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Concerning the Church – part 28 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 22 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

Index

  Click for a recording of today’s lesson.

1 Timothy 4:1-5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Paul even calls such opinions “doctrines of demons” (1 Tim 4:1). The will and advice of the apostles should therefore be derived from their writings, not simply their example. They observed certain days so that the people would know when to assemble, not because this observance was necessary for justification. They also observed certain other rites and orders of lessons when they assembled. The people retained some of the customs of the Patriarchs, which the apostles adapted to the history of the gospel, such as the Passover and Pentecost, so that they might pass down to posterity the memory of the most important subjects through both example and teaching. But if these things were handed down as necessary for justification, why then did the bishops change them in many ways? If they were matters of divine right, it would be unlawful for a human authority to alter them.

Pulling It Together

There is nothing wrong with celibacy or fasting or many other disciplines. Even in marriage, abstinence can be a good thing, if the couple agrees together to abstain for some spiritual purpose (1 Cor 7:5). The problem occurs when it is said that such things secure salvation or that justification comes by doing or not doing certain things. Beware when practices in the Church begin to bear weight on a person’s conscience. If one person crosses herself at the mention of the Trinity but another does not, it must not be taught that one is right and the other wrong, or that everyone must have the same practice. We should never burden the consciences of those who have come to know the truth and believe in Christ. We do so when we insist that they do or not do external things that have no bearing upon justification. 

Prayer: Lord, give me a thankful heart for all of the good things you have given. Amen.

A Discussion of Living Religions is a brief introduction to major world religions that takes a conversational approach as a group of friends talk together about what it is they believe. Each has a chance to speak for themselves about how they understand the fundamentals of reality and faith.

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Concerning the Church – part 27 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 21 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

Index

  Click for a recording of today’s lesson.

From the Word: 5 One person regards one day over another, while another considers every day the same. Each should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who esteems the day, observes it to the Lord.  The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, for he gives God thanks; while the one who does not eat, abstains in honor of the Lord, and thanks God. (Romans 14:5-6)

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

"Concerning the Church" – part 27

The adversaries say that universal traditions are to be observed because they are supposed to have been handed down by the apostles. What religious men they are! They wish to retain apostolic rites but they do not wish to keep apostolic doctrine. These rites must be judged just as the apostles judged in their writings. For the apostles did not wish us to believe that we are justified through such rites, that such rites are necessary for righteousness before God. The apostles did not want to impose such a burden upon consciences, nor to associate righteousness and sin with the observance of days, food, and the like.

Pulling It Together

If others wish to abstain from certain foods on certain days, that is between those people and the Lord. Do not let them convince you that abstinence is a matter of righteousness. If a congregation thinks that they must celebrate The Feast of the Confession of St. Peter, pray that their observance is blessed. But do not consider for even a moment that every church must celebrate that day in order for its members to be reconciled to God. If your congregation has decided to read the Holy Gospel from the center of the sanctuary on the Lord’s Day, rejoice as you do so that Christ is in your midst. But do not imagine that justification depends upon all churches reading the Gospel in that manner. Rituals can be helpful to some but a millstone to others. If these externals are championed as essential acts in appeasing God, then the internal or spiritual gift of God is diminished among us. Grace is often lost through religion.

Prayer: Help me to pursue what makes for peace and for building up your people, Lord. Amen.

Adversity is all around us. There is no getting around it. Sometimes we cause our own adversity; other times bad things just happen to us. No matter what it is that we are going through, we are never alone. There is someone who is always by our side through thick and thin. In Bumps and Bruises: Make It Through Alive, we talk about the problem that we have and the solution to that problem: Jesus Christ. We will also discuss some tips on how to get through adversity, and the tools that God gives us. 

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Concerning the Church – part 26 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 20 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

• Index

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Revelation 1:1-3

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

But there is no need to cite many testimonies, since they are obvious throughout the Scriptures. We have referenced much of it in the latter articles of our Confession. In a while, we will need to repeat the point that must be decided in this controversy: whether human traditions are acts of worship that are necessary for righteousness before God. There we will discuss this matter more fully.

Pulling It Together

“It is written.” This was a favorite saying of the prophets, the evangelists, the apostles, and Jesus. Sometimes it is phrased as a question: “What is written?” They use this expression almost 100 times to point to the truth of what is stated in the Scriptures. Oh, that we would be content with what Scripture says, instead of going beyond what is written (1 Cor 4:6) by depending upon our traditions, old sayings, and pronouncements. These things swell the head but do nothing for the heart. We may even feel like we have won an argument but at the end of that disputation, the question remains. “What is written?” This is how we must decide all controversies. 

Prayer: Speak through your Scripture, Lord, for your servant listens. Amen.

A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Church – part 25 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 19 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

Index

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2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Paul means that the righteousness of the heart is a spiritual thing that quickens hearts. It is evident that human traditions do not quicken hearts. They are not effects of the Holy Spirit like love of one’s neighbor, chastity, and so forth. Nor are human traditions instruments through which God moves hearts to believe, as are the divinely given Word and Sacraments. Rather, these human practices do not pertain to the heart, and perish with the using. So we must not believe that they are necessary for righteousness before God. Paul speaks to the same effect, writing, “For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17).

Pulling It Together

External is not eternal. These outward things will never secure everlasting life. Furthermore, they will never give us peace. The heart must be changed by God for these things to be ours. Righteousness, peace, and the hope of salvation are all matters of the heart. Such spiritual things are effected by the Spirit of God and by his means, not by the things that we do or the disciplines and ceremonies that we keep. The hope of salvation is not aroused because one uses the correct Bible reading plan or worship style. The righteousness of the heart is not activated because of any human custom. God alone gives us grace, faith, peace, hope, and all good inner or spiritual things.

Prayer: Thank you, Holy Spirit, for being at work in me, in spite of me. Amen.

Check out Sola’s Confirmation workbook, The Apostle’s Creed, designed to be a small group Bible study, student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Church – part 24 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 18 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

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Colossians 2:16-23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Paul clearly teaches this to the Colossians: “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a sabbath. These are only a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ” (Col 2:16-17). Likewise, “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the universe, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations, ‘Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch’ (referring to things which all perish as they are used), according to human precepts and doctrines? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting rigor of devotion and self-abasement...” (Col 2:20-23).

Pulling It Together

How heartbreaking it would be to run in a race, and to run so swiftly that you won the race, only to find out that you had been disqualified because of a false start or a lane violation. Paul warns us to not let anyone disqualify us. This can happen when we comply with their insistence upon religious practices. We know that we should follow Jesus, not things, but we can be tricked all too easily. We can put our faith in having the right shoes, new running clothes, a different starting stance, another coach, some other track. Christians do not run with concern for such externals. Nor are we distracted by trying to be faster than those around us. We run the race (2 Tim 4:7) by keeping our eyes on Christ, “the finisher of our faith” (Heb 12:2, KJV). Even when it seems like we are running without style, speed, or applause, we press on toward the prize (Phil 3:14). Christ himself is our victory that comes through faith—not through particular human practices, devotions, or ceremonies. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of faith. Amen.

Winning, Losing, Loving: The Gospel in the Old Testament is an overview of Old Testament Scripture, tracing themes of chosenness, sin, and grace throughout the early books of the Bible. These cycles of sin and redemption point forward toward God's ultimate act of Redemption in Jesus Christ.

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Concerning the Church – part 23 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 17 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400

• Index

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Galatians 5:1-6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Now we are not discussing the question whether there is advantage to observe them for the sake of order or bodily profit. Another matter is being considered: whether the observances of human traditions are acts of worship necessary for righteousness before God. This is the point to be judged in this controversy, and when this is decided, it can then be judged whether the true unity of the Church depends upon human traditions being the same everywhere. If human traditions are not acts of worship necessary for righteousness before God, it also follows that people can be righteous and children of God if they do not have traditions that are in use elsewhere. For instance, if the style of German clothing is not worship of God necessary for righteousness before him, it follows that people can be righteous and children of God and the Church of Christ, even though they wear French clothing.

Pulling It Together

I have convictions about what service book I wish to use and what style and order of worship I prefer, and even which half-dozen translations of the Bible I favor. If I dare to make those things qualifications for your righteousness and salvation, please take me to task. When such matters—and there are a host of others—of indifference to justification are considered necessary for church unity, then true worship is harmed. Indeed, idolatry has set in when we venerate these human preferences and traditions. If we give way to these things as the new law in the church, then we have submitted ourselves again to slavery. We will have fallen from grace, having shown that we have no desire for God’s grace, but instead a slavish insistence on our preferences and traditions becoming the observances and ceremonies used by everyone.

Prayer: Help me to worship you, Almighty God, in spirit and in truth, for Christ’s sake. Amen.

All God’s Critters is a Sunday School series designed for young students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible and reproducible  lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children.

• Unit 1  • Unit 2  • Unit 3  • Unit 4

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Concerning the Church – part 22 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 16 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400

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John 20:24–26

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Just as the differences in length of day and night does not injure the unity of the Church, so we believe that the true unity of the Church is not injured by different rites instituted by men. However, it is pleasing to us that universal rites are observed for the sake of order. So, in our churches we willingly observe the order of the Mass, the Lord’s Day, and other more important feast days. We embrace the profitable and ancient ordinances with a very grateful mind, especially since they contain a discipline that is profitable for the instruction and training of people and those who are uneducated.

Pulling It Together

I once went to a church where you had to use two service books plus music and text from other service books printed in the bulletin in order to follow the service. I felt like a juggler. In my opinion, it did not promote good order. However, the true unity of the church was not damaged by their choice of liturgical sources. The Church is that gathering of saints where the Gospel is correctly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered. As I tried to determine which service book to use next, I was certain that the other worshipers shared my faith and desired the means of grace as much as I did. And there—right there—is the true church. There is the truest order and real peace, for there—in the midst of we who had gathered around his Word and Sacraments—Jesus came and stood among us. 

Prayer: Lord, do not just give me peace; be my peace. Amen.

The Sacraments is one of four books in the Sola Confirmation Series and serves as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Each book in the series may be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Church – part 21 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 15 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Mark 7:5-8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Our reasons for presenting this article were not trivial, for it is obvious that many foolish opinions concerning traditions had crept into the Church. Some thought that human traditions were necessary services for earning justification. Subsequently, they disputed how it came to pass that God was worshiped with such variety, as though these observances were actually acts of worship, rather than outward and political ordinances, pertaining in no respect to righteousness of the heart or the worship of God. These vary in one way or another, according to the circumstances, for certain probable reasons. Likewise some churches have excommunicated others because of traditions, such as the observance of Easter, icons, and the like. Therefore the unlearned have supposed that faith, or the righteousness of the heart before God, cannot exist without these observances. There are many foolish writings by the summists and others concerning this matter.

Pulling It Together

We are not big on excommunication these days. But we still do a pretty fair job of driving people out of our churches. A good deal of this happens because of the reason given in this seventh article of the Apology, or defense, of the Augsburg Confession. We shut out people because of our particular legalisms. “Do it our way or hit the highway” could be the mission statement of some churches. Those churches, usually unwittingly, have turned a previous pastor’s way of doing things into a tradition, which then became a rule. The Pharisees and the scribes expected Jesus’ disciples to follow their traditions and found fault with them for not doing so. So the question some of our pastors and church councils would do well to consider is, “Are we following our own traditions or are we following Jesus?”

Prayer: Help me to leave the traditions of people, Lord, and hold fast to you. Amen.

The Invitation Project is a congregational guide that describes how a parish can host an “invite-able” event, as part of a larger evangelism initiative, energizing God’s people for the mission of Christ. Using a practical step-by-step “how to” approach, provides guidance, organization, and ideas — not simply to promote a single program, but to develop and inspire the over-all outreach of the congregation. 

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Concerning the Church – part 20 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 14 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Ephesians 4:4-6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Our opponents also condemn the part of the seventh article where we said, “For there to be true unity in the Church, it is enough to agree on the doctrine of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments. It is not necessary that human traditions like rites or ceremonies, that are institutions of men, should be the same everywhere.” They distinguish here between universal and particular rites, approving our article if it is understood as particular rites, disapproving concerning if as universal rites.

We do not sufficiently understand what they mean. We are speaking of true, spiritual unity, without which faith nor righteousness of heart before God can exist. For this unity, we say that similarity of human rites, whether universal or particular, is not necessary. The righteousness of faith is not bound to certain traditions, as the righteousness of the law was bound to the Mosaic ceremonies, because this righteousness of the heart is a matter that quickens the heart. Human traditions, whether they be universal or particular, contribute nothing to this quickening. They are not formed by the Holy Spirit, as are chastity, patience, the fear of God, love of one’s neighbor, and the works of love.

Pulling It Together

Do you believe in God? Do you confess Christ as Lord? Do you believe his gospel? Do you acknowledge that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried? Do you confess that he descended into hell but that even death and hell could not hold him since he rose from the dead on the third day? Do you further believe that he ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, and will return to judge the living and the dead? Do you believe in the Holy Spirit and the fellowship of all God’s people, whom he has made righteous so that they may belong to his holy Church? Then you must also believe in the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and everlasting life.

If you believe these things, we agree that there is "one body"—no matter the particular manner of our ceremonies. These human traditions do not have to be the same for us to enjoy “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3).

Prayer: Help us to focus on you, Lord. Amen.

Learning the Apostles' Creed teaches the Apostles' Creed according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Fourth Grade Level.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Church – part 19 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 13 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Mark 16:15-16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

We have spoken with sufficient clearness about this matter in the Confession, where we condemn the Donatists and Wyclifites, who thought that men sinned when they received the Sacraments from the unworthy in the Church. That seemed to be sufficient at the time for our description of the Church. Neither do we see how it should be described otherwise than we have described it when the Church, properly termed, is called the body of Christ. For it is unmistakable that the wicked belong to the kingdom and body of the devil, who impels and holds them captive. These things are clearer than the light of noonday. However, if our adversaries continue to pervert them, we will not hesitate to reply at greater length.

Pulling It Together

The effectiveness of the sacraments depends upon Christ. Were you baptized in a stream or at a font, at the hands of a priest or a pastor, by a saint or a sinner? These things do not make a baptism valid. The quantity or flow of water does not make the difference. Nor does the moral character of the minister make the difference. Christ makes the difference. What matters is the promise of Christ that attends the water. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16).

The same is true of Holy Communion. The moral character of the person distributing the bread and wine is not what makes the elements Christ’s body and blood. This grace is afforded us by the word of Christ, not the moral fiber of the minister. “This is my body.” Did the minister say those words? No; Christ said them, as well as these: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” No matter who the minister belongs to, Christ or the devil, the sacraments belong to Christ, for it is his word that makes them effective means of grace in the Church.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your promises. Amen.

Learning About Baptism teaches the meaning of Holy Baptism according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the First Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons focus on Baptism as a promise from God, emphasizing the power of God's Word in the Sacrament to create faith and repentance in our daily life.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning the Church – part 18 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 12 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Galatians 4:13-14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Therefore we assert, according to the Scriptures, that the Church is the congregation of saints who truly believe the gospel of Christ, and have the Holy Spirit. Still, we confess that in this life, many hypocrites and wicked people are mingled with the saints. They have the fellowship of outward marks, are members of the Church according to the fellowship of these marks, and therefore bear offices in the Church. When the Sacraments are administered by the unworthy, it does not diminish their efficacy, since their call in the Church makes them representatives of Christ, not themselves. Christ testifies to this: “He who hears you hears me” (Luke 10:16). When they offer the Word of God and the Sacraments, they do so in the role and place of Christ. Christ’s words teach us to not be offended by the unworthiness of ministers.

Pulling It Together

Every pastor who presides over Holy Communion is a sinner. Some are worse sinners than others. Some do not even believe in Christ or the Word of God. Yet when we receive Holy Communion from their hands, we should not think of the sinner that stands before us. We should consider that person as the Galatians received Paul—as a messenger sent from God and more, as Jesus Christ. It is Christ who gives his body and blood for you. The pastor is just the messenger and agent of Christ. It is Christ’s words that make the bread and wine a sacrament. On the Lord’s Day, we hear, “Take and eat”; “Drink.” Is it the pastor speaking those words, or Christ? It makes a difference. 

Prayer: Speak, Lord, and your servant will listen. Amen.

Learning About Communion teaches the meaning of Holy Communion according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Fifth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons emphasize the sacramental promise of the forgiveness of sins conveyed to us in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. This booklet was designed to be used as a Sunday School unit, or for classes to prepare students for their First Communion.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning the Church – part 17 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 11 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 1:15-17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

If we defined the Church in this way, perhaps we would have fairer judges. Many extravagant and wicked writings exist concerning the power of the Pope of Rome, for which no one has ever been incriminated. We alone are blamed because we proclaim the goodness of Christ, that we obtain forgiveness of sins by faith in Christ instead of through ceremonies devised by the pope. Christ, the prophets, and the apostles define the Church much differently than a papal kingdom. Neither should we transfer to the popes what rightly belongs to the true Church, namely, that they are pillars of the truth, that they do not err. How many of them care for the gospel, or consider it worth reading? Many publicly ridicule all religions, or if they approve anything, they endorse only such things as are in harmony with human reason, regarding the rest as mythological, like the tragedies of the poets.

Pulling It Together

It is the duty of pastors to preach the gospel. It is each church’s obligation to make sure that they do. Yet, it is more than a duty; it is a joyful compulsion. What greater delight is there than to proclaim the mercy of God in Christ? Behold how culture has overtaken some pulpits. Civic and religious politics are the theme of many sermons. Now the law of the land is proclaimed as “truth,” instead of the law of God. Let us teach God’s law, and preach Christ crucified, that people are saved from sin and death through faith in Christ. Churches change, as do human hearts, when pastors delight in the pure proclamation of Christ. Yet, you may be certain of ridicule if you do so preach and teach. Paradoxically, your largest body of detractors may be others who call themselves a church. 

Prayer: Strengthen and embolden your Church, Lord. Amen.

The Creator has revealed to us the Trinitarian nature of the name of God in “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” This six-week study explores what it means to “not take the name of the LORD your God in vain,” while at the same time trusting the promise in Christ that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Church – part 16 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 10 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Acts 2:32-36

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Perhaps our adversaries require that the Church be defined as the supreme outward monarchy of the whole world, in which the Roman pontiff must have unquestioned power which no one is permitted to dispute or censure. He may frame articles of faith, abolish the Scriptures according to his pleasure, appoint rites of worship and sacrifices, decree such laws as he may wish, and dispense and exempt from whatever laws he may wish—divine, canonical, or civil. The emperor and all kings receive from him the power and right to hold their kingdoms, according to the command of Christ since the Father has subjected all things to him. It must be understood that this right has been transferred to the pope. Therefore the pope must be lord of the whole world, of all the kingdoms of the world, and of all things private and public. He must have absolute power in temporal and spiritual things—of both swords, the spiritual and temporal. Besides, this definition, not of the Church of Christ, but of the papal kingdom, has as its authors not only the canonists, but also Daniel (Dan 11:36-39).

Pulling It Together

The prophet Daniel presented the Antichrist along similar lines as this sarcastic paragraph from the Confessions. There is no ruler of rulers but Christ. The Lord has not transferred his power and authority to any other. He still sits at the right hand of the Father. He who emptied himself (Phil 2:7) is exalted above all others. The one who took the form of a servant, rules over all. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Rev 19:16). There is no other power in the political or religious realms that is so high and lifted up—though they may pretend to be as powerful. Jesus is still and will always be both Lord and Christ, as he has not yielded the authority that the Father has given to him alone.

Prayer: I bow to you, O Christ, for you alone are the Lord. Amen.

The Adventures of Martin Luther is a simple musical drama was written for youth to tell the story of Martin Luther's adventures, including his testimony before the Emperor at the Diet of Worms and what was happening in Wittenberg during Luther's exile at Wartburg Castle. Released by Sola Publishing as part of the celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, the drama serves as a fun and interesting way for young people to enter into the story of Martin Luther, acting out some key moments in his life. The script allows for many participants, using accessible language and easy-to-learn songs based on familiar hymn tunes. Costume and prop notes are included, to help those in charge of the production.

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Concerning the Church – part 15 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 09 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Matthew 10:16-18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Just as the Church has the promise that it will always have the Holy Spirit, it also has the warning that there will be ungodly teachers and wolves. However, a proper understanding of the Church is those who have the Holy Spirit. Though wolves and ungodly teachers may be widespread in the Church, they are not, properly speaking, the kingdom of Christ. Nicholas of Lyra testified to this, saying, “The Church does not consist of men with respect to power, or ecclesiastical or secular dignity, because many princes and archbishops and others of lower rank have been found to have apostatized from the faith. Therefore, the Church consists of those persons in whom there is a true knowledge and confession of faith and truth.” What have we said in our Confession that is different from what Lyra says here?

Pulling It Together

The world is not the only habitation of wolves. There are plenty of faithless clerics too. So beware! We should not expect everyone in a collar or alb to represent the kingdom of God. Every preacher in a pulpit does not necessarily proclaim the Word of God. Indeed, not every congregation is of the kingdom of Christ. So be wise in the Scripture, that you may discern who it is that confesses the truth. The Church is a people of truth—who trust in the revelation of Holy Scripture, and who confess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Help me testify the truth, Lord, by bearing witness to you. Amen.

St. John's Churches: A Parable of Faithful Discipleship is a twelve session story invites disciples to explore and discern God's will for mission and ministry. Written in parable form, this funny, engaging story follows the ministry of Pastor Jeff Mutton as he dreams the big dream of a creative, vital ministry to the community in which St. John's serves. Each session can be used as opening devotions for church council meetings, discipleship training sessions, or a visioning team. The humorous story encourages listeners to dream the big dream of God's plan for mission in their context. 

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Concerning the Church – part 14 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 08 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400

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John 6:28-29

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

The writings of the holy Fathers testify that sometimes they too built stubble upon the foundation, but that this did not overthrow their faith. Most of the errors that our adversaries defend however, do overthrow faith, such as their condemnation of the article in which we confess that the forgiveness of sins is received by faith. Similarly, it is a plain and pernicious error when the adversaries teach that people earn the forgiveness of sins by love for God, prior to grace. This too, removes Christ as the foundation. Likewise, why would there be need of faith if the sacraments justify ex opere operato, without a good disposition on the part of the one using them?

Pulling It Together

We must not replace Christ with works, offices, masses, or anything else. These things do not save; Christ alone saves and justifies. Yet he does not do this without faith, as faith alone receives God’s gracious gift. The forgiveness of sins is received through faith in Christ. God’s grace is received through faith even in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Grace is not received because we have mindlessly marched to the altar and taken bread and wine. We receive his body and blood through faith, remembering what he has done for us, and thus, partake in his grace. Faith in Christ is required in everything pertaining to salvation (2 Tim 3:15; Rom 3:25). The person who does not consider faith to be necessary has lost Christ, replacing him with trust in human deeds. The only work that matters is to believe in Christ Jesus, which is itself a gift from God. 

Prayer: I believe, Lord; help my unbelief. Amen.

The kind of church we see in the New Testament is different from what most modern people imagine when they think of “going to church.” Experiencing Life Together is a 15-week house-church curriculum is designed for pastors, lay leaders and churches interested in getting a taste for what church in the home is really like. Whether referred to as a house-church, organic church, alternative church or cell church, this material applies well to any group that wants to experience Christian worship in the context of a small group meeting within the homes of the participants.

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Concerning the Church – part 13 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 07 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Ephesians 2:19-21

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

We are not dreaming of a Platonic state, as some maliciously assert, but we teach that this Church does exist, comprised of truly believing and righteous people scattered throughout the whole world. And we add the marks: the pure doctrine of the gospel and the sacraments. This Church is properly the pillar of the truth (1 Tim 3:15) because it retains the pure gospel and what Paul calls the “foundation” (1 Cor 3:11), the true knowledge of Christ and faith. There are obviously many weak persons in the Church who build upon the foundation with stubble that will perish, that is, with useless opinions. Nevertheless, because they do not overthrow the foundation, they are both forgiven and also corrected. 

Pulling It Together

You will find the Church wherever two or more are gathered in the name of Jesus (Matt 18:20), that is with faith in him, teaching the gospel, and administering the sacraments. Christ is the cornerstone of the Church, and the teachings of the prophets and the apostles are its foundation (Eph 2:20). The sign in front of the building is not proof, nor are its articles of incorporation. The Holy Scriptures are its charter and constitution. Faithful people are its structure. This holy temple, the Church, is the work of God’s Spirit. Therefore, the Church is primarily spiritual and theological, not physical, organizational, or historical. It is a living temple and all people with faith in Christ are its living stones (1 Pet 2:5).

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for making me a member of your household, through your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Introduce young students to the Church through this five-week series titled Welcome to Church. There are no student books necessary; all print resources needed to prepare and run a class session are included and are copy-ready. Each lesson includes background information for the teacher on the session theme and Bible lesson, as well as a step-by-step class session plan, ideas for welcome, prayers, Bible rhymes, activities and projects, as well as reproducible coloring pages and worksheets. The price of the book includes permission to reproduce pages for local use.

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Concerning the Church – part 12 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 06 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Matthew 13:47-50

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church – part 12

The parables of Christ clearly agree. “The good seed means the sons of the kingdom; the weeds are the sons of the evil one” (Matt 13:38). The field, he says, is the world, not the Church. Thus John speaks concerning the whole race of the Jews, and says that it will come to pass that the true Church will be separated from that people. Therefore, this passage is more against the adversaries than in their favor as it shows that the true and spiritual people will be separated from the physical people. Christ also speaks of the outward appearance of the Church when he says, “the kingdom of heaven is like a net” (Matt 13:47) or like “ten maidens” (Matt 25:1). He teaches that the Church has been obscured by a multitude of evils, so that this stumbling-block will not offend the faithful, and so that they may know that the Word and Sacraments are efficacious even when administered by ungodly people. Though these godless people have the fellowship of outward signs, he teaches that they are nevertheless not the true kingdom of Christ or members of Christ, since they are members of the kingdom of the devil.

Pulling It Together: Many kinds of people are drawn to the Church, but not all are members of the Church. Some have an outward appearance of belonging, yet that does not make them true members of the spiritual kingdom of Christ. They may hold office, being on a committee or even being a pastor or a bishop. Still, these offices do not determine who is of the true kingdom.

It is easy to become discouraged by such people, and to even wonder if their ministry achieves a good and holy outcome. We should remember a few things when we are receiving Word and Sacrament from such unholy ministers. First, Jesus and his apostles warned us that there would be weeds mixed within the wheat until the harvest (Matt 13:24-30). Second, God is able to speak through simpletons and open the mouths of asses (Num 22:28). Third, it is not the holiness of the person that makes a Sacrament effective; it is God’s word and promise that brings about the desired result. 

Prayer: Help me, Lord Jesus, to be faithful even if there are faithless people in your Church. Amen.

The Sacraments is one of four books in the Sola Confirmation Series and serves as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Each book in the series may be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Church – part 11 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 05 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400

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John 18:33-37

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

But why is there need for more words about a matter that is quite clear? If the Church, which is truly the kingdom of Christ, is distinguished from the kingdom of the devil, it follows necessarily that the wicked are not the Church since they are in the kingdom of the devil. Yet they are mingled with the Church, and hold offices in the Church in this life because the kingdom of Christ has not yet been revealed. Just because the revelation has not yet arrived does not make the wicked the kingdom of Christ. For that which he quickens by his Spirit is always the kingdom, whether it is revealed or is hidden beneath the cross, just as Christ is the same Christ now that he has been glorified as when he was afflicted.

Pulling It Together

Jesus was clear on this matter when he was brought before Pilate. His kingdom is not of this world. It is not temporal but instead, spiritual. So we should expect that while his spiritual kingdom also exists physically and organizationally on this side of eternity, that there will be people associated with the Church who hold office in it, who even do good in the name of Christ (Matt 7:21-23), yet who are not members of the true Church. The real Church, the spiritual kingdom of Christ, is comprised of those who listen to the voice of Christ, and thus, believe in him. These are the people of faith, who do not rely upon great works of devotion and service. Instead, they trust in Christ alone for their citizenship in his kingdom. 

Prayer: Lord, do not allow my service for the Church to get in the way of my faith in you. Amen.

Some of the best-known instances of Jesus' teaching come in what we know as his parables. Through these teaching-stories, Jesus describes the experience of faith in the kingdom of God. The Wise & The Foolish is a Bible study that focuses entirely on Jesus' "people parables"—or what might better be described as Discipleship Parables. These are the character stories that focus on the nature of discipleship and what it means to be a wise and faithful follower of Jesus.

This nine-session Bible study is intended for use by women's and men's groups, or for other small group fellowships gathering around the Word of God.

Click HERE to see the table of contents and a sample session of this study.

To view the Leader Guide click HERE.

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Concerning the Church – part 10 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 04 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400

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1 John 3:2-7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

According to the gospel, therefore, only those who receive this promise of the Spirit are the people. Besides, the Church is the kingdom of Christ, distinguished from the kingdom of the devil. Furthermore, it is certain that the wicked are in the power of the devil, and members of the kingdom of the devil, as Paul teaches, when he says that the devil “is now at work in the sons of disobedience” (Eph 2:2). The Pharisees certainly had outward fellowship with the Church, that is with the saints among the people of the law, since they held office, sacrificed, and taught. Christ says to them, “You are of your father the devil” (John 8:44). Therefore, the Church, which is truly the kingdom of Christ is, properly speaking, the congregation of the saints. The wicked are ruled by the devil, and are his captives; they are not ruled by the Spirit of Christ.

Pulling It Together

As worshipers come forward for Holy Communion, many pause at the baptismal font, place their fingers in the water, and make the sign of the cross on their forehead. They are physically remembering that they are baptized into Christ. In their journey to the altar to receive God’s grace, they remind themselves that, though they are sinners in need of forgiveness, they are also the saints of God in Christ. They are sorry for their sins, and desire to receive both pardon and the power of righteousness. They are making a clean break from sin, trusting in Christ for a reconciled God. These people do not make a practice of sin, yet admit that they are still sinners who need God’s grace. There is more to righteousness than doing holy things. True righteousness is absolute dependence upon Christ alone for holiness through justification to God. This is the holy catholic Church: those who hope in Christ for the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Prayer: Take away my sin, Lord, and fortify my faith in you. Amen.

Interactive PDF Certificates for Baptism, Rite of Confirmation, and First Communion. You get all three for one price. Simply download the files, choose the certificate you want to use, type in the name, date, and church information, then print on your color printer. Save files to your desktop and re-use over and over again. 

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Concerning the Church – part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 03 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Galatians 3:24-29

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Likewise, what difference will there be between the people of the law and the Church if the Church is an outward organization? Paul distinguishes the Church from the people of the law in that the Church is a spiritual people. It has not been distinguished from the heathen by civil rites, but that it is the true people of God, regenerated by the Holy Spirit. The people of the law, born of the flesh, had promises concerning physical things, government, etc, in addition to the promise of Christ. Because of these promises, even the wicked among them were called the people of God, because God had separated their offspring from other nations by certain outward ordinances and promises. Nevertheless, these wicked people did not please God. But the Gospel does not bring a mere shadow of eternal things; it brings the eternal things themselves: the Holy Spirit and righteousness, by which we are righteous before God.

Pulling It Together

All those who by nature were born Jews, or Abraham’s seed, were given the law so that they might be an example to the nations of how God would have people live. Sinners were to be restrained by the law through civil discipline, penalties, teachings, and ceremonies. So it is plain to see that the law was a moral guardian and instructor, used by God until the Messiah came. Christ came so that people would be justified by faith in him, not through law keeping. All nations may be children of God through faith, so there is no longer a difference between Jews and other people. Indeed, all believers are spiritual Jews. Since Christ’s kingdom is a spiritual kingdom, if people are Christ’s, they are Abraham’s offspring. As such, every true Christian is a partaker of eternal blessings, even while here on earth. They enjoy eternal peace, eternal life, and the Holy Spirit because they have received a righteousness from God that is now their guardian until being completely saved in the world to come.

Prayer: Help me remember, Holy Spirit, that I am baptized into Christ. Amen.

Your support of Sola Publishing enables Sola to benefit future generations of Lutherans by continuing to produce resources that reflect the integrity of the Scriptures as the Word of God, from the perspective of the historical Lutheran Confessions.

Click the "Donate" button above to make a secure, one-time or recurring donation. Or mail checks made out to "Sola Publishing" to:

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Concerning the Church – part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 02 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 12:4-11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Jerome says, “The sinner, therefore, who has been soiled with any blotch cannot be called a member of the Church of Christ, neither can he be said to be subject to Christ.” Although hypocrites and wicked people are members of this true Church according to outward religious ceremony, it is necessary to define the Church according that which is the living body of Christ, that which is in name and in fact the Church. And for this there are many reasons.

It is necessary to understand the main thing that makes us members, that is, living members of the Church. If we define the Church as only an outward organization of both the godly and wicked, people will not understand that the kingdom of Christ is righteousness of heart and the gift of the Holy Spirit. They will suppose that it is only the outward observance of certain forms of worship and ceremonies.

Pulling It Together

The Body of Christ is not an organization that merely goes through the motions of ceremonies. The Church has gifts in the heart, namely, the Holy Spirit and faith. The kingdom of Christ is not only physical and organizational, it is chiefly spiritual. Therefore Christ rules inwardly, strengthening and comforting hearts, and imparting the Holy Spirit and various spiritual gifts. These gifts are given for the common good of the fellowship of the Church. All true members of this blessed communion of saints are ministers and priests (1 Pet 2:9). So God has given each of them gifts of the Spirit, to each member according to God’s will, so that the whole Body of Christ serves and is being served. Members of the kingdom of Christ do not go through the motions; they serve with the entire variety of gifts as God empowers them.

Prayer: Invest in me of your Spirit, Lord, so that I might serve you in your Church. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes a hundreds of selections of music for use in worship, drawing primarily upon texts and music in the public domain, along with biblical texts set to familiar tunes. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning the Church – part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 01 Oct 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Proverbs 12:5-7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church

It says “the Church catholic” so that we will not understand the Church to be an outward government of certain nations, but rather, people scattered throughout the whole world who agree concerning the gospel, and have the same Christ, the same Holy Spirit, and the same Sacraments, whether or not they have the same human traditions. The gloss in the Decrees says, “The Church in its wide sense includes both the godly and the wicked, yet the wicked are in the Church only in name, not in fact. But the godly are in the Church both in fact and in name.” The Fathers write to this effect in many passages.

Pulling It Together

The “house of the righteous,” the Church, is infiltrated by the wicked. Sometimes, they seem petty, though they are aggravating and ungodly. They bring their counsel, imagining that they are dropping pearls of wisdom on the Council table. Their intentions may be fine, but their counsel is far from the Word of God. Others hope to ensnare the righteous in evil schemes. Everyone involved in their congregation has known such people. We wonder why they really come to church. God’s will is that such people may be among us for the time being so that it will become plain who demonstrates genuine faith (1 Cor 11:19). The time is coming, however, when the ungodly will no longer stand with the faithful. Only the house of the righteous will stand before God on that glorious Day.

Prayer: Purify my thoughts, Lord, and cleanse my deeds with your righteousness. Amen.

Your support of Sola Publishing enables Sola to benefit future generations of Lutherans by continuing to produce resources that reflect the integrity of the Scriptures as the Word of God, from the perspective of the historical Lutheran Confessions.

Click the "Donate" button above to make a secure, one-time or recurring donation. Or mail checks made out to "Sola Publishing" to:

Sola Publishing
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Questions? Please call toll free: 888-887-9840.

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Concerning the Church – part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 30 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Ephesians 5:25–27

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church – part 6

This article has been presented for a necessary reason. We see the infinite dangers which threaten the destruction of the Church. Within herself is an infinite multitude of the wicked who oppress the Church. Therefore, in order that we may not despair, the Creed provides us with certain consolations in this article. The Church will remain, however great the multitude of the wicked may be. And Christ will continue to supply those gifts that he has promised to the Church: forgiveness of sins, answer to prayer, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Pulling It Together

The article of the catholic or universal Church is comforting and necessary. When we perceive the threat to the Church—a threat that exists both from within and without—we can be led to despair of her continued existence. Yet we confess that Christ has established his Church and will present her in glorious splendor on that Day. In the meanwhile, the Church will continue to enjoy the other promises that we confess and hope for in the Creed: the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and everlasting life. 

Prayer: Though all the world should threaten your Church, Lord, I trust in your promises. Amen.

Luther's Small Cat Discovers: The Seasons of the Church Year is written for 4th grade level students. This book takes students through the church year, accompanied by Luther’s Small Cat — a character who is just as inquisitive and precocious as the students. May your journey through the church year bring you closer to Christ, who walks through each moment of life alongside you.

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Concerning the Church – part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 29 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Philippians 2:12-16a

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

The Church is also defined by the article in the Creed that teaches us to believe that there is “one holy catholic Church.” The wicked indeed are not a holy Church. “The communion of saints” that follows, seems to be added in order to explain what “church” signifies, namely, the congregation of saints who share the fellowship of the same gospel or doctrine, and of the same Holy Spirit who renews, sanctifies, and governs their hearts.

Pulling It Together: We believe in the Church. This is the congregation of those who believe in Christ. They are spread throughout the ages—past, present, and future. As such, the Church is also here now. It is that fellowship of souls whom God’s Spirit is regenerating and sanctifying. There are wolves among the flock of Christ (Matt 7:15, 10:16) but they are not in the flock. They are not sheep but are only masquerading among the sheep. They are not the people of God’s pasture (Psa 95:7) because they do not believe. The true Church holds fast to the word of life, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and as such, is being led by the Holy Spirit through this present wilderness of sin and death, always back to faith and life in Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Bring me always, Holy Spirit, back to faith in Christ. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Resource is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, worship planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning the Church – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 28 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Titus 3:4-7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

So we wonder why they have found fault with our description that speaks of living members. We have said nothing new. Paul has defined the Church in precisely the same way, saying that it should be cleansed in order to be holy. He adds the outward marks of the Word and Sacraments, saying, “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Eph 5:25-27). We stated this in our Confession with almost the same wording.

Pulling It Together

The true Church consists of the righteous who enjoy Christ’s fellowship through faith and the Holy Spirit. So we must be careful to confess that sinful people, such as ourselves, become righteous and holy only through the grace of God. They do not become righteous by their own works but instead, are cleansed by the promise of God’s Word in Holy Baptism. The Holy Spirit regenerates and renews them, so that they are fit for the kingdom. Members of the Body of Christ are justified to God and sanctified by the gracious agency of God, not by their religious deeds and moral character. Being justified by his grace, the Church enjoys the hope of eternal life promised in the gospel to those who believe.

Prayer: Wash me, Lord, and I shall be whiter than snow. Amen.

Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Concerning the Church – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 27 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Ephesians 1:15-23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

For Paul also predicts that Antichrist will sit in the temple of God, that he will rule and bear office in the Church (2 Thess 2:4). But the Church is not only the fellowship of outward objects and rites, like other governments. It is chiefly a fellowship of faith and of the Holy Spirit in people’s hearts. Nevertheless, this fellowship has outward marks so that it can be recognized, namely, the pure doctrine of the gospel, and the administration of the Sacraments in accordance with the Gospel of Christ. This Church alone is called the Body of Christ, which Christ renews, sanctifies, and governs by his Spirit, as Paul testifies, saying, “He has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all” (Eph 1:22-23). Hence, those in whom Christ does not act are not members of Christ. Our adversaries also acknowledge that the wicked are dead members of the Church.

Pulling It Together

We deplore the condition of some church bodies, that they have abandoned the Word of God for culturally correct beliefs. Yet, we should not complain overly much since we know that God is sovereign. We should expect apostasy of all kinds, for these things are but the foreshadowing of a larger evil, when the one who rules the Church will be the very embodiment of evil. While we should even be able to predict these outward defections of faith, we ought to also give thanks to God that he is always refining and sanctifying the true Church, the Church of his Spirit. These members of the Body of Christ have enlightened eyes of the heart (Eph 1:18), are growing in faith and love (2 Thess 1:3), and enjoy certain hope in a rich and glorious inheritance among the saints. Indeed, this hope of glory (Col 1:27) is already realized as Christ within and among us through faith—the truest measure of the members of Christ. 

Prayer: Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Amen.

The Basics of the Christian Faith is an edition of the catechism that is aimed at seekers, visitors, and those that may not come from a Lutheran background. It is recommended for use in outreach, as a visitor welcome gift, or in new member packets.

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Concerning the Church – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 26 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 26:26-28

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

The saying is surely true that there is no remedy against the attacks of a slanderer. Nothing can be spoken with such care that it can escape criticism. For this reason we have added the eighth article, lest any one imagine that we separate the wicked and hypocrites from the outward fellowship of the Church, or that we deny efficacy to Sacraments administered by hypocrites or wicked men. So there is no need here of a long defense against this slander. The eighth article is sufficient to acquit us. We grant that in this life hypocrites and wicked men have been mingled with the Church, that they are members of the Church according to the outward signs of the Church’s fellowship, namely, Word, confession, and Sacraments. This is especially so if they have not been excommunicated. Neither are the Sacraments without efficacy if they are administered by wicked men. We may also rightly use Sacraments administered by wicked men.

Pulling It Together

In this life, the Church is a place where people of all kinds assemble. There will be those who believe and even those who come for other reasons. Some people attend church because they were raised to do so. They give no thought to faith; it is simply the right thing to do. There are people in churches who do not believe in Christ but use the church as a means of advancing their own agendas. Of course, such people are not the one, true Church which is composed of those who believe in Christ.

There are even pastors in the Church who do not believe. This is difficult to conceive of, but nonetheless true. They administer the Sacraments, bringing guilt upon themselves. Nevertheless, this does not diminish the effectiveness of the Sacraments in any way since these wicked pastors are not the ones who make the Sacraments valid. Baptism and Communion are efficacious because of the Word of God. It is God’s promise that makes the Sacraments effective, not the one dispensing those Sacraments. These words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,” together with the eating and drinking, are the chief thing in the Sacrament. Those who believe Christ’s words have what they say and declare, namely, the forgiveness of sins.

Prayer: Forgive me of my own faithlessness, Lord, and strengthen me to believe your words of promise. Amen.

The Sacraments is one of four books in the Sola Confirmation Series and serves as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Each book in the series may be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning the Church – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 25 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 22:9–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

The seventh article of our Confession, in which we stated that the Church is the congregation of saints, has been condemned by the authors of the Confutation. They have added a long essay, that the wicked are not to be separated from the Church since John compared the Church to a threshing-floor on which wheat and chaff are heaped together (Matt 3:12), and Christ compared it to a net in which there are both good and bad fishes (Matt 13:47).

Pulling It Together

It is true that different kinds of people attend services of the Church. Nearly 40 years ago, a half dozen people from a local cult attended my church, trying to get people to follow their false god. Were those people members of the Body of Christ simply because they were in the assembly that day? Sensible people readily see that this is not the case. The Body of our Lord is comprised of those who have received the grace of Christ, the forgiveness of sins, reconciliation to God, and everlasting life. While many gather together like so much wheat and chaff on the threshing floor, God’s sifting fork is in his hand (Matt 3:12). He will separate the righteous from the unrighteous and gather the true Church to himself in eternity.

May many, both wheat and chaff, assemble this Lord’s Day so that they might hear the gospel and believe. Let them take to heart two truths. God is ready to regenerate chaff, changing us into wheat through the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire (Matt 3:11). Yet, God is also judge and will one day clear the church of chaff, “burning it with unquenchable fire” (Matt 3:12). “Many are called but few are chosen” (Matt 22:14).

Prayer: Separate the chaff from my life, Lord, through the fire of your Spirit. Amen.

St. John's Churches: A Parable of Faithful Discipleship is a twelve session story invites disciples to explore and discern God's will for mission and ministry. Written in parable form, this funny, engaging story follows the ministry of Pastor Jeff Mutton as he dreams the big dream of a creative, vital ministry to the community in which St. John's serves. Each session can be used as opening devotions for church council meetings, discipleship training sessions, or a visioning team. The humorous story encourages listeners to dream the big dream of God's plan for mission in their context. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 15 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 24 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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1 Timothy 1:15-19a

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Augustine says, “The question is, where is the Church? What, therefore, are we to do? Are we to seek it in our own words or in the words of its Head, our Lord Jesus Christ? I think that we ought to seek it in the words of him who is Truth, and who knows his own Body best.” Therefore the judgments of our adversaries will not disturb us since they defend human opinions contrary to the gospel, contrary to the authority of the holy Fathers, who have written in the Church, and contrary to the testimonies of godly minds.

Pulling It Together: Jesus did not come into the world to teach sinners how to save themselves. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” We call him Savior, for he alone is the one who saves sinners. That is the truth, for he is the Truth (John 14:6). There will always be those who say we must do this or that in order to be reconciled to God and saved to life eternal. But there is only one who has the words of eternal life (John 6:68). Let us turn to him for the truth, for he is the Way to eternal life. Christ Jesus is the only God, the King of the Ages. He is the Life; to whom could we go but to him? Hold fast with faith, believing in Christ alone for eternal life.

Prayer: Unto you alone, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. Amen.

How to be a Disciple is a six-part series of dramas featuring the first twelve disciples, each exploring a piece of the discipleship puzzle. The disciples are placed in a light-hearted contemporary setting, helping listeners to get a sense for the down-to-earth interplay between personalities. The progression of the series is meant to provide the larger picture of what discipleship means. (Two to five characters per drama.)

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 15 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 23 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for jigsaw puzzle.

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From the Word: 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness of me. 26 But you do not believe because you are not of my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life; and they shall never die; and no one shall snatch them from my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them from the Father’s hand.” (John 10:25-28)

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

One may ascertain from their spirit an unheard of cruelty, which up until now they have plainly expressed toward faithful people. We have heard in this assembly when opinions concerning our Confession were expressed, that a reverend father said in the imperial senate that no plan seemed better to him than to make a reply written in blood to the Confession which we had presented written in ink. Could Phalaris say anything more cruel? Some princes have also regarded this expression as unworthy to be spoken in such a meeting. So, although the adversaries claim for themselves the name of the Church, we know that the Church of Christ is with those who teach the Gospel of Christ. It is not with those who defend wicked opinions that are contrary to the Gospel. The Lord says, “My sheep hear my voice” (John 10:27).

Pulling It Together: There is nothing more cruel than to claim that faith does not save. Declaring that a Christian’s deeds are required for justification and salvation both denies Christ and leaves the believer in despair. So let us proclaim Christ, since there is nothing to be done about this bondage to sin than to be led out of Egypt. We are not called to stay in the house of slavery, working harder to free ourselves. We distance ourselves from the taskmaster and learn the ways of the Lord in the wilderness. Faith follows the voice of the Good Shepherd into the wild where it too is proved like the Lord was tested. Jesus was tempted to trust in false promises and works but he prevailed each time with the claim of faith: “It is written” (Matt 4:1-11). We too must hear his voice in the Word, trusting his promise instead of our works. 

Prayer: Lord, increase my faith in you alone. Amen.

Developed and used by Pastor Fred Baltz in his church in Galena, Illinois, The Invitation Project is a congregational resource book describing how a parish can host an “invite-able” event. Using a practical, step-by-step “how to” approach, this book provides guidance, organization, and ideas, not simply to promote a single program of outreach, but to develop and inspire the overall outreach efforts of the congregation. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 158 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 22 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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John 20:19-23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Now in this assembly, the authors of the Confutation have condemned with clear words the confession that faith is a part of repentance, by which we obtain forgiveness of sins, overcome the terrors of sin, and the conscience knows peace. Who does not see that this article—that by faith we obtain the forgiveness of sins—is most true, certain, and necessary for all Christians? Who in future generations, hearing that such a doctrine has been condemned, would guess that the authors of the condemnation had any knowledge of Christ?

Pulling It Together

The disciples were in hiding, very likely imagining that they were next, that the authorities would come for them too. They had crucified the Lord; what would they do to his followers? There would have been nothing the disciples could have done to alleviate their anxiety. The best they could do was be together, hiding behind locked doors. This is when Jesus comes to those of faith. He gathers with us in the midst of our fears, and speaks words of promise. “Peace be with you.” Faith believes his word and is revived.

Prayer: Breathe on me, O Breath of God, that I may do your will. Amen.

A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is an advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

Part 1 Leader's Guide  •  Part 2 Participant Book  •  Part 2 Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 157 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 21 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Matthew 16:15-19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

May faithful minds not be troubled by all those who condemn our teaching. Our opponents’ spirit can be easily judged since in some doctrines they have condemned truth that is so clear and plain that their godlessness openly appears. The bull of Leo X condemned a very necessary teaching, which all Christians should hold and believe, namely, that we ought to trust that we have been absolved because of Christ’s word, not because of our contrition. “Whatever you bind on earth” etc. (Matt 16:19).

Pulling It Together: Who do you say that Jesus is? If your confession is that he is “the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” you are blessed. God has revealed to you truth so deep that all of human reason cannot plumb. The mind alone cannot fathom that God forgives our sins for the sake of Christ alone. Surely, it is thought, there must be something we must do. This is the seed of religion and heresy, for faith knows that we can do nothing. We confess that Christ has done it all, that we are saved by his one work on the cross, not by our deeds. This is how one Christian is able to absolve another—not by the accumulation of religious works, but simply and clearly through confident faith in the finished work of Christ.

Prayer: I confess, Lord Jesus, that you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Amen.

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power.” (1 Cor 6:14)

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 156 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 20 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Galatians 4:9-11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Moreover, Scripture has predicted that the righteousness of faith would be obscured in this way by human traditions and the doctrine of works. Therefore, Paul often complains (Gal 4:9; 5:7; Col 2:8, 16-17; 1 Tim 4:2-3) that even at that time there were those who, instead of the righteousness of faith, taught that men were reconciled to God and justified by their own works and own acts of worship, and not by faith for Christ’s sake. By nature, people think that God ought to be appeased by works.

Reason only sees a righteousness of the law, understanding it in a civic sense. Accordingly, there have always existed in the world some who have only taught this carnal righteousness, to the exclusion of the righteousness of faith. Such teachers will always exist. The same happened among the people of Israel. The greater part of the people thought that they merited remission of sins by their works, accumulating sacrifices and acts of worship. The prophets, contrary to and in condemnation of this opinion, taught the righteousness of faith. The occurrences among the people of Israel are illustrations of those things which would occur in the Church.

Pulling It Together: It is human nature to imagine that we can buy our way out of problems. The person caught speeding, therefore, pays the court to keep the offense off the books so that insurance rates will not increase. So, when we sin, we naturally think that we can cover our offenses with good works and sacrifices. There is only one sacrifice that satisfies the Father. Our task, if we may call it a task, is to trust Christ, who is our sacrifice (Heb 10:10). There is nothing we can do; there is no buying out the judge. We are guilty. Yet if we know God, indeed, if we have been known by God, we need not go back to the old ways of paying for our sins. For Christ has paid the price for our sin (1 Cor 6:20)—once and for all (1 Pet 3:18).

Prayer: Knowing you, O Word of Truth, help me to trust in your forgiveness of sin. Amen.

Not My Will, But Yours is a six-week study that explores the topic of the “free will” from a biblical perspective, looking at what Scripture has to say about the bondage of the human will, and how Jesus Christ has come to deliver us from ourselves.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 155 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 19 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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2 Timothy 2:8–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The Scriptures, the holy Fathers, and the judgments of all the godly everywhere reply. Though popes, or some theologians, and monks in the Church have taught us to seek remission of sins, grace, and righteousness through our own works, and to invent new forms of worship which have obscured the office of Christ, and have made out of Christ not a propitiator and justifier, but only a legislator, nevertheless the knowledge of Christ has always remained with some faithful people.

Pulling It Together: Let us continue to keep Christ at the center of all things. The promised Messiah, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin from the lineage of kings, suffered, was crucified and buried for our sins. That is the condition in which we would remain if Christ stayed in the tomb. Because he rose from the dead, we who are baptized into his death (Rom 6:3) will also rise with him to new life. The Scripture and even the creeds profess the work of Christ as central to salvation, and make no mention of our own works saving us. He is our justification and salvation (Rom 4:25). Though we fail him and continue to sin—for as long as we are in this mortal flesh, sin will continue—he remains faithful. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). So let us keep good works out of the matter of justification and salvation, keeping our faith in Christ alone.

Prayer: Help me to keep faith in you, faithful God, until the last day. Amen.

The Cross and the Crown is an eight session study in Lutheran Basics, using the word "sola" to get the big picture right: that salvation is all God's doing.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 154 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 18 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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1 John 4:7-10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Their influence should not seem so great that it would be unlawful to differ with their arguments when many obvious errors found among them, such as being able to love God above all things by purely natural powers. Although it is clearly false, this teaching has produced many other errors.

Pulling It Together: The ability to love God is not something that we are born with or that we can develop on our own with this fallen nature of ours. In order to love God, one must first be born again. Everyone who believes in Christ Jesus is reborn by the will of God. Then they are empowered to love God and neighbor, since whoever truly loves has first been born of God and knows God. Love does not spring from the human heart but from the heart of God, since he is love. Real love has nothing to do with our loving God, and everything to do with God having loved us so much that he sent his Son to be the atonement for our sins. This power to love is received by faith, “for love is from God.”

Prayer: Thank you, God, for loving me so that I could know the joy of loving you. Amen.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 153 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 17 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Mark 7:6-8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We should not expect that the Roman Church agrees with everything that the pope, or cardinals, or bishops, or some of the theologians, or monks approve. For it is clear that to most of the pontiffs, their own authority is of greater concern than the Gospel of Christ. It widely known that most of them are openly Epicureans. It is also unmistakable that the theologians have mingled more of philosophy with Christian doctrine than was sufficient.

Pulling It Together: Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because they valued their own traditions more than God’s commandments. We must be careful to evaluate those things that we believe and do, whether we are following our own opinions or the Word of God. A classic example of this is when we hear people (or ourselves) say things like, “I don’t know what they Bible says but what I think is...” Another dangerous instance is when we interpret Scripture through the lens of philosophy or culture. The gospel is always primary, as Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Christ himself is the lens of interpretation and practice.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me hear and obey, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

By What Authority is a book that confronts churches who no longer believe their own message. It is about the end of traditional Christianity as practiced in modern times—not a futuristic end, but an end already accomplished, or partially accomplished, in a majority of countries, cities, and churches. Strange as it seems, many Christians haven't noticed. But others were so concerned they've gathered in these pages the wisdom of alert pastors, theologians, laity, young seminarians, and evangelicals. They all have a story to tell you in their own voices. and it's a story so urgent and timely it opens your eyes in ways few might imagine. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 152 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 16 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Ephesians 3:8-12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We have shown the sources in this case, so far as can be done here, and have explained the objections of our opponents. Good people will easily judge these things, if they will remember, as often as a passage concerning love or works is cited, that the law cannot be observed without Christ and that we cannot be justified by the law, but through the gospel, the promise of the grace promised in Christ. We hope, however brief this discussion has been, that it will be profitable to good people for strengthening faith, teaching, and comforting consciences. For we know that what we have said is in harmony with the prophetic and apostolic Scriptures, with the holy Fathers, Ambrose, Augustine, and very many others, and with the whole Church of Christ, which certainly confesses that Christ is propitiator and justifier.

Pulling It Together: It is easy for us to confuse the plain sense of things. Sometimes we need someone to come in to our midst and cut to the chase. What is the point that underlies everything we do? What is the central thought that lies behind all of our thinking? The Apostle Paul was chosen by God for this very task. So Paul did not proclaim the traditions of religion. Instead, he taught the “unsearchable riches of Christ,” who is the source of all true doctrine. These are matters which we cannot come to by our own reasoning. A revelation from God is required. Therefore, God chose someone steeped in the old ways to declare the plain and central truth of the gospel.

Paul asserts that the plain, central thought is always Christ alone. He must be at the core and forefront of our thinking too. For when we understand who Christ is, that he is our mediator before the Father, our justification and salvation, we then begin to comprehend with the holy Catholic Church that we cannot be these things. If we do not have faith in Christ alone, there is no communion of saints, no forgiveness of sins, no resurrection of the body, and no life everlasting. When we have faith in him, instead of faith in ourselves and our traditions, then the riches of Christ are ours. It is only for Christ’s sake that the Father lavishes his love and grace on us (1 John 3:1; Eph 1:7-8). That is the plain sense of the gospel. 

Prayer: I thank you, Father, for your love and grace that is poured out to me in Christ Jesus. Amen.

The English Standard Version Pew Bible containing the Old and New Testament is an affordable durable Bible, designed for regular church use. Hardcover black with black print.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 151 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 15 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Ephesians 6:13-17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The knowledge of this faith is necessary to Christians, for it brings the most abundant consolation in all afflictions, and displays to us the work of Christ. Those who deny that people are justified by faith, deny that Christ is mediator and propitiator, and repudiate the promise of grace and the gospel. They teach a doctrine of justification that is inferred either from reason or the law.

Pulling It Together: Whenever your conscience assails you, take up the shield of faith. When you doubt your salvation, take up that shield. Every time the law accuses you of wrongdoing or unholy thoughts, immediately grab that shield. Take it in hand and as you repent of your sins, remember that you are not saved because of a lack of doubts or because you always do good and think well of others. As you hold tightly to that shield, think, “I am saved by faith in Christ alone.” Lift up the shield of faith in Christ every time the devil attacks. Do not trust your thinking and your doing. Trust Christ, who is your shield. Faith in Christ will extinguish every fiery assault of the evil one.

Prayer: Lord, help me to always hold on to you. Amen.

A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is written in easy-to-understand language but is a challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, each presented in a question and discussion format. Click here to see the Table of Contents and a sample session.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 150 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 14 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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1 Peter 1:3-9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

That faith which does not manifest itself in confession is not firm. Thus other good works please God because of faith, as the prayers of the Church ask that all things may be accepted for Christ’s sake. They likewise ask all things for Christ’s sake. It is obvious that the close of all prayers adds this clause: “through Christ our Lord.” Accordingly, we conclude that we are justified before God, reconciled to him, and reborn by faith that in repentance apprehends the promise of grace, truly enlivens the frightened mind, and is convinced that God is reconciled and propitious to us for Christ’s sake. Through this faith, Peter says that we are are “guarded...for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet 1:5).

Pulling It Together: Justification, righteousness, and salvation are not only received by faith, these things are preserved for us to the end of time. It is faith that vindicates us in this life and gives us hope of the life to come. “The salvation of our souls” is believed because of faith in Christ. We even trust God for all good things in this life by virtue of Christ alone. This is why we always pray, “in Christ’s name.” These promises of God’s grace cannot be trusted to our good works. Yet, through faith in Christ and his work, we hope, believe, and endure all things (1 Cor 13:7).

Prayer: Almighty God, keep me in faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

We Still Believe is a Bible study resource reflecting on key themes in biblical Lutheran doctrine that are at risk in the Church today. It is offered in the hope that it will inspire individuals and congregations to examine the core beliefs of traditional Lutheranism and how these beliefs apply to our own present context. Written in a question and discussion style by Pastor Steven King, the participant's book includes an introduction to and copy of the faith statement known as the Common Confession.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 149 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 13 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Matthew 7:21-23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

They corrupt many other passages in the schools because they do not teach the righteousness of faith. The scholastics understand faith as a mere knowledge of the history or of dogmas. They do not understand that faith is the virtue which apprehends the promise of grace and righteousness, and quickens hearts terrorized by sin and death. When Paul says, “For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved” (Rom 10:1), we think that the adversaries will acknowledge here that confession justifies or saves, not ex opere operato, but only because of faith in the heart. Paul says that confession saves, in order to make clear what sort of faith obtains eternal life, namely firm and active faith.

Pulling It Together: If we teach that one should have faith, yet we do not believe, will our understanding of the teaching save us? If we come to the waters of baptism but have no faith in God’s promise, thinking it is simply the proper custom, will we be saved? If we go to church, feed the hungry, and buy coats and mittens for the poor, but have no faith in the God who calls us to do such things, do those good works save? What good will these customs and deeds do us when we are in hospital beds, anxious about death? When our sins find us out and terrify our consciences, our good works will not bring us peace. Good works cannot be trusted but Jesus can be trusted for peace now, and later, for eternal life. We must take Jesus at his word and have faith in his promise of grace. Failing to do so, is the supreme work of lawlessness. Trusting in our works is the evidence of that sin of sins.

Prayer: I believe that you are the way in to the kingdom of heaven, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Will You Betray Me? is a five-part drama series focuses on “betrayal” as a central theme. Written in a direct and edgy style, the monologues feature biblical characters that (knowingly or unknowingly) contributed to the betrayal and death of Jesus.  

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 148 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 12 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Galatians 3:10-14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

In the schools the boast is also made that our good deeds work by virtue of Christ’s passion. Well said! But why say nothing about faith? For Christ is a propitiation, as Paul says, “through faith” (Rom 3:25). When timid consciences are comforted by faith, and are convinced that our sins have been blotted out by the death of Christ, and that God has been reconciled to us on account of Christ’s suffering, then indeed, the suffering of Christ is a benefit to us. If the doctrine concerning faith is omitted, it is vain to claim that works benefit us by virtue of Christ’s passion.

Pulling It Together

Jesus satisfied God’s requirement of keeping the law perfectly. Moreover, he paid the penalty for the sins of those who cannot keep the commandments. In other words, he paid the price for us all, since none of us can keep the law. Those who rely upon their law keeping are “under a curse” because they cannot continue to fulfill God’s law. People who trust in their religiosity will never be righteous and justified to God. Instead, we must trust Christ who bore the curse of the law for us. Yet while we try to keep the law, as we should, but fail, the law will accuse us of not measuring up and our consciences can become terrified of the curse. So we must always trust in Christ who suffered and died to fulfill the law (Matt 5:17), for, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for redeeming me from the curse of the law. Amen.

Why Did Jesus Have to Die? is a six-week Bible Study that examines the most profound event of salvation history — the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ — exploring from a biblical perspective what is known as the doctrine of the Atonement.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 147 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 11 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Titus 2:11-14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

They have taken certain sayings of the old writers, established statements as it were, and twisted them by their interpretations. They boast in the schools that good works please God because of grace, and that confidence must be put in his grace. But they distort grace by saying that it is an inclination to love God, as though the ancients meant to say that we ought to trust in our love, though without doubt, we experience how small and how impure that inclination is. It is strange that they bid us to trust in this love, since they teach us that we are not able to know whether it is even present. Why do they not set forth the grace and mercy of God toward us? As often as mention is made of this, they ought to add faith. For the promise of God’s mercy, reconciliation, and love toward us is not apprehended unless by faith. Then, since faith apprehends grace, they would be right in saying that we must trust in grace and that good works please because of grace.

Pulling It Together

The living grace of God is Jesus Christ. There is no salvation available to us without this grace. There is no grace without Jesus Christ. There is no grace without God. Grace and salvation have nothing to do with our deeds or our habits or inclinations to love God and neighbor. Should we do good? Should we love? Certainly, for because grace has appeared in Jesus Christ, it now trains us to do these things and to renounce the devil and sin. This happens because of grace but it is not grace itself. If grace is born from our own love, we would be a hopeless people. Because we understand that grace and righteousness are free gifts from God (Rom 5:17), and not our pitiful attempts to do good and to be righteous, we confess that Christ alone is our blessed hope. He is the hope that will not fail us. 

Prayer: Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Amen.

The Smalcald Articles are often considered Luther's theological Last Will and Testament. Written in easy-to-understand language, this study is presented in a discussion formation with assigned readings from the Scriptures and the Book of Concord. Included in the study is a shorter work by Philip Melanchton called "The Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope." 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 146 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 10 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Isaiah 64:6-8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

So this is no small matter that we argue with the adversaries. We are not looking for useless nuances when we find fault with those who teach that we merit eternal life by works, excluding faith that apprehends Christ as mediator. There is not a syllable in the scholastics concerning this faith which believes that the Father is favorably disposed to us for Christ’s sake. Everywhere they maintain that we are accepted and righteous because of our works, wrought either from reason, or at least by the inclination of that love about which they speak.

Pulling It Together: We cannot reason our way to righteousness. Who has been able to determine, “In this way, I shall be a good person” and been successful in the enterprise? More importantly, even if one was able to be so good, would that goodness be acceptable to God? No, for the prophet tells us that our good deeds are like filthy rags to God unless we call upon the name of the Lord (Isaiah 64:6-7). Our reason cannot create new life; a better or spiritual attitude will not do it; nor will exhausting effort make us righteous before the Almighty. Yet, the person of faith is taken in God’s own hands and shaped into a new person. God smashes us to the potter’s wheel and makes of us whom he wills. The work is the Lord’s which he accomplishes in people who have put their trust in him instead of themselves.

Prayer: Smash me, Lord, and make of me what you will. Amen.

Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 145 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 09 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Romans 1:1-6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We condemn the teaching of the adversaries that understands such passages of Scripture in either a philosophical or a Jewish manner, and so abolishes the righteousness of faith, and excludes Christ as mediator. From these passages they infer that works merit grace, sometimes de congruo, and when love is added, de condigno. They claim that works justify, and because they are righteousness they are worthy of eternal life. This error plainly abolishes the righteousness of faith, which believes that we have access to God for Christ’s sake, not because of our works, and that through Christ, as priest and mediator, we are led to the Father, and have a reconciled Father, as has been sufficiently said above. The doctrine concerning the righteousness of faith is not to be neglected in the Church of Christ, because without it the office of Christ cannot be comprehended. The doctrine of justification that is left is only a doctrine of the law. So we should cling to the gospel and the teaching of the promise which is granted for Christ’s sake.

Pulling It Together: There is a difference between justification and sanctification. Justification is that obedience to the gospel that hears and believes and trusts God’s promise. Sanctification is the obedience that results from such faith. The former saves; the latter does not. Faith hears and believes and is therefore justified to God. Then the Holy Spirit goes to work in the believer, producing the fruit of faith, good works and upright character. It is a false sanctification or holiness that imagines people can bear good fruit through their own efforts, without faith and the resulting power of the Holy Spirit. Such personal holiness or law-keeping gives no credit to Christ, while faith always clings to Christ, believing in the promise of a Savior instead of depending upon works and personal holiness. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, stir up in me the fruit of faith. Amen.

Not everyone likes bread sticks. They are fine for appetizers, but it's nice to have some selection. Add in some onion rings, BBQ wings, cheese curds, veggies...and then you've got something! Faith Apptizers is a sampler platter of Biblical Christianity. With an assortment of styles and topics, offering both a challenge and a chuckle, it intends to awaken your days with faith. These 286 devotions are arranged Biblically, from Genesis to Revelation. Like the good God behind our good book, they will work both the mind and heart, sometimes comforting the afflicted and sometimes afflicting the comfortable. Open up and taste one; then pass 'em around.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 144 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 08 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 5:1–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

No sane person can judge otherwise. We are not trying to be subtle by segregating the fruits from the righteousness of the heart. If the adversaries would only have acknowledged that the fruits please God because of faith, because of Christ as mediator, and that by themselves they are not worthy of grace and of eternal life.

Pulling It Together: Lasting peace with God comes through faith. Our deeds can make us feel good for a while but that feeling is not only false, it does not last. However, when faith in Christ justifies us to God, then we know a confident peace that enables us to stand before God. We rejoice, knowing that he cares for us and hears our prayers in this life, and we have real hope in the life to come. The Holy Spirit and God’s love are given to us, indeed, poured into us so that the character of good fruit is grown in us by God. Faith in Christ promises and accomplishes all of these things: hope, character, the fruit of the Spirit, and works that please God.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for dying for me, and rising from the dead so that I may live. Amen.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 143 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 07 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Matthew 25:44–46

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

When Paul says, “He will render to every one according to his works,” we are to understand not only the outward work, but all righteousness or unrighteousness. So, “Glory...for every one who does good,” namely, for the righteous. “You gave me food,” is cited as the fruit and evidence of the righteousness of the heart and of faith. Therefore, eternal life is given to righteousness. In this way Scripture embraces both the righteousness of the heart and its fruits. It often names the fruits, so that the inexperienced may better understand, and to signify that a new life and rebirth are required instead of hypocrisy. This rebirth happens by faith with repentance.

Pulling It Together: Yes, God wants our good works, but he earnestly desires our hearts. Works that are done with an unbelieving, faithless heart are not good works; they are hypocritical. It is not those who do some good deeds in their own power who are given eternal life. Rather, those who put their faith in Christ will do good deeds because of the power of his Spirit within them. Only when works flow from faith in him are they good and righteous deeds. Because the believing heart is deemed righteous, the deeds that stem from that believing, righteous heart are also considered righteous. This is why Jesus says that the righteous will go into everlasting life (Matt 25:46).

Prayer: Holy Spirit, move me to do good that glorifies God and helps my neighbor, for the sake of Christ. Amen.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 142 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 06 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Genesis 4:3–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Whenever the law and works are mentioned, we must know that Christ is not to be excluded as mediator. For he is the end of the law, just as Jesus himself says, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). As we have said above, all passages concerning works can be judged by this rule. Therefore, when eternal life is granted to works, it is granted to those who have been justified, since no one can do good works except those who are justified, who are led by the Spirit of Christ. Good works do not please God without faith in Christ as mediator. “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” (Heb 11:6).

Pulling It Together

Be careful that you do not expect God to favor you on the merits of your offerings or works or religious activity. God only has regard for such things when they are done with faith in him. Our instinct, however, is to trust in our works. At harvest time, Cain brought an offering of grain. There is nothing wrong with offerings of grain; we see God accepting them throughout the Old Testament. There was, however, a problem with the one making the offering. That is why God did not accept either Cain’s offering or even Cain himself (Gen 4:5). This disregard for Cain suggests that God did not answer the prayers that accompanied Cain’s offering.

Abel is remembered differently. He is not noted for bringing a superior kind of offering, his being animal instead of grain. The writer of Hebrews tells us that Abel’s offering was accepted by God because it was given with faith in God (Heb 11:4). Abel had faith in God. Cain trusted his offering.

Prayer: O Lord, I trust in you. Amen.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 141 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 05 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Hebrews 11:17-18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

But the adversaries urge that it is the prerogative of good works to merit eternal life, because Paul says, “He will render to every man according to his works” (Rom 2:6). Likewise, “Glory and honor and peace for every one who does good” (Rom 2:10). “Those who have done good shall come to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment” (John 5:29). “I was hungry and you gave me food,” and so forth (Matt 25:35). In these and all similar passages in which works are praised in the Scriptures, it is necessary to understand faith of the heart along with the outward works, for Scripture does not speak hypocrisy, but of the righteousness of the heart along with its fruits.

Pulling It Together: Works must always flow from a heart of faith. Abraham did not make an offering of his only son, Isaac, as a mere work. Nor did he expect that God would honor the work itself. Notice how his offering was given in faith. Without faith, his deed would have been unacceptable. Faith comes first and is then completed by works (James 2:22). Without faith, works are incomplete, for God first requires a righteousness of the heart. Only then are works received. Indeed, in the example of Abraham, the work was not required. Faith by itself, yet willing to do the work, was sufficient. God honored Abraham’s faith, and without it, even if the deed had been added, his offering would have been unacceptable.

Prayer: Accept my faith in you, Lord, even when my works are wanting. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Electronic Resource (SOWeR) includes a database of hundreds of hymns and songs for use in worship. Search for titles, themes, or categories; then open individual pages that feature author data, plain-text lyrics, full-score hymn inserts, and simplified lead sheets for accompanists. Hymn numbers are provided for LBW/WOV and ReClaim hymnals. The database also includes original lyrics written by Sola authors, that may be sung to familiar hymn tunes.

SOWER is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 140 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 04 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Romans 10:1-4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Therefore, although the fulfilling of the law merits a reward because rewards properly pertain to the law, we ought to be mindful of the gospel, which freely offers justification for Christ’s sake. We neither keep the law, nor can keep it, until we have been reconciled to God, justified, and reborn. Keeping the law will not please God, unless we are first accepted on account of faith. Because people are accepted because of faith, the initial fulfilling of the law pleases God and has a reward in this life and after this life. Many other remarks concerning the term “reward” might be made here, that are derived from the nature of the law. Because they are so extensive, it must be explained in another connection.

Pulling It Together: We must remain aware of a dangerous temptation as we try to keep the law. As we observe the law, we can be enticed to think too highly of ourselves. If we see ourselves as living an upright life, we may forget about Christ’s benefits. Instead of trusting in Christ’s righteousness as our own, we might begin to trust our own righteousness. Of course, this is not righteousness (Isa 64:6); it is only doing what God expects of his people. Yet, keeping the law does not please God unless done in faith. Observing the law with faith in Christ has an added benefit, since it keeps our minds on Christ and his righteousness, instead of being misled into thoughts about being rewarded for religious and moral lives. The law will never save us, but Christ, who is the end of the law of righteousness, becomes the righteousness of all who believe. 

Prayer: O God, I trust in your righteousness, through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Electronic Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 139 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 03 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Malachi 3:10-12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Whenever merit is mentioned, the adversaries immediately transfer the matter from other rewards to justification, even though the gospel freely offers justification on account of Christ’s merits, not because of our own. The merits of Christ are communicated to us by faith. But works and afflictions merit other rewards, not justification, as a reward is offered for the works in these passages. “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Cor 9:6). The measure of the reward is clearly connected with the measure of the work. “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land” (Exod 20:12).Here the law also offers a reward to a certain work. 

Pulling It Together: Test God and determine whether he will bless you. Do the things that you are commanded and see if he will not pour out his blessings. But never expect him to justify you for the things you do. He blesses the just and the unjust alike (Matt 5:45) but he is only justified to those who have been made righteous through faith in Christ. These are two entirely different matters. God rewards us in this life with the things we need. He often blesses us with more than we need, sometimes because we have earned them. We ought to be thankful for the favors of God in this life. However, the righteousness required for the life to come is something we can never earn (Rom 3:28). God freely bestows this grace upon those who cannot earn it, indeed, upon those sinners who do not deserve his grace (Rom 5:8). He does so, only through faith in Jesus Christ, for all who believe (Rom 3:22). 

Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, a sinner, yet one who believes. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Electronic Resource (SOWeR) includes a database of hundreds of hymns and songs for use in worship. Search for titles, themes, or categories; then open individual pages that feature author data, plain-text lyrics, full-score hymn inserts, and simplified lead sheets for accompanists. Hymn numbers are provided for LBW/WOV and ReClaim hymnals. The database also includes original lyrics written by Sola authors, that may be sung to familiar hymn tunes.

SOWER is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 138 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 02 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Philippians 3:14-16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We also confess what we have often testified, that although justification and eternal life pertain to faith, nevertheless good works merit other bodily and spiritual rewards and degrees of rewards, according to 1 Cor. 3:8, “Each will receive his wages according to his labor.” The righteousness of the Gospel, dealing with the promise of grace, freely receives justification and rebirth. But the keeping of the law, which follows faith, has to do with the law, for which a reward is offered and is due, not freely, but according to our works. Those who merit this are justified before they keep the law. They have first been moved into the kingdom of God’s Son (Col 1:13), as Paul says, and made joint-heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17).

Pulling It Together: The issue here—and always—is Christ. Let us not think so much about rewards, but instead, about the reward. We must press on toward the real goal. That goal is not rewards but the reward of being with Christ in heaven. He is the “upward call”; it is not rewards for the works that we have done. We must hold true to the path of faith in Christ, through which we have attained justification with his Father. May we keep our minds upon Christ (Col 3:1-4) who has saved us because of his mercy, not because of the things that we have done (Titus 3:5). 

Prayer: Gracious God, help me keep my eyes on the prize of your upward calling in Christ Jesus. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 137 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 01 Sep 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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2 Peter 1:1-4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The strong hear the mention of penalties and rewards in one way, and the weak hear it in another way, since the weak labor for the sake of their own advantage. Yet the proclamation of rewards and punishments is necessary. In the preaching of punishments the wrath of God is revealed; this pertains to the preaching of repentance. In the preaching of rewards, grace is set forth. When referring to good works, Scripture often mentions faith, in order to include the righteousness of the heart with the other fruits. So it sometimes offers grace along with other rewards, as in Isaiah 58:8-9, and frequently in other places in the prophets.

Pulling It Together: We belong to Christ because of faith. This belonging means that we are his servants. So, we are to do his will and bidding. It also means that we receive his gifts and rewards, if he should choose to grant them to us. By his divine power, he has indeed, granted us all things necessary for us to share his nature. By belonging to Christ through faith, we have escaped the decay of our original natures. While the knowledge of God’s wrath about sin is always present—even as sin is ever present—we do not lose hope. Our hope is immovable because our hope is in Christ and his precious promises. If we were to hope in our good works, it would be a precarious hope, at best. Our hope, however, is based on a knowledge of God and Jesus Christ our Lord, who have multiplied to us both peace and grace.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for giving me a faith in you that puts me in equal standing with the apostles. Amen.

The goal of Personalities of Faith, a ten-session Bible study for youth, is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith". Using biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 136 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 31 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400

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2 Timothy 4:7-8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Here belongs what Paul says, “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me” (2 Tim 4:8). For the crown is due to the justified because of the promise. Saints should know this promise, not that they may labor for their own profit, since they ought to labor for the glory of God. They should know that God’s will is to aid, deliver, and protect them so that they will not despair in afflictions.

Pulling It Together

The Lord has fought the fight. He has gone before us and has won the long battle. He is with us and will never leave us or forsake us. Therefore, we should not fear, despair, or be dismayed (Deut 31:8). This is how we may finish our own race, fighting on to the finish. We live by faith (2 Cor 5:7) in the one who is already victor over the conflict. Take heart! Keep the faith. The battle is the Lord’s (2 Chr 20:15). He is victorious over sin and death, and will reward you with the crown of his righteousness.

Prayer: Give me your peace, Lord. Amen.

The Upper Room is a six-part drama and sermon series for use during the weeks of Lent, in midweek or Sunday morning services. The stories in this series seek to focus our hearts and minds on the last days of Jesus, drawing us into a greater spiritual maturity that recognizes the blessings and responsibilities of this life of faith, as we walk with our Lord on the path to the cross.

Scripture texts are assigned for each of the weeks, along with a brief sermon reflection based on the theme. A sample order of service is provided.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 135 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 30 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Corinthians 6:9-11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Stop, reader; you have not the whole of this sorites. For certain “sacraments” of this transference must be added, as when the hood is placed upon the dead. The blessings of Christ and the righteousness of faith have been obscured by these summations. We are not agitating an idle argument concerning the term “reward.” If the adversaries will confess that we are accounted righteous by faith because of Christ, and that good works please God because of faith, we will not debate much more about the term “reward.” We admit that eternal life is a reward because it is something due on account of the promise, but not because of our merits. We have shown above that justification is properly a promised gift of God. The promise of eternal life has been added to this gift, as testified: “Those whom he justified he also glorified" (Rom 8:30).

Pulling It Together

Some orders of monks placed their hoods upon dead bodies, indicating that their good works were transferred to the account of the deceased. But if the living cannot trust that their own works justify, how are the dead to know that the works of others have done so? Is the troubled conscience ever to find rest? Yes, there is a righteousness that we can trust. To know this incomparable peace, one must turn away from human arguments and traditions, and rely upon Scripture alone.

We confess that the unrighteous will never inherit the kingdom of God. We further admit that we were counted among the unrighteous until that day when we were washed in the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7). We have obtained eternal life because of his righteousness, not by our good works or those of others. So, we see that it is the righteousness of Christ that is transferred to us because we have faith in him. Only when we confess this truth of Scripture, will our hearts and minds will be kept in peace (Phil 4:7).

Prayer: Help me to depend upon you alone, Lord, for righteousness and eternal life. Amen.

In Part 2 of Sola Scriptura, "The Norm of Faith" study shows how anactive view of the Word informs and guides our understanding of what Scripture says. In other words, it will talk about what the Bible means based on what it does. In terms of how we come to articulate our faith and our doctrinal teachings, to speak of Scripture as the "norm" of faith means that it is the standard against which our theology and proclamation are measured.

• Study Guide   • See also Sola Scriptura, Part 1: The Source of Faith

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 134 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 29 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for jigsaw puzzle.

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Romans 14:8-12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Our adversaries not only ascribe to works a worthiness of grace and eternal life, they also falsely state that they have superfluous merits that they can grant to others for justification, as when monks sell the merits of their orders to others. They heap up these incongruous conclusions in the manner of Chrysippus wherever the word “reward” is heard. For example, it is called a reward; therefore we have works as a price for which a reward is due; therefore works please by themselves, and not for the sake of Christ as mediator; and since one has more merits than another, therefore some have superfluous merits; those who merit them can bestow their merits upon others.

Pulling It Together

Chrysippus was a Greek philosopher who championed propositional logic. If this was the case, then the result would logically be something else. This if-then logic was applied to the term “reward.” If there is a reward, then there must be a price for the reward. Not only was this logic carried in the wrong direction, it was carried to absurd conclusions. The opponents’ conclusions were, that if one pays for his own reward, he might pay more than is due. Therefore, the credit must be transferable to others. This is an argument from human logic instead of from the mind of God. Scripture says that each person is accountable to God. So, the logic of God in Scripture runs as follows. The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23); since all have sinned, all will die; but Christ has overcome sin and death, and gives his victory as a reward to all who believe (1 Cor 15:57). 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for paying the debt that I can never pay. Amen.

The Cross and the Crown is an eight session study in Lutheran Basics, using the word "sola" to get the big picture right: that salvation is all God's doing.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 133 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 28 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Psalm 130:1-8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

This logic is altogether new. We hear the term “reward,” and are therefore to infer that there is no need of Christ as mediator, or of faith having access to God for Christ’s sake instead of because of our works? Who does not see that this is a befuddled assumption? We do not argue about the term “reward.” Our dispute is whether good works are of themselves worthy of grace and of eternal life, or whether they please God only because of the faith that apprehends Christ as mediator.

Pulling It Together: There is nothing worthy of forgiveness and the resurrection of the body to everlasting life, save the work of Christ. Imagining otherwise does great damage to Scripture and to troubled hearts and minds. The Word of God does not tell us to depend upon ourselves. Rather it teaches that we have a mediator in Jesus Christ. He is the one who stands between us and the Father, for we cannot stand on our own (Psa 130:3). Further, our own consciences warn us that this is faulty thinking. No matter how much good work we do, we know that it is never enough to merit the reward of heaven. We are always left wondering if we have done enough.

So, it is good that we believe in God instead of ourselves. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Nowhere do we confess to believe in ourselves or to trust in our works.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for sustaining me through your Word, and through the promise of your forgiveness. Amen.

Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 132 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 27 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Matthew 20:1-10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

But they are not fair judges since they omit the word “gift.” They also exclude the principal part of the entire matter. Instead, they select the word “reward,” and interpret it in a manner that does injury to both Scripture and the very use of language. They surmise that because it is called a reward, our works ought to be the price for which eternal life is due. These works, they contend, are worthy of grace and life eternal, and do not stand in need of mercy, or of Christ as mediator, or of faith.

Pulling It Together: Eternal life is a reward from God that is based on something very important: his promise. It is not based upon how much work we have done. God rewards our faith in him, not our trust in the things we do. We are justified before God because Christ is always our mediator. He alone has set the record straight. He declares us justified through our trust in his righteousness. Nowhere are we taught that Christ comes to us saying, “I tried to get you off the hook, but you are going to have to pay this fine first—and also do some community service.” Christ does not need our help. We need his help. We are always in need of his mercy and grace, the very things he promises to those who believe.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for including me as an heir of eternal life, through your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Basics of the Christian Faith is an edition of the catechism that is aimed at seekers, visitors, and those that may not come from a Lutheran background. It is recommended for use in outreach, as a visitor welcome gift, or in new member packets.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 131 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 26 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Luke 6:20-23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Afterwards works merit other bodily and spiritual rewards because they please God on account of faith. There will be distinctions in the glory of the saints. But here the adversaries reply that eternal life is called a reward, and that it is therefore merited de condigno by good works. We reply briefly and plainly. Paul calls eternal life a gift (Rom 6:23), because the righteousness conferred for Christ's sake at the same time makes us sons of God and fellow heirs of Christ. John says, “He who believes in the Son has eternal life” (John 3:36). Augustine says, as also do very many others who follow him, “God crowns His gifts in us.” It is written elsewhere, “Your reward is great in heaven” (Luke 6:23). If these passages seem to our adversaries to be in conflict, they may explain them.

Pulling It Together: “Blessed are the poor,” Jesus says in Luke’s Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:20). In Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount, he says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matt 5:3). You might wonder how there is blessing in poverty. Only when we admit our impoverished spiritual condition, may the kingdom become our possession. When we confess our sin and turn to the father, he enriches us with the righteousness of his Son. Jesus fills us with his Spirit, and we become rich in that which matters most. Our spirits are prospered. All of this is a free gift and reward to those poor people who believe in Christ for the riches of justification, righteousness, and salvation.

Prayer: Give me a longing, Lord, for the reward of heaven. Amen. 

A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, presented in a question and discussion format. The Leader's Guide that accompanies this study is a resource for those facilitating group discussion, or may serve as a reader's commentary for those who are studying the Book of Concord on their own.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 130 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 25 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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1 Peter 1:3-9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Just as justification pertains to faith, so eternal life also pertains to faith. Peter says, “As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls” (1 Pet 1:9). Our adversaries confess that the justified are children of God and fellow heirs with Christ.

Pulling It Together: Faith is the means of justification, righteousness, and salvation. Only faith keeps our souls at peace before God. Our good deeds will never give us rest. If peace of mind were left to our works and religious ceremony, we would always be scrambling to the next deed and ritual. The things we do never provide confident assurance of rightness with God. However, because of faith, we may sit at the feet of Jesus, assured that we have a justified God in this life.

Faith is also the means by which our salvation is maintained “forever and ever.” We do nothing to eternally preserve our lives. What could we possibly do to attain such a feat? Yet just as we have faith in God to justify in this earthly life, we have faith in him to preserve us to life eternal. This living hope in resurrection and of an inheritance of all that heaven offers also strengthens and sustains faith when we face trials that test our faith in this life.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving me the hope of everlasting life with you. Amen. 

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power” (1 Cor 6:14).

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 129 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 24 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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2 Corinthians 5:1-7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

This rebirth is, as it were, the beginning of eternal life, as Paul says, “But if Christ is in you, although your bodies are dead because of sin, your spirits are alive because of righteousness” (Rom 8:10). “Here indeed we groan, and long to put on our heavenly dwelling, so that by putting it on we may not be found naked” (2 Cor 5:2-3). The sincere reader can judge from these statements that we certainly require good works, since we teach that this faith arises in repentance, and in repentance ought continually to increase. If repentance and faith grow together in repentance, there is Christian and spiritual perfection. God-fearing people are better able to understood this teaching than those things taught by the adversaries concerning contemplation or perfection.

Pulling It Together: We are reborn with a purpose. But let us be clear; the purpose does not precede or cause rebirth. That purpose is the result of our being newly created (2 Cor 5:17), for we are “created in Christ for good works” (Eph 2:10). However, draped in these coats of flesh, it is difficult for us to perfectly walk in God’s ways. Therefore, we groan while we are still burdened by the flesh. We want to be clothed in Christ, with his perfection. So, we repent of our deeds of the flesh and begin to do works of righteousness. This process progresses with many sighs and groans until God finishes what he began (Phil 1:6). Yet, we never trust in these good works, as though they make us perfect. We live by faith, trusting in Christ, not in works of the flesh.

Prayer: Help me to never give up, Lord, and to always trust in you. Amen. 

Interactive PDF Certificates for Baptism, Rite of Confirmation, and First Communion. You get all three for one price. Simply download the files, choose the certificate you want to use, type in the name, date, and church information and print on your color printer. Save files to your computer and re-use over and over again! 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 128 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 23 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Romans 8:29-30

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

While we are being encouraged and comforted in the midst of terrors, other spiritual inclinations increase: hope and the knowledge, fear, and love of God. We are renewed, as Paul says, in the knowledge of God (Col 3:10) and, “beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness” (2 Cor 3:18). That is, we receive the true knowledge of God, so that we truly fear him, truly trust that he cares for us, and that we are heard by him.

Pulling It Together: What will be the result in the future life for the way we have lived the present life? Left on our own, sin and death are terrifying. Without the comfort and encouragement of God’s word, all one may do is worry, fear, despair, or try to dismiss the thought. Even Christians wrestle with these thoughts. When we sin against God “in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone,” we might worry sometimes that we have pushed God too far this time. When have not loved God “with our whole heart,” we can be tempted to wonder if he really loves us. When we “have not loved our neighbors as ourselves,” we can question whether God hears our prayers.

Through such tests of faith, we grow in faith. In fear of God, we face our sins. Confessing our sins, we find that God does indeed love and forgive us. So, our hope is emboldened, and the knowledge of God’s true nature increases. Beholding this glorious nature of God, we begin to shine a bit more, as Moses did when he came down from Mt. Sinai (Exod 34:29). God slowly transforms us until finally, on that great Day, he will complete in us the work that he has begun (Phil 1:6).

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for loving me, through Jesus Christ, your Son and my Lord. Amen. 

I Am Who I Am is a six-week study that explores what it means to “not take the name of the LORD your God in vain” (Exod 20:7), while at the same time trusting the promise in Christ that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21).

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 127 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 22 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Hebrews 10:22-25

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We are reborn and receive the Holy Spirit for the very end that the new life may produce new works, new dispositions, the fear and love of God, hatred of lust, and so forth. This faith we speak of arises in repentance, and ought to become deep-rooted and grow in the midst of good works, temptations, and dangers, so that we may be more and more firmly persuaded that God for Christ's sake cares for us, forgives us, hears us. This is not learned without many great struggles. How often conscience is aroused and provokes us to despair when it displays our sins, either old or new, or the impurity of our nature! This handwriting is not blotted out without a great struggle, in which experience testifies what a difficult matter faith is.

Pulling It Together: We should recognize in ourselves that we are disposed to fall back into old ways. But we should also consider that others are just like us. They, like we, need encouragement to live the life of faith. As the great Day of Christ’s return draws ever nearer, we should promote love and good works in others. People get worn out from their vocations, their everyday lives, and even the troubles of the church. It should not be a surprise to us that many people even need encouragement to be in worship. The temptation to forsake the assembly is ever-present, and for many has become a habit. But how else will they be lifted above the troubles and temptations of this life unless they draw near to God with faith to receive his Word and Sacraments? How else will they be excited to love and good works unless they gather with a room full of sinners and see that faith is alive in people just like themselves?

Prayer: Lord, lift me when I fall, so that I might encourage someone’s faith today. Amen. 

The goal of Personalities of Faith, a ten-session Bible study for youth, is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith". Using biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 126 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 21 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Romans 8:12-15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Here the adversaries will cry out again that there is no need of good works if they do not merit eternal life. We have refuted this pretense above. Of course, it is necessary to do good works. We say that eternal life has been promised to the justified but those who walk according to the flesh retain neither faith nor righteousness. We are justified for this very purpose, that being righteous, we may begin to do good works and to obey God’s law.

Pulling It Together: Good works are evidence that a person has been justified. For the Spirit who produces good works only indwells the justified. Those who have been reborn begin to do good works freely, in the power of God, not because they fear God, temporal punishment, or eternal damnation. Good works are not something Christians owe in order to pay off a debt of righteousness. This would be living in the flesh and in fear. Those who are reborn in Christ, live according to the Spirit, believing that the Father loves and forgives them. As his children, we begin to act like his children, not because of troubled consciences but because of the impulse of the Spirit.

Prayer: Father, move me with your Spirit to love Christ by keeping his commandments. Amen. 

The Cross and the Crown is an eight session study in Lutheran Basics, using the word "sola" to get the big picture right: that salvation is all God's doing.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 125 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 20 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 9:30-32a

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

So when mercy is spoken of, faith in the promise must be added. This faith produces sure hope because it relies upon the Word and command of God. If hope relied upon works, then it would be very uncertain because works cannot pacify the conscience, as has been frequently said above. This faith makes a distinction between those who are saved, and those who are not. Faith makes the distinction between the worthy and the unworthy because eternal life has been promised to the justified, and faith justifies.

Pulling It Together: Why did the gentiles come to a state of righteousness when the Jews worked hard at it but never arrived? Why did the gentiles attain righteousness when they did not even try? The answer is mercy. God’s mercy brought them to a state of righteousness. The gentiles did not believe in a system of religious works that made them righteous. They believed that God made them righteous through Christ. They had faith in God instead of themselves.

As long as people depend in themselves, and trust in their works, peace in the conscience will be fleeting. Their horizon will be filled with the lack of good works, failed efforts, and sin. The result will always be troubled consciences. However, those who trust God for righteousness through Christ, will see their own lack of good works but look to Christ’s work on the cross for salvation. They will notice their failures but depend on Christ’s victory over sin and death (1 Cor 15:57). They will confess their sins but see beyond them to the Savior. Their horizon is heaven; and it filled with confident hope in God’s mercy.

Prayer: Merciful God, give me a sure hope in Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. 

A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 124 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 19 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Romans 10:13–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

These thoughts exert the mind, so we will briefly reply. It is necessary to firmly hold that we are saved by mercy so that hope may be certain, and so that there may be a prior distinction between those who obtain and those who do not obtain salvation. Unless it is qualified, this expression seems absurd. In civil courts and in human judgment, a right or a debt is certain, and mercy is uncertain. The matter is different with respect to God’s judgment. Here, mercy has God’s clear, certain promise and command. Strictly speaking, the gospel is the command to believe that God is merciful toward us for Christ’s sake. “For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned...” (John 3:17-18).

Pulling It Together: What came first, the chicken or the egg? Some love to deliberate over such things; these questions wear out other people. For them, it is enough to know that we are saved through faith in Christ. Yet here, there is a clue for those who need to know the causes of things. The order of progression toward salvation is clear in Paul. One is saved through faith by grace (Eph 2:8). Faith in the promise precedes salvation. God’s grace comes before it all. Those who hear the gospel and believe with faith in Christ are those who are saved. All of this comes from the gracious hand of God.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for all those you have sent to me with the good news of your salvation. Amen. 

Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 123 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 18 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Ephesians 1:13-14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Let us, therefore, hold fast to the Church’s confession that we are saved by mercy. Some may think, “If we are to be saved by mercy, hope will be uncertain, if in those who obtain salvation nothing precedes it by which they may be distinguished from those who do not obtain it.” We must give them a satisfactory answer, since the scholastics, moved by this reasoning seem to have devised the term meritum condigni.

Pulling It Together: If there must be something observed before one is able to hope in God’s mercy, there is such evidence. Faith is the antecedent. That is the difference between those who will receive God’s mercy and those who will not. The preceding factor is not condignity, an imagined worthiness because of good works. The difference that precedes salvation is easy to determine. That distinguishing feature is trust in the one who saves. Those who hear the gospel and believe in Christ are those who receive God’s mercy and are saved.

Prayer: Loving Father, thank you for guaranteeing my salvation through belief in Christ and the seal of his Spirit. Amen. 

By the Will of God is an eight part sermon series on Ephesians that follows the summer lectionary, year B. It uses the Brobston Telemetry Method of Preaching which is an easy way to capture the hearts and minds of listeners and draw them into the Good News of Jesus Christ.Use this series to focus on the will of God in our lives. It is also a great resource to give to lay-preachers in congregations where supply pastors are unavailable to fill in when the pastor goes on vacation. Each week there is a description of the bible passage, an image to build from, a section called "going deeper" which digs into the lesson even further, and some questions to use if you decide to discuss the sermon in a Bible Study or other forum.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 122 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 17 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Luke 17:7-10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

It is clearly a juvenile fallacy to interpret “unprofitable servant” as meaning that works are worthless to God but are profitable to us. Christ is speaking of a profit that would make God a debtor of grace to us, though it is out of place here to discuss what is profitable or unprofitable. “Unprofitable” servants means “insufficient,” because no one fears, loves, and trusts God as much as he ought. But let us be done with these cold quibbles of the adversaries which sound minds will easily judge when they are brought to the light. They think they have found a flaw in words that are very plain and clear. But everyone can see that this passage condemns confidence in our own works.

Pulling It Together: Our works earn us nothing. This is a clear teaching, made even clearer by understanding that the word translated as “servant” in so many English translations, literally means “slave.” This is humanity’s condition; we are not mere servants, in today’s understanding of someone who is paid for their service. We are indentured servants, slaves to sin and death, and we can never earn our freedom. No matter how much work we do, that labor is simply what is demanded of a slave. The slave’s work does not make the master indebted to the slave.

Either the master sets us free—and death and the devil are not going to do that—or someone pays our debt and sets free. This is precisely what Christ has done for us. He has paid our debt and liberated us, declaring, “No longer do I call you slaves” (John 15:15 NASB). If we are no longer indentured, to whom do we owe the debt? Indeed, if there is no longer a debt to be repaid, since Christ has paid it (Col 2:14), why would we even imagine a debt is to be requited? We not only condemn confidence in works, the whole notion of paying an already-paid debt is unreasonable.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for paying my sin debt, nailing it to the cross of Christ. Amen.  

A Discussion of Living Religions is a brief introduction to major world religions that takes a conversational approach as a group of friends talk together about what it is they believe. Each has a chance to speak for themselves about how they understand the fundamentals of reality and faith.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 121 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 16 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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James 4:6–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Ambrose says it well: “Grace is to be acknowledged; but nature must not be disregarded.” We must trust in the promise of grace, not in our own nature. But the adversaries act in accordance with their custom, and distort the judgments about faith which have been given in support of faith. We leave these thorny points to the schools.

Pulling It Together: Our nature wants to do it all, and only hopes that God will give us his grace. That is the wrong inclination. Do not trust in your efforts; do not trust the old self-reliant nature that thinks God cannot achieve justification but you can attain it if you only work at it enough. The old nature believes that if one loves enough, is joyous all the time, at peace, patient and kind toward others, is good, faithful, and self-controlled, that person will have earned God’s grace. It is the ultimate pride to think that God cannot do a thing but you can.

But the new nature of those reborn in Christ relies upon God’s grace despite our inability to produce the fruit of the Spirit. We confess that this fruit does not come from us but instead, as the term itself makes clear, comes from the Spirit. These are not the fruit of the Christian; they are the fruit of the Spirit. Because we cannot depend upon our being fruitful to merit God’s grace, we should depend upon him—for his grace is already abundantly present. Then, when he produces his fruit in our lives, we may simply be humble and thankful that God has done what we could never do.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me depend upon you to bear your fruit in my life. Amen. 

This booklet provides a suggested list of Bible verses, prayers, and familiar worship texts assigned to various age levels, recommended for use along with Sola Publishing’s Sunday Schoolhouse curriculum series. The order of texts matches the suggested grade levels in Luther’s Small Cat Series: elementary-aged curriculum on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, also available from Sola Publishing. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 120 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 15 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400

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2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

But if they mean to argue from analogous statements—When you have done all things, do not trust in your works, and when you have believed all things, do not trust in the divine promise—there is no connection. They are not analogous, as the causes and objects of confidence in the former proposition are not the same as the latter. In the former, confidence is in our own works. In the latter, confidence is in the divine promise. Christ condemns confidence in our works; he does not condemn confidence in his promise. He does not wish us to despair of God's grace and mercy. He accuses our works as unworthy, but does not accuse the promise which freely offers mercy.

Pulling It Together: If a man was swimming in the ocean and began to drown, he would be quite correct to not trust his own efforts to save himself. But he would yell with his last breath to the lifeguard. The lifeguard is trained and dependable to save drowning swimmers. Think how the struggling swimmer’s hopes would buoy him up as he saw the lifeguard swimming toward him.

Would we now take a perfectly understandable comparison and turn it on itself? When you have swam your best but are about to drown, do not trust your swimming skills. Likewise, though you believe the lifeguard is there to save you, you cannot trust him either. It would be a special kind of madness to think like this. We immediately see through the bad analogy.

Just as a lifeguard may be trusted to save drowning swimmers, God may be trusted to save poor sinners. We are right to not trust in our religious skills and our good deeds. But we would be very wrong to not trust the promise of God.

Prayer: Lord, keep me steadfast in the word of your promise. Amen. 

Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 119 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 14 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Titus 3:4-7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Faith saves because it apprehends mercy and the promise of grace, even though our works are unworthy. Knowing this, their argument does not offend us: “When we have believed all things, say, ‘We are unworthy servants.’” Understanding that our works are worthless, we declare with the entire Church that we are saved by mercy.

Pulling It Together: There is faith and there is the fruit of faith. Faith ought to have results in this life, not just the result of an eternal life to come. For we pray, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” But those results—the fruit of our faith, our participation in the will of God—are not payments to God. We are not defraying a debt to God by slowly working it off in this life. That is not the way God’s economy works, as the Father has already paid the debt through his Son because our pitiful works could never amount to salvation. To insist on working off an already paid debt, cheats God by refusing his great gift. He has freely given us salvation through his mercy and loving kindness in Christ. He has also regenerated us to live the life of faith. In this new life, we continue to rely on Christ for salvation while we bear the fruit of faith through the power of his Holy Spirit. So, none of this is done in our own power or righteousness. God has done—and continues to do—it all.

Prayer: Help me to bear fruit for your kingdom, Lord, but depend upon you alone for salvation. Amen. 

Luther's Small Cat Discovers: The Seasons of the Church Year is written for 4th grade level students. This book takes students through the church year, accompanied by Luther’s Small Cat — a character who is just as inquisitive and precocious as the students. May your journey through the church year bring you closer to Christ, who walks through each moment of life alongside you.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 118 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 13 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Psalm 79:8–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Although these absurdities do not deserve a refutation, nevertheless we will reply to them in a few words. The antistrophe is defective. First, the adversaries are deceived in regard to the term “faith.” If it means a knowledge of history that the wicked and devils also have, our opponents would be correct in arguing that faith is unprofitable when they say, "When we have believed all things, say, ‘We are unworthy servants.’" But we are not speaking of knowledge of history. We are talking about confidence in the promise and mercy of God. This confidence in his promise confesses that we are unworthy servants. Indeed, the confession that our works are unprofitable is the very voice of faith, as demonstrated in the example of Daniel that we already cited above. “We do not present our supplications before thee on the ground of our righteousness, but on the ground of thy great mercy” (Dan 9:18).

Pulling It Together: God forgives us for the sake of his name. His reputation is at stake, so he will keep his promise. This is easy to understand. God does not require our works of righteousness, for that would mean that he forgives for our sake, because of the things we have done, because we have a righteous name to honor. Our works are unprofitable and unnecessary for salvation, forgiveness, and justification because God’s word is sufficient. He has promised to forgive for his own sake, because of his name.

A person might know that this is what Christians believe, but that knowledge does not merit justification. A person might not feel forgiven, and so, do an abundance of good works, hoping that God will forgive them because of their deeds. Yet those deeds will not earn forgiveness. Knowledge and deeds are both useless for salvation, since they cannot earn God’s grace. God’s word of promise is all that matters; you either believe him or you do not. Faith takes hold of God’s promise, believing that we are freely forgiven and justified for his name’s sake, for Christ’s sake. Faith adds nothing to the promise; it takes God at his word.

Prayer: When my iniquities prevail against me, Lord, help me to trust your promise of atonement. Amen. 

Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 117 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 12 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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My apologies for a very noisy recording done at Panera Bread.

John 15:14-17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The teaching of Christ also applies here. “So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty’” (Luke 17:10). These words clearly declare that God saves because of mercy and his promise, not that it is due because of the value of our works. At this point our opponents wonderfully play with the words of Christ, making an antistrophe and turning it against us. Daring to speak over the words of Christ, they declare that if we have believed all things, we are unworthy servants. Then they add that works are of no profit to God, but are profitable to us. See how the adolescent study of sophistry delights the adversaries.

Pulling It Together: Behold, what importance some people place in their works. They value deeds so thoroughly that they distort the words of Christ. When he downplays works, they exalt them. While he promotes the Father’s mercy, they degrade it by adding as a requirement of grace what Christ says is mere duty. The keeping of the commandments, including Christ’s command to love one another (John 15:12), is simply living out Christian discipleship. This is what it looks like to be a Christian. It shows that one is rightly related to Christ, that one is his friend, chosen by him to live a life of faith instead of mere servanthood.

Beware of anything that comes between you and faith in Christ. If you find yourself thinking how fine a Christian you are because of your great love, you are exalting your works over Christ. If you discover that your conscience is dependent upon keeping the law, you are not availing yourself of a greater peace of mind—that peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7).

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for choosing me to be your friend. Amen. 

John is the fourth book in the "Old Places, New Faces" series. Twelve studies explore the profound metaphors of the Gospel of John. This study guide will make the story of Christ alive and relevant for today's readers.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 116 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 11 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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John 10:7-9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We also wonder what our adversaries do in prayer, if indeed, the profane men ever ask anything of God. If they declare that they are worthy because they have love and good works, and ask for grace as if they had earned it, then they pray precisely like the Pharisee in Luke 18:11, who says, “I am not like other men.” He who prays for grace without relying upon God's mercy, dishonors Christ, who intercedes for us as our High Priest. Therefore, prayer relies upon God's mercy when we believe that we are heard for the sake of Christ, the High Priest, as he himself says, “ If you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name” (John 16:23). He says, “In my name,” because without this High Priest we cannot approach the Father.

Pulling It Together: If we come to God, expecting that we deserve his grace, then we are thieves of grace. When we think that we have earned God’s mercy and may therefore demand it, we rob God of the glory that belongs to him alone. We need a mediator, someone to go between us and God. Christ alone has earned this authority by ransoming himself for all people (1 Tim 2:5-6). If we imagine that we have attained such a high position, we steal the grace that the Father would freely give us through the Son whom he loves (Eph 1:6). We must therefore, always pray through Christ, expecting nothing because of ourselves or because of our deeds, yet expecting all good things of the Father because of his Son.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for making a way to the Father of grace. Amen. 

Learning the Lord's Prayer teaches the Lord's Prayer according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Second Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 115 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 10 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Daniel 9:15-19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Jonah also says, “Those who regard vanities abandon their own mercy” (Jonah 2:9, Vulgate). All confidence is vain, except confidence in mercy. Mercy delivers us; our own merits, our own efforts, do not. Accordingly, Daniel also prays, “For we do not present our supplications before thee on the ground of our righteousness, but on the ground of thy great mercy. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, give heed and act; delay not, for thy own sake, O my God, because thy city and thy people are called by thy name” (Dan 9:18-19). So Daniel teaches us to take hold of mercy when we pray, that is, to trust in God's mercy, not in our own merits before him.

Pulling It Together: The First Commandment teaches us that God is faithful to deliver his people. “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Exod 20:2). When we confess our sin, God may also be depended upon to bring us out of our bondage to sin (1 John 1:9). We either admit our condition or remain in subjugation. The Hebrews might have stayed behind; and we too may remain enslaved to sin. So, we confess that we are in bondage. Further, we confess that we cannot free ourselves. Just as the Hebrews could not escape from their Egyptian overlords without God’s help, we cannot free ourselves from our masters: sin and death.

As God delivered the Hebrews through the Red Sea, he brings us safely through the waters of baptism. They wandered in the wilderness and finally arrived in the promised land. We move through this life and at long last, arrive at the gates of heaven. All of this is accomplished because God has promised and, in his great mercy, keeps his covenant. We take hold of his promises by faith, not by the bitter labors of “heavy burdens” and “hard service” (Exod 1:14). When God’s people depend upon their hard work, they are enslaved. Yet, when they do not depend upon their own efforts, but trust in God to do the necessary work, they are liberated from their slavery to sin and death. They are freed to live in the new kingdom, and never again regard Egypt.

Prayer: Though my efforts are unworthy, Lord, save me according to your great mercy. Amen. 

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 114 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 09 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Luke 11:2–4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

“I feared all my works” (Job 9:28, Vulgate). “If I wash myself with snow, and cleanse my hands with lye, yet thou wilt plunge me into a pit” (Job 9:30). “Who can say, ‘I have made my heart clean; I am pure from my sin’?” (Prov 20:9). “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). In the Lord's Prayer the saints ask for the forgiveness of sins, so even the saints have sins. “He will by no means clear the guilty” (Num 14:18; Exod 34:7). “The Lord your God is a devouring fire” (Deut 4:24). Zechariah also says, “Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord” (Zech 2:13). “All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it” (Isa 40:6). In other words, the flesh and the righteousness of the flesh cannot endure the judgment of God. 

Pulling It Together: Our sin leaves us indebted to God. This is why Jesus tells us to pray, “Forgive us our sins.” Matthew uses the word “debt” (Matt 6:12), making it clear that we owe God for our moral failure. No one is exempt; all people owe God. But we cannot pay our debt. Our sin nature, our natural being, cannot stand before the glory of God. We cannot work off our debt either, since the righteousness of the flesh will not endure God’s judgment (Rom 3:20). If anything, we should fear and distrust what we consider our good works. Without faith in Christ, these good works will burn with all the other “bad works” that we have done. We cannot cleanse ourselves. All we can do is avail ourselves of the mercy of God, praying, “Forgive us.”

Prayer: Father, thank you for hearing me when I pray, and forgiving me when I ask. Amen. 

The Sola Confirmation Series is a basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum, designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Lord's Prayer workbook is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on the Introduction, each of the Petitions, and the Conclusion. The Scripture focus in the Lord's Prayer series is on the Parables of Jesus, with Bible Study lessons taken from the Gospels.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 113 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 08 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Hebrews 10:19–23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 113

Scripture also often emphasizes the same. “Enter not into judgment with thy servant; for no man living is righteous before thee” (Psa 143:2). This passage absolutely denies the glory of righteousness, even to all saints and servants of God, if God does not forgive but judges and convicts their hearts. When David boasts in other places of his righteousness, he speaks of his cause against the persecutors of God's Word. He does not speak of his personal purity. He asks that the cause and glory of God be defended, as in Psalm 7:8: “Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me.” Likewise, in Psalm 130:3, he says that if God recorded our sins no one could endure God's judgment. “If thou, O Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?”

Pulling It Together: Pour some dirt into a cup of water and find out how many people will drink? Just so, we are not palatable; each person is just some good mixed in with the bad. We are each an undrinkable cup. Everyone sins. Even the deeds we do that others consider good, are of no estimation before the Holy God. For we are not good if we are sometimes bad. Therefore, we cannot stand before God’s glory—unless he makes us holy. Unless the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, we will never endure his glory.

Thanks be to God, that when we admit the bad within us, turning to the Lord, asking his forgiveness, believing that Christ Jesus died for our sins, he makes us good. This is not accomplished in any part by the good deeds we may do, nor by the intentions of the heart—even those that we rarely accomplish. So, we cannot make ourselves good; it is only God who can make someone righteous. He makes sinners gloriously righteous by giving them Christ’s righteousness. He forgives their sins and considers them completely righteous and holy for Christ’s sake, not ours. He is the only way (John 14:6) to the Father. There is no back door. Yet, through Christ, we may enter into the presence of God with confidence. Washed by his pure water, we may draw near with the full assurance of faith in Christ.

Prayer: Help me to hold fast the confession of my hope, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. 

All of the Sola Sunday Schoolhouse materials for Year C may be found here. They include reproducible sheets of Bible lesson, pictures, drama, worksheets, and a Christmas program. This is the Schoolhouse unit subtitled "Stories from the Beginning," covering Bible stories from the first half of the Old Testament, from Genesis through Joshua.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 112 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 07 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Hebrews 4:14-16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The subject is well known and has a great many clear testimonies in Scripture and in the Church Fathers, all declaring with one voice that, even though we have good works, yet in these very works, we need mercy. Depending upon God’s mercy, faith cheers and consoles us. Therefore, the adversaries teach erroneously when they exalt merits, adding nothing about this faith that apprehends mercy. As we have said before, the promise and faith must cooperate since the promise is not apprehended unless by faith. So we say again that the promised mercy requires faith, and cannot be apprehended without faith. Therefore we justly find fault with the doctrine of meritum condigni since it teaches nothing about justifying faith. Furthermore, it obscures the glory and office of Christ as mediator. We should not be regarded as teaching anything new in this matter, since the Church Fathers have so clearly handed down the doctrine that even in good works we need mercy.

Pulling It Together: We cannot make any offering for sin that produces mercy and forgiveness. Our virtue will not do it, nor will religious works, the right disposition, or remorse. Yet there is still hope in the mercy of God, since our great High Priest has made the one offering that makes the difference. No other sacrifice affords God’s grace. Because his grace is only taken hold of through faith, we are able to confess with the Scripture that we may confidently draw near to the cross and receive the promised grace of God. If grace was to be apprehended through our own means, we could never have such bold confidence. It is faith in Christ that transports us to the cross, that blessed place of hope where our sins were carried and buried by Jesus Christ our Savior.

Prayer: I give you the honor and glory, Lord, and place all my hope in you. Amen. 

Three Keys to What Lutherans Believe is a three-session introduction to themes in Lutheran theology. By focusing on key biblical concepts, it demonstrates the primary themes that Lutherans emphasize in thinking about the Christian faith and the teachings of Scripture. The study may be particularly suited to new member classes, adult baptismal or confirmation instruction, or for use with young adults. For use in shorter sessions, leaders may choose to divide each lesson into two parts to create a six-week study.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law - part 111 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 06 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Proverbs 28:13-14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 111

Fourth, the entire Church confesses that eternal life is attained through mercy. Speaking of the works that saints do after being justified, Augustine says in On Grace and Free Will, “God leads us to eternal life not by our merits, but according to His mercy.” In book nine of his Confessions, he writes, “Woe to the life of man, however much it may be worthy of praise, if it be judged with mercy removed.” In his treatise On the Lord’s Prayer Cyprian says, “Lest any one should flatter himself that he is innocent, and by exalting himself, should perish the more deeply, he is instructed and taught that he sins daily, in that he is bidden to entreat daily for his sins.”

Pulling It Together: Everybody sins. Anyone who claims otherwise, is kidding himself (1 John 1:8) but God is not fooled. We were born into sin (Psa 51:5); it invades all of life. What can be done about this condition that pervades us? Nothing. There is nothing that you can do except hope in a merciful God. Without his mercy, there is only judgment and death (Heb 9:27).

We may hide our sin from others but we cannot hide from God, who is not only merciful but righteous and just. It is a foolish person who, having no fear of God, hardens his heart and does not forsake his sin. But the wise person trembles before the Almighty, and admits his sin. Because he believes that he may depend upon God’s mercy, he does not despair by taking matters into his own useless hands. He relies completely on the only one who is willing, able, and just to do something about his sinful life (1 John 1:9). He confesses his sin and obtains God’s mercy.

This is all we can do, though we really are not doing a thing. We are only admitting our sin and leaving it with God to handle. In this confession, we will have done everything needful for peace with our merciful God.

Prayer: Loving Father, help me to truly confess my sins—not in the length of the list but in the range of my trust in your mercy. Amen. 

Learning About Baptism teaches the meaning of Holy Baptism according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the First Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons focus on Baptism as a promise from God, emphasizing the power of God's Word in the Sacrament to create faith and repentance in our daily life.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law - part 110 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 05 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Hebrews 6:17-20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Third, how will the conscience know when a work has been done through this inclination of love so that it is assured it has merited grace de condigno? This distinction, that people merit at one time de congruo and at another time de condigno, was devised to elude the Scriptures. As we have already said, the intention of the one who works does not distinguish the kinds of merit. In their security, hypocrites simply think their works are worthy, and that for this reason they are accounted righteous. Yet, terrified consciences doubt concerning all works, and for this reason are continually seeking other works. For this is what it means to merit de congruo: to doubt and to work without faith until despair takes place. In a word, all that the adversaries teach in regard to this matter is full of errors and dangers.

Pulling It Together: Some people have faith in their works. They believe that there are certain things they can do to earn God’s grace. This imagined acquisition of grace is called condignity or de condigno. It betrays a lack of faith in the finished work of Christ, trusting instead, that God will dignify human works with the grace of forgiveness and righteousness. There are others, sometimes those same people, who doubt the merit of condignity (as they should) and grasp at any good work in the hope that God will offer his grace in return. This is the so-called merit of congruity or de congruo, in which people hope that their efforts will bring them into harmony with God.

How can either condignity or congruity offer hope to the despairing soul? They cannot. Only Christ offers hope that is so sure and steadfast that it is an anchor for the soul. If our anchor is in self, the winds of doubt will drag us across the ocean to shipwreck. But when our hope is in Christ, the anchor holds.

Prayer: Give me faith to trust in you, Lord, my Rock and the anchor of my soul. Amen. 

The Smalcald Articles are often considered Luther's theological Last Will and Testament. Written in easy-to-understand language, this study is presented in a discussion formation with assigned readings from the Scriptures and the Book of Concord. Included in the study is a shorter work by Philip Melanchton called "The Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope." 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law - part 109 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 04 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Mark 14:32-38; 1 Kings 19:11-13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Second, the doctrine of the adversaries leaves consciences in doubt. Because the law always accuses us, even in good works, consciences can never be pacified. “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit” (Gal 5:17). Therefore, if a conscience believes that it must please God by the sake of its own work, instead of for Christ's sake, how will it have peace without faith? If hope springs from merits, what work will the conscience find that may firmly be relied upon as worthy of eternal life? Paul speaks against these doubts. “Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). We ought to be firmly convinced that righteousness and eternal life are granted us for Christ's sake. Paul also says of Abraham that, “In hope he believed against hope” (Rom 4:18).

Pulling It Together: The spirit is compelled to have faith in God but the flesh is weak. It is hard to stay awake and watchful against the accusations of the law. It is easy enough, however, to fall asleep, dreaming that there must be some way that we might please God and avert his wrath. So, we must remain alert, listening carefully beneath the roar of the law’s accusations. The law thunders and quakes against the conscience. The fiery judgment of God leaves us unsettled and trembling. But listen; there is also the sound of a low whisper, calling us to stand before the Lord. It is the Spirit of the Lord coming to us through the gospel. Although he convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8), he does so with the hope of forgiveness. He calls us to the exit of our cave of doubts, awakening us to the reality of God’s mercy and grace, through Jesus Christ the Lord.

Prayer: Lead me, Lord, by your Spirit so that I am not controlled by the flesh. Amen. 

The Great Search is a Christmas program that tells the story of those faithful travelers who made the journey to Bethlehem that very first Christmas. With the help of modern inventions, the magi, shepherds, and angels go on a Great Search to find the Christchild. This program can easily be adapted for large or smaller congregations. The congregation participates in the program through the singing of Christmas Carols.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 108 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 03 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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From the Word: 15 We are Jews by nature, and not from Gentile sinners. 16 Yet, knowing that a person is not justified from works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, for no flesh will be justified by works of the law. 17 But if, seeking to be justified in Christ, we too were revealed as sinners, is Christ a servant of sin? May it never be so! 18 For if I rebuild those things that I leveled, I prove myself an overstepper (Galatians 2:16-18).

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

What else is this than to transfer the glory of Christ to our works, when we seek to please God because of our works instead of because of Christ? This also robs Christ of the glory of being the mediator, who is mediator perpetually, and not merely in the beginning of justification. Paul also says that if one who is justified in Christ later seeks righteousness elsewhere, he calls Christ “an agent of sin” (Gal 2:17) because he does not fully justify. The adversaries are quite absurd when they teach that good works merit grace de condigno, as though when the conscience is terrified after justification, as is often the case, grace must be sought through a good work, and not by faith in Christ.

Pulling It Together: Those who consider themselves Christian would confess that Christ saves. But the later actions of some betray a different belief than what they confess. Because they still sin, as everyone does, they begin to seek their salvation and forgiveness by doing something that they hope will appease God, whom they imagine must be angry with them. Because their consciences are troubled, they seek peace and reassurance in their own virtue instead of in Christ. But there is never lasting peace of mind for those who trust in the need to add their own deeds to what Christ has already fully accomplished.

The holy, catholic, Christian Church teaches, preaches, and confesses that we are saved by God’s grace through Christ our propitiator. We cannot be redeemed by our efforts to appease him. We demonstrated earlier that even Jerome said, “We are righteous when we confess that we are sinners, and that our righteousness consists not in our own merit, but in God's mercy.” Either Christ has saved us or he has not.

Prayer: Increase my faith in you, Lord, so that I will not depend upon myself. Amen. 

Why Did Jesus Have to Die? examines the most profound event of salvation history—the crucifixion of Jesus Christ—exploring from a biblical perspective what is known as the doctrine of the Atonement. This six-week Bible Study would be particularly appropriate during the season of Lent.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law - part 107 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 02 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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1 Timothy 2:3-6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 107

It is also clear that we cannot observe the law without the aid of Christ, as he himself tells us. “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). So before we are able to observe the law, our hearts must be born again by faith. Therefore, it is understandable why we find fault with the doctrine of the adversaries concerning meritum condigni. The decision is very easy, since they do not mention faith or that we please God by faith for Christ's sake. Rather, they imagine that good works, done because of an inclination to love, constitute a righteousness worthy by itself to please God, and earn eternal life with no need of Christ as mediator.

Pulling It Together: There is no good thing that we can do, or even a lifetime’s collection of good works, that God would dignify as a righteousness worthy of eternal life. If that were so, why would he have sent his Son to be the satisfaction or propitiation for our sin? Why would God require faith in Christ if we could earn our own salvation? We need Christ; we cannot save ourselves. There is only one God and Savior (Titus 2:13; Jude 25) and he needs no assistance from us. He has paid the penalty for our sin, ransoming us from death (Mark 10:45). Jesus has negotiated or mediated the price that we could never pay, so that we could come to a knowledge of the truth and be set free (John 8:32) from sin and death. All of this happens without our help, but not without faith in Christ.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for completely saving me so that I may have faith in you and not worry if there is something that I must still do to inherit eternal life. Amen. 

One For All is a nine-session Bible study explores the center of the Christian faith by focusing on the unique and exclusive promise of Jesus. It examines not only the claims that Christ made about himself in Scripture, but the claim that the Lord makes on our lives as well. By focusing on the Gospel message of salvation in Christ alone, the study seeks to show how God makes us a part of His mission to the whole world, and how "the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all."

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law - part 106 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 01 Aug 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Hebrews 12:28-29

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

These things are also plain, that we overcome the terrors of sin and death by faith, not by love, since our love and fulfilling of the law cannot stand against the wrath of God. Paul says that we we have access to God by faith in Christ (Rom 5:2). We stress this statement so frequently because of its clarity. It shows most plainly the state of our whole case, and when carefully considered, teaches abundantly about this whole matter, bringing consolation to well-disposed minds. Accordingly, it is advantageous to have it at hand and in sight, not only so that we may be able to use it against the doctrine of our adversaries, who teach that we come to God not by faith, but by love and merits, without Christ as mediator, but also so that we may cheer ourselves and exercise faith when fear assails us.

Pulling It Together: True faith in Christ is not shaken for long, since it remembers the source and object of its faith. Faith does not seek to appease an angry God but instead, recalls that God graciously forgives sins for Christ’s sake. Because of our trust in God, we are able to worship him without fear. We are consoled by the gospel that teaches us of a loving Father. Because God has imputed Christ’s righteousness to us, we are not destroyed by his “consuming fire”; we are cleansed by it instead. Our works and dispositions do not make us clean or righteous. Christ alone makes us righteous and enables us to stand before him with reverence and awe, offering him acceptable worship (Rom 5:2). 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, cleanse me with your shed blood so that I may offer you acceptable worship. Amen. 

Luther's Small Cat Discovers: The Seasons of the Church Year is written for 4th grade level students. This book takes students through the church year, accompanied by Luther’s Small Cat — a character who is just as inquisitive and precocious as the students. May your journey through the church year bring you closer to Christ, who walks through each moment of life alongside you.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 105 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 31 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Onlilne jigsaw

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Hebrews 10:38-11:1

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We hope that it can be sufficiently understood from these statements what faith is, and that we are compelled to hold that we are justified, reconciled, and regenerated by faith, if indeed, we wish to teach the righteousness of the gospel, and not of the law. Those who teach that we are justified by love teach the righteousness of the law, and do not instruct us to avail ourselves of Christ as mediator in justification.

Pulling It Together: Faith is not a mere intellectual understanding of God. Many people believe there is a God but they neither know who he is nor put their trust in him. Faith is not a decision to be religious. It is not head knowledge, and it is not the will to love God. These are by-products of faith. Faith is a complete trust in God even when the mind cannot comprehend, or when the will desires something other than God. One cannot trust in God if faith is of our own construction, merely human reason or will. Faith believes in Christ, not self.

Faith takes hold of God’s promises and will not let go—even when the mind cannot fathom God’s promises, even when the will cannot fully comply with the law. When the doubting mind and the weak, human will (Mark 14:38) leave us feeling guilty, faith still believes. Faith is a wholesale trust in God for justification, forgiveness of sins, rebirth, and eternal life. It takes no stock in self, but trusts in Christ alone. For if faith was a matter of reason and the will, no one could be assured of God’s promises; no one could have steadfast conviction in things unseen. God is the source of our faith, not us—not our reason or our will—so faith leaves our justification in his hands.

Prayer: Keep me steadfast, O Lord, in your word of promise. Amen. 

Live from the First Century is based on the Christmas Story from the Gospel of Luke. This children's program takes the form of a first century newscast, reporting on events in Bethlehem. The script includes a number of character parts, with each scene featuring a Christmas carol sung by the children. Permission is granted to reproduce the script for local congregational use.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 104 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 30 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The adversaries speak of obedience to the law; they do not speak of obedience to the gospel. Yet we cannot obey the law unless we have been reborn through the gospel. Nor can we love God unless the we have received the forgiveness of sins. As long as we think that he is angry with us, human nature flees from his wrath and judgment. Some may prevaricate that if it is faith that wishes those things that are offered in the promise, then the properties of faith and hope seem to be confused, because hope is that which expects promised things. To this we reply that these dispositions cannot in reality be severed, in the manner that they are divided by idle speculations in the schools. For in the Epistle to the Hebrews faith is also defined as the “assurance of things hoped for” (Heb 11:1). Yet if anyone still desires a distinction to be made, we say that the object of hope is properly a future event, but that faith is concerned with future and present things, receiving in the present the forgiveness of sins that the promise offers.

Pulling It Together: If you would be righteous, you must live by faith (Hab 2:4; Rom 1:17; Gal 3:11; Heb 10:38). For if you imagine that you can be righteous by being virtuous and religious, then you are misguided by conceit. Righteousness is a characteristic of God alone that he shares with or imputes to those who have faith in his righteousness. Righteousness only comes to us from God, by believing in the good news of Jesus Christ’s redeeming work on the cross. Righteousness is not something acquired through obedience to the law; it is something that God freely gives to those who believe the gospel. Then, because we have received his forgiveness, love, and righteousness by believing what God promised, we have a sure and certain hope, a guaranteed inheritance, an eternity determined by God “before the foundation of the world” (Eph 1:4) for those who have preserved their souls through faith. 

Prayer: My eyes are turned to you, Lord God, and in you I take refuge. Amen. 

Saints and Sinners, Witnesses to the Faith, is the first in a three-volume series on saints and sinners in the New Testament who were powerful witnesses to faith in Christ. May this study of saints and sinners enrich your understanding of life with Christ and encourage you in discipleship.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 103 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 29 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Romans 4:15-22

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

This faith gives God the honor that is his own by receiving the promises. It obeys him just as Paul says, “No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God” (Rom 4:20). Thus the worship and divine service of the gospel is to receive gifts from God, while the worship of the law is to offer our gifts to God. We can offer nothing to God unless we have first been reconciled and born again. This teaching brings the greatest consolation since the chief worship of the gospel is to desire to receive forgiveness of sins, grace, and righteousness. Christ says of this worship, “For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life” (John 6:40). And the Father says, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matt 17:5).

Pulling It Together: Hope believes even when the situation appears hopeless. Abraham was confronted with an utterly hopeless situation. His son, who seemed to be the beginning of God’s guarantee of offspring, was to be sacrificed to God. Notice how bleak worship is when it is we who bring the gifts. Still, in that darkest, most desperate moment, the patriarch believed even when hope itself seemed hopeless. As the father was about to slaughter the son of promise, God spared Isaac’s life. Abraham’s worship was brought to life when God provided the sacrifice that Abraham never could. Even so, God has provided in his own Son the sacrifice that we could never offer. In God’s gift to the world is grace, forgiveness, and righteousness. Worship is truly worship when we receive these gifts from God through faith, even when our sins cause us to question if hope itself is hopeless.

Prayer: Help me to grow strong in faith, God, and give you the glory. Amen. 

Family Matters is a nine-session Bible study that focuses on the first generations of God's people—Abraham and his descendants. It looks at how God's covenant promise sustained them as they navigated family relationships.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 102 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 28 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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1 John 3:23-24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The righteousness of Christ is given to us through faith, so faith is righteousness in us by imputation. We are made acceptable to God because of the imputation and ordinance of God, as Paul says, “Faith is reckoned as righteousness” (Rom 4:3-5). Because of certain critics, we must speak technically: faith is truly righteousness because it is obedience to the gospel. Obviously, obedience to the command of a superior is plainly and truly a form of distributive justice. This obedience to the gospel is reckoned for righteousness, so that, only because we apprehend Christ as propitiator, are good works or obedience to the law pleasing. For we do not satisfy the law, but for Christ's sake this is forgiven us, as Paul says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1).

Pulling It Together: If you are looking for something that you must do, some righteous work that gains eternal life, there is only one thing necessary. Believe in Christ (John 6:29). That is God’s commandment: believe. The Apostle John teaches us that this is God’s greatest commandment, that belief in Christ is the same thing as loving “the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matt 22:37). The next time you think that you surely do not love God with your whole heart, ponder this. Despite your sin, indeed, even if you consider yourself the worst of sinners (1 Tim 1:15), do you still believe in Christ? Do you still take hold of him as the means of forgiveness? Then you have kept God’s greatest commandment. There is nothing else to do but believe in Christ. Through this faith, God makes you truly righteous by instilling the righteousness of Christ in you. This is why you cannot be condemned (Rom 8:1): Christ with all of his righteousness now abides in you because you have kept God’s greatest commandment by believing in the name of his Son. 

Prayer: Father, grow my faith in your Son and my love for all people. Amen. 

The Basics of the Christian Faith is an edition of the catechism that is aimed at seekers, visitors, and those that may not come from a Lutheran background. It is recommended for use in outreach, as a visitor welcome gift, or in new member packets.

You may customize your catechism with church name, address, and website.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 101 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 27 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for jigsaw puzzle.

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1 Peter 2:22-24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

In this passage, justify is utilized in a legal sense, meaning to acquit a guilty person and declare him righteous—yet, on account of the righteousness of another, namely Christ’s, which is conveyed to us by faith. Since in this passage, our righteousness is the imputation of the righteousness of another, we must speak here of righteousness in a different manner than a philosophical or judicial inquiry about the righteousness of one's own work, which certainly is in the will. Accordingly, Paul says, “He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Cor 1:30). “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor 5:21).

Pulling It Together: Jesus took our sin upon himself and died with it on the cross. When our sin was transferred to Christ, his righteousness was assigned to us through faith in him. There was nothing that the disciples could do on that horrible, yet blessed day, but watch. Jesus did it all, bearing the guilt and blame of everyone, justifying all who believe (Acts 13:39). Jesus paid the price of our sin so that we would receive the benefit of his righteousness. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor 5:21). Like his first disciples, we can do nothing to assist in our justification. We cannot clear our own names but we can take the name of Jesus Christ, given to us in baptism and apprehended through faith (Gal 3:26-27).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for bearing my sin on the cross, becoming my righteousness. Amen. 

All God's Critters is a Sunday School series designed for young students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children. The curriculum is fully reproducible and is designed with the particular needs of small churches, mission congregations, and house churches in mind. Check out some sample pages by clicking HERE.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 100 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 26 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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2 Timothy 3:14–15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

A sophist may object that righteousness is in the will, and therefore cannot be ascribed to faith, which is in the intellect. A reply is easy, since even the scholastics acknowledge that the will commands the intellect to assent to the Word of God. We also say quite clearly: The terrors of sin and death are not only thoughts of the intellect but also horrible turbulence of the will fleeing God's judgment. Even so, faith is not only knowledge in the intellect, but also confidence in the will. It desires to receive what the promise offers, namely, reconciliation and forgiveness of sins. Scripture uses the term "faith" this way as Paul testifies in the following sentence. “Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God” (Rom 5:1).

Pulling It Together: We cannot reason our way to God or become justified before him because we have come to some intellectual understanding of divinity. Our sinful natures alone, as well as subsequent sins, have alienated us from God. Some try to deny this, but they know better since they cannot escape the fear of sin and death. So, what are we to do in order to be justified? The answer is: nothing. We cannot do a thing about our damned situation. There is however, someone who has done something about our condition, and the credit for what he has accomplished has been transferred to our account. When we admit our sinful condition, and desire to receive God’s forgiveness and to be reconciled to him, we may enjoy peace with, instead of the fear of, God. This happens when we believe the testimony of Scripture and have faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ. This is why we confess that people are justified to God through faith alone.

Prayer: Almighty God, increase my faith, through Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior. Amen. 

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven, and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power.” (1 Cor 6:14) 

Leader's Guide is available. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 99 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 25 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for jigsaw puzzle.

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Mark 1:21-24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Let any one of our adversaries come forward who can teach us about this love, how he himself loves God. They do not at all understand what they say; they only echo, like the walls of a house, the little word "love," without understanding it. Their doctrine is so confused and obscure. It not only transfers the glory of Christ to human works, but also leads consciences either to presumption or to despair. Our doctrine, we hope, is readily understood by pious minds, and brings godly and salutary consolation to terrified consciences. For as the adversaries quibble that many wicked men and devils also believe, we have already frequently said that we speak of faith in Christ—of faith in the forgiveness of sins, faith that truly and heartily assents to the promise of grace. This does not happen without a great struggle in human hearts. Sensible people can easily judge that the faith which believes that we are cared for by God, and that we are forgiven and heard by him, is a matter beyond our nature. For the human mind, in its own power, does not believe this about God. Therefore, neither wicked people nor devils can have this faith that we are discussing.

Pulling It Together: Surveys are often filled out by a person who marks the box, “Christian.” Often what this means is that the person thinks there is a God. In the public mind, believing there is a God is synonymous with being a Christian. But this is a far cry from faith, from believing in God. Christians not only believe there is a God, they believe that he sent his Son to redeem them, to forgive them of their sins. They believe that God loves them and cares for them.

What devils have faith that God forgives their sins because of Christ? What demons believe that God loves and cares for them? They may know that Jesus is the Holy One of God but they lack faith. Theirs is mere intellectual assent. To know something is not the same thing as having faith. Faith believes even when it cannot fathom a matter. Who can understand that Jesus forgives them completely when they are such outrageous sinners? Yet this is precisely what we believe, because we have faith in his word. We believe that we are wholly forgiven without deed or charity of our own to balance the scale. This is beyond the ability of human nature to comprehend. Still, this is what we are asked to believe and trust.

People who only believe there must be a God, do not have faith in Christ. Devils know that God exists, but they too have no faith in him. But people who trust in Christ instead of themselves, who trust in his work on the cross instead of in religion, are the people of true faith—not an intellectual nod but a real trust in God. When it seems impossible to think that the Father cares for a sinner like you, trust in God. Do not trust in your good deeds to compensate for your sins, for they do not. People of faith believe that Christ has delivered them from all of their sins and has reconciled them to his Father.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for giving me faith in you. Amen. 

Why Did Jesus Have to Die? is a six-week Bible Study that examines the most profound event of salvation history — the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ — exploring from a biblical perspective what is known as the doctrine of the atonement.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 98 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 24 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Romans 15:8-13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

In regard to their doctrine of justification, consciences are left in uncertainty. If they must believe that they have a reconciled God because they love and observe the law, they will always doubt whether they have a reconciled God. They either do not feel this love, as the adversaries acknowledge, or certainly feel this love is too little. Frequently they feel angry at the judgment of God who oppresses human nature with many terrible evils, with troubles of this life, the terrors of eternal wrath, and so forth. So, when will the conscience be at rest; when will it be pacified? In such doubt and terror, when will it love God? What else is the doctrine of the law than a doctrine of despair?

Pulling It Together: Christ came to the law keepers first, to show the truth of God’s promises. God fulfilled those promises in the Messiah by fulfilling the law for them, something which they could not accomplish (Acts 15:10). Second, Christ came to display God’s mercy to those who had no concern for the law. The Gentiles did not find peace through conversion to law keeping. The demands of the law are no reason for joy since no one can fulfill the law. Rather, their joy and peace abounded through belief in the Son of God. The hope of the Gentiles was full through the power of the Holy Spirit, who was given to them by faith. Nowhere are loving actions or observation of the law required for this joy, peace, and hope. These are endowments that come to us through faith in Christ, not by keeping the law or through love and religious ceremony. So, we see that God’s mercy is shown to the law keeper as well as those who have no concern for religion. We confess that joy, peace, and hope are available to all because of God’s mercy—but only through faith. 

Prayer: Fill me with joy, peace, and hope through believing in you, Lord Jesus. Amen. 

Remind your family and friends of the hope that they have in Christ. A variety of beautiful greeting cards are available from Sola Publishing. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 97 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 23 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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John 5:21-24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The adversaries deprive the Church of great blessings when they condemn and try to blur the doctrine of the righteousness of faith. Therefore, let all well-disposed minds beware of consenting to their godless counsels. For they make no mention of Christ in justification, how we ought to set him against the wrath of God, as though, indeed, we were able to overcome the wrath of God by love, or to love an angry God.

Pulling It Together: What a blessing it is to be assured of eternity. Jesus gave us this assurance by saying that whoever believes his word and in the one who sent him has eternal life. Were we to think that eternity depended upon us, on our works canceling out our sins, we would never be confident. We would always wonder if God were angry with us, then conceive of some greater deed that we might do to appease him. But when we believe that Christ is the one who satisfies God, who has made him “well pleased” (Matt 3:17) by canceling our debt of sin (Col 2:14), then our hearts are set at joyful rest. Then we seek to please God for the sheer sake of honoring him. We no longer try to heap up deed after deed in the effort to gain an angry God’s favor. We rely instead, on that one work of a loving God, who in Christ has finished the work of our reconciliation to himself (John 19:30).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for raising me from spiritual death and for giving me the hope of resurrection. Amen. 

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, that refer to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power” (1 Cor 6:14).

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 96 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 22 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Matthew 11:28-30

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The glory of Christ becomes more brilliant when we teach people to avail themselves of him as mediator and propitiator. Faithful consciences see that the most abundant consolation is offered to them in this doctrine. We learn to believe and fully trust that we have a reconciled Father for Christ's sake, not because of our own righteousness, but because Christ also helps us to observe the law.

Pulling It Together: What a burden it is to fulfill the law on our own. Who can keep the law? Is there anyone who can satisfy the demands of the law? Yes, there is one who can and did so for the world. Jesus Christ fulfilled all righteousness, and he did it as the mediator between us and God. Jesus reconciled us to God, becoming righteousness for us. When we trust in his propitiation or satisfaction of the law, our yoke becomes light. We are aided by his righteousness, aiming at keeping the law because of love for him instead of from fear of God’s wrath. When Christ is our mediator and propitiator, we find rest for our souls—not in our own righteousness but in the righteousness that has been given to us by God in Christ.

When you fail to keep the commandments, remind yourself that Christ is your righteousness—not your ability to perfectly fulfill the law’s requirements. Depend upon him and your yoke will be light, for he has carried the load.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to trust in you. Amen. 

All God’s Critters is a Sunday School series designed for young students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children.

The All God’s Critters curriculum is fully reproducible and is designed with the particular needs of small churches, mission congregations, and house churches in mind. Check out some sample pages by clicking here.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 95 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 21 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Luke 24:44-45

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

These things are so simple, so evident that we marvel that the rage of the adversaries is so great as to call them into doubt. The proof is manifest, that since we are justified before God by the promise instead of the law, it is necessary to ascribe justification to faith. What argument can oppose this proof, unless some one wishes to altogether abolish the gospel and Christ?

Pulling It Together: Sometimes, even the simplest things are spun into complexities, the clearest teaching of Christ turned to sophistry, the clarity of orthodoxy twisted to heresy. This usually happens when something other than God’s Word becomes one’s authority. When feelings, tradition, religion, or culture are allowed to interpret Scripture, the strangest interpretations result. But when Scripture is our authoritative word, we stay truer to God’s will. So, let us bring the Word of God to bear on Scripture, allowing Scripture to interpret itself. For whenever some other sensibility begins to hold sway over the Word—whether personal feelings or the infamous saying, “We’ve never done it that way before”—we may be sure that we are about to lead ourselves astray.

Prayer: Help me listen, Lord, and truly hear your Word. Amen. 

The English Standard Version Pew Bible containing the Old and New Testament is an affordable durable Bible, designed for regular church use. Hardcover black with black print.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 94 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 20 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for jigsaw puzzle.

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Hebrews 3:1-6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

If any one has considered these foundations—that we are not justified by the law because human nature cannot observe the law of God and cannot love God, but that we are justified by the promise, through which reconciliation, righteousness, and eternal life have been promised for Christ's sake—he will easily understand that justification must necessarily be ascribed to faith. One need only reflect upon the fact that Christ has not been promised, revealed, born, suffered, and raised again in vain. The promise of grace in Christ, made from the beginning of the world, apart from and beyond the law, is not in vain. The promise is received by faith, as 1 John 5:10-11 says: “He who does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne to his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who has not the Son of God has not life.” Christ says, “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Paul writes, “Through him we have obtained access to this grace,” (Rom 5:2) to which he adds, “by faith.”The promise of the forgiveness of sins and of righteousness is received by faith. We are not justified before God by reason or by the law.

Pulling It Together: We are made children of God through his grace. We were not born to his house but have been reborn and adopted by his merciful will (Eph 1:5). Therefore we have hope, hope not in the things we do, but in the things that have been accomplished by the Son of God who is faithful over his Father’s house. It is Christ who has made us to be his house, his family, the household of faith (Gal 6:10). We hold this hopeful confidence only through faith in him. For as soon as we begin to put our confidence in our reason or in works of the law, we will falter, hope will fade, our confidence will wane.

Who is there who pins the hope of eternity on self? That is a foolish person, blind to both experience and Scripture. We cannot hope in ourselves. Why else would God have promised us hope in another—“a man of God’s own choosing”? Why else was Christ revealed in the Word, born of a woman, suffered under Pilate, crucified, died, buried, and raised again from death and hell? God did all these things through his Son because they were needful. He gave us his Son by grace because we were not worthy of his house by our own virtues. We are justified, however, by faith in the merit of Christ Jesus. It is through Christ alone that “we rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom 5:2).

Prayer: Fill me with hopeful confidence, Holy Spirit, through faith in the Son of the Father. Amen. 

The purpose of Epistles, A Guide to Reading the Scriptures is twofold: to encourage Christians to read God’s Word on a regular basis, and to help the reader slow down and concentrate on each chapter of the epistles before moving on to the next.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 93 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 19 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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1 Corinthians 15:51-57

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Our eyes are to be turned far away from human reason, far away from Moses, and turned to Christ. We are to believe that Christ was given for us so that we may be accounted righteous because of him. We never satisfy the law in the flesh. Therefore, we are not accounted righteous because of the law, but on account of Christ, because his merits are granted to us if we believe in him.

Pulling It Together: I never understood why the rules of baseball allow a pinch runner. A coach is allowed to substitute a faster runner and remove the slower runner from the game. That does not seem fair. But if life, in the eternal sense, was fair, we would all die and that would be the end of the matter (Rom 6:23) because we have all sinned, and death is the punishment for sin (Rom 3:23). For all of our effort, we fall short of the glory of God. No matter how hard we try to keep it, we do not fulfill the law.

God must appreciate baseball, or at least the pinch runner rule. For he has substituted for all of us a more skillful keeper of the law. Jesus has come in to the game and that has changed the outcome. He has won the game of life for the whole world. The series has been decided.

That may not seem fair. Thanks be to God that he is more interested in the victory than in our sense of fairness. We may keep our eyes focused on the law, or even on how we can be good people. But then, we will miss the mystery of life. Death has been vanquished in a pinch, in the twinkling of an eye. “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord of life, for your victory over sin and death. Amen. 

Sola's Sunday Schoolhouse offers Christmas programs for each year of the program. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 92 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 18 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Romans 8:1-4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

From this foundation it is easy to determine why we ascribe justification to faith, not to love, though love follows faith because love is the keeping of the law. But Paul teaches that we are justified not by the law, but by the promise which is only received by faith. For we cannot come to God without Christ as mediator, nor do we receive forgiveness of sins because of our love, but because of Christ.

The law constantly accuses us, and therefore, always shows us an angry God. We are not able to love God while he is angry. Therefore, we must first apprehend the promise by faith—that for Christ's sake the Father is reconciled and forgives. Afterward, we begin to observe the law.

Pulling It Together: Jesus warned keepers of the law that the wrath of God was coming (Matt 3:7). The Pharisees already did not like Jesus, and this did not make them any happier. They wanted to be admired by men and favored by God because they played by a strict adherence to the rules. Yet, for all of their legalism, their spirits were not right. This can only occur when one’s basic nature has been changed through rebirth (Matt 3:3). One is only born again through belief in the promise of God, when one has faith in Christ instead of faith in one’s display of religion. Ironically, it is faith that exonerates—not law keeping. Because Christ has paid the penalty of the law in full, it remains for us to believe what he has accomplished. There is nothing for us to do but trust in the one who has stepped between us and the law, Christ our mediator. We cannot work around the law but we may have faith in the Son of God who fulfilled the law’s requirements for us.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for taking away the law’s condemnation and for setting me free from sin and death. Amen. 

Connections Magazine features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Luther's Small Catechism provides inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 91 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 17 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Genesis 15:1-6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

This faith is credited as righteousness before God (Rom 4:3-5). When the heart is cheered and quickened by faith in this manner, it receives the Holy Spirit, who renews us so that we are able to observe the law and love God and his Word. We are enabled to be submissive to God in afflictions so that we are able to be chaste, love our neighbor, and so forth. Even though these works are far from the perfection of the law, they please God because of faith by which we are accounted righteous, because we believe that we have a reconciled God for Christ's sake. These things are plain, in harmony with the gospel, and can be understood by persons of sound mind.

Pulling It Together: “Look toward heaven.” When we look to ourselves, we tend to get in trouble. Initially, Abram believed God’s promise of a son. But after a while, he took his eyes off of God and his promise. Goaded by Sarai, his wife, Abram took the matter of having a son into his own hands, contributing to the biggest dysfunctional family since Adam and Eve (Gen 16:1-5). Nearly 15 years later, the Lord reminded Abram of his covenant (Gen 17:1-2). Making him wait was also a reminder of who is in control. “Look toward heaven.”

God promises us in our baptism to make us heirs of the covenant (Gal 3:29). Though we may wait a long time, longer perhaps than Abram waited, we too are blessed. We have received the Spirit of promise by faith, by believing the word of God (Gal 3:2). Let us not turn back to the flesh, taking matters into our own hands through works of the law (Gal 3:3). “Look toward heaven.” God is still in control; he keeps his promise.

Prayer: Give me a complete confidence in you, Lord, so that I may live for you. Amen. 

Personalities of Faith is a ten-session Bible study for youth. The goal of the series is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith." By showing biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 90 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 16 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Philippians 3:1-3

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Therefore, Paul also says that righteousness is not of the law but of the promise, in which the Father has promised that he wishes to forgive, that he wishes to be reconciled for Christ's sake. This promise, however, is received by faith alone, as Paul testifies in Romans 4:13. Faith alone receives forgiveness of sins, justifies, and regenerates. Then love and other good fruits follow. As we have already said, we teach that people are justified when the conscience, terrified by the preaching of repentance, is encouraged and believes that for Christ's sake it has a reconciled God.

Pulling It Together: It is good to be reminded and to have the point driven home again and again. For we are easily led astray, imagining that we must do something to reconcile God, since we imagine he must be angry about our sins. But God has done it all. He has put to death our old natures through Christ’s crucifixion. He has regenerated us through his resurrection. “It is finished” (John 19:30). We receive this finished work of Christ through faith, no matter what others may insist, no matter what our own consciences imagine. All our confidence, all our hope, is in Christ alone.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the grace to live in your righteousness instead of my own. Amen. 

The Great Search is a Christmas program that tells the story of those faithful travelers who made the journey to Bethlehem that very first Christmas. With the help of modern inventions, the magi, shepherds, and angels go on a Great Search to find the Christchild. This program can easily be adapted for large or smaller congregations. The congregation participates in the program through the singing of Christmas Carols.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 89 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 15 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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1 Corinthians 15:1-3

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

But let us consider that the gospel has not been given to the world in vain. Christ was not promised, revealed, born, suffered, and raised in vain. Those who reflect upon this will readily understand that we are not justified by reason or the law. Thus, we are obligated to differ with the adversaries about justification. For the gospel shows another mode: it compels us to avail ourselves of Christ for justification. The gospel teaches that we have access to God through Christ by faith, that we ought to set him as mediator and propitiator against God's wrath. It teaches that forgiveness of sins, reconciliation, and triumph over the terrors of sin and of death are received by faith in Christ.

Pulling It Together: We inherit the kingdom through faith, just as an orphan receives a new family. When a child is adopted, she must follow her new family through the orphanage doors. It must be confusing. The orphanage has always been her home, the director her parent, the other orphans her brothers and sisters. She must now leave that world behind; and she must do so in faith. Who could believe that someone wants her as his own child? Yet that is precisely what is called for: belief, trust, faith.

We too have been called to walk across a threshold, to leave behind the hopeless realm of sin and death. To do so, we must have faith in Christ’s call to follow him. Once we do, our faith in, and even our works for God are not in vain. For our hope in the gospel, our holding fast to the Word, is a true and certain hope.

Prayer: Help me stand fast upon your word, Lord. Amen. 

C Is for Christmas — A group of children get together to put on a Christmas program for their church and can’t decide whether to present a program about Christmas hymns, symbolic ornaments for the Church’s Christmas tree, or the meaning of Christmas. Rather than argue about it, they decide to do all three. This delightful Christmas program is written to include all ages in Sunday School and is a downloadable PDF. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 88 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 14 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Romans 5:8–11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

It is easy for a Christian to appraise each mode because both modes exclude Christ and are therefore to be rejected. The first teaches that our works are a satisfaction for sin, so the impiety is obvious. The second contains much that is injurious. It does not teach us to trust in Christ when we are born again. It does not teach that justification is the forgiveness of sins. It does not teach that we attain the forgiveness of sins before we love, but falsely expresses that we rouse in ourselves the act of love so that we merit forgiveness of sins. Nor does it teach that we overcome the terrors of sin and death by faith in Christ. It falsely claims that people come to God by their own fulfilling of the law, without Christ as propitiator. Finally, it imagines that this keeping of the law without Christ as propitiator is a righteousness worthy of grace and eternal life, though even in saints only a weak and feeble fulfilling of the law occurs.

Pulling It Together: The word “atonement” translated in Romans 5:11 in the Geneva and King James versions is abandoned in subsequent New Testament translations. From the American Standard Version (1901) through the English Standard Version (2001), the word “reconciliation” is used. Either word works but the newer word, it may be suspected, is used because English speaking cultures have forgotten what atonement means and so, it has fallen out of use. For the time being, we still use reconciliation because we understand it to mean that two parties have come to terms. When people are no longer enemies and have become friends again, they are reconciled.

When William Tyndale translated the New Testament (1526), he created the word “attonment” to express what Christ did for us. Jesus at-oned us to God. He became the at-one-ment that made us friends of God (John 15:15), instead of his enemies. This was accomplished, not through our own works but, solely through the work of Christ. The Greek word (καταλλαγ?) literally means “down upon another.” The doctrine of justification that we confess rests upon this one, central point: that our sins have fallen upon Jesus Christ instead of ourselves. We receive this atoning grace of God through faith in Christ’s merit.

Prayer: Keep me in faith, Lord, depending upon your atonement. Amen. 

The Basics of the Christian Faith is an edition of the catechism that is aimed at seekers, visitors, and those that may not come from a Lutheran background. It is recommended for use in outreach, as a visitor welcome gift, or in new member packets.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 87 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 13 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Ephesians 1:3-6 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Another mode of justification is handed down by the scholastic theologians in which they teach that we are righteous through the habit of love which is infused by God. They teach that, aided by this habit, we observe the law of God outwardly and inwardly, and that this fulfilling of the law is worthy of grace and of eternal life. This teaching is plainly a doctrine of the law since it is true that the law says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might,” (Deut 6:5) and, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev 19:18). Therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Pulling It Together: God wants us to live lives that reflect his own holiness and are in keeping with the regeneration that comes to us through faith. Yet neither the inclination nor the fulfilling of the law makes us worthy of his grace or of eternal life. First, we cannot fulfill the law’s demands. For who loves the Lord with a whole heart? Second, even if we could fulfill the law’s demands, our personal holiness does not merit God’s grace. He gives his grace freely (Eph 1:6) and it is by his free gift of grace that we are justified (Rom 3:24). So, yes, love the Lord your God and your neighbor too, as best as you are able through the power of God at work within you. Always remember when you fail to do so, it is also his power that calls you back to dependence upon his grace and forgiveness. 

Prayer: Help me to live a righteous life, Lord, while I depend upon you for righteousness. Amen. 

All God’s Critters is a Sunday School series designed for young students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children.

The All God’s Critters curriculum is fully reproducible and is designed with the particular needs of small churches, mission congregations, and house churches in mind. Check out some sample pages by clicking here.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 86 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 12 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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From the Word: 1 Do not allow your heart to be distressed. Believe in God; trust in me also. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, I would have told you, for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will take you to myself, so that where I am, you may be also. 4 And you know the way where I am going. 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How are we to know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.” (John 14:1-6)

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The first mode of justification that they teach is that people merit grace by good works both de congruo and de condigno. This mode is a doctrine of reason, because reason, not seeing the uncleanness of the heart, thinks that it pleases God if it performs good works. For this reason, people in great peril constantly devise other works and other acts of worship to counter the terrors of conscience. The heathen and the Israelites sacrificed human victims, and undertook many other painful works in order to appease God's wrath. Later, orders of monks were devised, and these vied with each other in the severity of their observances to cancel the terrors of conscience and God's wrath. This mode of justification can be understood because it is reasonable, and can be performed to a certain extent because it is occupied with outward works. So the canonists have distorted the Church ordinances that were enacted by the Fathers for a far different purpose: social tranquility and a certain order in the Church—not that by these works we should seek righteousness. They have also distorted the Sacraments in the same way, especially the Mass, through which they seek righteousness, grace, and salvation ex opere operato.

Pulling It Together: It is not the severity of our religious observances or the long list of our good works over a lifetime that makes us fit and worthy for the kingdom of God. Rather, it is the measure of God’s regard for us and therefore, the one great work he accomplished in a few days that make all the difference. Indeed, he has made the only difference. We can add nothing to his finished work (John 19:30). He is the way—not us. He is the truth—not our imagined theories of grace and salvation through works performed. He is the life. And the one who would live forever in his Father’s house does so through Christ alone.

Prayer: I long for the home you have prepared for me, Lord Jesus, so that I may live with you always. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Why Did Jesus Have to Die? examines the most profound event of salvation history—the crucifixion of Jesus Christ—exploring from a biblical perspective what is known as the doctrine of the Atonement. This six-week Bible Study would be particularly appropriate during the season of Lent.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 85 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 11 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Romans 11:5-6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

So far, we have reviewed the principal passages that the adversaries cite against us in order to show that faith does not justify, that we earn forgiveness of sins and grace by our works. We hope that we have shown clearly enough to godly consciences that these passages are not opposed to our doctrine and that the adversaries wickedly distort the Scriptures to their opinions. Most of the passages they cite have been garbled. They omit the clearest passages concerning faith, only selecting from the Scriptures passages concerning works, distorting even those. Everywhere they add human opinions to the words of Scripture. They teach the law in such a manner as to suppress the Gospel of Christ. For the entire doctrine of the adversaries is, in part, derived from human reason, and is, in part, a doctrine of the law, not of the gospel. For they teach two modes of justification, the one being derived from reason and the other from the law, not from the gospel or the promise of Christ.

Pulling It Together: The Scriptures are very clear. It is by the grace of God that we believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are God’s children because he has chosen us, not because we have chosen him. We are his because he has called us faithful and righteous by virtue of his Son, not because we have been either faithful or righteous. It is by grace alone that we stand before God with hope in Christ. Were we to hope in ourselves—in our moral works and religious ceremony—we would be altogether hopeless and lost. Knowing that we are chosen by God’s grace, we confess, as does Paul, that we cannot be saved by works. If we were also saved by works, then God’s grace would not be grace at all. At best, it would be a partial gift, one that we would have to add something to in order to make it effective. Thanks be to God that his gift is completely effective through the work of Christ, and needs no work of our own to complete his sufficient grace.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for saving me without any help from me. Amen. 

Not My Will, But Yours: A Bible Study on the Bound Will explores the theme of human bondage seen throughout Scripture. From the Old Testament examples of people held in slavery whom God came to set free, to the New Testament examples of Jesus healing illnesses and casting out demons, we witness the Lord’s power of deliverance. Ultimately, all these stories point to the greatest act of God’s redemption in the cross, where Christ rescued us from our captivity to the powers of sin, death, and the devil.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 84 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 10 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400

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John 1:9-13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law

Lastly, readers are reminded that the adversaries give the worst advice to godly consciences when they teach that forgiveness of sins is earned by works, because the conscience that seeks the forgiveness of sins through works cannot be confident that the work will satisfy God. It is always tormented and continually devises other works and other acts of worship until it finally despairs. This course is described by Paul in Romans 4:5 where he proves that the promise of righteousness is not obtained by our works since we could never affirm that we had a reconciled God. For the law always accuses. Therefore the promise would be in vain and uncertain. He concludes that the promise of the forgiveness of sins and righteousness is received by faith, not through works. This is the true, simple, and genuine meaning of Paul. It offers the greatest consolation to godly consciences, and shows the glory of Christ, who was surely given to us so that we may have grace, righteousness, and peace through him.

Pulling It Together: How may we know that we are forgiven of our sins, reborn, and are now children of God? Can this be determined because one has always lived correctly? Who has accomplished such a great feat but Christ alone? The conscience that depends upon morality and religious ceremony will always be troubled. For as soon as it imagines that it is right with God, it does some wrong or thinks an evil thought. It then begins to seek some other work to make itself right with God again. Works are an uncertain and false avenue to righteousness before God. Yet there is an altogether sure way to know that one has been made righteous with God, since God himself has provided that one way. All who receive Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, are given the right to be the children of God. This is not accomplished through the will and industry of human nature. It is apprehended solely through faith in the Christ of God.

Prayer: O Word of God incarnate, I praise you for the radiance of the Living Word, and long to see you face to face. Amen. 

In Harmony with the Word is an eight-session Bible Study focusing on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, from Matthew 5-7. It is written at an introductory level, to be led by a lay leader or pastor in a small-group question and discussion format. The study would serve as an excellent resource for monthly women's group meetings, or in an informal small-group setting.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 83 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 09 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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John 15:5–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Yet Peter says that hearts are purified by faith (Acts 15:9). When this entire passage is examined, it presents a meaning that harmonizes with the rest of Scripture—that if hearts are cleansed, and then alms are added outwardly, that is, all the works of love, they are then entirely clean, within and without. Why is the entire discourse not given? There are many parts of the argument, some which command faith, and others works. An honest reader would not pick out the commands concerning works and omit the passages about faith.

Pulling It Together: We are to produce fruit in keeping with repentance (Matt 3:8; Luke 3:8). Yet we do not pin our hope of salvation upon these works. The old hymn by Edward Mote says, “Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.” To that we might add that we trust in nothing more. The fruits of repentance show that we have faith (James 2:18). All the while, we must trust in God for salvation through Christ alone, and in his Holy Spirit for the sap that produces the fruit.

Prayer: May your will be done in me, Lord, so that my life may yield the fruit of your love. Amen. 

The Proverbs 31 Woman is a nine-session study that gives a realistic look into the lives of a number of biblical women, both from the Old and New Testaments. Each chapter is based on a specific theme from Proverbs 31, and looks at how it was exemplified in that woman's life story.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 82 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 08 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400

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John 13:4–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The adversaries misuse the universal particle “all.” Christ adds this conclusion to both clauses. All things will be clean to you if you are clean within and outwardly give alms. He indicates that outward cleanness is to be referred to works commanded by God instead of to human traditions such as the washings were at that time, or in our own time, the daily sprinkling of water, the clothing of monks, the distinctions of food, and similar acts of ostentation. But the adversaries distort the meaning by sophistically transferring the universal particle to only one part: "All things will be clean to those having given alms."

Pulling It Together: All things are clean to you if you are clean within and without, bathed on the inside and the outside, washed in faith and in action. Indeed, if you have been cleansed within by God, then your outward works will spring from that cleanness. Those works do not cleanse since one is already clean. The person who is clean does not do things in order to become clean. This would be like a person who steps from the shower in order to wash the hands. That person’s hands are already clean, yet their fear of germs drives them to wash again and again, though they are already clean.

If you have been cleansed by the word of Christ (John 15:3), you are already clean. You do not need to do things to become clean. Instead, because you are clean, you do clean works. As we go through life doing good works in Christ’s name, we must remember that he has already cleansed us within. Our good works do not make us clean, so they should not be done with that intention. Daily repentance and dependence upon God through faith in Christ keeps us clean. 

Prayer: Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, Lord, and cleanse me from my sin. Amen. 

Who is Jesus? is a five-session Bible study, meant to serve as an introduction to what the Bible says about Jesus Christ—who he is and what it means to trust in him as Savior and Lord.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 81 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 07 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for jigsaw puzzle.

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Matthew 23:25-26

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

When this passage is considered in context, it shows that faith is required. Christ rebukes the Pharisees for thinking that they are cleansed before God and justified by frequent ablutions. Just so, some Pope or another said that water sprinkled with salt sanctifies and cleanses people, and the gloss says that it cleanses from minor sins. These were also the opinions of the Pharisees. Christ reproved this counterfeit cleansing, teaching instead a double cleanness: one internal, the other external. He admonished them to be cleansed inwardly, and added concerning outward cleanness, “Give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you.”

Pulling It Together: If you are not clean on the inside, your outside will never be clean, despite regular religious washings. These outward ceremonies do not cleanse the person who is unclean within. How does one cleanse the inside? One cannot. Instead, you must call out to God for cleansing. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psa 51:10). This happens when one has faith in God instead of in ceremonies and other works. He is the only one who can cleanse the inside. “I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me” (Jer 33:8). When the inside is clean, your works will spring from faith instead of a desire to be cleansed by your actions. Then, everything is clean for you. 

Prayer: Wash me, O Lord, and I will be whiter than snow. Amen. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 80 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 06 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Luke 11:37-41

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Luke 11:41 is also cited in a mutilated form. “But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you.” Our opponents have callous ears. Therefore, we must state time and again that the Gospel of Christ must be added to the preaching of the law, that good works please God because of Christ. Yet, they exclude Christ, teaching everywhere that justification is earned by works of the law.

Pulling It Together: Common sense informs us that giving from the heart means one expects to gain nothing from the gift. When one gives from within, out of the righteousness of faith, it blesses the needy while honoring and pleasing God. God does not want us to give because we think that by giving we have earned his favor and merited forgiveness of sin. Rather, because we have faith in the justification that Christ earned for us, we may then give cheerfully, giving thanks for God’s own great gift to us in his Son. 

Prayer: Cleanse me with your Spirit, God, so that I may be truly clean. Amen. 

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes a limited selection of music for use in worship, drawing primarily upon texts and music in the public domain, along with biblical texts set to familiar tunes. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 79 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 05 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Titus 3:4-8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The address of Tobit, regarded as a whole, “Be mindful of the Lord, thy God, all thy days” (Tobit 4:5), and later, “Bless the Lord, thy God, always, and desire of Him that thy ways be directed” (Tobit 4:19), shows that faith is required before alms. These activities properly belong to that faith of which we speak, that believes God is reconciled because of his mercy, and that wishes to be justified, sanctified, and governed by God. But our adversaries, ingenious men, choose mangled sentences in order to deceive those who are unskilled. Then they attach something from their own opinions. Entire passages are to be considered, because according to the common practice, it is unbecoming to judge or reply to any single clause unless the entire law is considered. Passages, when considered in context, frequently produce their own interpretation.

Pulling It Together: If we only read part of verse 8, we may end up believing good works are the point, that we must “be careful to devote [ourselves] to good works” (Titus 3:8). Yet, if we read the context of that partial verse, we discover that it is not our works that save us. “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy” (Titus 3:5). Having been redeemed, we are now to produce fruit that is in keeping with people who have believed in Christ. There is no opinion here; the passage interprets itself. We must be mindful to always interpret a passage with the text that surrounds that verse. 

Prayer: Open my mind, Lord, that I may understand your Word. Amen. 

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 78 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 04 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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John 8:31-32

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

God is pleased by those alms that follow reconciliation or justification—not those that precede. Therefore, almsgiving does not free from sin and death ex opere operato. Rather, as we have said above concerning repentance—that we ought to embrace faith and its fruits—so here we must say concerning alms, that it is the entire newness of life saves. The giving of alms is an exercise of that faith which receives the forgivenesss of sins and overcomes death while it exercises itself more and more and becomes stronger through these exercises of faith. We also grant that alms earn many blessings from God, such as the lessening of punishments, and a defense against the dangers of sins and of death, as we have said a little before concerning repentance in general.

Pulling It Together: Our works are not good works—they do not please God—unless they are done in faith. They are not good works, no matter how fine they may seem to us, if they are done expecting some favor from God merely because of the deed that has been done. Works, such as giving to the needy, please God because they are done by believers. Yet, these acts cannot overcome death, hell, the devil, and sin, or provide peace for the troubled conscience. These only occur through faith in Christ.

Yet the exercise of faith, the doing of good works, will increase faith. Jesus teaches that those who obey his commands (John 15:14) and live in his word (John 8:31) are those friends of his who are set free from sin, death, and the devil. So, true faith motivates good works, and those good works make faith stronger while fortifying the peace we enjoy in Christ Jesus.  

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to continue in your word until my last breath. Amen. 

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes liturgies and services for your use. There are ready-to-copy settings for Holy Communion, services, services of the Word, Vespers, occasional services, funerals, and seasonal services. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 77 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 03 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Hebrews 13:15-16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Even the statement in Tobit 4:11 ought to be understood in the same way. “Alms free from every sin and from death.” We will not say that this is hyperbole, though it ought to be understood in this way so that Christ is not robbed of glory. For it is his prerogative to free from sin and death. We must come back to the rule that without Christ the teaching of the law is unprofitable.

Pulling It Together: Those who trust in Christ ought to sacrifice. We no longer sacrifice animals as was done under the Old Covenant. Instead, because Christ is the once-for-all sacrifice for sin (Heb 10:14), those living under the New Covenant are to offer sacrifices of praise to God and good works for their neighbors. These sacrifices do not save, justify, or take away sins. Christ has already done that for us and for the world. Nevertheless, our sacrifices please God if they are done in faith, believing that Christ alone is the atonement for our sins, and that we offer the sacrifices of worship and good works only to please him.

Prayer: Lord, open my lips to give you thanks and sing your praise. Amen. 

The Sola Online Worship Resource is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 76 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 02 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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John 3:16-21

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Yet Christ often connects the promise of the forgiveness of sins to good works. He does not mean that good works are a satisfaction, for they follow reconciliation, but he connects the promise and work for two other reasons. One is because good fruits must necessarily follow. Therefore he reminds us that if good fruits do not follow, the repentance is hypocritical and feigned. The other reason is because we have need of external signs of so great a promise. A fearful conscience needs manifold consolation. Baptism and the Lord's Supper are signs that continually admonish, cheer, and encourage despairing minds to believe the more firmly that their sins are forgiven. The same promise is written and portrayed in good works, so that these works may admonish us to believe more firmly. Those who do not produce good works are not aroused to believe but despise these promises. Yet, the faithful embrace them and rejoice that they have signs and testimonies of so great a promise. Accordingly, they exercise themselves in these signs and testimonies. Just as the Lord's Supper does not justify us ex opere operato, without faith, so alms do not justify us without faith, ex opere operato.

Pulling It Together: The Father sent his Son into the world to save sinners from the condemnation of sin and death. When people have faith in God’s sacrifice for their sin, they are saved, justified, and reborn. Having been born again, they become citizens of God’s kingdom (John 3:3). They now live in this world as though in the heavenly kingdom. They are to act differently than other people of this world. Though they will never keep the law and do good works perfectly in this life, they are to try since they are now citizens of the new kingdom. These efforts, however, do not save and justify, for God has already granted them rebirth through faith in Christ. These works—and the unflagging desire to please God—are a sign that he has begun something in us and will accomplish it on that great day (Phil 1:6).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, finish in me what you began, through the power of Christ’s Spirit. Amen. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 75 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 01 Jul 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Ephesians 1:7-9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Scripture shows this in many passages. “To him all the prophets bear witness that every one who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43). “Your sins are forgiven for his sake” (1 John 2:12). “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses” (Eph 1:7). But why recite verses? This is the fundamental voice of the gospel, namely, that for Christ's sake, and not because of our works, we obtain forgiveness of sins through faith. Our adversaries endeavor to suppress the voice of the gospel by distorting passages that teach about the law or works. It is true that in teaching about repentance works are required, because a new life is certainly necessary. But here our opponents wrongly add that we earn the forgiveness of sins or justification through such works. 

Pulling It Together: The great mystery of the ages has been revealed in Jesus Christ. All people—Jews and Gentiles alike—have been redeemed from their slavery to sin and death by the atoning work of Jesus. We are not saved or justified because of our religious and civil works, but because of the work of Christ—and only because of what he has accomplished. Although we are called to live a changed and godly life in which good works are done—however imperfectly—these works of ours, even if they were perfectly executed, add nothing to the complete justification that Jesus bought for us with his life. We have forgiveness of sins only through faith in the shed blood of Christ. Our sweat adds nothing to what God has graciously showered upon us. 

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for delivering me from sin and death through your Son. Amen. 

The purpose of Epistles, A Guide to Reading the Scriptures is twofold: to encourage Christians to read God’s Word on a regular basis, and to help the reader slow down and concentrate on each chapter of the epistles before moving on to the next.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 74 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 30 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Matthew 6:9-15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The doctrine of repentance necessarily requires faith because it not only commands new works, but also promises the forgiveness of sins. The forgiveness of sins is not received unless by faith. Therefore, in those passages that refer to repentance, we should always understand that not only works, but also faith is required. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you” (Matt 6:14). A work is required here, and the promise of the forgiveness of sins is added. The promise does not depend upon the work, but upon Christ through faith.

Pulling It Together: The promise of forgiveness is bound to repentance. They are inseparable. “Repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations” (Luke 24:47). We see in Scripture that repentance is required but faith in Jesus Christ is also necessary, as Paul taught the elders in Ephesus where he testified “of repentance to God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). The reason that faith is required and not works alone is obvious: a promise has been given. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Do you believe that you will be forgiven? If so, you have faith. If you do not believe the promise, then of course, you lack faith.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for hearing and forgiving me. Amen. 

Teach Us to Pray is an eight lesson curriculum based around Luther's Small Catechism.  Each lesson has a Bible study connected to the article of the Lord's Prayer covered. A section entitled "About Prayer"  teaches students helpful items about a solid prayer life and a prayer assignment for the coming week.  A major goal of this material is to help kids experience prayer and practice it in a variety of ways. This book could be used as part of a larger Confirmation series, or as a "pre-confirmation" Sunday School series for Jr. High and Middle School youth.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 73 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 29 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Exodus 20:1-6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We must regard the preaching of repentance in this way. Although the scholastics have said nothing at all about faith in their handling of the doctrine of repentance, we think that none of our adversaries is so mad as to deny that absolution is a voice of the gospel. Absolution should be received by faith, so that it may cheer the terrified conscience.

Pulling It Together: We should have no other gods before the Lord (Exod 20:3). He alone is God (Deut 6:4). We think that in the churches today, idols are a thing of the past. Take care; a false god does not have to be a statue of wood, stone, or metal. An idol does not even have to be money—though the cult of wealth is very much among us and in us. Luther teaches us in the Small Catechism that “the greatest idolatry” is when the “conscience...seeks help, comfort, and salvation in its own works and presumes to wrest heaven from God” (Theodore G. Tappert, ed., The Book of Concord the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Philadelphia: Muhlenberg Press, 1959, 367.).

Do you truly trust in Christ to justify you or do you fear, love, and trust your own efforts at religion? Of whom do you seek forgiveness? When the law convicts and leads you to repentance, be sure to repent, but be more sure to trust in Christ for absolution. Do not think that your good works have justified you to God, for that would be to trust in yourself instead of having faith in God. There is the great danger: that thing you trust in most is your real and truest god.

Prayer: Crush me with the hammer of your Word, Lord, so that grace may have its way with me. Amen.

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Dr. Steven E. King, is a work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 72 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 28 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Matthew 19:16-22

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Where Jesus said, “If you would enter life, keep the commandments” (Matt 19:17), we must understand that one cannot keep the commandments or please God without Christ. The first commandment in the Decalogue itself states, “showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exod 20:6), adding the most liberal promise of the law. But this law is not observed without Christ. For it always accuses the conscience which does not satisfy the law, and therefore, flies in terror from the judgment and punishment of the law. “For the law brings wrath” (Rom 4:15). People observe the law however, when they hear that God is reconciled to us for Christ's sake even though they cannot satisfy the law. When faith apprehends Christ as mediator, the heart discovers peace and begins to love God and observe the law. It knows that because of Christ as mediator, it is now pleasing to God, even though the rudimentary fulfilling of the law is far from perfect and very impure.

Pulling It Together: The rich man wanted to know what good deed he as yet lacked so that he could earn eternal life. Having boasted that he had kept all the commandments, he nonetheless felt that he still lacked some fine deed. For all of his religious pluses, he knew that he was still deficient. Jesus knew that he had actually failed to keep the first commandment, so he told the rich man to sell all of his possessions and give the money to the poor. Because he loved his wealth more than God, the rich man turned away from Jesus.

This is the point. Unless you turn to Jesus, the law will not be fulfilled no matter how religious you think that you are. As long as you think there is something you must do, perfection, justification, and peace will seem just out of reach. We must always remember to stop looking in the mirror, to turn around and see Jesus, the fulfillment of the law (Rom 10:4).

Prayer: Help me to turn away from myself, Lord, and follow you. Amen. 

The Wise Economy of Your Life, Balancing Your Time & Money shows how to practice the principles of God’s economy as revealed in the Scriptures, leading to wise “spending," and creating more freedom and versatility in your life. This study booklet is intended as a basis for group discussion and contains a list of Scripture verses to supplement each chapter.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 71 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 27 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 4:22-5:2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

In all our praise of works and in the preaching of the law, we must retain this rule: that the law cannot be observed without Christ. He himself said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Likewise, “And without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb 11:6). The doctrine of the law is not intended to remove the gospel and Christ as propitiator. Let those Pharisees, our adversaries, be cursed, who interpret the law so as to ascribe the glory of Christ to works, namely, that they are a propitiation, that they merit the forgiveness of sins. It follows, therefore, that works are to be praised because they are pleasing to God on account of faith. For works do not please without Christ as propitiator. We have access to God through Christ (Rom 5:2), not by works, without Christ as mediator.

Pulling It Together: The preaching of the law must have its rightful place among us. The law sets necessary boundaries in society so that we might enjoy a measure of order and civility. It also reveals the holy God in such a way that we see ourselves in a different light. We begin to understand that we are poor sinners in need of God’s mercy and grace. The law also shows us how to live. So, we are to obey God’s laws but depend upon him for grace. This, of course, is where the gospel comes in to play.

We are justified to God through faith in the work of Jesus Christ. He died on the cross to make the payment for our sin. Then he was raised from the dead so that we would be justified to God. We should never expect our obedience to the law to cause our justification. This honor goes to Christ alone. So, let us teach and preach the law. Let us do good works and more of them, so that people know God is in their midst. But may we never be led so far astray as to imagine that these works earn God’s grace. We must also preach the gospel, so people comprehend that the God among them loves them, forgives sin, and justifies sinners.

Prayer: I have faith in you, Lord, and thank you for your peace. Amen. 

Teach Us to Pray is an eight lesson curriculum based around Luther's Small Catechism.  Each lesson has a Bible study connected to the article of the Lord's Prayer covered. A section entitled "About Prayer"  teaches students helpful items about a solid prayer life and a prayer assignment for the coming week.  A major goal of this material is to help kids experience prayer and practice it in a variety of ways. This book could be used as part of a larger Confirmation series, or as a "pre-confirmation" Sunday School series for Jr. High and Middle School youth.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 70 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 26 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Psalm 136:23-26

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

So, we reply to the words of Daniel that because he is preaching repentance, he is not teaching only about works, but also of faith, as the narrative itself testifies. Since Daniel clearly presents the promise, he necessarily requires faith that believes that sins are freely forgiven by God. Although he mentions works in regards to repentance, he does not say that we earn forgiveness of sins by these works. Daniel is not speaking only of the payment for the punishment because remittal of the punishment is sought in vain unless the heart first receives remission of guilt. If the adversaries understand Daniel as speaking only of the remission of punishment, this passage proves nothing against us, because it will be necessary for even them to admit that the remission of sin and justification precede works. Afterwards, even we concede that the punishments that chasten us are eased by our prayers and good works, and ultimately, by our entire repentance. These passages bear witness. “But if we judged ourselves truly, we should not be judged” (1 Cor 11:31). “If you return, I will restore you” (Jer 15:19). “Return to me...and I will return to you” (Zech 1:3). “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you” (Psa 50:15).

Pulling It Together: You may work all day and night, trying to prove yourself worthy to God, only to discover at the break of day that you do not believe he finds you worthy. So, you might set yourself to the task of working hard every day and night so that God would consider you deserving of his favor. Yet, at the end of some considerable period of time, you observe that you still do not believe that he favors you. All of your work has amounted to nothing because you do not believe that he loves and forgives. Nonetheless, God has loved you all the while. Your works make no impact on his love.

You must first believe that he loves you (John 3:16). Then you can trust in his promise to forgive and justify. Once you have faith in God, works are much more rewarding, since you do them out of simple, obedient love instead of for reward. Works will not merit forgiveness of sins or gain you any peace at the end of the day. You already have these things through faith in the God who has loved you all the while.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for loving me with an everlasting love. Amen. 

A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

• Part 1  • Part 1 Leader's Guide  • Part 2  • Part 2 Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 69 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 25 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Matthew 6:9-15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 69

Human reason naturally admires works because they are impressive. Not considering, let alone understanding faith, all they see are works, and so they imagine that these works earn forgiveness of sins and justify. This opinion of the law is by nature stuck in people’s minds and cannot be displaced except by godly instruction. The mind must be recalled from such natural or fleshly opinions to the Word of God. We see that the gospel and the promise concerning Christ have been laid before us. So, when the law is preached, when works are ordered, we should not spurn the promise of Christ. We must first lay hold of the promise so that we may be able to produce good works that please God. For Christ says, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Therefore, if Daniel had said, "Redeem your sins by repentance," the adversaries would take no notice of this passage. But since he has expressed this thought in other words, the adversaries distort his words to the injury of the doctrine of grace and faith, even though Daniel decidedly means to include faith.

Pulling It Together: Consider this teaching from the Lord’s Prayer: Forgive, and you will be forgiven. The first part in this doctrine demands amendment of life and good works, while the second part adds the promise. We should not extrapolate from this that our forgiving of others earns for us forgiveness of sin. That is not what Christ said. Just as Christ has attached the promise to an external sign in the sacraments, so he attaches here the promise of the forgiveness of sin to an external work. We do not obtain forgiveness of sin in the Lord's Supper by faithlessly eating and drinking. We must have faith in the promise. So also, we do not receive forgiveness simply through the work of forgiving, merely by the work worked.

If Christianity was only a matter of the law, there would be no need of Christ. We could just work our way up to heaven—if such a thing were possible. If Christianity was merely a matter of faith, then the church would be filled with runaway sinners. To that, Paul exclaims, “God forbid” (Rom 6:1-2, KJV)! By understanding these passages in terms of both law and gospel, we always give Christ his due and thereby, gain considerable peace. Without faith in his satisfaction for our sin, and his appeasement of God, we would be forever uncertain if our pitiful works were of sufficient merit to satisfy an otherwise angry God. 

Prayer: Deliver me, Lord, from the temptation that I might save myself through my religion. Amen. 

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Learning the Lord's Prayer teaches the Lord's Prayer according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Second Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism – Children's Version

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 68 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 24 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 5:15-16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Jerome added a particle to his translation of Daniel 4:24 that expresses doubt, and unwisely claims in his commentaries that the remission of sins is uncertain. Let us remember that the gospel gives a sure promise of the forgiveness of sins. Denying that there is certainty of the promise of forgiveness of sins is to abolish the gospel. So, let us dismiss Jerome concerning this passage, although the promise is evidenced even in the word “redeem.” For it signifies that the forgiveness of sins is possible, that sins can be redeemed, that the obligation or debt can be removed, that the wrath of God appeased. But our opponents always overlook the promises, considering only the commands, and attach the false, human opinion that forgiveness happens because of works. The text does not say this, but requires faith instead. For wherever there is a promise, faith is required, since a promise cannot be received unless with faith.

Pulling It Together: There is not only a different numbering of the verses in Jerome’s Latin translation of Daniel 4:24, but also a joining of verses 24 and 27 into one verse. Add to that the poor translation of a few words, and you end up with confusion. In English, we sometimes use the word “perhaps” when saying that something “may” happen. Yet, we also use the word “may” when there is certainty because of a promise of God, as in, “May it be so.” We state as much when we confidently add, “Amen,” to the end of the Lord’s Prayer. In our text, the word “may” ought to be understood this way: “...that he may forgive your sins.” In so doing, uncertainty is removed. At any rate, the Hebrew text is not speaking of redemption but of the lengthening of the king’s days.

So let us reject the entire squabble as not only a misunderstanding of the text, but a bad translation as well. May we comprehend the gospel instead, for there is nothing uncertain in Christ. Nowhere does the gospel require works or the earning of God’s grace. How could it be considered grace if it had to be earned? Rather, we confess that the grace of God is his freely given gift through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer: Lord, give me unsurpassed peace through confidence in your free gift of redemption. Amen. 

The Letters of Paul looks at all but one of Paul's thirteen epistles and seeks to get at the heart of each one so that his message can inspire new hope, faith, and love in us today.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 67 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 23 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Ezekiel 18:21-22

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Daniel knew that the forgiveness of sins in Christ was promised not only to the Israelites but to all nations. Otherwise he could not have promised to the king the forgiveness of sins. For it is not in the power of man, especially amid the terrors of sin, to assert that he ceases to be angry without having a sure word of God concerning God's will. The words of Daniel speak in his own language even more clearly of repentance, and clearly bring out the promise: “Redeem your sins by righteousness and your iniquities by favors toward the poor.” These words teach about the whole of repentance. They direct him to become righteous, then to do good works, defending the poor against injustice, as was the duty of a king.

Righteousness is faith in the heart. Sins are redeemed by repentance, that is, the obligation or guilt is removed because God forgives those who repent, as it is written in Ezekiel 18:21-22. We should not infer from this that he forgives because of works that follow faith or because of alms. Rather, he forgives because he promised; he forgives those who apprehend his promise. No one takes hold of his promise except those who truly believe, and by faith overcome sin and death. Being reborn, they ought to bear fruit corresponding to repentance, as John says in Matthew 3:8. The promise, therefore, was added: “There will be healing for your offenses.”

Pulling It Together: Daniel does not simply demand certain kingly works such as alms giving. He demands faith by saying, “Break off your sins by righteousness.” In Scripture, righteousness does not mean only external works, but includes faith (Heb 10:38). So, Daniel was not telling Nebuchadnezzar to sanctify himself by doing good deeds. Indeed, the king could not do those works because he did not believe the words of the prophet. Though Daniel told the king the will of God and added God’s promise too, the king would not believe—and therefore, he would not do the things required of a king. But God was not finished with Nebuchadnezzar. He drove him away from people, to live with wild beasts so that eventually, the king might come to his senses and believe.

The Spirit works the same way in our lives. He demands both faith and those works befitting faith in Christ, empowering us to both believe and practice righteousness. If we neglect his commands—or even one to the exclusion of the other—we too will suffer our madness because we have come to trust in ourselves instead of Christ. Yet, when we come to our senses and trust in God through Christ, our sins will be forgiven and forgotten. There will be healing for our offenses.

Prayer: Father, help me repent of my sins, through faith in your Son Jesus Christ. Amen. 

The season of Advent is not only a time of preparation for Christmas, it is a time to consider God's long-term plans and how God has promised that he will intervene in the lives of his people, and the world itself, on the coming Day of the Lord. Prophecy Fulfilled is a four week Bible Study about the Old Testament prophecies of our Lord's Advent, showing how these prophetic words were fulfilled not only in the coming of Christ over 2,000 years ago, but how they also point ahead to the return of Christ in his Second Coming.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 66 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 22 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Daniel 4:24-27

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Thus in Daniel’s sermon, faith is required (Dan 4:24). He did not intend that the king should only give alms, but he means everything pertaining to repentance by saying, “Break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed” (Dan 4:27). In saying, “break off,” he implies a change of heart and works, for faith would be required. Daniel proclaims to him many things concerning the worship of the only God, the God of Israel, and converted the king not only to the bestowing of alms, but much more to faith. For we have the excellent confession of the king concerning the God of Israel: “There is no other god who is able to rescue in this way” (Dan. 3:29). So, Daniel’s sermon incorporates two components. The one part commands a new life and the works of the new life. In the other part, Daniel promises the king the forgiveness of sins. This promise of the forgiveness of sins is not a preaching of the law, but a truly prophetic and evangelical voice which Daniel certainly meant should be received in faith.

Pulling It Together: Even the prophets of old required faith since they too conveyed the promises of God. Promises require faith because they involve trust in the one making the promise. The promises of God cannot be received in any other way than by the heart relying on the sure word of God. For the heart cannot trust its own worthiness. Accordingly, faith was demanded for there to be forgiveness and healing of the king’s sins. So, we understand that God calls us to faith and at the same time, that we are to practice righteousness. The two cannot be separated.

Prayer: Holy and mighty God, I repent of all my sin, calling upon your mercy through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. 

Personalities of Faith is a ten-session Bible study for youth. The goal of the series is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith." By showing biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 65 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 21 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Timothy 4:6-10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

This is so certain that none of the gates of hell can overthrow it—that in the preaching of repentance, the preaching of the law is insufficient, because the law works wrath and always accuses. The preaching of the gospel must be added so that the forgiveness of sins is granted to us if we believe that sins are forgiven us for Christ's sake. Why else would there be need of the gospel? Why would there be need of Christ? This belief must always be kept in view so that we may refute those who cast aside Christ and blot out the gospel, wickedly distorting the Scriptures to the human opinion that we purchase forgiveness of sins with our works.

Pulling It Together: The law is used by God to achieve certain results. It exhorts us to look out for “number two,” or to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31). Beyond urging us to care for others, the law also condemns us if we do not. So, the law provides us with standards of behavior, thereby making us acutely aware when we fail to keep God’s law. In so doing, the law creates in us a need of forgiveness. However, the law does not meet this need. This is why we confess that the law is insufficient by itself. The law needs the gospel. Nothing is more welcome and necessary than good news when one has heard a guilty verdict. God has provided that good news in Jesus Christ, who has purchased our redemption, for he is the Savior of the world—especially for those who believe.

Prayer: Help me set my hope on you, Lord, for you alone have come into the world to save sinners like me. Amen. 

Winning, Losing, Loving; The Gospel in the Old Testament traces themes of chosenness, sin, and grace throughout the early books of the Bible. These cycles of sin and redemption point forward toward God's ultimate act of redemption in Jesus Christ.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 64 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 20 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Matthew 18:23-35

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

This is how we must understand all similar passages. Christ preaches repentance when he says, “Forgive,” and then adds the promise, “And you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). He does not say that by our forgiving we earn the forgiveness of sins by the work worked, or as they call it, ex opere operato. He expects a new life, which certainly is necessary. Yet, at the same time, he teaches that forgiveness of sins is received by faith. So, when Isaiah says, “Share your bread with the hungry” (Isa 58:7), he is requiring a new life. The prophet does not speak of this work alone, but as the text indicates, of total repentance. Yet, he concurrently means that forgiveness of sins is received by faith.

Pulling It Together: As the parable indicates, we are indebted to the King. Our sin-debt should cost us our lives (Rom 6:23) but God is merciful, forgiving us and making us into new persons. He now expects his new people to live like citizens of his kingdom. We are to forgive as we have been forgiven, and to do other good works. Having been shown mercy, we are now to live like the King’s people. However, take note that living like a good citizen of the kingdom is not what saved the servant in the parable. He was condemned but then forgiven while he was indebted to his king. We too, were shown mercy while we were still sinners (Rom 5:8). We did not do one thing that could earn God’s forgiveness. He freely forgave us because of his great mercy for Christ’s sake. Now he expects us to live like new people, still depending with faith upon his mercy, while doing what is merely expected of godly people.

Prayer: Lord, help me to forgive from the depths of my heart, just as you have forgiven me. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Sola’s Confirmation workbook, The Lord's Prayer, is designed to be a small group Bible study, student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 63 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 19 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Isaiah 45:22-25

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

See how Isaiah preaches penitence. He urges us to repentance, then adds the promise. “Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isa 1:16-18). It would be foolish to merely say, “Relieve the oppressed; defend the fatherless.” At the beginning, he says, “Cease to do evil,” reprimanding impiety of heart and requiring faith. Nor does the prophet say that they can merit the remission of sins ex opere operato, through the works of relieving the oppressed and defending the fatherless. Rather, he commands such works as are necessary in the new life. Concurrently, he wants us to understand that forgiveness of sins is received by faith, and accordingly, the promise is added.

Pulling It Together: God commands us through the prophets to do good. Yet, through those same prophets, he makes it clear that our righteousness does not come from the works worked, but from the Lord himself. Therefore, because it is not by anything we have done, but instead, because we believe the promise that God ascribes righteousness to us, what is left to us but trust in God? We are to repent and do good but our justification comes from God through faith.

Prayer: Lord, help me believe what you have promised. Amen. 

Combining the message of salvation in Christ with personal witness, The Gospel in Miniature is a Lutheran guide for evangelism.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 62 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 18 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Hebrews 10:17-22

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Two things should be understood in the preaching of the law. First, the law cannot be observed unless we have been regenerated by faith in Christ. He teaches this, saying, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Second, though some external works can certainly be done, this general view of the entire law must be retained: “Without faith it is impossible to please him” (Heb 11:6). We must, therefore, always remember the promise of the gospel, that we have access to the Father through Christ (Rom 5:2; Heb 10:19). For it is evident that we are not justified by the law. Why would there be need of Christ or the gospel if the preaching of the law alone would be sufficient? In preaching about repentance, it is insufficient to only preach the law, the Word that convicts of sin, because the law brings wrath, only accusing and terrifying consciences. Consciences are never at peace unless they hear the voice of God in which the forgiveness of sins is clearly promised. Accordingly, the gospel must be added, that sins are forgiven for Christ's sake, and that we obtain remission of sins through faith in Christ. If our opponents exclude the Gospel of Christ from the preaching of penitence, they are judged correctly to be blasphemers against Christ.

Pulling It Together: The law must be preached. Yet, it must also be taught that the keeping of the law does not bring new birth. Only God can regenerate the dead, which we most certainly were (Rom 5:6). No amount of works or keeping of the law or acts of charity will ever cause the dead to be born again. So, the gospel must also be preached so that people may receive God’s forgiveness and be regenerated.

Though regenerate people are to do acts of charity and other good works, they will never do so to any degree of perfection. So, the law continues to convict everyone of sin, even if they have been reborn, as it is meant to do. Convicted, guilty consciences can only be afforded peace through faith in the promise of Christ’s gospel. So why is there any need to offer our works for the remission of sins? As the writer of Hebrews says, where there is forgiveness of sins, there is no more need of offering for sin (Heb 10:18).

Prayer: Merciful Father, forgive me of my sins for Christ’s sake, and empower me to do your will through your indwelling Spirit. Amen. 

Combining the message of salvation in Christ with personal witness, The Gospel in Miniature is a Lutheran guide for evangelism.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 61 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 17 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Matthew 5:3-12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 61

Certain other passages concerning works are also cited against us. “Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry...? ...Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer” (Isa. 58:7,9). “Break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed” (Dan 4:27). “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt 5:7). These verses only speak against us when our opponents attach false ideas to them.

These passages contain two things. One is the preaching of either the law or repentance, which not only convicts those doing wrong, but also instructs them to do what is right. The other is a promise which is added to the command. However, it is not stated that sins are forgiven without faith, or that works themselves are a propitiation.

Pulling It Together: Those who have been justified through faith in Christ are expected to act righteously. They are not, however, forgiven of their sins because they act in accordance with God’s will. For example, in verse ten, those who are persecuted for righteousness are called blessed because, while suffering abuse, the promise of a joyful future is already taken hold of by trusting in the promise. Therefore, even while being mistreated, we may already enjoy a beatific peace because we hope in the promise of God. Yet the forgiveness of sins is not added to the beatitude, nor is justification to God. For those who have faith in Christ have already been both justified and blessed by him. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

Prayer: Thank you, God, for the many blessings of your grace. Amen.

In Harmony with the Word is an eight-session Bible Study focusing on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, from Matthew 5-7. It is written at an introductory level, to be led by a lay leader or pastor in a small-group question and discussion format. The study would serve as an excellent resource for monthly women's group meetings, or in an informal small-group setting.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 60 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 16 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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John 15:4-5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

These statements, simply spoken, contain nothing erroneous, but they are distorted by our opponents, who attach to them godless opinions. For it does not follow that works merit the forgiveness of sins that causes regenerate hearts, that works are a propitiation, that works please without Christ as propitiator, or that works do not need Christ as propitiator. James says nothing of these things. Nevertheless, the adversaries shamelessly infer all these things from the words of James.

Pulling It Together: Any keeping of the law requires God’s help. Before we can ever keep the law in a way that God finds acceptable, we must have faith in Christ. For the works of the old nature are ruled by human intention instead of the will of God. Instead of calling upon God for help, we would be trying to fulfill the law in our own power. It would be as though the branches were separated from the vine, yet were and expected to bear fruit. We must first be born again through faith, the old nature being regenerated so that we are able to work with Christ, or to have Christ’s life-giving Spirit working in us. Apart from him, we can do nothing good. However, by abiding in him or being attached to Christ through faith, acceptable works or fruit will grow because we are attached to the vine that gives life to the branches.

Prayer: Thy will be done, Lord. Amen.

John is the fourth book in the "Old Places, New Faces" series. Twelve studies explore the profound metaphors of the Gospel of John. This study guide will make the story of Christ alive and relevant for today's readers.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 59 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 15 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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James 1:21-22

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

When James says that we are justified by faith and works, he certainly does not say that we are born again by works. Neither does he say that Christ is partly our propitiator while our works are partly our propitiation. He is not describing the mode of justification, but only the nature of the just after they have already been justified and regenerated. To be justified does not mean that a wicked person is made righteous, but that a person is pronounced righteous in a forensic sense, as in Romans 2:13: “The doers of the law shall be justified.” As these words contain nothing contrary to our doctrine, we also believe the words of James: “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone” (James 2:24), since people with faith and good works are certainly pronounced righteous. As we have said, the good works of saints are righteous, and please God because of faith. For James commends only such works as faith produces, as he testifies when he says of Abraham, “Faith was completed by works” (James 2:22). In this sense it is said that, “The doers of the law shall be justified,” that is, God pronounces that they are righteous when they believe in him from the heart and then have good fruits which please God because of faith, and consequently are a keeping of the law.

Pulling It Together

Again, James is referring to those works that should follow faith. So, it is well said that the one who has faith and good works is righteous. Righteousness is not earned through the works, but instead, because God pronounces a person righteous through faith in Christ. If an adopted child acts like his new father, he does not then, become a member of the family. He is already his father’s son because he had previously been accepted into the family. If he believes he is this father’s son, he will then begin to act like the father. He will never act like the father if he does not believe that the father loves him and has welcomed him into the family. Just so, good works follow new birth, as they must, though they do not make people acceptable to God. We must first be accepted by God through faith for Christ's sake. Works will not make God favorable toward us if he was not already gracious to us for the sake of Christ.

Prayer: Work out of me, Lord, the word that you have worked into me. Amen.

The newest volume in the series, "Old Places, New Faces," The General Epistles offers a series of 12 Bible studies based on Hebrews, James, I & II Peter, I, II, & III John, and Jude. The geographical locations of Biblical characters can symbolically refer to places we find ourselves with respect to our faith. As we become more acquainted with our spiritual geography, we will better discern where God would have us go or what changes we need to make in order to serve Him better.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 58 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 14 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 8:8–11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

It is clear that James does not contradict us since he is making a distinction between dead and living faith, and admonishes the idle and self-satisfied who imagine that they have faith when they do not. He says that faith is dead if it does not bring forth good works, and that faith is living if it brings forth good works. We have frequently shown what we call faith, not meaning idle knowledge such as devils have, but a faith that resists the terrors of conscience, and cheers and consoles terrified hearts. Such faith is neither an easy matter, as the adversaries dream, nor a human quality, but a divine power by which we are regenerated, and by which we overcome the devil and death. Paul says that faith is effective and overcomes death because of the power of God: “in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God” (Col 2:12). Since this faith is a new life, it necessarily produces new movements and works. Accordingly, James is right in denying that we are justified by a faith that has no works.

Pulling It Together: One cannot create faith by deciding to believe in the historical Jesus, but then, going on to live the same old, natural life. This is the sort of dead faith to which James refers. However, faith that is given by God creates a new person. Those who have been born again will be different from the old, lifeless persons they had been before God gave them faith. They will begin to produce fruit for Christ’s kingdom. Dead trees produce no fruit. Living trees, by nature, produce fruit. What else can they do? Yet, trees do not bear fruit because they have somehow decided to do so. They produce fruit because they were created for that purpose. Even so, you who once were dead, have been recreated by the power of God so that you may produce the fruit of good works (Eph 2:10). If the Spirit of God dwells in you through a living faith, you are a new creation and will bear fruit because that is what you have been created to do. It is your new nature. What else could you do—since the power of Jesus Christ is at work in you?

Prayer: Live in me today, Lord, bringing forth good fruit for your glorious kingdom. Amen.

Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 57 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 13 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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James 1:17-18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Thirdly, James has spoken shortly before concerning regeneration, namely, that it occurs through the gospel. Therefore, he says, “Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures” (James 1:18). When he says that we have been born again by the gospel, he teaches that we have been regenerated and justified by faith. For the promise of Christ is apprehended only by faith, when we set it against the terrors

Pulling It Together: Every good gift comes from the Father—most notably, the gift of new birth in Christ. Salvation is a gift. Forgiveness of sins and justification are not things that can be earned. They are promised gifts that come to us from God, not from ourselves or from our own doing. We do not take hold of salvation; it is apprehended by faith. It is faith, itself a gift from God, that takes hold of salvation. We cannot make our doubts and fears fly away because we will it so or work hard at being good. Yet, faith in the promise of God’s free gift brings both new birth and peace. Faith alone regenerates the natural person into one created to do good works (1 Tim 2:8-10).

Prayer: Help me look intently into your perfect, liberating law, Lord, so that I may be set free to become a doer of the word. Amen.

Not My Will, But Yours is a six-week study that explores the topic of the “free will” from a biblical perspective, looking at what Scripture has to say about the bondage of the human will, and how Jesus Christ has come to deliver us from ourselves.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 56 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 12 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 16:25-27

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Secondly, the subject itself declares that works follow faith, and show that faith is not dead, but living and effective in the heart. Therefore, James did not believe that we earn the forgiveness of sins and grace by good works. For he speaks of the works of those who have been justified, who have already been reconciled and accepted, and have obtained forgiveness of sins. So, the adversaries are mistaken when they infer that James teaches that we merit remission of sins and grace by good works, that by our works we have access to God, without Christ as propitiator.

Pulling It Together

The old real estate expression, “Location, location, location,” might be modified when it comes to reading. “Context, context, context,” is crucial when interpreting a text. Otherwise, one may end up buying into the wrong teaching. James has been teaching about what real faith is, and uses works as a proof of faith. His subject is faith: “Can that faith save him?” (James 2:14). Everything read in this section, if read in context, refers back to faith. Therefore, if one has saving faith in Christ, works that glorify God will ensue. First, Christ satisfies God’s righteousness, then because we believe in his sacrifice for our sin, we are made righteous because of him. Only those works that are attached to his righteousness are acceptable to God. One may do religious deeds for a lifetime, but they will never save. Yet, a sinner, having never done anything good, may finally believe and be saved because of Christ alone. That sainted sinner will then seek to be obedient to the gospel, to continue in a true and living faith that glorifies God. Chrysostom said it well: “As faith without works is dead, so are works without faith dead.”

Prayer: Make my faith in you a living faith so that you are glorified in my life, Lord. Amen.

The kind of church we see in the New Testament is different from what most modern people imagine when they think of “going to church.” Experience Life Together: Experiencing House-Church Ministry, by Rev. Tom Hilpert, is a 15-week house-church curriculum designed for pastors, lay leaders, and churches interested in getting a taste for what church in the home is really like. Whether referred to as a house-church, organic church, alternative church, or cell church, this material applies well to any group that wants to experience Christian worship in the context of a small group meeting within the homes of the participants.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 55 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 11 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Timothy 1:3-5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law

We must consider first, that the passage is more against the adversaries than against us. For our opponents teach that people are justified by love and works. They say nothing of faith by which we apprehend Christ as propitiator. Indeed, they condemn this faith in sentences and writings, and also by the sword and capital punishments, endeavoring to exterminate faith in the Church. How much better does James teach, not excluding faith, or presenting love in preference to faith, but retaining faith, so that in justification Christ may not be excluded as propitiator! Paul also includes faith and love when he deals with the sum of the Christian life. “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith” (1 Tim 1:5).

Pulling It Together

Propitiation means appeasement of God. The argument that the Lutherans were making is simply this: Christ alone is that satisfaction for our sins. What God has worked into us, we are now to work out with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). However, we must be careful not to amplify the importance of our charity and works, as though what we do is the means of our justification with God. Our only boast is in the Lord (1 Cor 1:31). He is our atonement. When faith is genuine, when one trusts in Christ Jesus for righteousness, charity and good works will follow. The honor then, properly goes to God in Christ, for he alone is our propitiator.

Prayer: Give me sincere faith, Lord, a pure heart, and a good conscience, so that I may truly love. Amen.

Combining the message of salvation in Christ with personal witness, The Gospel in Miniature is a Lutheran guide for evangelism. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 54 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 10 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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James 2:17-26

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

They cite from James 2:24, “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” No other passage is thought to contradict our belief more than this verse. But the reply is easy and plain. If our opponents do not attach their own opinions concerning the merits of works, the words of James contain nothing that is of disadvantage. Yet wherever there is mention of works, they falsely add ungodly opinions: that by means of good works we earn the forgiveness of sins, that good works are a propitiation and price by which God is reconciled to us, that good works overcome the terrors of sin and death, that good works are accepted in God's sight on account of their goodness, and that they do not need God’s mercy and Christ as propitiator. None of these things came into the mind of James, which the adversaries nevertheless, defend under the pretext of this passage of James.

Pulling It Together: James reinforces what kind of faith he has been referring to in this passage. Faith is not mere assent, such as you hear from people today when they say things like, “I believe in God,” or “I am a Christian,” or “I go to church.” That type of faith, which is nothing more than religion like any other religion or “faith,” does not save. Faith that believes Christ is the satisfaction for sin will both save and produce good fruit. This is the substance of James and is discovered in the context of his letter—not in one verse. Living faith is never detached from good works because God will grow what he has established in those persons whom he has already justified and saved. The danger here is when we begin to believe in ourselves, in our good works as a virtue or merit that God ought to recognize as justification for our sins. Still, good works must never be absent from faith. When this occurs, that faith, as James says, is dead.

Prayer: Help me do the works of faith, Lord, by the power of your Spirit. Amen.

The Basics of the Christian Faith is an edition of the catechism that is aimed at seekers, visitors, and those that may not come from a Lutheran background. It is recommended for use in outreach, as a visitor welcome gift, or in new member packets.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 53 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 09 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Proverbs 19:11–12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

So, Peter does not mean that love earns God's forgiveness of sins, that it is a propitiation to the exclusion of Christ as mediator, that it regenerates and justifies. He is teaching that love toward one another is not moody, harsh, or obstinate, that it overlooks some mistakes of its friends, that it takes in stride even the harsher manners of others, just like the well-known expression: “Know, but do not hate, the manners of a friend.” Nor was it without design that the apostle taught so frequently concerning this duty that the philosophers call epiekeia, or leniency. For this virtue is necessary for harmony, which cannot last unless pastors and churches mutually overlook and pardon many things.

Pulling It Together: Presidential pardons, bestowed by outgoing US presidents, are received with gratitude but also sometimes, with irritation by those who disagree with a president’s choices. Nevertheless, the mercy of a ruler is refreshing, according to the proverb. If a president excuses the offenses of some whose crimes we might find unpardonable, we ought to find mercy to overlook the faults and even the outright offenses of the friends of Jesus (John 15:15). This is sensible public decency and promotes concord in Christian fellowship. While our charity ought not to be mistaken as something that justifies us to God, we rejoice with thankfulness that God has covered our own sins. Just so, we ought to pray daily, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”

Prayer: Set me free of my debts, God, and empower me to forgive others, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 52 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 08 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Proverbs 10:9–12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Besides, this sentence concerning love is derived from Proverbs 10:12, where the antithesis clearly shows how it ought to be understood: “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” It teaches precisely the same thing as the passage of Paul from Colossians, that if any dissensions occur, they should be moderated and settled by equitable and lenient conduct. Dissensions, it informs, increase because of hatred, as we often see that tragedies arise from the most trifling offenses. Certain trifling offenses occurred between Gaius Caesar and Pompey, in which, if the one had yielded a very little to the other, civil war would not have occurred. Because each indulged his own hatred, great commotion arose from a matter of no account. Many heresies have arisen in the Church merely from hatred of the clergy. So, we understand that this teaching does not refer to a person's own faults, but to the faults of others. When it says, “Love covers all offenses,” it means the faults of others. When these offenses happen, love overlooks, forgives, yields, and does not carry all matters to the extreme of the law’s justice.

Pulling It Together: If 1 Peter 4:8 or Proverbs 10:12 are thought to mean that love covers up one’s own sins, that would be a misinterpretation. We have already seen how Paul deals with the text (Col 3:12), so notice how James interprets the Proverb in the same way. “Whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20). The transgressions that are cloaked or forgiven here are not one’s own. Rather, because we are determined to love as Christ loves, we overlook offenses against ourselves.

Think of how often the smallest spark of some perceived offense in a congregation is fanned into flame by someone who chooses to make the matter personal. That person begins to talk behind the back and even posts about the affront in social media in order to make the matter everyone’s business. Now it is thought that because others are also concerned, the petty behavior was justified. This is the moment when some people give up on the whole church, when it was the prideful act of an individual who took umbrage too far. This is not the way of Christ. Love overlooks the faults of others—real or imagined.

Prayer: Forgive me my trespasses, Lord, as I forgive the trespasses of others. Amen.

Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 51 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 07 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Peter 2:4–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

But this is far distant from those praises of love which they recite from Paul, nor do they understand the word any more than the walls that bounce back their words. They also cite Peter in this verse: “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet 4:8). It is evident that Peter also speaks of love towards one's neighbor since he joins this passage to the precept that commands love for one another. It could never have come into the mind of any apostle that our love overcomes sin and death, that love is the propitiation by which God is reconciled, thereby excluding Christ as mediator, or that love is righteousness without Christ as mediator. For this love, if there would be any, would be a righteousness of the law, and not of the gospel that promises reconciliation and righteousness to us if we believe that the Father has been reconciled on account of Christ as propitiator, and that the merits of Christ are bestowed upon us. Accordingly, a little earlier Peter urges us to come to Christ so that we may be built upon Christ (1 Pet 2:4-5). And he adds, “He who believes in him will not be put to shame” (1 Pet 2:6). When God judges and convicts us, our love does not free us from shame. Nevertheless, faith in Christ liberates us despite these fears, because we know that for Christ's sake we are forgiven.

Pulling It Together: We must be careful not to build a doctrine of righteousness and salvation upon anything that we do. Such a house would surely fall, since it is founded on the limited and human instead of upon the infinite and divine. God commands us to do many things, including charity toward others and love for God. But these things, even though commanded by God, do not save. Only God saves. The Father has overcome sin and death through the work of his Son. That is a finished work; we are merely called to believe what God has done, not to add anything to his work in an effort to complete it in ourselves. If his work on the cross required our completion, he would not be the mediator between God and humanity since his work would not have been sufficient.

People seek to earn God’s favor because they feel the blush of sin. Though we should confess our sin and repent, we cannot earn God’s grace. That grace has already been earned for us by Jesus. When we believe what the love of God has wrought, the fear that the law delivers is quickly dispatched and then replaced with God’s forgiveness and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer: Loving Father, I offer you my sacrifice of praise while depending upon the final sacrifice of Jesus, my Savior. Amen.

Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 50 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 06 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Ephesians 4:31–32

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Moreover, it is disgraceful for the adversaries to preach so much about love when they do not bestow love. What are they doing? They are tearing apart churches; they are writing laws in blood; they are proposing to the most clement prince, the emperor, that these should be published. They are slaughtering priests and other good men if they even intimate their dislike of some unmistakable abuse. These things are not consistent with speeches about love, which if the adversaries would follow, both church and the state would have peace. Disturbances would be stilled if the adversaries would not bitterly insist upon certain traditions that are useless for godliness and which are not observed even by those very persons who most earnestly defend them. They easily forgive themselves, yet do not forgive others, according to the poet Maenius: “I forgive myself.”

Pulling It Together: We should not worry ourselves over the actions of others toward us. Instead, we should be devoted to the gospel. This means that we will love those who hate and hurt us. Finally, it means that we must forgive those who trespass against us. While the rest of the world, even those in the church, demand much of us—a great deal of which is useless, as well as unfair and not reciprocated—we must nevertheless be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. This is the way of Christ who loves and forgives us.

Prayer: Forgive me of my sins, Lord, so that I may forgive those who sin against me. Amen.

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 49 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 05 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Ephesians 4:1–3

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The books of all the wise are full of these principles of fairness, namely, that in everyday life we should all make many allowances for the sake of mutual order. Paul frequently teaches this here and elsewhere. Therefore, the adversaries’ argument that the term "perfection" means that love justifies does not make sense, since Paul is speaking of unity and peace. Ambrose interprets this passage: “Just as a building is said to be perfect or entire when all its parts are fitly joined together with one another.”

Pulling It Together: God is able to do far more with the Church than we could possibly imagine (Eph 3:20). Knowing therefore, not only what God is capable of doing but is actually accomplishing in spite of us, we are to act in a manner that corresponds to the Church that God both intends to be and is creating. We are called to be humble, gentle, patient, and charitable toward one another despite our failings. Christians should be eager to act like Christ so that there is unity and peace in the Church, without imagining that we have done some great work that justifies us to God.

Prayer: Help me to truly love, Lord, as you love your Church. Amen.

Disciples of the Cross is a two-part Bible study addressing the topic of Christian discipleship from a uniquely Lutheran perspective. Part 1: Who We Are is an introduction to the theology of discipleship, laying the biblical groundwork for what it means to be called to live the life of faith as a follower of Jesus. 

The study may be used in conjunction with various discipleship programs and studies to highlight themes from the Lutheran tradition that are not often addressed in many discipleship materials. These include: a Theology of the Cross, the centrality of the Word and Sacrament, an understanding of the Means of Grace, and a recognition of the Christian as both "Saint and Sinner."

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 48 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 04 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 15:1–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

For concord ends up being torn apart whenever the bishops impose heavy burdens upon the people or have no regard for their weakness. Dissensions also arise when the people judge the clergy’s conduct too severely or despise them because of a minor mistake, thereafter seeking different doctrine and clergy. On the other hand, perfection in Church fellowship is preserved when the strong bear with the weak—when the people have patience with their preachers, and when the bishops make some allowances for the weakness of the people.

Pulling It Together: During a committee meeting, a brother suddenly spoke strong words against his pastor. There was silence in the room. People did not know how to respond. The pastor knew what to say. Nothing. He understood that his brother was struggling with other issues, and that the outburst came at a moment of weakness. He vented because he had reached the moment when he could no longer hold it all in. Days later, the man stopped by the pastor’s office, just to chat. It was his way of showing that Christian fellowship was still important to him. Harmony often depends upon a quiet answer (Prov 15:1) instead of proving who is right. Sometimes, concord does not even depend upon a calm answer but rather, no answer at all. In that silence, a greater voice may be discovered: the voice that does not demand to name which one is right but instead, a united voice that glorifies the name of the Lord.

Prayer: Give me your peace, Lord, so that I may be gentle and quiet when necessary. Amen.

All God’s Critters is a fully reproducible Sunday School series designed with the particular needs of small churches, mission congregations, and house churches with students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 47 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 03 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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John 15:12–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Paul is not speaking of personal perfection, but of the integrity common to the Church. He says that love is a bond or connection that holds the many members of the Church together, just as in all families and states, harmony is nourished by service to one another, and tranquility is retained by people overlooking and forgiving small mistakes among themselves. So Paul commands that there should be love in the Church in order that harmony may be preserved, bearing with the harsher manners of some as there is need, and overlooking small mistakes, lest the Church splinter into various schisms, and the hostilities, factions, and heresies that arise from such divisions.

Pulling It Together: Having understood that Christ alone is the satisfaction for our sins, we see love in a new light. “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19), not because we expect special favor from God. Knowing how much Christ loves the Church, we should want to hold together that for which he died and rose again. The fellowship of the Church is quickly divided when we do not bear with one another’s weaknesses (Col 3:13) and forgive them. Imagine how many of his disciples’ actions Jesus overlooked. Now think of how much he endures in your behavior. It is to your glory when you overlook an offense, and it preserves harmony in Christ’s Church.

Prayer: Help me do what you command, Lord, through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

The goal of Personalities of Faith, a ten-session Bible study for youth, is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith". Using biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 46 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 02 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Colossians 3:12–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

In the Confutation, the adversaries have also cited against us Colossians 3:14: “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” They infer from this that love justifies because it renders men perfect. We could supply many replies about perfection but will simply give Paul’s meaning. Paul was clearly speaking of love towards one’s neighbor. We must not imagine that Paul would ascribe either justification or perfection to works of the Second Table instead of to those of the First. Even so, if love renders men perfect, there is then no need of Christ as propitiator, for faith apprehends Christ alone as propitiator. This, however, is far distant from the meaning of Paul, who never suffers Christ to be excluded as propitiator.

Pulling It Together: Paul consistently teaches that we are accepted on account of Christ and not on account of our love, or our works, or because we keep the law. For no one perfectly fulfills the law. Since he writes and teaches that there is no perfection in this life through our works, it must not be thought that Paul is speaking here of personal perfection. Because we cannot live up to the demands of the law, God sent his Son as satisfaction. Jesus, as both God and man, fulfilled the law for everyone. So, yes, we are instructed to love our neighbors, as the second great commandment teaches us (Mark 12:31). Yet we should never assume that love of neighbor, which we fulfill imperfectly, satisfies God’s law. Only Jesus has done this, so we must put our faith in him alone.

Prayer: Help me depend upon your righteousness, Lord, while your Spirit empowers me to love my neighbor. Amen.

Seasons of the Church Year introduces students to the seasons or cycles of the liturgical year as the Church reflects upon the story of Christ and our life of faith in this world. It was written for a 3rd-4th grade level, but is flexible enough to be used for most elementary-aged students.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 45 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 01 Jun 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 1:16–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We are not ignorant of how distant this doctrine is from the judgment of reason and of the law. Nor are we unaware that the doctrine of the law concerning love makes a much greater show; for it is human wisdom. But we are not ashamed of the foolishness of the gospel. For the sake of Christ's glory we defend this, and beseech Christ, by his Holy Spirit, to aid us that we may be able to make this clear and manifest.

Pulling It Together: Everyone gets a trophy. That is the way of things in children’s sports these days. Nobody is a loser, so long as they join the team. People are divided on their opinions about this approach. Some people think children need to earn a trophy while others have the view that even if the team never wins, all should go home with a trophy because they made the effort. Brands of Christianity are like this children’s sports analogy. There are some who believe that only those whose religious efforts are successful should be rewarded with eternal life. Others believe that simply being on the team, being a believer in Jesus Christ, is what counts.

The wisdom of the world concludes that effort makes the difference. Only winners should be rewarded with eternal life. So, some believe that human righteousness makes the difference with God.

While we should press on for the prize of resurrection from the dead (Phil 3:14), Lutherans confess that this heavenly prize is apprehended through faith in Jesus Christ, not through their efforts. This is foolishness to the worldly mind, but to the spiritual mind, it is the power of God for salvation. “The righteous shall live by faith” in the righteousness of God instead of by trust in their own righteousness, though the world considers them losers.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for saving me and giving me your righteousness so that I do not need to depend upon myself. Amen.

God's Reluctant Leaders is a nine-session Bible Study that focuses on the stories of three biblical characters: Jonah, Gideon, and Moses. Sessions explore how God works to create faith within those whom He calls to serve His mission. The study is written at an introductory level, to be led by a lay leader or pastor in a small-group question and discussion format. It would serve as an excellent resource for monthly women's group meetings, or in an informal small-group setting.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 44 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 31 May 23 00:00:00 -0400

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2 Corinthians 3:12–18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Our adversaries ascribe justification to love because they teach and require the righteousness of the law everywhere. We cannot deny that love is the highest work of the law. Human wisdom gazes at the law and seeks justification there. Consequently, the scholastic doctors, great and talented men, also proclaim this as the highest work of the law, and attribute justification to this work. Deceived by human wisdom, they did not look upon the uncovered face of Moses, but just like the Pharisees, philosophers, and Mohammedans they saw the veiled face of Moses. But we preach the foolishness of the gospel that reveals another righteousness, namely, that because of Christ as propitiator, we are accounted righteous when we believe that for Christ's sake God has been reconciled to us.

Pulling It Together: It makes sense that doing good deeds and being religious would cause God to love us and forgive us for our efforts. If God commands it, then there should be the reward of his favor. Yet, “The wisdom of this world is foolishness before God” (1 Cor 3:19, NASB). Perhaps it would be helpful to think about this matter on a more elemental level. If a child is commanded by his father to take out the trash, and he does this chore, should he expect the reward of his father’s love? No. His father already loves him. He is simply expected to do as his father commands. We see that God’s love is already disposed toward the world. That is why he sent his Son to fulfill the law and reconcile us to himself (John 3:16).

This is difficult for people to understand, because they think about the matter in terms of human wisdom and religion. We need to consider it from the divine perspective. After being in the presence of the divine majesty on the mountain, Moses’ face shone with the brilliance of God’s glory. When he descended to the Israelites, he veiled his shining face. So long as we look upon the law of Moses in this veiled, human fashion, the glory of God will be obscured. When people turn to the Lord instead of depending upon their own righteousness, the veil of the law is removed and the glory of the Lord is seen. This is foolishness to the religious but it is, nevertheless, the wisdom of God’s gospel. This glorious wisdom, for those who will look beyond the veil, is that the righteousness we could never achieve through our own wisdom and effort, God has accomplished through his Son and has freely given to those who believe such foolishness.

Prayer: Loving God of righteousness, help us see clearly by looking beyond the veil of the law to behold your glory. Amen.

Seasons of the Church Year introduces students to the seasons or cycles of the liturgical year as the Church reflects upon the story of Christ and our life of faith in this world. It was written for a 3rd-4th grade level, but is flexible enough to be used for most elementary-aged students.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 43 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 30 May 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Acts 16:30–31

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

They object that love is preferred to faith and hope since Paul says, “The greatest of these is love” (1 Cor 13:13). Now, it is reasonable that the greatest and chief virtue should justify. However, Paul speaks specifically in this passage of love towards one's neighbor, and indicates that love is the greatest, because it has most fruit. Faith and hope only deal with God; but love has infinite external duties toward people. Nevertheless, we grant to the adversaries that love towards God and our neighbor is the greatest virtue because the chief commandment is, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matt 22:37). But how do they infer from this that love justifies? The greatest virtue, they say, justifies. By no means. For as even the greatest or first law does not justify, so also the greatest virtue of the law does not justify. The virtue that justifies is the one that apprehends Christ, transmitting Christ's merits to us, by which we receive grace and peace from God. This virtue is faith. For as it has been often said, faith is not only knowledge, but rather a desire to receive or apprehend those things that are offered in the promise of Christ. This obedience towards God, this desire to receive the offered promise, is no less an act of worship than is love. God wants us to believe him and to receive blessings from him. This he declares to be true divine service.

Pulling It Together: God does not say, “Do this thing and you will be saved.” He could have said something like, “Do a cartwheel and you will be saved.” Of course, he said nothing so absurd, so let us think more civilly. He might have said, “Do 1,000 hours of community service and you will be saved.” He did not say anything like that either. So, let us consider the religious. He could have demanded perfect attendance at worship. But he did not command anything religious either. Instead, he wants us to believe that he has saved us without any works that we have done. For God saves sinners, not people who have proved that they are righteous without him. His only command for salvation is clearly stated in Acts 16:30-31: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Prayer: Father, assure me of the plain gospel, that you love me in spite of myself. Amen.

The Sola Music Series offers simple collections of easy-to-play worship music, including new songs and arrangements of old favorites. Based in a confessional theology and a respect for the historical and sacramental liturgy, these resources do not require a high level of musical expertise. Written in a simple and straight-forward style, these songs are intended for congregations that would like to explore a less formal musical style in worship, while still maintaining the integrity of the traditional order of worship. Such music would fit into what is sometimes referred to as "contemporary" or "blended" worship, without necessarily requiring a full band of experienced musicians and singers to lead the songs. Providing lead sheets for guitar and vocals, along with full scores for piano, Sola Publishing grants to those who purchase this volume the permission to reproduce words and music of the songs within for local congregational use.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 42 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 29 May 23 00:00:00 -0400

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John 13:34–35

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

If there be no need of Christ, if by our love we can overcome death, if by our love, without Christ as propitiator, we have access to God, then let our adversaries remove the promise concerning Christ; let them abolish the gospel. The adversaries corrupt very many passages because they bring to them their own opinions. They do not derive the meaning from the passages themselves. What difficulty is there in this passage when we remove the imagined interpretation that the adversaries attach to it because they do not understand what justification is or how it occurs? Already being justified, the Corinthians had received many excellent gifts. In the beginning they glowed with zeal, as is generally the case. Then dissensions began to arise among them, and as Paul indicates, they began to dislike good teachers. Accordingly, Paul reproves them, recalling them to responsibilities of love. Although these are necessary, it would be foolish to imagine that works of the Second Table justify us, for they deal with people, not expressly with God. Justification is a transaction by God through which his wrath is appeased and our conscience is pacified before God. None of this comes about through works of the Second Table.

Pulling It Together: Yes! We should obey God by loving one another and doing acts of charity and other good works. Yet these actions will never conquer sin and death or provide access to God. Claiming that they accomplish such great effects is to call the good news of Jesus Christ ineffective. However, when we read the Scripture in context, we understand that God’s reconciling work is wholly sufficient. Basing a doctrine on a verse can mislead, as in the case in question. When we consider the entire unit of thought, we see that the Corinthians had already been justified by Christ and, as a result, had been eager to obey God. In time however, they listened to teachers who told them what they wanted to hear by tickling their ears with false doctrines (2 Tim 4:3, NASB) instead of teaching the whole counsel of Scripture. This is when good teachers must use the law to demonstrate that we cannot keep God’s commands. For, “the Law is a word of death, a doctrine of wrath, a light of sadness, which reveals sin and demands righteousness from us, which we cannot produce” (“Epistle for the Day of the Three Holy Kings,” Luther’s Works). Only then will people be driven back to the gospel, to the righteousness of Christ alone. When we comprehend that he first loved us, then we may rightly respond to his command to love one another.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for your law that accuses me, causing me to rely upon your Son instead of myself. Amen.

Beginning in 2016, Sola is adding a Bible Overview year to its Confirmation Series, with two ten-session booklets — one on the Old Testament and one on the New Testament. These books provide a step-by-step overview of the history and geography of the Scriptures, exploring the various time periods and sections of the Bible and how they connect to one another. The goal is to give students a sense for the over-arching story of Scripture, fulfilled in the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 41 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 28 May 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Exodus 20:13–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The adversaries treat the matter preposterously, citing this one passage in which Paul teaches about fruits. Yet they omit very many other passages in which he discusses the mode of justification in a regular order. Besides, they always add a correction to the other passages that deal with faith, namely, that they ought to be understood as applying to fides formata. They add no correction that there is also need of the faith that understands we are accounted righteous for the sake of Christ as propitiator. As a result, they exclude Christ from justification and teach only a righteousness of the law. So, let us return to Paul.

No one can infer anything more from this text than that love is necessary. This we confess. Therefore, not to commit theft is also necessary. But this reasoning will not be correct if someone would desire to frame an argument like this: "Not to commit theft is necessary. Therefore, not to commit theft justifies." Justification is the approval of the entire person, not of a certain work. Therefore, this passage from Paul is not against justification by faith, so long as the adversaries do not add to it whatever their imaginations please. For he says, "I am nothing," not that love justifies. He declares that without faith, love is extinguished, however great it may have been. He does not say that love overcomes the terrors of sin and of death, that we can set our love against the wrath and judgment of God, that our love satisfies God's law, that without Christ as propitiator we have access to God because of our love, that by our love we receive the promised forgiveness of sins. Paul says nothing like this. He does not, therefore, think that love justifies, because we are justified only when we apprehend Christ as propitiator, and believe that for Christ's sake God is reconciled to us. Justification should not even be dreamed of without Christ as propitiator.

Pulling It Together: Faith is not formed by love or other good works. That is backwards thinking and contrary to Scripture. Rather, love is formed by faith. Faith in Christ compels us to love and to obey God. Therefore, faith also urges us to keep the other commandments, such as, “You shall not steal” (Exod 20:15). Yet there are people who do not steal, though they have no faith in Christ. Are they justified to God because they do not steal? No; religious and civil works do not justify. Only faith in Christ reconciles God by justifying sinners. Without faith, good deeds are of no account with God since works do not justify. That is Christ’s function, not ours. Therefore, once justified through faith, good works necessarily follow but they do not make payment for our sins or remove the terrors of sin and death. We should never imagine anything but Christ Jesus as the only satisfaction and payment for our sins.

Prayer: Lord, have mercy upon me, a sinner. Amen. 

In Part 2 of Sola Scriptura, "The Norm of Faith" study shows how an active view of the Word informs and guides our understanding of what Scripture says. In other words, it will talk about what the Bible means based on what it does. In terms of how we come to articulate our faith and our doctrinal teachings, to speak of Scripture as the "norm" of faith means that it is the standard against which our theology and proclamation are measured.

• Study Guide   • See also Sola Scriptura, Part 1: The Source of Faith

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 40 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 27 May 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Galatians 5:22–25

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Now we will reply to those passages that the adversaries use to prove that we are justified by love and works. They cite: “And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing” (1Cor 13:2). Here they exult, claiming that Paul testifies to the entire Church that faith alone does not justify.

We have shown above what we hold concerning love and works. But a reply is easy. This passage of Paul requires love. We require it also. For we have said above that renewal and beginning to fulfill the law must exist in us, according to the word: “I will put my law within them, and I will write it upon their hearts” (Jer 31:33). Anyone who casts away love will not keep faith, however great it seems, for he does not retain the Holy Spirit.

Paul is not treating the mode of justification in this passage. He is writing to those who have already been justified, urging them to bear good fruit lest they lose the Holy Spirit.

Pulling It Together: The Roman Confutation claimed that people are justified by adding love and other works to faith in Christ. Conversely, the Lutherans confessed that love and good works are a necessary response to faith in the saving work of Christ. Although the work of Christ on the cross is sufficient for salvation, the person who will not love as Christ loves, has become spiritually cold and lives according to the flesh again. That person has become nothing, no longer keeping in step with the Spirit and living by faith. For the Holy Spirit does not dwell where Christian love and other fruits of the Spirit are not present.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me remember my baptism with daily repentance and sorrow for sin, so that the new person in Christ will emerge in me more and more every day. Amen. 

A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

Leader's Guide   • See also: Sola Scriptura, Part 2: The Norm of Faith

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 39 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 26 May 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 4:22–5:1

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We are speaking now of the righteousness by which we interact with God, not with men, and by which we apprehend grace and peace of conscience. The conscience however, cannot be pacified before God except by faith alone, because it is certain that God for Christ's sake is reconciled to us, according to Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Pulling It Together: The assurance of God’s love for us is always disturbed by our works. As soon as we trust in an act of charity or devotion to God, our confidence is shattered by an unkind thought or lack of devotion. That is when we must think of Christ instead of ourselves. So long as our thoughts are on our acts of charity or ability to fulfill the law, we become anxious and our consciences will be troubled. Since, however, we are not reconciled to God by our works, or even our works added to Christ’s work, we must always turn our thoughts to Christ. When we remember that we are justified by faith in Christ and not faith in ourselves, we return to a place of quiet rest and the peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7).

Prayer: Quiet my heart, Lord, and strengthen my faith in you through the power of your indwelling Spirit. Amen. 

Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 38 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 25 May 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Ephesians 2:13–18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We believe and teach that good works must necessarily be done. Nevertheless we give Christ his own honor. We believe and teach that by faith, for Christ's sake, we are accounted righteous before God. We are not accounted righteous because of works without Christ as mediator. We do not earn the forgiveness of sins, grace, and forgiveness by works, which cannot be set against the wrath and justice of God. Nor can they overcome the terrors of sin. The terrors of sin are overcome by faith alone. Only Christ is to be presented by faith as mediator against the wrath and judgment of God. If any one think differently, he does not give Christ due honor, who has been set forth that he might be the propitiator, that through him we might have access to the Father.

Pulling It Together: Polls differ as to how many Americans say that they believe in God, some as high as 80% or more. Other polls demonstrate that the most basic evidences of faith are a much lower percentage. So let us be clear. The faith that we profess is not a mere nod to God. As James says, even demons believe in God (James 2:19). Faith has feet. Real faith is put into action. It bears fruit. Real believers, not those who simply agree that there is a god, are slowly beginning to act like Jesus. First of all, they give him all the glory and honor that is his due. As it is his work that justifies us to God, we give him that honor. We do not believe that Jesus needs any assistance from us. Therefore, although works necessarily follow, or go hand in hand with faith, it is Christ who has saved us from sin and death. Our works neither save us nor give us any consolation that they do.

Christ alone is our peace. He has reconciled us to God, and did so without our help. As a result, we have access to God. There is no longer a wall between God and true believers. We are now in a corrected relationship and at peace with him because of Christ alone.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for tearing down the wall that had separated us from the Father. Amen.

The General Epistles offers a series of 12 Bible studies based on Hebrews, James, I & II Peter, I, II, & III John, and Jude. The geographical locations of Biblical characters can symbolically refer to places we find ourselves with respect to our faith. As we become more acquainted with our spiritual geography, we will better discern where God would have us go or what changes we need to make in order to serve Him better.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 37 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 24 May 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 8:31–33

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Our adversaries uphold these godless, unscriptural opinions concerning works. But to ascribe atonement to our works, to claim that our works merit the forgiveness of sins and grace, instead of being accounted righteous before God by faith in Christ as propitiator, what else is this than to deny Christ the honor of mediator and propitiator?

Pulling It Together: If you pay attention to the sports headlines, you will hear an odd assertion from time to time, especially during professional basketball season. A very talented player will either claim or a reporter will state that the athlete was a one-man team. The other four players seemed to make no difference. He carried the team on his back. Yet, as good as some players are, they cannot win the first game without the other members of the team. However, Christianity is not basketball.

Jesus accomplished what the rest of the team could never do. He atoned for the sins of the entire world. No one assisted him. Neither you nor I will be interviewed as one of his teammates who helped him conquer sin and death. We cannot add one work to his victory. Our works add nothing to the salvation he has won for those who believe. The honor belongs to Christ. It is God alone who justifies.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for saving me. Amen.

Examining Our Core Beliefs explains in straightforward terms the core of what we believe—from a biblical, theological, historical, and confessional point of view. A 30-page study guide is included in the back of the book.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 36 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 23 May 23 00:00:00 -0400

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John 4:7–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

So the world thinks that all works are a propitiation by which God is appeased, that they are a payment by which we are considered righteous. It does not believe that Christ is the propitiator; it does not believe that by faith we are freely accounted righteous for Christ's sake. Yet, since works cannot pacify the conscience, other works are continually chosen, new rites are performed, new vows made, and new orders of monks formed beyond the command of God, in order that some great work may be found to set against the wrath and judgment of God.

Pulling It Together: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” (Matt 5:6) Note that Jesus did not say blessed are those who have dug a well and quenched their own thirst. The woman was already at the well, and yet, she was still parched. Multiple marriages had not satisfied her need for relationship. The religion of her fathers had not slaked her thirst. No matter what she did, she would remain thirsty. The fulfilling righteousness of God is available, but only to those who admit their thirst and their inability to satisfy themselves. If she had known, she would have admitted her need, and asked Jesus. Then he would have given her living water that never runs dry. Then she would be satisfied.

When my daughters were very young, they could not open the refrigerator or pour from a heavy container. But they could ask, “Daddy, may we have some apple juice?” We also, are unable to fabricate works of religion that meet our desperate need for righteousness. But we may ask Jesus, and he will satisfy our thirst.

Prayer: God of righteousness, I am thirsty for you; quench my thirst through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

Kinderbeten is a compelling story touching on the exercise of free religion, the religious wars in Europe, the roots of Evangelicalism, the supernatural, and more, all wrapped up in a religious revival which began not through a charismatic revivalist or any adult at all, but rather found it's origin with children aged four to fourteen. The children became pawns in a controversy between political and religious opponents. Indulge your curiosity and read the remarkable story about the King of Sweden and the 1707-08 Children's Revival in Silesia, a tale of hope and prayer.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 35 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 22 May 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Ephesians 2:4–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Anthony, Bernard, Dominicus, Franciscus, and other holy Fathers selected a certain kind of life either for the sake of study or other useful exercises. In the meantime, they believed that they were accounted righteous through faith, and that God was gracious to them for Christ's sake, not because of their spiritual exercises. But since then, the multitude has not imitated the faith of the Fathers, but their activities without faith, thinking that they might earn the forgiveness of sins, grace, and righteousness by such works. They did not believe that they received these freely because of Christ the propitiator.

Pulling It Together: Being a pastor or missionary is not a free ticket to heaven. While the work that such people do is important to the kingdom of Christ, it is only faith in Christ that opens the gates of heaven. A pastor may labor for a lifetime to swing those gates but they will not budge without faith. Only the righteous will enter that blessed rest. Now, that would keep us all out of heaven—except for the work of Christ. Those who have faith in him are assigned his righteousness. Without his righteousness, no one will pass through.

I received a text this morning. It was an electronic boarding pass for a flight home. My wife had purchased my ticket, and then had the airline send the boarding pass to my phone. Now, without this pass, I will never get home. More to the point, while I was busy doing pastoral work, my wife made sure I could get home. Once I get to the airport, I could argue all day about being a pastor and that I was busy doing the work of the kingdom. They still will not allow me on the flight. It is her work that will get me home. You were created for good works, and you should live a life of Christian service, but it is faith in the work of Christ on the cross that brings you home.

Prayer: Lord, empty me of trust in my efforts, and help me rely on you alone. Amen. 

Consider the Years

by Rev. Brad Hales

As the subtitle indicates, this Bible study was written for mature Christians. That is, it bears in mind the unique perspective of those who have seen many years in their relationship with God and may wonder how faith can speak anew to their daily lives. The study offers thirteen brief sessions on issues seniors must navigate, emphasizing how God's Word can bring strength and comfort in the unknown.

This study has been printed in a larger type-face than other Sola Bible studies. The questions offered for discussion focus on Scripture texts that address some particular concerns of older Christians.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 34 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 21 May 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 11:26–30

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Thus the Lord's Supper was instituted in the Church so that through this sign we might remember the promises of Christ, faith would be strengthened in us, and we might publicly confess our faith and proclaim the benefits of Christ. Paul says, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Cor 11:26). But our adversaries contend that the mass is a work that justifies us ex opere operato, and removes the guilt and obligation of punishment in those for whom it is celebrated, as Gabriel writes.

Pulling It Together: In Exposition of the Canon of the Mass (26:81), Gabriel Biel claimed that the mass atoned for the people’s sins, simply by their presence at the mass. For that matter, the priest who celebrated the mass, would have his sins expiated, even though he was in an unrepentant state—simply because he did the work. It required no faith whatsoever. Instead, it was believed that the ritual itself was the saving act.

But the Lutherans confessed that there was no grace to be derived from the work itself. Thus, the Lord’s Supper is not a work through which we receive forgiveness because we went through the motions. We must eat and drink in faith and with repentant spirits. Our mere presence at the table does not atone for our sins. We do not believe in either the work of the priest or in our own work of showing up. This would be an unworthy eating and drinking that brings condemnation rather than grace. Instead, we have faith in the true work that we remember in that holy meal: the work and word of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your word of presence in your body and blood. Amen. 

Reading and Discussion of Luther's Catechisms is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, presented in a question and discussion format. 

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 33 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 20 May 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Genesis 22:1–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Because no works calm the conscience, they contrived new works in addition to God's commands. The people of Israel had seen the prophets sacrificing on high places. The examples of the saints moved the minds of those who hoped by similar works to obtain grace as those saints obtained it. Therefore the people began to imitate this work with remarkable zeal, in order that by such a work they might earn the forgiveness of sins, grace, and righteousness. But the prophets had been sacrificing on high places, not so these works might merit the forgiveness of sins and grace, but because they taught on these places and, accordingly, presented there a testimony of their faith. The people had heard that Abraham had sacrificed his son. Therefore, in order to appease God by a most cruel and difficult work, they also put their sons to death. But Abraham did not sacrifice his son with the opinion that this work was a price and propitiatory work for the sake of which he was accounted righteous.

Pulling It Together: In 1920, the farmers and ranchers of a small town in southern Texas quit working. For one year, they all laid off work and built a brand new Lutheran Church. What a sacrifice! A year of wages for dozens of families was forfeited so that the next generation could worship the Lord God. Surely, some of those people thought, “How will we get by? How will we live?” That is when a word comes to the faithful: “The Lord will provide.”

Did they earn God’s favor and grace through a year of hard work? No. Did the sacrifice of their livelihood reconcile them to God? No. Did the sacrifice of praise in the new church building merit God’s forgiveness? No. But you can bet the people in the area heard about it and talked. Such a great testimony to the faith of a people does not go unnoticed—by people or by God. Yet their sacrifice did not merit God’s grace—nor do our sacrifices and service. For God has graciously provided a Lamb who takes away the sins of the world for those who have faith in him.

Prayer: Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace. Amen. 

The kind of church we see in the New Testament is different from what most modern people imagine when they think of “going to church.” Experience Life Together: Experiencing House-Church Ministry, by Rev. Tom Hilpert, is a 15-week house-church curriculum designed for pastors, lay leaders, and churches interested in getting a taste for what church in the home is really like. Whether referred to as a house-church, organic church, alternative church, or cell church, this material applies well to any group that wants to experience Christian worship in the context of a small group meeting within the homes of the participants.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 32 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 19 May 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Jeremiah 7:20–22

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

This godless opinion concerning works has always existed in the world. The Gentiles had sacrifices derived from the fathers. They imitated their works but did not keep their faith. Instead, they thought that the works were a propitiation and price by which God would be reconciled to them. The people in the law imitated sacrifices with the opinion that these works would appease God, so to say, ex opere operato. We see how earnestly the prophets rebuke the people about this opinion. “I do not reprove you for your sacrifices” (Psa 50:8). “I did not speak to your fathers or command them concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices” (Jer 7:22). Such passages do not condemn works, which God had certainly commanded as outward functions in the government, but they condemn the godless opinion that by these works people appeased the wrath of God, and thereby eliminated faith.

Pulling It Together: The working of the work does nothing to temper the Almighty. You could sacrifice a thousand burnt offerings and it would not pacify him. You could serve on every committee in your church and it would not justify you to God. What else could you try? Well, you could give every dollar that you earn this year to missions. But you have already surmised the correct answer. That, also, would not reconcile God.

Is God displeased with sacrifice, service, and offerings? Not necessarily. These works must be done in faith that God is reconciled by faith in the sacrifice of his Son instead of your works. We ought not serve, sacrifice, and give because we imagine that we can earn God’s favor through the things we do, even if done for him. Instead, we know that we are favored by him because of Christ. We do these other things because they are expressions of his kingdom, not because we suppose he is appeased by the work that we have done (ex opere operato).

Prayer: Direct my steps in wisdom, Lord, and help me walk in your counsels. Amen. 

Portraits of Jesus is a nine-session Bible study that explores the "I AM" statements given to us by Jesus himself. In comparing Jesus' words with related Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments, the study provides a well-rounded look at the center of our faith in Christ.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 31 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 18 May 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 John 5:13–15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We condemn this godless opinion concerning works. First, it obscures the glory of Christ when people offer their works to God as a price and propitiation, an honor due to Christ alone. Second, they nevertheless do not find peace of conscience in these works. Instead, in true terror, they heap up works upon works, and eventually despair because they find no work sufficiently pure. The law always accuses and elicits wrath. Thirdly, such persons never attain the knowledge of God because they angrily flee from God’s judgment and affliction, never believing that they are heard. But faith assures us of the presence of God, being certain that God freely forgives and hears us.

Pulling It Together: God wants us to be confident of eternal life. He does not dangle salvation over our heads, tempting us and teasing us to work a little harder, or else. Instead, we are to believe in the great name of Jesus Christ, who died and rose and ascended so that we might do the same. He alone endured the cross and the shame (Heb 12:2) for our sin. We did nothing. And we do nothing. Christ alone is the satisfaction for our sin. We do not share the honor with him.

It sounds downright un-American but you have to stop believing in yourself. As long as you believe that you have some stake in your salvation, you will always be frightened that you have not been good enough, have not done enough, or that what you have done was not done with purity and charity. That terror can be relieved. You can have peace of conscience and certainty in God—as soon as you stop having faith in yourself. When, instead, you have faith alone in Christ alone, you will serve him with a glad and liberated heart. You will pray to him, knowing that you are both loved and heard—because of what Christ did, not because of what you have done.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayers and caring for me. Amen. 

A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is written in easy-to-understand language but is a challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, each presented in a question and discussion format. Click here to see the Table of Contents and a sample session.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 30 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 17 May 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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John 6:27–29

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Good works ought to follow faith. However, people use works in a far different way when they cannot believe with certainty that they are freely forgiven and have a reconciled God for Christ's sake. When they see the works of saints, they imagine in a human way that saints have earned the remission of sins and grace through these works. So they imitate them, thinking that through similar works they too merit the forgiveness of sins and grace. They believe that they appease the wrath of God and are counted as righteous through their own works.

Pulling It Together: “I promise that I’ll do better!” children declare to their parents when they have been caught in another transgression. When they grow up, they promise the same thing to their spouses. How much better we would fare if we truly believed that our parents cared for us, that our husbands or wives really loved us. So long as we believe that our familial or marital well-being depends upon ourselves, never depending upon the love of another, these relationships will suffer.

We carry the same baggage into religious affairs. So long as we think our relationship with God depends upon ourselves, it will also suffer. As long as we imagine that we make the difference with God, we will fail God—and ourselves. We should always depend upon the strength of God’s love for us when the expressions of our own love are weak.

When the people asked Jesus what work they should do in order to please God, his answer was plain and simple. Believe! That is the blessed work we should do for God. Other works will necessarily follow faith but when we fail in our efforts, as we certainly will, the only work that matters is that we still believe in God’s Son.

Prayer: I believe, Lord; help my unbelief. Amen.

Learning About Communion teaches the meaning of Holy Communion according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Fifth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story that illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons emphasize the sacramental promise of the forgiveness of sins conveyed to us in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. This booklet was designed to be used as a Sunday School unit, or for classes to prepare students for their First Communion.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 29 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 16 May 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 4:9–12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Paul also teaches about works in Romans 4:9–12, saying that Abraham did not receive circumcision in order that he might be justified. Being accounted righteous by faith, he had already been justified. Circumcision was added so that he might have a sign written in his body, reminding him to exercise his faith, to confess his faith before others, and by his testimony invite others to believe. “By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice” (Heb 11:4). Because he was righteous through faith, the sacrifice that he made was pleasing to God. His work did not merit the forgiveness of sins and grace. Yet, through the sacrifice, he exercised his faith and invited those who observed it to believe.

Pulling It Together: You were baptized before you ever thought to do a good deed. God put his seal on you first. So, baptism, like circumcision, is a sign that God gives Christ’s righteousness to sinners (Rom 5:8). Then, once you have faith in Christ, you will love him and keep his commandments (John 14:15). Your obedience does not make you righteous or cause your sins to be forgiven since you have already been justified to God through faith in Christ. Your faithful works confirm your faith in the fullness of God within you (Eph 3:19). Through your obedience to God’s commands, he increases your faith while calling others to believe (Luke 17:5).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that while I was still a sinner, you died for me. Amen.

Personalities of Faithpart 1, is a ten-session Bible study for youth. The goal of the series is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith." By showing biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 28 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 15 May 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 John 3:1–3

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Because faith makes us children of God, it also makes us co-heirs with Christ. Therefore, because our works do not merit justification, through which we are made children of God and co-heirs with Christ, we do not merit eternal life by our works. Faith obtains this because faith justifies us and has a reconciled God. Eternal life is given to the justified, according to Romans 8:30. “Those whom he justified he also glorified.” Paul commends to us (Eph 6:2) the commandment about honoring parents, mentioning the reward that is added to that commandment. He does not mean that obedience to parents justifies us before God, but that when it occurs in those who have been justified, it merits other great rewards. Yet God exercises his saints variously, often deferring the rewards of the righteousness of works in order that they may learn not to trust in their own righteousness, and may learn to seek the will of God rather than the rewards. This happened with Job, in Christ, and other saints. Many psalms teach this, consoling us against the happiness of the wicked. “Be not envious of wrongdoers!” (Psa 37:1). Christ says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:10). By these praises of good works, believers are undoubtedly moved to do good works. Meanwhile, the doctrine of repentance is also proclaimed against the godless, whose works are wicked; and the wrath of God is communicated, by which he has threatened all who do not repent. Therefore we praise and require good works, showing many reasons why they ought to be done.

Pulling It Together: Garry Trudeau produced a popular series of cartoons in the 70s called I Have No Son. The father in the series seemed to disown his son for being an embarrassment, someone who did not think or act at all the same as himself. Sometimes this is the way humans treat their offspring. God is different.

Despite ourselves, the Father has called us his children. As his children, we try to honor God and please him by being obedient to his commandments. We are not always successful but God still loves us. He knows that one day—if only when days are finally ended—we will grow up into the likeness of his Son. In the meanwhile, when we do succeed at doing some good and appearing to have some of the family likeness and character, our good works do not earn us forgiveness of sins and justification. Indeed, it may seem like there is no reward at all for the good that we do. Sometimes, our lives are just as difficult as they ever were. So, we should always seek to do God’s will, instead of seeking rewards, no matter how tough life gets. Melancthon gives Christ and Job as examples of those who persevered under tremendous trials. There are plenty of examples of other saints who are models of Christian behavior.

Who knows? Perhaps your good works, done because of love for God instead of reward, are modeling the life of one more saintly child to someone who is watching you.

Prayer: May your will be done in my life today, Lord. Amen.

Living Faith, a Believer's Guide to Growing in Christ is a discipleship resource based on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. This 12-part Bible study by Pastor Brack East is designed to help individuals grow more deeply into a living faith in Jesus, while interacting with other believers in a life-to-life setting of three or four people. Such settings around the Word of God have proven to be part of the workshop of the Holy Spirit, and Luther’s Small Catechism has stood the test of time as a reliable guide to growing in faith. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 27 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 14 May 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 3:6–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

To disparage works such as the confession of doctrine, affliction, works of charity, and mortification of the flesh would be to disparage the outward government of Christ's kingdom on earth. Here we add a word concerning rewards and merits. We teach that rewards have been offered and promised for the works of believers. We teach that good works are meritorious—not for the forgiveness of sins, grace, or justification which are only obtained through faith, but for other physical and spiritual rewards in this life and the life to come. Paul says, “Each shall receive his wages according to his labor” (1 Cor 3:8). Therefore, different rewards will be given to different labors. But the forgiveness of sins is offered in the same way and equally, just as Christ is one and is offered freely to all who believe that their sins are forgiven because of Christ. Forgiveness of sins and justification are received only by faith, and not because of any works. Terrors of conscience make this evident, since none of our works can oppose God's wrath. Paul clearly states this: “Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand,” etc (Rom 5:1).

Pulling It Together: That God rewards one’s labors is certain but what he rewards to “fellow workers,” and when, is unknown. What is very certain, however, is that all who believe in Christ for forgiveness of sins, justification with God, and salvation, receive these blessings equally. People do not receive more forgiveness because they labored harder or did greater works of charity. The remission of sins is received by faith in Christ’s work, not by believing in our own works. The result of the right faith is peace with God. Is there really a need for any additional reward?

Prayer: What shall I give to you today, Lord, but to receive your gift of salvation? Amen.

Crossways is now available through Sola Publishing!

Sola Publishing is now the exclusive North American distributor of the Crossways Bible Studies written by Dr. Harry Wendt. These include The Divine Drama ®, See Through the Scriptures ®, Topical Short Courses, and the original Crossways ® series. Preserving the legacy of a ministry that has served the Gospel for over forty years, Sola is proud to reintroduce these courses to a new generation!

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 26 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 13 May 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 16:1–4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

David's labors in waging war and governing the nation are holy works, true sacrifices, godly battles to defend the people who had the Word of God against the devil, in order that the knowledge of God might not be entirely extinguished on earth. We think the same about every good work in the humblest job and in private life. Through these works Christ celebrates his victory over the devil, just as the distribution of alms by the Corinthians (1 Cor 16:1) was a holy work, a sacrifice, and battle of Christ against the devil, who is at work so that nothing may be done for the praise of God.

Pulling It Together: You may think that your little church does not contribute much to the kingdom. Never think that way. That is the same as saying that Christ does not contribute much to his own kingdom. For it is Christ who is at work in you and in your congregation. When your church gives to the local food pantry, Jesus celebrates another victory over the devil. When your congregation supports a missionary, Christ’s kingdom marches forward. When your church eats the bread and drinks the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he returns (1 Cor 11:26).

All of these things and more are the very power of God at work in your congregation—no matter the size. The same is true of little old you. You may consider yourself quite ordinary but what does that say about your Lord? Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you (2 Cor 13:5)? He is strong in you, despite all the weakness that you know about yourself. In fact, in these very weaknesses, Jesus celebrates his power through you. Where you and I fail, he succeeds for us. What a great victory it is each and every day when the devil points his finger at you and complains to God what a sinner you are, while the Father smiles over you, declaring once again that you are a saint because of your faith in his Son. Thus, day after day, week after week, Satan is defeated again and again in your life and your church.

Prayer: Use me today, Lord, for the advancement of your kingdom. Amen. 

Where Two or Three Are Gathered is a guide for what Luther referred to as "mutual conversation and consolation" among believers. These are the times we come together one to one, as people of faith, to talk about our lives and struggles, and strengthen one another in prayer with the promise of God's grace and mercy. This devotional conversation guide may be used for a number of purposes and applications where people are looking for some help in structuring conversations on the practical and spiritual dimensions of Christian discipleship.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 25 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 12 May 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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2 Corinthians 13:4–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Good works are to be done on account of God's command and for the exercise of faith, witness, and thanksgiving. For these reasons good works need to be done. However, they are done in the flesh that is not yet entirely renewed, that inhibits the movements of the Holy Spirit, imparting some of its uncleanness. Yet, because of faith in Christ, these are holy, divine works, sacrifices, and acts under the reign of Christ, displaying his kingdom to this world. For in these activities, he sanctifies hearts and represses the devil. In order to sustain the gospel among people, he openly opposes the kingdom of the devil with the confession of saints, and in our weakness, declares his power. The dangers, labors, and sermons of the Apostle Paul, Athanasius, Augustine, and other teachers of the Church, are holy works, are true sacrifices acceptable to God, struggles through which Christ repressed the devil and drove him away from those who believed.

Pulling It Together: You are not yet perfect. You are weak. The old nature still clings to you, making your works, however well-intentioned, seem poorly executed and blemished. And as long as that is all you see, the devil is happy. So, understand this also: the power of God is at work in you and it horrifies that devil. Though your works are imperfect, because they are done with faith in Christ, are accepted by God and holy. This must boggle the mind of Satan. Surely, he cries, “Foul!” How unfair it seems to him that we do not receive the penalty of our imperfection. Instead, even the labors of ordinary Christians subdue the devil because they are not done in the power of those persons but in the power of God.

“Jesus Christ is in you.” We know it is true but we get distracted by our own performance. That is why we must always bring back to the memory of faith that the power of God is real and at work in our lives—especially in our weaknesses. That is when the Lord is strongest in us (2Cor 12:9). So, the next time you try and seem to fail, rejoice that Christ reigns over sin, death, and the devil, that he turns your seeming failures into victories. Get your eyes off of yourself, and keep your sights fixed on Christ.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me walk by faith instead of by sight. Amen. 

All God’s Critters is a Sunday School series designed for young students in Preschool and Kindergarten. Lessons are based on storytelling, rhyme, and pictures, and are suitable for participation by non-readers. The flexible lesson plans introduce the youngest believers to the importance and truth of God’s Word. Each lesson includes the story of the day written in a simplified manner so that young children may understand an important truth about God and what it means for us to be God’s children. All God’s Critters curriculum is fully reproducible and is designed with the particular needs of small churches, mission congregations, and house churches in mind. Check out some sample pages by clicking here.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 24 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 11 May 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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2 Timothy 2:14–17a

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

But in just and sure cases, one or two explanations derived from the sources correct all things that seem to offend. This occurs in our current discourse. The rule that I have just expressed explains all the passages they have cited on law and works. We acknowledge that Scripture teaches in some places the law, and in other places the gospel, the free promise of the forgiveness of sins for Christ's sake. But our adversaries absolutely abolish the free promise when they deny that faith justifies, and teach that we receive forgiveness of sins and reconciliation because of our love and works. If the forgiveness of sins depends upon the condition of our works, it is totally uncertain and the promise would be abolished. Therefore, we refer godly minds to the consideration of the promises. We teach them about the free forgiveness of sins and about reconciliation, which occurs through faith in Christ. Then we add the doctrine of the law. It is necessary to handle these matters correctly, as Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:15. We must see what Scripture ascribes to the law and what it ascribes to the promises. For it praises works in such a way as not to remove the free promise.

Pulling It Together: “I promise you that we will go for ice cream after school.” That is a promise that is free of of conditions. The only thing you have to do, if one could call such a thing something that is done, is believe the promise—or not. However, if the parent picks up the child and goes home instead of to the ice cream parlor, the child might wonder aloud, “I thought we were going for ice cream.”

If the parent then stated that ice cream would only be given if homework and chores were done first, the child would be confused. The promise had been freely given; no conditions were attached. Worse, the child believed the parent, and that belief was dismantled because stipulations had been added to the unqualified promise.

God is no such Father. He has freely promised his merciful grace through Christ. The forgiveness of sins is certain because it depends upon the promise of God, not your deeds.

So, do your homework, take out the trash, and clean your room—or your adult versions of such duties. Do these things because you wish to please God. But do not depend upon them to make a promise sure when it is already certain. In this way, the Scriptures are rightly handled or divided, with law and gospel having their own function, and the promise of God remaining free in Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, help me rightly handle the Scriptures, gently correct its opponents, yet avoid quarreling so that people around me are brought to a knowledge of the truth. Amen. 

Dwell In My Love!, unit 3 in the Word of Life Series, is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meant for use in Small Group gatherings, each of the six sessions is based on a primary Scripture text, with intentional time for reflection. There are questions, prayer, faith sharing, and mini evangelism case studies. The series would be helpful for those involved in starting a Bible study fellowship, house church, or mission congregation. It can also be used by established congregations to aid in establishing a small group ministry.

• Unit 1  • Unit 2  • Unit 3

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 23 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 10 May 23 00:00:00 -0400

• Index

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Matthew 11:28–30

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Reply to the Arguments of the Adversaries

Now, when the grounds of this case have been understood, namely, the distinction between the law and the promises or gospel, it will be easy to resolve the objections of the adversaries. They cite passages concerning the law and works, but omit passages concerning the promises. We reply to all opinions concerning the law that it cannot be observed without Christ, and that if civil works are done without Christ, they do not please God. Therefore, when works are commended, it is necessary to add that faith is required—that works are commended because of faith, that they are the fruits and testimonies of faith. Ambiguous and dangerous cases produce many and various solutions. For the judgment of the ancient poet is true: "An unjust cause, being in itself sick, requires skilfully applied remedies."

Pulling It Together: There is nothing ambiguous about the distinction between the law and the gospel. The law requires one to keep its commandments, rules, and rituals. The gospel requires one to believe that Jesus has fulfilled the law. Therefore, even when one obeys a commandment, it is done with faith in what Jesus has done. For even if we can practice the commandments sometimes, we cannot do so consistently and perfectly, which the law requires. The standards of the law are still in place, but because Jesus has fulfilled them, we now practice the law, however imperfectly, because of love instead of mere duty. More than that, we have come to understand that God does not love us because we keep the law. He loves us and accepts our efforts because we have faith in his Son. Anything we do, whether it be cutting the church lawn on Saturday or keeping the third commandment the next day, is a by-product of our faith in Christ. These things do not move God to accept us or love us. 

Prayer: Thank you for even loving me, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. 

Go and Tell, unit 2 in the Word of Life Series, is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meant for use in Small Group gatherings, each of the six sessions is based on a primary Scripture text, with intentional time for reflection. There are questions, prayer, faith sharing, and mini evangelism case studies. The series would be helpful for those involved in starting a Bible study fellowship, house church, or mission congregation. It can also be used by established congregations to aid in establishing a small group ministry.

• Unit 1  • Unit 2  • Unit 3

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 22 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 09 May 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Acts 2:36–39

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

From this it is evident that we are justified before God by faith alone since by faith alone we receive forgiveness of sins and reconciliation, reconciliation or justification being something promised because of Christ, not because of the law. Therefore it is received by faith alone, although, when the Holy Spirit is given, the keeping of the law follows.

Pulling It Together: Most of us have been a part of group projects in school. Three or four people are assigned to a team to complete an assignment. Many times, one person does all the work while the entire group gets the credit. Two things stand out in such cases. One, is the rather amazing faith that the group has in one person’s resolve to get the work accomplished. The other, is that the one person would rather the others not contribute because they would likely bring down the grade. That person knows that his or her work will be sufficient to earn a good mark. The rest of the group knows it too.

In this same way, our efforts play no part in the forgiveness of sins and justification before God. When we have faith, specifically when we become sorry for our sins, believe in Christ, and are baptized, we are forgiven our sins and receive the Holy Spirit. We are now justified before God because of our faith in Christ, yet we desire to please God by keeping his commandments. Still, we fulfill them imperfectly and place no trust in our law-keeping. To do so, would be to cheat Christ of the honor that he alone deserves. He is our forgiveness, justification, reconciliation. Christ alone has earned our good mark with God.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, give my family and me absolute trust in your promise. Amen. 

Come and See, unit 1 in the Word of Life Series, is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Unit 1  • Unit 2  • Unit 3

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 21 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 08 May 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Psalm 46:1–11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The promise should always have the view that because of his promise, God wishes for Christ's sake, and not because of the law or our works, to be gracious and to justify. In this promise timid consciences ought to seek reconciliation and justification. By this promise they ought to sustain themselves and be confident that for Christ's sake, because of his promise, they have a gracious God. Thus works can never render a conscience pacified; only the promise can. If, therefore, justification and peace of conscience must be sought elsewhere than in love and works, love and works do not justify, although they are virtues and pertain to the righteousness of the law, in so far as they are a fulfilling of the law. To that degree, this obedience of the law justifies by the righteousness of the law. But this imperfect righteousness of the law is only accepted by God because of faith. Accordingly it does not justify, neither reconciling, nor regenerating, nor by itself making us acceptable before God.

Pulling It Together: Peace is a profound need in our world that is torn apart by war and terrorism. There is also the lack of peace caused by bad economic conditions. Yet the lack of peace that is most dire is spiritual. It is this peace that the Confessions address. The deepest need of the Christian—and of others, if they knew better—is peace of heart. This tranquility is only had by trusting in the promise of God. As soon as we begin to trust our religiosity, good works, morality, or virtue, peace of mind begins to slip away. Yet, when we remember that God wants to be gracious toward us and, in fact, is because of Christ’s reconciling work on the cross, the heart is quieted. Peace of mind is the great spiritual need of Christians, yet they rob themselves of it by trusting in their works and service. Works cannot justify us to God. These acts are only accepted by God if they are done with faith in Christ. Therefore, peace in the heart is discovered through faith, by trusting in the promise of God. Be still; have faith that God has been reconciled by Christ alone.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to be still and know that you are God. Amen. 

By the Will of God

A Nine-Session Bible Study on the Book of Ephesians

by Rev. Drs. Amy C. Little and Steven E. King

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the central books of the New Testament in that it lays out the solid foundation of Christ’s identity, what he has done for us, and what implications his grace has in our lives of faith. While the letter carries strong theological weight, it is also very gracious and supportive on a personal level. It reminds us that God alone is the sovereign actor in our salvation, choosing us in Christ before the foundation of the world. The book also shows us what this choice made by God means for how we live our lives.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 20 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 07 May 23 00:00:00 -0400

 

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8 Be vigilant so that no one manipulates you by philosophy and empty deception, according to human tradition, according to the rudimentary principles of the world, and not according to  Christ. 9 For in him dwells bodily the entire fullness of the divinity, 10 and you have been filled in him who is the head of all dominion and authority. (Colossians 2:8–10)

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Paul teaches this in Galatians 3:13, when he says, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.” That is, the law condemns all men, but because sinless Christ has borne the punishment of sin and been made a victim for us, he has removed that right of the law to accuse and condemn those who believe in him. He is the propitiation for whose sake they are now accounted righteous. But since they are declared righteous, the law cannot accuse or condemn them, even though they have not actually satisfied the law. Paul writes to the same effect in Colossians 2:10. “You have come to fulness of life in him.” It is as though he were to say, “Although you are still far from the perfection of the law, the remnants of sin do not condemn you because for Christ's sake you have a sure and firm reconciliation—if you believe—even though sin still dwells in your flesh.

Pulling It Together: You are not whole because you have filled yourself. If you believe in Christ, you are whole and filled in him, by him, because of him. So far, and as far as this life allows, you will never be whole as a result of your religious works and moral behavior. You will fail as much or more than you succeed at these works because sin and the old nature cling to you. Nevertheless, you are reconciled to God because of the wholeness of Jesus Christ. Be sure of this; be confident in your faith in him. Christ alone is your fullness. He completes you—in spite of yourself.

Prayer: We praise and bless you for being our fullness, the one who completes us. Amen. 

Learning About Confession teaches the meaning of Confession and Forgiveness according to Luther's guidance in the Small Catechism. It is recommended for the Sixth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story that illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. With a healthy balance of Law and Gospel, lessons emphasize the connection between repentance and forgiveness, and how the promise of God’s forgiveness changes our lives.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 19 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 06 May 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image• Index of Scripture graphics and posts

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Hebrews 11:4–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Therefore we cannot conclude that we are accounted righteous before God because of our fulfilling of the law. In order for the conscience to become tranquil, justification must be sought elsewhere. For we are not righteous before God as long as we flee from God's judgment and are angry with God. Therefore we must conclude that, being reconciled by faith, we are accounted righteous for Christ's sake, not because of law-keeping or our works. This elementary fulfilling of the law pleases God because of faith. Because of faith, there is no charge of our imperfect keeping of the law, even though the sight of our imperfection frightens us. So then, if justification must be sought elsewhere, our love and works cannot justify. We ought to regard the death and satisfaction of Christ far above our purity—indeed, far above the law itself. His propitiation is given to us so that we might be sure that because of this satisfaction, and not because of our fulfilling of the law, we have a gracious God.

Pulling It Together: It will always be impossible in this life to do anything in an altogether pure manner. However unfulfilled our efforts seem to us, they are accepted by and pleasing to God if they are done with faith in Christ. This means that we have no faith in the works themselves or in our doing of them. They are simply offerings to God. Rather, our faith is in the completed work of Christ. Because we have faith and are certain that Christ satisfied God’s righteous commandments, we can also be sure that his Father is gracious and merciful toward us. Because God sent his Son to fulfill the law and save us, we know that God loves us.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for giving me faith. Increase my faith. Amen. 

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 18 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 05 May 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 3:28–31

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Augustine says it well: “All the commandments of God are fulfilled when whatever is not done, is forgiven.” Therefore he requires faith even in good works, in order that we may believe that we please God for Christ's sake, and that even the works are not of themselves worthy and pleasing. And Jerome, speaking against the Pelagians, says: “Then, therefore, we are righteous when we confess that we are sinners, and that our righteousness consists not in our own merit, but in God's mercy.” Therefore, faith ought to be present in this rudimentary fulfillment of the law which is certain that for Christ's sake we have a reconciled God. For mercy cannot be apprehended unless by faith, as has been repeatedly said above. Therefore, when Paul says, “we uphold the law” (Rom 3:31), we ought to understand by this, not only that those regenerated by faith receive the Holy Spirit and have inclinations agreeing with God's law, but it is by far of the greatest importance that we also add this: that we ought to perceive that we are far distant from the perfection of the law.

Pulling It Together

We profess that the law ought to be kept. We also declare that it is kept because Christ has fulfilled it—we did not, nor can we. So we seek to please God by keeping his perfect law (Psa 19:7) even though we keep it imperfectly. However, Christ has kept it most fully and perfectly. When we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us (1 John 1:9) and reconcile us to God. In other words, Christ gives us his righteousness, since we cannot earn it for ourselves. In all this, we see that our righteousness cannot come by good works or keeping the law. Righteousness comes through faith in Christ who has fulfilled the law and accomplished that greatest of works, the work of the cross. We confess therefore, that he is our righteousness.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for forgiving what I could not fulfill and, thereby, making me righteous in your righteousness. Amen. 

Learning About Confession teaches the meaning of Confession and Forgiveness according Luther's guidance in the Small Catechism. It is recommended for the Sixth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story that illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. With a healthy balance of Law and Gospel, lessons emphasize the connection between repentance and forgiveness, and how the promise of God’s forgiveness changes our lives.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 17 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 04 May 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Galatians 5:16–23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

They are more than blind who do not perceive that wicked desires in the flesh are sins, of which Paul says, “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh” (Gal 5:17). The flesh distrusts God, trusting instead in worldly things. It seeks human aid in times of trouble, and contrary to God's will, flees from those afflictions that it ought to bear because of God's commands. It also doubts God's mercy. The Holy Spirit in our hearts contends with such dispositions in order to suppress and put them to death, and to produce new spiritual drives. We will collect more testimonies about this topic later, although they are obvious throughout the Scriptures and also in the holy Fathers.

Pulling It Together: From the moment we are born again, the battle begins. We are always at war within ourselves. The flesh resists the Spirit who has moved into our lives. So, as might be expected, the Spirit opposes the flesh and would go so far as to terminate those urges of the flesh that would lead us away from God. However, this is a slow, daily chore, so the Holy Spirit would do more than curb and kill. The Spirit brings forth new, better, and spiritual impulses in us so that we are slowly reworked into the new creation God is making. Even so, we begin to bear fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and self-control. In so doing, God has caused us to go deeper than we ever could have through law-keeping.

Prayer: Help me, Holy Spirit, to keep in step with you today. Amen. 

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power” (1 Cor 6:14).

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 16 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 03 May 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 7:14–19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

What need is there of a long discussion? All Scripture, all the Church cries out that the law cannot be satisfied. Therefore this rudimentary fulfillment of the law does not please on its own account, but on account of faith in Christ. Otherwise the law always accuses us. For who loves or fears God sufficiently? Who bears with sufficient patience the afflictions imposed by God? Who does not frequently doubt whether human affairs are ruled by God's counsel or by chance? Who does not frequently doubt whether he is heard by God? Who is not frequently enraged because the wicked enjoy a better lot than the godly, because the wicked oppress the godly? Who satisfies his own calling? Who loves his neighbor as himself? Who is not tempted by lust? Accordingly, Paul says, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do” (Rom 7:19). Likewise, “I of myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin” (Rom 7:25). Here he openly declares that he serves the law of sin. And David says, “Enter not into judgment with thy servant; for no man living is righteous before thee” (Psa 143:2). Here even a servant of God prays that judgment would be averted. Also, “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity” (Psa 32:2). Therefore, in our current weakness, there is always sin present that could be imputed. He says a little while later, “Therefore let every one who is godly offer prayer to thee” (Psa 32:6). Here he shows that even saints ought to seek forgiveness of sins.

Pulling It Together: Imagine the poor apostle, wanting to be godly but failing at the task. The things he set out to do, he was not able to perform. Conversely, the very things he wished to avoid were what he kept on doing. It is not hard to imagine, for this is the description of each and every one of us. Though we know this about ourselves, some of us would nonetheless imagine ourselves co-propitiators, a sort of tag team with Jesus. There is a style of wrestling where it is two against two, instead of one on one. Only two people wrestle at a time (at least that is the rule). When one of them gets in a tough spot and seems unlikely to prevail, he taps the hand of his partner, who then jumps into the ring and takes over the battle.

Jesus has won the battle. He does not need our help. We need his help. We cannot do what we determine to do, let alone what God commands. But Jesus has accomplished his mission. He has redeemed us. Our incompetent obedience and weak efforts add nothing to what Christ has done. Even if we were better at life than the Apostle Paul, our endeavors would still add nothing to our justification since Christ has already assigned his righteousness to us. It is finished. We may make the effort at doing some good because we wish to please and honor God. But be sure of this: it will never reconcile you to God. If you are like Paul, you probably will not accomplish what you planned at any rate.

Prayer: Though I fail and cannot trust myself, help me trust in you until that day. Amen.

Saints and Sinners: Volume 3

Encouragers of the Faith

A Seven-Session Bible Study on New Testament Characters

By Dr. Dan Lioy, PhD

All those who believe and trust in Jesus as their Savior are both saints and sinners. The same was true of the people in Holy Scripture.

By virtue of our baptism into Christ, we are made holy by his saving grace. This is not something we do on our own, but something that is imputed to us by Jesus. At the same time, we are plagued by that age-old sin that makes us want to be in control of our own lives. As those who are called by God to follow Jesus in obedient discipleship, we, like many before us, have been called to be witnesses to God's saving grace in Jesus Christ.

This study is the third in a series of Saints and Sinners from the New Testament who were used by God to begin to spread the Gospel among both Jews and Gentiles. May your study of God’s saints and sinners enrich your understanding of your life with Christ and encourage you in discipleship.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 15 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 02 May 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Acts 15:7–11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

If they think that after they are regenerated they ought to be accepted on account of fulfilling the law, when would a conscience be certain that it pleased God, since we never satisfy the law? Accordingly, we must always go back to the promise, for by this our infirmity must be sustained. We must regard it as certain that we are accounted righteous for the sake of Christ, who is ever at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us (Rom 8:34). If any one thinks that he is righteous and accepted on account of his own fulfillment of the law, and not on account of Christ's promise, he dishonors this High Priest. It is incomprehensible that one could imagine that anyone is righteous before God if Christ is excluded as propitiator and mediator.

Pulling It Together: When people hear the gospel and believe, God cleanses their hearts and gives them the Holy Spirit. If we add works and the keeping of the law to the simple requirement of faith in Christ, we test God by seeking to undo what he has accomplished through Christ Jesus. Furthermore, it is a futile effort to gain righteousness through good works. I know when I have faith. How do I know when I have kept the law? Indeed, I cannot keep the law. No one can, and there is the problem. Thanks be to God that he has promised his grace and righteousness to those who have faith in Christ—not to those who have faith in themselves. No one is righteous before God unless it is Christ alone who does the justifying.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for keeping your promise even though I am undeserving. Amen. 

The Basics of the Christian Faith is an edition of the catechism that is aimed at seekers, visitors, and those that may not come from a Lutheran background. It is recommended for use in outreach, as a visitor welcome gift, or in new member packets.

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 14 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 01 May 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 3:20–26

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

First, Christ does not cease to be mediator after we have been renewed. They err who imagine that Christ has only merited a first grace, and that afterward we please God and earn eternal life by our fulfilling of the law. Christ remains mediator, and we ought always to be confident that because of him we have a reconciled God, even though we are unworthy. Paul clearly teaches this when he says, “I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me” (1 Cor 4:4). He knows that by faith he is accounted righteous for Christ's sake, as the passage declares, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven” (Psa 32:1, Rom 4:7). But this absolution is always received by faith. Likewise, the imputation of the righteousness of the gospel comes from the promise. Therefore it is always received by faith, and it must always be regarded trustworthy that by faith we are accounted righteous because of Christ.

Pulling It Together: Original sin is a powerful thing; it holds humanity in its clutches with a grip so tight that no one can escape its deadly consequences. The entire human nature is altogether corrupt, as has previously been shown. So, we need God’s grace and goodness, regardless of any good works we have accomplished. God provides this grace by satisfying the demands of his law through his Son. He alone propitiates or satisfies the Father. Being God in the flesh, he earns this favor for the whole world. Therefore, we may be confident that Christ mediates or stands before the Judge to state to the heavenly court that our penalty has been paid in full.

The fine (Rom 6:23) has not been partially paid. Jesus did not make a down-payment. He is our complete redemption. We need add no other payment with good works, offerings, worship, or virtue. Nor can we. All we can and must do is receive this gospel gift in faith that the promise of our debt having been paid is really true. If we think we must add anything to Christ’s atonement, we both dishonor him and look rather foolish. It would be contempt of court, when the Judge declares that payment has been rendered, but we insist that it has not been paid. Indeed, this is contempt of Christ—and puts us right back into the grip of our prideful, disobedient, and original sin.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for saving me by grace. Amen.

A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is an advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

• Part 1 Participant  • Part 1 Leader
• Part 2 Participant  • Part 2 Leader

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 13 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 30 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Acts 13:38–39

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Again, this fulfilling of the law, or obedience toward the law, is indeed righteousness when it is complete. However, it is limited and impure in us. Accordingly, it does not satisfy God on its own; nor is it accepted for its own sake. Although it is evident from those things which have been said above that justification does not only indicate the beginning of the renewal, but the reconciliation by which we are also accepted afterward. Nevertheless, it can now be seen much more clearly that rudimentary keeping of the law does not justify, because it is accepted only on account of faith. We must not trust that we are accounted righteous before God by our own perfection and fulfilling of the law, but rather on account of Christ.

Pulling It Together: We are not only unable to keep the law, but if we trust our works as righteousness, we will find that we have been idolatrous. We discount the work of Christ when we trust as righteousness our own incomplete and imperfect works. Also, we diminish the complete work of Christ when we think that we must add our own works to Christ’s in order to be considered righteous by God. This is blasphemy. Furthermore, it leads to despair, for the heart will never be at peace with God so long as it wonders if it has done enough good to counterbalance sin. Christ has already accomplished the atonement for our sin. Be satisfied with his perfect work. We should add our works as obedient thanks, not as an attempt to justify ourselves to God. He is already pleased with us through faith in his Son. Think how happy it makes him, that we trust in his grace alone. 

Prayer: Thank you God for the grace you give through your Son so that I am free and forgiven. Amen. 

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven, and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power.” (1 Cor 6:14) 

Free Educational Resources on the Afterlife

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 12 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 29 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Acts 2:36–39

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Now, let us reply to the objection that we stated above. The adversaries are right in thinking that love is the fulfilling of the law; and obedience to the law is certainly righteousness. But they make a mistake in thinking that we are justified by the law. Since we are not justified by the law, but receive forgiveness of sins and reconciliation through faith for Christ's sake, and not for the sake of love or the fulfilling of the law, it necessarily follows that we are justified by faith in Christ.

Pulling It Together: Love and other obedience to the law would indeed be considered as righteousness—if we kept the law. Because people did not keep the law, the promise of grace was given. This promise was also meant for those who were as yet distant (Acts 2:38-39). The promise is for us. For we too have been unable to keep the law. Thanks be to God that the promise is also for us.

It is well and good to point to the law, but to only consider the law—to take aim at it as a means of righteousness—is to miss the main issue, which is God’s grace toward us. However, the gospel turns us in the right direction, leading us away from a dependence on the law and our ability to keep it. It orients us to the promise of God’s grace toward sinners. Before we can keep even one bit of the law, there must be faith in Christ by whom we are reconciled to God. We must first obtain the forgiveness of sin and be empowered by the Holy Spirit before we love and otherwise keep the law. Otherwise, the keeping of the law is a futile religious endeavor.

Prayer: Thank you, Everlasting God, for building your Church on the foundation of your promise of grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes a limited selection of music for use in worship, drawing primarily upon texts and music in the public domain, along with biblical texts set to familiar tunes. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 11 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 28 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 5:17–20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We are debating about a great subject that concerns the honor of Christ and where god-fearing minds may seek a sure and firm consolation—whether confidence is to be placed in Christ or in our works. Now, if trust is placed in our works, the honor of mediator and propitiator is appropriated from Christ. Yet in God's judgment, we will discover that such confidence was vain, and then consciences will rush into despair. If the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation do not occur freely for Christ's sake, but instead because of our love, no one will have forgiveness of sins unless he has fulfilled the entire law. For the law does not justify as long as it can accuse us. Justification is reconciliation for Christ's sake. Therefore it is clear that we are justified by faith because it is very certain that by faith alone the forgiveness of sins is received.

Pulling It Together: Take note of this sentence: “For the law does not justify as long as it can accuse us.” The purpose of the law is to teach people to live as God wills and, when they deviate, to accuse them of breaking the law. The law still accuses and condemns, as it should. Indeed, it will condemn everyone, for there is no one who can fulfill the law by keeping it perfectly—except Jesus. He kept the law and even fulfilled its penalty of death when he took upon himself the sins of the world (1Pet 2:24). So the law teaches us and accuses us but also compels us to rely upon the righteousness of Christ instead of our own. For everyone quickly understands that they cannot keep the whole law. We have lied, coveted, and dishonored our parents. We do not love God with our whole heart and soul and mind and strength. Breaking even one of these commandments just one time is to have failed to fulfill the whole law (James 2:10). At this point, the law accuses us of sin and condemns us with the penalty of death (Rom 6:23).

This is why we need a propitiator and mediator, someone who has fulfilled the law for us and stands before the Eternal Judge to show that the penalty for our sin has been paid. We must believe Jesus alone is this satisfaction for our sin. If we appropriate this function to ourselves, we are altogether lost and condemned—no matter how hard we work at being good and religious.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to see and confess my sin through your law, but also to see you, my Savior. Amen. 

The Sola Online Worship Resource is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 10 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 27 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Luke 11:39–44

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Therefore, Jesus praises her entire worship by that by one statement, as often happens in the Scripture, so that we comprehend many things. Later we will speak at greater length regarding similar passages, such as Luke 11:41: “But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you.” He requires not only alms, but first the righteousness of faith. In the same way, he says here, “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much,” that is, because she has truly worshiped me with faith and the deeds and signs of faith. He considers her entire worship but teaches that the forgiveness of sins is rightly received by faith, although love, confession, and other good fruits ought to follow. Therefore, he does not mean that these fruits are the cost or the necessary sacrifice that earns the forgiveness of sins that reconciles us to God.

Pulling It Together: What good is it to go to church on Sundays, bring an offering, be an usher, and serve on a committee, if the doing of these things is the whole of one’s religion? All of these things and more can be done without any faith in God. Jesus does not condemn such religious acts but teaches that, if they do not come from the heart, they are like plastic flowers covering a grave (Matt 23:27). The one whose religion is devoid of faith, is dead. Indeed, if worship and service do not spring from faith, all else that is done in the name of religion is superficial spiritualism. Consider this in light of the Pharisee and the sinful woman (Luke 7:36-50). The Pharisee was strictly religious in his deeds, even offering to God a percentage of his garden herbs. He thought that he kept the commandments but he neglected the first table. You could say that he loved his religious practice more than he loved God. The woman, however, did not keep the law very strictly at all, for she was considered a sinner for being ceremonially unclean. Yet for all of her lack of religious pretense, she was forgiven and reconciled to God. Why? Her faith made her clean. The result was that she worshiped Christ, the very thing that the Pharisee refused to do. In the same way, if we go to church and perform acts of service without faith, we do not worship at all—we merely serve self.

Prayer: Lord, increase my faith. Amen. 

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 26 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Luke 7:44–50

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Besides, synecdoche, the figure of speech by which we combine the cause and effects is well known. Christ used this sense, saying, “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much” (Luke 7:47). He interpreted himself by adding, “Your faith has saved you.” So he did not mean that the woman had merited the forgiveness of sins by that work of love. That is the reason he said, “Your faith has saved you.” But faith is that which freely perceives God's mercy on account of God's Word. Anyone who denies that this is faith, does not understand the meaning of faith. The narrative itself shows in this passage what it is that Jesus calls love. The woman came with belief in Christ that the forgiveness of sins should be sought in him. This is the highest worship of Christ. She could ascribe nothing greater to Christ. To seek the forgiveness of sins from him was to truly acknowledge him as the Messiah. Now, to think this way of Christ, to worship him, to embrace him, is truly to believe.

Furthermore, Christ used the word "love" not towards the woman, but against the Pharisee, because he was contrasting the entire worship of the Pharisee with the entire worship of the woman. He reproved the Pharisee because he did not acknowledge that he was the Messiah, although he rendered him the outward offices due to a guest and a great and holy man. He pointed to the woman and praised her worship, ointment, tears, and so forth, all of which were signs of faith and a confession, namely, that she sought the forgiveness of sins in Christ. It is not without reason that this was a great example indeed, that moved Christ to reprove the Pharisee, who was a wise and honorable man, but not a believer. He charged him with unrighteousness, and admonished him with the example of the woman. He demonstrated the Pharisee’s disgrace by contrasting with him an unlearned woman who believed God, while he, a doctor of the law, did not believe, nor did he acknowledge the Messiah or seek from him forgiveness of sins and salvation.

Pulling It Together: Faith in Christ freely obtains forgiveness of sins and delivers a person from sin and death. The result is love and worship. Faith in one’s religious works and moral excellence, however, is a deadly trap. It leads, not as one might expect, to death and condemnation. So, this story from the Gospel of Luke is a great example that contrasts the two types of people. One, it seems, is not a particularly religious person while the other is altogether religious. Yet, the nonreligious woman believes while the ultra-religious Pharisee does not believe. So, who is the one who would be forgiven—the one who thought that he had no sins to confess, or perhaps very few that he should bother to confess? Or would the one who sinned much but admitted her sins be the one who was forgiven? Of course, it is she who came to Jesus expecting it who received forgiveness, not the one who neither expected it nor even thought that he was a sinner who needed forgiveness.

This is a classic case of micromanagement. The Pharisee expended so much emotional energy on the woman and her sins, that he was distracted from his own. Perhaps, in his duplicity, he even hoped that Jesus would not notice his sins. The question for us is, which person in the story are we? Are we the micro-managers of sin who point out the sins of others, hoping our own sins might go unnoticed? Or are we those who confess our sins, expecting the forgiveness of a loving Savior?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord and Savior, for seeing my great sin and forgiving me nevertheless. Amen. 

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes liturgies and services for your use. There are ready-to-copy settings for Holy Communion, services, services of the Word, Vespers, occasional services, funerals, and seasonal services. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 25 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Psalm 46:10–11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

But some one may ask: Since we also profess that love is a work of the Holy Spirit, and since it is righteousness because it is the fulfilling of the law, why do we not teach that it justifies? To this we must reply that in the first place, it is certain that we do not receive forgiveness of sins either through or because of our love, but on account of Christ's, by faith alone. Faith alone looks upon the promise that overcomes the terrors of sin and death, and knows with certainty that God forgives because Christ has not died in vain. If any one doubts whether sins are forgiven, that person dishonors Christ by judging that his sin is greater or more effective than the death and promise of Christ, although Paul says, “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Rom 5:20)—that is, mercy is more comprehensive than sin.

If any one thinks that he obtains the forgiveness of sins because he loves, he dishonors Christ and will discover in God's judgment that this confidence in his own righteousness is wicked and vain. Therefore it is essential that faith reconciles and justifies. And as we do not receive forgiveness of sins through other virtues of the law or on account of them—because of patience, chastity, obedience to magistrates, and so forth—nevertheless these virtues ought to follow. We do not receive forgiveness of sins because of love toward God, although it is necessary that this should follow faith.

Pulling It Together: The conscience is a restless thing. It is always busy trying to soothe itself. This never works since there is only one thing that brings peace. The absolute certainty that one’s sins are forgiven brings peace. This peace comes through the gracious work of Christ, not through our deeds, character, or virtue. “But what must I do?” the busy conscience demands. Nothing. Be still. Accept that God is in control. You cannot add anything but chaos with your virtuous busyness. Do you really think that you are able to do more than God? He has done it all at Calvary. Be still and know that God is God—and you are not.

Prayer: Lord and Reconciler, be a truly present help in times of trouble. Amen.

The ReClaim Hymnal for Church and Home contains three Communion Settings along with liturgies for Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, Funerals, and other occasional services. It also includes the Small Catechism, as well as 275 beloved hymns from various hymn traditions. It is a resource that would be suitable for confirmation and graduation gifts as well as congregational use. 

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 24 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Romans 4:13–16a

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

From these outcomes of faith the adversaries select one, namely, love, and teach that love justifies. Because of this it is obvious that they only teach the law. They do not teach that forgiveness of sins is first received through faith. They do not teach about Christ as Mediator, that on Christ's account we have a gracious God. They say these are because of our love. Yet, they do not and cannot say what the nature of this love is. They claim that they fulfill the law, although this glory belongs properly to Christ. They place confidence in their own works against the judgment of God by saying that they merit de condigno grace and eternal life. This self-assurance is absolutely impious and vain. For we cannot satisfy the law in this life because our sinful nature does not cease to bring forth wicked dispositions, even though the Spirit in us resists them.

Pulling It Together: If we endeavor to stand on our own two feet before God, to meet the demands of his law with our own righteousness and love, religious people will find themselves wanting. The very inclination to imagine that we can satisfy God’s holy demands is proof of our depravity. We cannot transcend ourselves by our own efforts; we are what we are. We are simply incapable of exceeding our limitations. We need assistance. Putting it in the vernacular: God knows, we need help. Though we try to keep the law, we will never pull it off on this side of eternity. Yet, if we insist upon depending on the law for our righteousness, or worse, of depending upon our own love and righteousness as a way to keep the law, then we discount faith altogether. We also invalidate the promise of God in our lives when we depend upon our own righteousness. For the law will always bring the accusations of both conscience and the devil, as well as the wrath of God. On the other hand, the love of God is abundantly available to those who will receive his grace by faith in God instead of trust in their own religious efforts.

Prayer: Take away all fear, Lord, and perfect me in your love. Amen.

  

A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is an advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

• Part 1 Participant  • Part 1 Leader  • Part 2 Participant  • Part 2 Leader

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 23 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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1 John 4:15–19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Article 5: Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Again, we teach not only how the law can be observed, but also how God is pleased if anything is done, not because we render satisfaction to the law, but because we are in Christ, as we shall say a little later. It is obvious, therefore, that we require good works. We even add that it is impossible to separate love for God from faith, even though it be a small work. For it is through Christ that we come to the Father, and because we have received the forgiveness of sins we are now truly certain that we have a God—a God who cares for us. So we call upon him, give him thanks, fear him, and love him. “We love, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19), that is to say, because he gave his Son for us and forgave us our sins. As a result, he confirms that faith precedes and love follows. Likewise, the faith of which we speak exists in repentance, that is, it is conceived in the terrors of conscience that senses the wrath of God against our sins, and seeks the forgiveness of sins and to be freed from sin. In such terrors and other afflictions, this faith ought to grow and be strengthened. Therefore, it cannot exist in those who live according to the flesh, those who are delighted by their own lusts and obey them. Accordingly, Paul says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Rom 8:1, 4). So too, “We are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live” (Rom 8:12-13). Thus, the faith that receives forgiveness of sins for a heart that is terrified and fleeing from sin, does not remain in those who obey their desires, nor does it coexist with mortal sin.

Pulling It Together: The law is kept in this way: first, God loves us. Then, while we are still ignorant of his love, our disobedience to God begins to unsettle and even frighten the conscience. Third, we hear of God’s great love for us. The gospel teaches us that God has redeemed sinners by sending his Son to save them by satisfying the demands of the law. Fourth, we confess that Jesus Christ is this saving Son of God. At this point, faith in a loving God confronts our fear of a wrathful God. Knowing that we are no longer condemned by the law, we have peace with God despite the weakness of our nature. Fifth, we begin to live in God and God begins to live in us. His love not only begins to grow in us, it is perfected in us—not because of anything we have done or do, but because this love is something he has done and is doing. Last, our love with its subsequent acts of obedience, however modest, is a response to his love. “We love because he first loved us” (1John 4:19).

Prayer: Loving Father, help me cling to Christ through faith and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power” (1 Cor 6:14). 

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 22 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 15:17–20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law

We confess that it is necessary for people to begin keeping the law and that it be continually observed more and more. At the same time we comprehend both spiritual movements and external good works. Therefore the adversaries falsely charge against us that our theologians do not teach good works. They not only require these, but also show how they can be done. The result convicts hypocrites, who by their own powers endeavor to fulfill the law, though they cannot accomplish what they attempt. For human nature is far too weak to be able in its own power to resist the devil, who holds as captives all who have not been freed through faith. There is need of the power of Christ to resist the devil. Since we know that because of Christ we are heard and have the promise, we may pray for the governance and defense of the Holy Spirit so that we may neither be deceived and then err, nor be impelled to undertake anything contrary to God's will. Just as Psalm 68:18 teaches, you have led captivity captive and have received gifts for man. For Christ has overcome the devil, and has given to us the promise and the Holy Spirit so that, by divine aid, we ourselves also may overcome. “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil” (1John 3:8).

Pulling It Together: People cannot keep the law of God as long as they have bad hearts—while they operate in their original, sinful nature. They may undertake to practice the law but these will only be lifeless, cold actions. Therefore, we do not begin to do good works and then receive a good heart from God. We must first receive the good heart. We must be reborn with an empowered nature. When people have been born again, God sends his Holy Spirit to live in them. The Spirit defends them from the devil, and empowers them to live within God’s will. This does not mean that they will suddenly keep God’s law with perfection, for although the old nature has been drowned in baptism, it still threatens to undo us. It does mean, however, that those who are first forgiven, regenerated, and filled with the Holy Spirit will not only begin to keep God’s law, they will then persevere in the power of the Spirit, observing God’s word and will more and more.

Prayer: Defend and deliver me, Holy Spirit, from all temptations and trickery of the devil so that I may keep your will on earth as it is kept in heaven. Amen.

Not My Will, But Yours is a six-week study that explores the topic of the “free will” from a biblical perspective, looking at what Scripture has to say about the bondage of the human will, and how Jesus Christ has come to deliver us from ourselves.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 21 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Isaiah 25:6–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law

But Christ was given for this purpose: that for his sake the forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit may be given to us to bring forth in us new and eternal life, and eternal righteousness. Therefore the law cannot be truly kept unless the Holy Spirit is received through faith. Accordingly, Paul says that the law is established by faith, not abolished, because the law can only then be thus kept when the Holy Spirit is given. Paul also teaches that the veil that covered the face of Moses cannot be removed except by faith in Christ (2Cor 3:15-16), by which the Holy Spirit is received. He says, “Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their minds; but when a man turns to the Lord the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” By “the veil,” Paul means the human opinion concerning the entire law, the Decalogue, and the ceremonies. In other words, hypocrites think that external and civil works satisfy the law of God, and that sacrifices and observances justify before God ex opere operato. But when this veil is removed from us, when we are freed from this error, God reveals to our hearts our unrighteousness and the heinousness of sin. Then, for the first time, we see that we are far from fulfilling the law. Only then do we understand how flesh, dwelling in security and indifference, does not fear God, and is not fully certain that we are favored by God, but imagines that men are born and die by chance. Then we see that we do not believe that God forgives and hears us. But when we hear the gospel and the forgiveness of sins, we are consoled by faith and receive the Holy Spirit so that now we are able to think correctly about God, and to fear and believe God, and so forth. It is plain from these facts that the law cannot be kept without Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Pulling It Together: Why did the Father send his Son to earth? He did this so that humanity would be redeemed. In other words, Jesus, the long-awaited Savior, came to save us from sin and death by justly forgiving our sins and giving us rebirth and his own eternal righteousness. This is something we could never do for ourselves through keeping the law. So, Jesus fulfilled the law and gave us his Spirit so that we could practice even the spirit of the law—the first table that commands us to love God. His Spirit produces true love for God in us so that we no longer seek to satisfy God through mere performance of good deeds. Rather, we live for God because we love him. We love him because his Son satisfied the law for us. All of this happens when we hear the gospel and believe what God has done for us through Christ. Only then does the Holy Spirit indwell us and produce the kind of love in us that desires to keep the whole law. We do not love him first and then receive his forgiveness as a reward. Rather, while we were still sinners, God first loved us, and sent his Son to die for us and for our sins (Rom 5:8). It is clear that the love of God for us is what produces love for God within us.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for putting to death my old nature and giving me rebirth, a new nature, so that I may fear and love you in the power of your Spirit. Amen.

Sola’s Word of Life series is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meant for use in small group gatherings, each of the six sessions in Dwell in My Love is based on a primary Scripture text, with intentional time for reflection. There are questions, prayer, faith sharing, and mini evangelism case-studies. The series would be helpful for those involved in starting a Bible study fellowship, house church, or mission congregation. It can also be used by established congregations to aid in establishing a small group ministry.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 20 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Deuteronomy 6:4–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Though civil works, that is, the outward works of the law, can be done, in a measure, without Christ and without the Holy Spirit, nevertheless it appears from what we have said that those things belonging specifically to the divine law, that is, the affections of the heart towards God that are commanded in the first table, cannot be rendered without the Holy Spirit. But our adversaries are fine theologians. They regard the second table and political works as though they care nothing for the first table, as though it were of no matter, or that they only require outward observances. They in no way consider the law that is eternal, and placed far above the sense and intellect of all creatures: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might” (Deut 6:5).

Pulling It Together: “The greatest of these is love” (1 Cor 13:13). Therefore, we must keep the whole law, the first commandments as well as the latter. We must not only honor our parents, and not lie or steal, we must also love the Lord our God with our whole selves—with all our hearts and with all our souls and with all our might. Yet, when trying to do so in our own strength, it becomes quickly evident that we cannot love God in this way. Eventually, even decent people give up trying to love God, or confuse loving God with works of the second table: not committing adultery, etc. Only those who have already been filled with God’s love keep pressing on (Phil 3:14) in spite of past failings. For the child who truly loves mother and father, who has their own loving character, will try to please them, regardless of previous failures.

People need the character of God in order to love him truly. That divine quality comes in the person of the Holy Spirit. Yet the Holy Spirit is not given until one has faith, believing in Christ and what he has done for us out of his Father’s great love for us (John 3:16). So we see that all does depend upon love—the Father’s love, not ours. When we have faith that the Father has loved us so much that he sent his Son to reconcile us to himself, we are regenerated so that we also try to practice the higher theology of the first table, loving God with our whole selves.

Prayer: I praise you God for the great love with which you have loved me. Amen.

The Ten Commandments is a ten-week unit in the Sola Confirmation Series. It includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 19 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Galatians 3:10–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

These things cannot occur until we have been justified by faith, born again, and receive the Holy Spirit. This is because first, the law cannot be kept without Christ, and second, the law cannot be kept without the Holy Spirit. But the Holy Spirit is received by faith, according to the testimony of Paul, “That we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (Gal 3:14). Then too, how can the human heart love God while it thinks that he is terribly angry, and is oppressing us with temporal and perpetual calamities? But the law always accuses us, always shows that God is angry. God therefore, is not loved until we understand his mercy by faith. Not until then does he become someone we can love.

Pulling It Together: “Let me know how that works out for you,” some friends of mine remark whenever people say they are going to do something considered unlikely or even impossible. It is a sarcastic reply, meaning that they do not even have to mention later that they were unable to do what they said they were going to do. We might say the same to those who intend to keep the law by their own strength. Good luck with that; “let me know how that works out for you.” Soon enough, it will be discovered that the law was unable to be kept, while it constantly accused them of their inability.

Even if one is able to keep the law with some degree of perfection, the law is still not kept, because it has been undertaken as an effort of human will. It is not kept for the right reasons, since that person is relying on works of the law to be reconciled to God. Therefore, as Luther said, “In “keeping” the Law he does not keep it” (Luther’s Works, vol 26, 268). These people “remain under the curse.” (ibid)

Because redemption is through his blood, not our sweat, Christ saved us from this curse and from the accusations of the law. It is only by the grace of God, not our efforts, that we discover his mercy and love. We also find that we keep the law because Christ has fulfilled for us. When we believe in Christ, we receive his Holy Spirit, who helps us rely upon God despite our failings. The result is that we persevere at living godly lives but do not depend upon ourselves to be godly. Instead, we have faith in God’s rich grace, love, and mercy toward us.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me live a godly life today, through faith in the Son of God. Amen.

A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, presented in a question and discussion format. The Leader's Guide that accompanies this study is a resource for those facilitating group discussion, or may serve as a reader's commentary for those who are studying the Book of Concord on their own.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 18 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Jeremiah 31:31–33

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Here the adversaries urge against us: “Keep the commandments” (Matt 19:17), and likewise, “The doers of the law who will be justified” (Rom 2:13), and many other similar things concerning the law and works. Before we reply to this, we must first declare what we believe concerning love and the fulfilling of the law.

It is written in the prophet, “I will put my law within them, and I will write it upon their hearts” (Jer 31:33). Paul says, “Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law” (Rom 3:31). Christ says, “If you would enter life, keep the commandments” (Matt 19:17). Likewise, “If I...have not love, I gain nothing” (1Cor 13:3). These and similar statements bear witness that the law ought to be begun in us, and be kept by us more and more. Now we do not speak of ceremonies, but of that law which commands the movements of the heart, namely, the Decalogue. Because faith brings the Holy Spirit and produces new life in hearts, it is necessary that it should produce spiritual movements in hearts. The prophet shows what these movements are when he says, “I will put my law within them, and I will write it upon their hearts” (Jer 31:33). Therefore, when we have been justified by faith and regenerated, we begin to fear and love God, to pray to him, to expect aid from him, to give thanks and praise him, and to obey him in afflictions. We begin also to love our neighbors, because our hearts have spiritual and holy movements.

Pulling It Together

Yes! We ought to keep the commandments. Our hearts urge us to do so, as do the Scriptures. The law is written upon our hearts and should be lived out. As Christians, we ought to be doing a much better job of keeping the law than we were previously able, particularly the spirit of the law, such as loving God and neighbor above all things. But this does not mean that we are to keep the old ceremonial law or any new versions of it, in order that we might be justified with God. Instead, because we have been justified by God’s grace through faith, the Spirit of Christ has given us new hearts, minds, and spirits so that we both desire to keep the law and are actually practicing it more and more in the Spirit.

Prayer: Thank you, Holy Spirit, for moving my heart to love. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Many Gifts, One Lord considers grace in relation to the gifts of the Holy Spirit in order to show that the grace of God is free to flow with all those gifts without causing division and disharmony in the body of Christ. It is interesting that we really never seem to tire of gifts. Sad to say many go through life not even aware that they have specific gifts, which could not only be a blessing to themselves but to others.

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Concerning Justification, part 50 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 17 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Matthew 7:24–27

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

In order that the subject might be made quite clear, we have so far shown with sufficient fulness, using both testimonies of Scripture and arguments derived from Scripture, that by faith alone we obtain the forgiveness of sins for Christ's sake, and that by faith alone we are justified, that is, that unrighteous people are made righteous or regenerated. It can be easily judged how necessary the knowledge of this faith is because in this alone the office of Christ is recognized, by this alone we receive the benefits of Christ, and by this alone brings sure and firm consolation to pious minds. There needs to be doctrine in the Church from which the pious may receive the sure hope of salvation. For the adversaries give people bad advice when they teach them to doubt whether they obtain forgiveness of sins. How will such persons be sustained in death when they have heard nothing of this faith and believe that they ought to doubt whether they have received the forgiveness of sins? Besides, the gospel, that is, the promise that for Christ's sake sins are freely forgiven, must be retained in the Church of Christ. Those who teach nothing of this faith of which we speak altogether abolish the gospel. Yet the scholastics do not mention even a word concerning this faith. Our adversaries, following them, reject this faith. They do they see that, by rejecting this faith, they abolish the entire promise concerning the free forgiveness of sins and the righteousness of Christ.

Pulling It Together

Justification is no idle dream among Christians. The Church stands upon the promise of God in Christ Jesus. Otherwise, we have built the Church on sand. But the Church has built its house on the Rock (1Cor 10:4). Therefore, when the storms of life come, her people are sustained. This is why bishops, pastors, and doctors of the Church must faithfully teach the sure and certain hope of salvation in Christ alone. Even the creed speaks to this, saying that we believe in “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.” There is no need to make people doubt. Moreover, there is nothing reasonable about them professing such things while, on the other hand, doubting those very things. Great will be the fall of anyone who trusts in anyone or anything other than Christ and his work on the cross.

Prayer: Rock and Redeemer, on you alone I stand. Amen.

Liturgical calendars for the three-year cycle chart the Scripture readings for each Sunday in the Church Year, with each Sunday printed in the proper liturgical color for easy reference. Sola Publishing recommends the use of the Revised Common Lectionary as found in the Lutheran Service Book (LSB) published by Concordia Publishing House, and makes use of this lectionary in its own Sola Online Worship eResource (SOWeR) website.

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Concerning Justification, part 48 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 16 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400

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Romans 5:1–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

It is truly amazing that the adversaries are in no way moved by so many passages of Scripture that clearly ascribe justification to faith, and indeed, deny it by ascribing it to works. Do they think this is repeated so often for no purpose? Do they think that these words fell inconsiderately from the Holy Spirit? But they have also devised sophistry so that they might elude them. They say that these passages of Scripture ought to be received as referring to a fides formata. That is, they do not ascribe justification to faith except on account of love. Indeed, they do not in any way ascribe justification to faith, but only to love, because they dream that faith can coexist with mortal sin. Where does this lead but to the abolition of the promise and a return to the law? If faith receives the forgiveness of sins on account of love, the forgiveness of sins will always be uncertain, because we never love as much as we should. We do not love unless our hearts are firmly convinced that the forgiveness of sins has been granted us. Therefore, as long as the adversaries require confidence in one's own love for the forgiveness of sins and justification, they altogether abolish the gospel concerning the free forgiveness of sins. Yet, at the same time, they neither render this love nor understand it, unless they believe that the forgiveness of sins is freely received.

Pulling It Together: The idea that faith only comes into existence when it is formed by love is contrary to Scripture. Faith comes first, as a free gift of God. Only then do virtues like love begin to develop. Therefore, love cannot form faith since love develops in the Christian life because of faith. We are not considering that easy kind of love that one feels, as a man has for a woman or parent has for a child. The love that faith develops exists when feelings lead the unjustified away from spiritual love. Faith then begins to give us an assurance and peace about our standing with God. This peace gives the Christian a spiritual endurance that perseveres through sufferings. Endurance leads to character development, a spiritual and Christian property. Hope is the result of this enduring character, despite any suffering that might produce negative feelings. The Christian hopes because of faith, not because of positive and loving emotions. This kind of love cannot produce faith. On the contrary, true spiritual love is formed by faith because it is after one has faith that the Holy Spirit pours God’s love into our hearts.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for dying for weak and ungodly me, and reconciling me by giving me your righteousness. Amen.

The enigmatic Disciple Jesus Loved has long intrigued readers of the Gospel of John. Why did he withhold his name? Did he leave clues in the Gospel to his identity? Does it matter? New Testament reasearchers have explored these questions with renewed energy. Unlike other books, The Mystery of the Beloved Disciple moves beyond their simple first names to find Lazarus, Martha, and Mary in sources outside the Bible, and the Beloved Disciple in the Talmud! Discovering who these people actually were informs our reading of the Gospel of John in powerful ways. The truth presented here will prove irrefutable.

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Concerning Justification, part 47 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 15 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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2 Corinthians 12:7b–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Augustine writes many things to the same effect against the Pelagians. In Of the Spirit and Letter he says: “The righteousness of the law, namely that the one who practices the righteousness which is based on the law shall live by it,’ is established so that when any one has recognized his weakness he may attain and keep and live in it, conciliating the Justifier not by his own strength nor by the letter of the law itself, but by faith. Now in a justified person, there is no right work by which the one who does it may live. Rather, justification is obtained by faith.” Here he clearly says that the Justifier is reconciled by faith, and that justification is obtained by faith. A little after: “By the law we fear God; by faith we hope in God. But grace is hidden from those fearing punishment. The soul laboring under this fear resorts to faith in God's mercy, so that God may give what he commands.” Here Augustine teaches that hearts are terrified by the law, but by faith they receive consolation. He also teaches us to receive mercy by faith before we attempt to fulfill the law. We will quote certain other passages shortly.

Pulling It Together: We often think of Paul’s mysterious “thorn” as a physical affliction. However, if we consider it a spiritual thorn, we may find some profit. Besides any physical difficulties, we all have another chronic problem. We are sinners. This is such an acute and debilitating disease that we have all found ourselves in the same position as Paul. Have you ever prayed three or more times, “Lord, help me stop sinning”? Perhaps you have even asked God to make you quit a particular sin. And did you stop? Generally, these thorns are not removed immediately. These thorny little gifts from God—whether spiritual or physical—are given to keep us humble and reliant upon his grace. Otherwise, we Pauls of the Church would be unbearable. We cannot fulfill the law’s demands, so we either try to make people believe we are better than we know ourselves to be, or we avail ourselves of God’s mercy and grace. Since we cannot keep the law by our deeds, we rely upon the grace of God by faith, and then, content in our weakness, allow God to remove our thorns. This is the only real strength in our lives: the power of Christ resting upon us despite our great failings.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, weak as I am to keep your law, work the power of your salvation in me. Amen.

Winning, Losing, Loving: The Gospel in the Old Testament is an overview of Old Testament Scripture, tracing themes of chosenness, sin, and grace throughout the early books of the Bible. These cycles of sin and redemption point forward toward God's ultimate act of redemption in Jesus Christ.

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Concerning Justification, part 46 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 14 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Colossians 2:11–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Here and there, similar testimonies are found among the Fathers. Ambrose says in his letter to a certain Irenaeus, “Moreover, the world was subject to him by the law because, according to the command of the law, all are indicted, and yet, by the works of the law, no one is justified. In other words, because sin is perceived through the law but guilt is not discharged. The law seemed to have done injury by making all sinners but when the Lord Jesus Christ came, he forgave for all sin which no one could avoid, and by the shedding of his own blood, blotted out the bill that was held against us. This is what Paul says in Romans 5:20: ‘Law came in, to increase the trespass; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.’ Because after the whole world became subject, he took away the sin of the whole world, as John testified, saying, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’ (John 1:29) So because of this, let no one boast of works since none are justified by their deeds. Those who are righteous have it given to them because they are justified after baptism. Faith, therefore, is that which frees through the blood of Christ. ‘Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered’” (Psa 32:1). These are the words of Ambrose, and they clearly favor our doctrine. He denies justification by works, and attributes it to faith by which we are set free through the blood of Christ. Assemble into one heap all of the lecturers on the Sentences who are adorned with magnificent titles. For some are called angelic; others, subtle; and others indisputable. When all these have been read and reread, they will help us understand Paul far less than this one passage of Ambrose.

Pulling It Together: The bill is overdue. Ignoring it does not help a bit. It looms over you and you know that your service is about to be cut off. In the same way, our sin has put us in debt. The invoice has been sent by the law. Numerous overdue statements have arrived, though not for lack of trying to clear the debt. But the things we do, our good deeds and religion, do not satisfy the bill collector. We are dead in our trespasses and we know that we are about to be cut off—eternally. Our old nature, that sin nature that is in all of us from birth, needs to be reborn (John 3:3). Jesus blesses us with this rebirth, giving those who believe a new life.

Just as circumcision was the sign of God’s pledge of blessing to his people of old, Jesus made a new covenant in his blood. Baptism is a sign of that covenant. Now, neither circumcision nor baptism are things we do to ourselves. These signs are performed by God through the hands of others. In baptism, we are buried in the death of Jesus. The old nature is thereby put to death. The bill that hung over our heads is canceled. Our sins are forgiven; we are justified with God. All of this happens through faith—not by one thing that we do. Christ has done it all. Blessed are they who believe that their sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake.

Prayer: Lamb of God, thank you for being the sacrifice that settled the debt I owe. Amen.

Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Concerning Justification, part 45 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 13 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

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Isaiah 53:5–11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

By his knowledge he will justify many (Isa 53:11). But what is the knowledge of Christ unless to know the benefits of Christ, those promises which he has sown throughout the world by the Gospel? To know these benefits properly and truly is to believe in Christ, to trust that what God has promised he will certainly fulfill for Christ's sake.

Scripture is filled with such testimonies. In some places it presents the law and in others the promises concerning Christ, and the forgiveness of sins, and the free acceptance of the sinner on Christ's account.

Pulling It Together: Jesus was pierced for our “transgressions.” He bore the discipline that was our due, eternal death. Though we strayed, he went willingly to slaughter, knowing that his death would mean our life—eternal life. “Out of the anguish of his soul,” he watched from the cross and saw our salvation. In dying, he satisfied the law of God and made us righteous. We can add nothing to this mighty act of God’s Servant. He has done it all and justified us to God.

Prayer: All we can offer you, Lord, is thank you. Amen. 

Why Did Jesus Have to Die? is a six-week Bible Study that examines the most profound event of salvation history — the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ — exploring from a biblical perspective what is known as the doctrine of the Atonement.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Justification, part 44 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 12 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

Index

  Click for a recording of today's Sola Devotion.

Habakkuk 2:1–4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

“The righteous shall live by his faith” (Hab 2:4). He first says that people are justified by faith, by which they believe that God is gracious. Then he adds that this same faith gives life because it produces peace and joy and eternal life in the heart.

Pulling It Together

William Temple said, “If we are traveling heavenward, we are already in heaven.” Our lives have already been transformed in a heavenly way. More than that, we are so assured of eternity with God that eternity has begun in this present life. Because faith in Christ completely reconciles us to God and so entirely assures us of eternal life, we already begin to enjoy the confident peace and joy of heaven.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your perfect peace. Amen.

Combining the message of salvation in Christ with personal witness, The Gospel in Miniature is a Lutheran guide for evangelism. 

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Concerning Justification, part 43 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 11 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

Index

  Click for a recording of today's Sola Devotion.

Acts 4:11–12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

“This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head of the corner. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:11-12). But the name of Christ is apprehended only by faith. Therefore, we are saved by confidence in the name of Christ, and not by confidence in our works. For “the name” signifies here the cause which is mentioned by which which salvation is attained. And to call upon the name of Christ is to trust in the name of Christ as the cause or price by which we are saved. God “cleansed their hearts by faith” (Acts 15:9). Therefore, that faith of which the Apostles speak is not idle knowledge but the reality of receiving the Holy Spirit and justifying us.

Pulling It Together: The Rymans are a pretty decent bunch of folks. You should have met my grandfather. He was a great man in my book. But salvation is not available to me in the name of Fred Ryman, nor in the name of Ryman—the whole of my lineage. Salvation is only available in the name of Jesus Christ. There is no other name under heaven by which I can be saved. That also means that my salvation did not come about because Mark worked with Jesus, my works added to his.

It is only God in Christ who cleanses the hearts of humanity. This purifying happens when we have faith and confidence that Jesus has done this for us, not when we possess a mere knowledge of Church history. When we call on the name of the incarnate God, trusting in the blessed name of Jesus Christ, there is a powerful work of the Holy Spirit in us that justifies our hearts before God. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of this trust and faith. Upon his name the salvation of the whole world is supported—the decent folks as well as those who are not so respectable.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making me part of your blessed family. Amen. 

Who is Jesus? is a five-session study, meant to serve as an introduction to what the Bible says about Jesus Christ—who he is and what it means to trust in him as Savior and Lord.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Justification, part 42 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 10 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

Index

Acts 13:38–39

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

“Let it be known to you therefore, brethren, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him every one that believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38-39). How could the office of Christ and justification be declared more clearly? The law, he says, did not justify. Consequently, Christ was given so that we may believe that we are justified for his sake. He plainly denies that the law justifies. Therefore, for Christ's sake we are accounted righteous when we believe that God, for his sake, has been reconciled to us.

Pulling It Together:

Verse 39 of today’s Scripture reads in English as either justified” or “freed.” The older the translation, the more chance there is that it will read “justified.” It is a legal term that is, evidently, beyond the understanding of the typical modern reader. The 1611 and even the 1900 versions of the King James read “justified,” as does the 1901 American Standard Version. Even the 1946 RSV reads "justified, but by the time we reach the middle of the 20th century, we already need the word “freed,” as in the 1955 Revised Standard Version, the 1995 New American Standard Bible, and the 2001 English Standard Version mirror this translation.

The word translated as either justified” or “freed” means to declare someone righteous or free, though the latter hardly carries the connotation of being vindicated. Nonetheless, this declaration or verdict does not depend upon the person’s deeds or merits; it depends upon the judge. The judge, in this case, God, states that the offense is forgiven; the person is legally declared righteous in the eyes of the court, or in the eyes of God. When one hears what Christ has done and believes in his merit and the worth of what he did to reconcile us to the Father, that person is justified or freed from sin and death. This happens because of Christ, for his sake, not for the sake of anything we do or have done.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for setting me free from sin and death. Amen. 

The ReClaim Hymnal for Church and Home contains three Communion Settings along with liturgies for Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, Funerals, and other occasional services. It also includes the Small Catechism, as well as 275 beloved hymns from various hymn traditions. It is a resource that would be suitable for confirmation and graduation gifts as well as congregational use. 

Most of the hymns and other resources in ReClaim are part of Sola's Online Worship Electronic Resource. Check out all that is in SOWER here

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Concerning Justification, part 41 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 09 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

John 3:16–18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

“But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13). “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:14-15). And a few verses later: “For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned” (John 3:17-18).

Pulling It Together: If God expected us to save ourselves, we would be condemned before we begin. Even if we were capable of doing enough moral, civil, and religious works to cancel out our sins, we would still be sinners. It is our nature. Therefore, we cannot save ourselves. Nor will our good works make us righteous. Only God can do that to us and that is why the Father sent his Son into the world—to save sinners. How does that happen? He who believes in the Son is not condemned. In other words, the believer is justified with God and saved through faith. 

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for being the Word made flesh and bringing God’s grace to me. Amen. 

We Still Believe is offered as a resource for reflecting on key themes in biblical, Lutheran doctrine that are at risk in the Church today. It is offered in the hope that it will inspire individuals and congregations to examine the core beliefs of traditional Lutheranism and how these beliefs apply to our own present context. Written in a question and discussion style, the participant's book includes an introduction to and copy of the faith statement known as the Common Confession.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Justification, part 40 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 08 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400 Click for larger image

Index

Galatians 2:15–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

If one imagines that Paul used the phrase “faith justifies” without consideration, remember that he fortifies and supports this key phrase by a long discussion in the fourth chapter to the Romans, and repeats it in all his epistles. Thus he says, “Now to one who works, his wages are not reckoned as a gift but as his due. And to one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness” (Rom 4:4-5). As he clearly says here that faith itself is imputed as righteousness. Faith, therefore, is that thing which God declares to be righteousness, and Paul adds that it is imputed freely, adding that it would not be free imputation if it were owed because of works rendered. Therefore he even excludes the merit of moral works. For if justification before God were because of these, faith would not be imputed for righteousness without works. “We say that faith was reckoned to Abraham as righteousness” (Rom 4:9). Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God.” In other words, we have consciences that are tranquil and joyful before God. “For man believes with his heart and so is justified” (Rom 10:10). Here he declares that faith is the righteousness of the heart. “We have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law” (Gal 2:16). “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph 2:8-9).

Pulling It Together: Having been a devout Jew, a Hebrew among Hebrews and as to the law, a Pharisee (Phil 3:5), the Apostle Paul would never have let a phrase like “faith justifies” slip out unwittingly. Until Christ met him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-22), his life had been dedicated to keeping the law. In dramatic fashion, he learned how blind he had been. Because of the grace of God alone, certainly not by having done anything to deserve it, Paul received his eyesight again through the faith of another. Then with the disciples at Damascus, Paul learned that Christ is the saving Son of God. That God had imputed or assigned righteousness to an unrighteous man had been made quite clear to Paul. He was now determined to make it just as clear to others. So he writes the phrase “faith justifies” and similar constructions many times in his works. Melancthon provides several references from three epistles. The teaching that it is faith—not works—that justifies is no accident.

Prayer: Oh, Bright and Morning Star, thank you for shining your light upon us and making us see. Amen. 

Pastor Kent Groethe's study of the Book of Acts, Acts - Old Places, New Facesfocuses on the life of the early church as a model for church life today. The message and power of the church today needs to be revitalized and renewed by the power of God's Spirit, just as it was in the early church.

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Concerning Justification, part 39 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 07 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Romans 3:21–28

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Paul discusses this topic, especially in the Epistle to the Romans, declaring that when we believe that God is reconciled to us for Christ's sake that we are justified freely by faith. In the third chapter of Romans he maintains this proposition that contains the main point of the entire discussion: “For we hold that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law” (Rom 3:28). The adversaries interpret this as referring to Levitical ceremonies. However, Paul speaks not only of the ceremonies, but of the whole law. For he quotes afterward from the Decalogue: “You shall not covet” (Rom 7:7). If moral works could earn the forgiveness of sins and justification, there would also be no need for Christ and the promise—and all that Paul says about the promise would be overthrown. He would also have been wrong in writing this to the Ephesians: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God” (Eph 2:8). Similarly, Paul refers to Abraham and David (Rom 4:1, 6) who had the command of God concerning circumcision. Therefore, if any works justified, these works must have since it was commanded. Nevertheless, Augustine teaches correctly and at length in Of the Spirit and Letter that Paul speaks of the entire law. He states, “These matters, therefore having been considered and treated, according to the ability that the Lord has thought worthy to give us, we infer that man is not justified by the precepts of a good life, but by faith in Jesus Christ.”

Pulling It Together: The key phraseology of Paul is “through faith” or “by faith.” He mentions it 31 times. Not only Paul though, since James and Peter each use the phrase once, and the writer of Hebrews uses it 24 times. It is a critically important doctrine of the New Testament, as well as the Old Testament. Justification by faith, or forgiveness of sins through faith is not a new topic but it is one that is so hard to believe that much space, many writers, and even more years have been devoted to the topic. One’s principles and virtues and religious practices do not justify. Only faith in Jesus Christ justifies sinners. We should be thankful, since because of this oft-mentioned phrase we know that we are freely justified through faith or by faith in Jesus Christ. Otherwise, we would be lost, trying to make it on our own merits and abilities. There are not enough years to justify the likes of sinners like us. Only Christ will do.

Prayer: Gracious Redeemer, thank you for the gift of your salvation. Amen. 

The newest volume in the series, "Old Places, New Faces," The General Epistles offers a series of 12 Bible studies based on Hebrews, James, I & II Peter, I, II, & III John, and Jude. The geographical locations of Biblical characters can symbolically refer to places we find ourselves with respect to our faith. As we become more acquainted with our spiritual geography, we will better discern where God would have us go or what changes we need to make in order to serve Him better.

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Concerning Justification, part 38 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 06 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

1 Corinthians 1:30–31

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

But since we receive forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit by faith alone, faith alone justifies, because those reconciled are accounted righteous and children of God, not on account of their own purity, but through mercy for Christ's sake, provided only that they apprehend this mercy by faith. Accordingly, Scripture testifies that by faith we are considered righteous (Rom 3:26). Therefore, we will add testimonies that clearly declare that faith is the very righteousness by which we are accounted righteous before God, not because it is a work that is in itself worthy, but because it receives the promise by which God has committed for Christ's sake that he wishes to be propitious to those believing in him, or because he knows that Christ of God has become for us wisdom, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption (1Cor 1:30).

Pulling It Together: Our lives come from God. Every good and perfect gift comes to us through the Father (James 1:17). Well, except salvation and righteousness; we must work for those. No! Heaven forbid! Every gift is just that: a gift—a gift from God. His mercy is a gift, apprehended, for lack of a better word, by faith alone. You either believe that God forgives you or you do not believe. There is nothing here in which we may take personal pride or boast (Rom 3:27). Jesus did it all. I have nothing to do with my righteousness. It too is a gift given to me by God. I am saved by God's grace alone. I know this only too well, from experience and from Scripture. 

Prayer: Holy God, Father of lights, give me more grace so that I may proclaim the excellencies of you who has called me out of darkness and into your marvelous light. Amen. 

The first in the series, Superior Justice is a mystery-fiction novel that features the character of Jonah Borden as a not-so-typical Lutheran Pastor, who also happens to investigate local mysteries. Set in the midst of the striking beauty of Minnesota's Lake Superior coastline, Superior Justice will draw you in with its unique and quirky characters, and keep you guessing until the end.

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Concerning Justification, part 37 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 05 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Revelation 3:20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Fourthly, forgiveness of sins is something promised for Christ's sake. Therefore, it cannot be received except by faith alone. For a promise cannot be received except by faith alone (Rom 4:16). “That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed,” as though he were to say: “If the matter were to depend upon our merits, the promise would be uncertain and useless, because we never could determine when we would have sufficient merit.” Experienced consciences can easily understand this. Accordingly, Paul says, “But the scripture consigned all things to sin, that what was promised to faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe” (Gal 3:22). He takes merit away from us, because he says that all are guilty and consigned under sin. Then he adds that the promise, namely, of the forgiveness of sins and of justification, is given, and adds how the promise may be received, namely, by faith. This reasoning, derived from the nature of a promise, is the chief reasoning in Paul, and is repeated often. Nothing can be devised or imagined whereby this argument of Paul can be overthrown. Therefore, faithful minds should not allow themselves to be forced from the conviction that we receive forgiveness of sins for Christ's sake, only through faith. In this they have a sure and firm consolation against the terrors of sin, and against eternal death, and against all the gates of hell.

Pulling It Together: I have promised to meet people for lunch today. Now, they may believe or disbelieve that promise but whether or not they believe, I will be at the restaurant. They do not need to do anything to make that happen. Lunch with me is both promised and guaranteed (...if God wills [James 4:15]). In the same way, forgiveness of sins is only promised and guaranteed because of what Jesus did, that is to say, for Christ's sake. There is no other way to receive forgiveness except to believe, to have faith, in what Jesus has done. There is no need to do anything about what has already been done.

Even if you had to do some things in order for the promise of forgiveness to apply to you, how would you know when you had done enough good? At any rate, merit has been taken away from us because we have been delivered over under sin. How much good can a sinner do in order to balance out his sin since even a single sin cannot be overcome with any amount of virtue? The issue is not so much that we sin, as it is that we are all sinners.

So Paul's oft-repeated argument is that the only thing we can do is trust God's promise. There is nothing else to do. Believe. Jesus stands at the door and knocks. Open the door, for he would dine with you today.

Prayer: Help me trust your word, Lord God, for it is all I truly have. Amen. 

Come, Lord Jesus answers the many questions that arise when modern readers look into the book of Revelation. In this book readers will come to understand the first-century context in which Revelation was written—and readers will join the holy choir in looking forward to the fulfillment of God's plan, offering our own invitation: "Come, Lord Jesus."

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Concerning Justification, part 36 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 04 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Acts 10:36–43

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Thirdly, Peter says, “To him all the prophets bear witness that every one who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43). How could this be said more clearly? We receive forgiveness of sins, he says, through his name, that is, for his sake. Therefore, not for the sake of our merits, not because of our contrition, attrition, love, worship, works. And he adds, “When we believe in him.” Therefore Peter also requires faith. For we cannot apprehend the name of Christ except by faith. Besides he cites the agreement of all the prophets, which actually cites the authority of the Church. We will speak on this topic again when we consider “Repentance.”

Pulling It Together: Melancthon may as well have said that he could quote Paul, Augustine, and the Fathers all day long, but see here! Peter too, and the prophets also, lend support for justification by faith. More than support, they insist upon faith. They add nothing else. We are forgiven our sins, justified, through the merits of Jesus Christ alone. Nothing that we add, though add we must for it shows our faith, reconciles us to God. The judge of the living and the dead is the only one with the just authority to say, “Justified!” This righteous judge in none other than Jesus Christ, the Lord of all. 

Prayer: Father, we give you thanks for the gift of salvation that is found only in your Son. Amen. 

Acts – Old Places, New Faces focuses on the life of the early church as a model for church life today. The message and power of the church today needs to be revitalized and renewed by the power of God's Spirit, just as it was in the early church.

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Concerning Justification, part 35 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 03 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Hebrews 4:14–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Secondly, it is certain that sins are forgiven for the sake of Christ, as propitiator, according to Romans 3:25: “whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood.” Moreover, Paul adds, “to be received by faith.” Therefore this atonement benefits us when we apprehend by faith the mercy promised in him and set it against the wrath and judgment of God. To the same effect it is written, “Since then we have a great high priest...let us then with confidence draw near” (Heb 4:14, 16). The Apostle pleads with us to approach God, not with confidence in our own merits, but with confidence in Christ as high priest. Therefore it requires faith.

Pulling It Together

Only the high priest could represent the people before God in the temple. But Jesus, the “great high priest,” represents us before the Father in heaven. We cannot represent ourselves. Instead, we rely upon Christ by faith. In doing so, we have confidence in him to draw near to God. There before the throne of justice, we receive mercy and grace instead of the judgment that had been our due. We discover this marvelous grace only because Christ Jesus mediates between his holy Father and us as the true propitiation or satisfaction for our sins. He brings no scapegoat to God for us (Lev 16:21-22). He is the scapegoat, the only offering for all our sins. This is our confession and we hold it fast through faith in Christ. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, give me grace to draw nearer to you today, not through any confidence in my own works but for your sake alone. Amen. 

You Can Understand the Old Testament: Its Message and Its Meaning is an introduction to, and overview of, the Old Testament, exploring its meaning and its message for readers of today. Individual overviews and discussions of each book of the Old Testament are provided along with helpful maps, tables and charts as well as complete indexes of subject matter, biblical texts cited, and Hebrew words noted in the discussion. The book is aimed at students of the Bible, whether members of church congregations, pastors, or students in college or seminary. 

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Concerning Justification, part 34 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 02 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Romans 5:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Likewise, Paul says, “Through him we have obtained access” (Rom 5:2), and adds, “by faith.” Thus, we are reconciled to the Father and receive forgiveness of sins when we are comforted with confidence in the mercy promised for Christ's sake. The adversaries regard Christ as mediator and propitiator because he has earned the habit of love. Therefore, they do not urge us to rely upon him as mediator now. Rather, as though Christ were altogether buried, they imagine that we have access through our own works and earn this disposition through them, and by this love come to God. Does this not to bury Christ altogether and remove the entire doctrine of faith? Paul, to the contrary, teaches that we have access, that is, reconciliation, through Christ. To show how this takes place, he adds that we have access by faith. Therefore, we receive forgiveness of sins by faith because of Christ. We cannot set our own love and our own works over against God's wrath.

Pulling It Together: Some people rely on religion as a way to gain peace or go to heaven—or rather, not go to hell. This puts the cart before the horse. Instead, they should be interested in being with God. When they have gained access to God, they will then gain heaven, for that is where God dwells in eternity. If they have gotten into his eternal presence, they will of course therefore, be in heaven. They will also have peace in their consciences and spirits, though not because they are going to heaven. They have this peace because they know that their sins have been forgiven. They know that their sins have been canceled because they believe the promise: that their “sins are forgiven freely for Christ's sake” (Eph 1:7). Only those who believe this, that their sins are remitted through faith in Christ alone, have true peace of conscience and spirit. To the degree that they rely even a little bit on their religion, their works, their morality, or their so-called goodness, to that degree, they lack peace. To that degree, they worry about heaven. But when they know that they have most certainly been forgiven of all their sins, they no longer worry about heaven because they know that they stand in his grace by faith, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I trust in you alone as the one who has negotiated my salvation. Amen. 

It is a vital task of the church today to encourage a renewed interest in and use of God’s Word. Unfortunately, many people find the Scriptures difficult to read and hard to understand at first. The purpose of Epistles, a Guide to Reading the Scriptures is twofold: to encourage Christians to read God’s Word on a regular basis and to help the reader slow down and concentrate on each chapter of the epistles before moving on to the next.

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Concerning Justification, part 33 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 01 Apr 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

2 Corinthians 5:17–21

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

It will then become easy to state the minor premise if we know how the remission of sins happens. The adversaries carelessly dispute whether the forgiveness of sins and the infusion of grace are the same change. Being idle men, they do not know what to answer. In the forgiveness of sins, the terrors in the heart about sin and eternal death must be overcome, as Paul testifies, “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 15:56-57). In other words, sin terrifies consciences through the law that reveals the wrath of God against sin. Yet we gain the victory through Christ. How? By faith, when we comfort ourselves with confidence in the mercy promised for Christ's sake. Thereby, we prove the minor proposition. The wrath of God cannot be appeased if we set against it our own works, because Christ has been set forth as the propitiator so that for his sake, we may become reconciled to the Father. But Christ is not taken hold of as a mediator except by faith. Therefore, by faith alone we obtain forgiveness of sins, when we comfort our hearts with confidence in the mercy promised for Christ's sake.

Pulling It Together: Søren Kierkegaard wrote in Sickness Unto Death that we acquire a new appreciation of ourselves when the self is viewed “directly in the sight of God.” When we see ourselves as God sees us, everything changes. And it is terrifying. So long as we are our own measure, everything seems right enough; we are barely troubled by our thoughts and actions. The only time we are bothered at all is when we have said or done something wrong and it has become public enough that it brings about uncomfortable consequences. We are then forced to measure ourselves by the views of others.

What a difference there is between our own standards and how others measure us. Still, when the trouble blows over, we fall back into a personal measurement of self. We seem good enough again. However, when God becomes the measure of a person, an absolute measure of our state is understood. “Getting God as a measure” is terrifying. We are backed up to the doorjamb of his holy righteousness and we discover that we do not measure up. The thought that makes sin so dreadfully alarming is that one no longer stands against his or her own measure but is reckoned by the measure of the Almighty.

When one realizes their true measurement against God's standards, eternal death now constantly looms nearby. So, how do we conquer eternal death? How might we even overcome the fear of it? We cannot, except by God's view of us being changed. We cannot, however, change the way he regards us though love and good works. We will never measure up. God's view of us is only altered when we are “in Christ.” When he sees us through the skin, so to speak, of his own Son, we measure up. This is nothing that we do; it has been done for us and the new measure is given to us freely.

This is the only way that we can ever be confident when being viewed “directly in the sight of God.” When we realize that, clothed in Christ as we are (Rom 13:14; Gal 3:27), God sees us as being in his Son, we have a sure and confident hope. So long as we attempt this through our own actions, our own measure, we remain uncertain, lacking confidence in God's mercy and love for us. But when we know that the Father is reconciled by the measure of the righteousness of his Son, then we who are by God's grace in Christ by faith are therefore justified by Christ.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for newness of life by bearing our sin and reconciling us to your Father. Amen. 

Portraits of Jesus is a nine-session Bible study that explores the "I AM" statements given to us by Jesus himself. In comparing Jesus' words with related Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments, the study provides a well-rounded look at the center of our faith in Christ.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Justification, part 32 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 31 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Psalm 32:1–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

That We Obtain Remission of Sins by Faith Alone in Christ

We think that even the adversaries acknowledge that in justification the forgiveness of sins is necessary first. For we all are under sin. Therefore we reason as follows:

To receive the forgiveness of sins is to be justified, according to Psalm 32:1: “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven.” We receive the forgiveness of sins solely by faith in Christ, not through love, nor because of love or works, although love follows faith. Therefore we are justified by faith alone, understanding justification as the making of a righteous person from an unrighteous person—that one is regenerated.

Pulling It Together: It is easy to admit that everyone is a sinner, since we see the evidence in the news, in the lives of those we love, and certainly in our own lives. Scripture also plainly states that, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). Because sin has caused a fall so great as to remove us from the presence of God's glory, our sin needs covered. Adam and Eve understood this and covered themselves with fig leaves after they sinned (Gen 3:7). Notice how Adam's and Eve's works were refused by God? They tried to cover their sins but even they understood that their figgy outfits were inadequate. So they hid themselves among the trees of the garden (Gen 3:8).

Try as we might, our own efforts are unequal to the task. It is God alone who is able to cover our sins. So, from the skins of the very animals Adam was charged to care for, God made them a more lasting covering (Gen 3:31). Justification is that blessed relationship with God that happens when one's sin is covered. It is the forgiving and covering of sins that only God can do for us. “Blessed is the one...whose sin is covered” (Psa 32:1).

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to do all I can to please you but rely upon you alone for the covering of my sin. Amen. 

Genesis "Old Places, New Faces" Series   Places have to do with geography. In the Bible, we find God's people in many different places, both physically and spiritually, in their relationship to the Creator and Savior. We, like them, journey through many lands in our Christian walk. We move from chaos to order, from Ur to Canaan, and from obedience to disobedience. As we become more acquainted with our spiritual geography, we will better discern where God would have us go or what changes we need to make in order to serve Him better.

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Concerning Justification, part 31 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 30 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Romans 4:1–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

The particle “alone” offends some, although even Paul says, “For we hold that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law” (Rom 3:28). Again, “It is the gift of God — not because of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph 2:8b-9). Again, “They are justified by his grace as a gift” (Rom 3:24). If the exclusive “alone” displeases, let them remove from Paul also the exclusives “freely,” “apart from works,” “as a gift,” etc. For these also are exclusives. We do exclude the idea of merit. We do not, however, exclude the Word or Sacraments, as the adversaries falsely charge us. For we have said above that faith is conceived from the Word, and we honor the ministry of the Word in the highest degree. Love also and works must follow faith. Therefore, they are not excluded as things that follow faith. But confidence in the merit of love or in works is excluded in justification. And this we will clearly show.

Pulling It Together: Imagine a man condemned to spend the rest of his life in prison. One day, the word comes from the jailer that the president has pardoned his offense. It is too good to be true. Decades later, he dies, still sitting in prison. He never could believe the guard's report that a criminal like himself had been set free. After all, there had been no conditions, only the promise of the president. So, the man spent his remaining years in prison, working off his sentence and trying to become a good man. He was only freed from prison by his own death.

It seems incredible that one could be delivered from their eternal fate because they simply believe. Surely there must be more to Christianity than that. There must be rules and regulations, things to do and observe. If people are such wretched sinners, they must have to do something to become righteous and escape the consequences. Nevertheless, Lutherans confess that we are saved by God's grace alone, this happening through faith and not works of the law. 

Prayer: Help me believe your good word alone, Lord, instead of the religion that I would add. Amen. 

The kind of church we see in the New Testament is different from what most modern people imagine when they think of “going to church.” Experience Life Together: A 15-Week House-Church Model Resource & Session Book, by Rev. Tom Hilpert, is a 15-week house-church curriculum designed for pastors, lay leaders, and churches interested in getting a taste for what church in the home is really like. Whether referred to as a house-church, organic church, alternative church, or cell church, this material applies well to any group that wants to experience Christian worship in the context of a small group meeting within the homes of the participants.

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Concerning Justification, part 30 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 29 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

1 Peter 1:3–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

But when we confess that faith justifies, perhaps some understand it as the beginning of justification or preparation for justification. But then it would not be faith itself through which we are accepted by God, but the works that follow faith. Accordingly, they would imagine that faith is highly praised because it is the beginning. The beginning is important because the beginning is half of everything, as they commonly say. It is just as if one would say that grammar makes the teachers of all arts, because grammar prepares for further arts—although in fact it is his own art that renders every one an artist. We do not believe this about faith, but we maintain that properly and truly, by faith itself, we are accounted righteous for Christ's sake, or are made acceptable to God. And because "to be justified" means that just persons are made out of unjust people, or born again, it also means that they are pronounced or accounted just. For Scripture speaks in both ways. Accordingly, we desire to first show this: that faith alone makes an unjust person into a just person, that one receives forgiveness of sins by faith alone.

Pulling It Together

What else do I need to do? Nothing. Christ has done it all. He has taken unrighteous sinners and assigned his own righteousness to their account. This is not the beginning of salvation, to which you must now add your own deeds to the work of Christ. He has done it all. Now, you will want to respond with all kinds of good deeds but remember that these do not justify you to God. Christ alone justifies you. He has at once converted you and made you righteous. You are born again to the Christ-life. All this happened when faith in him was kindled in a sinner's heart, when you believed in Christ.

Prayer: Your righteousness is all I need, Lord. Amen. 

Many in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) remember the loyalty, strength, and uniqueness of our Lutheran tradition and the necessity of "Christ Alone." Stand and Confess explores these traditions in light of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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Concerning Justification, part 29 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 28 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

1 Timothy 2:3–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Now we will show that faith justifies. In the first place, readers must be reminded that just as it is necessary to maintain that Christ is mediator, it is necessary to defend that faith justifies. For how will Christ be mediator if in justification we do not use him as mediator, if we do not hold that we are accounted righteous on his account? But to believe is to trust in the merits of Christ, that God certainly wishes to be reconciled with us for his sake. Likewise, just as we ought to maintain that the promise of Christ is necessary apart from the law, it is also necessary to maintain that faith justifies. For the law cannot be performed unless the Holy Spirit is first received. It is necessary, therefore, to maintain that the promise of Christ is essential. Yet his promise cannot be received except with faith. Therefore, those who deny that faith justifies, set aside both Christ and the gospel by teaching nothing but the law.

Pulling It Together

Even our currency proclaims Christ alone. “In God we trust.” What is unwritten is that we do not trust in money or what it buys—or who does the buying. Yet when it comes to religion, we want to trust in the things we do, as though they can buy salvation. So we must be reminded that in order to receive salvation one must be reconciled to God and that this requires a go-between. Someone must have earned the status with God to stand between him and sinners, or lawbreakers. There is only one on whose account we may be reconciled with God. Christ alone bridges the gap without our having done a thing, apart from the law. This means that we believe in what Christ has done and not what we do. Even if we wanted to get right with God through keeping the law or doing good works, we could not do so without the help of the Holy Spirit. Yet the Spirit is not given except through faith and trust in Christ alone.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for not only paying the ransom for us all but for being that ransom. Amen.

Connections magazine is a voice for confessional Lutheranism in North America, featuring ministries and mission efforts of the movement. It provides reliable, Biblically based content, stories of faith, and inspirational messages all in a “coffee table quality” package that delights its subscribers. Connections has a deep commitment to the evangelical nature of Lutheranism that responds with vigor to Christ’s great commission to go and make disciples. It also gives a public center to the effort to renew Lutheranism in North America in concert with Biblical authority and the teachings of the Lutheran Confessions.

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Concerning Justification, part 28 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 27 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Romans 10:13–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Since we do not speak of such faith as an idle thought, but that which liberates from death and produces a new life in hearts, and is the work of the Holy Spirit, it does not coexist with mortal sin. Rather, as long as it is present, it produces good fruit, as we will address later. What can be said more simply and more clearly about the conversion of the wicked, or concerning the mode of regeneration? Having so great an array of writers, let them produce a single commentary upon the Sentences that speaks of the mode of regeneration. When they speak of the habit of love, they imagine that men merit it through works, just as the Anabaptists now teach. They do not teach that it is received through the Word. But God cannot be dealt with, he cannot be apprehended, except through the Word. Accordingly, justification occurs through the Word, just as Paul says that the gospel is, “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,” (Rom 1:16) and that, “faith comes from what is heard” (Rom 10:17). From this, we confess that faith justifies because if justification occurs only through the Word, and the Word is apprehended only by faith, it follows that faith justifies. Yet there are other more important reasons. So far, we have said these things so that the nature of that faith we are talking about is understood and to explain how regeneration occurs.

Pulling It Together: Faith is not ineffectual—or as some insinuate, “pie in the sky.” Faith is a light, life, and force in a person that renews the heart, mind, and spirit (1 Thes 5:23). Faith makes new people of those who believe in Christ. Since it does these things, it does not coexist with willful sin, for how can light and darkness coexist (2 Cor 6:14)? Instead, faith produces good fruit. This kind of faith is received through the Word of God. This is why justification is received in the same way. Justification, the saving faith that reconciles God, comes by what is heard through the Word. One does not earn justifying faith; one receives it by the word of Christ.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the light of your Word that illuminates the path of faith. Amen.

Hymns and Spiritual Songs from The North is a compilation of Nordic hymns. In the spirit of Martin Luther, such a hymn is usually a meditation or sermon on a Biblical text that grows out of the text for a Sunday. Sometimes it is long and slow, even mournful, giving singers the possibility of meditating on God's Word in their own context. Less often it is joyful, but it is always filled with longing and hope. We can imagine the grandma, during long dark winters, sitting by the fire, spinning or knitting as she sang stanza after stanza of an old favorite hymn or spiritual song, teaching her grandchildren to sing along with her. When they learned to lisp those words with her, they were learning how Scripture could be used to meet the deepest sorrows and the greatest joys of life.

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Concerning Justification, part 27 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 26 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Luke 24:45–49

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

That Faith in Christ Justifies

So that no one thinks that we are talking about an idle knowledge of the history, we will first explain how faith is received. Then we will show both that it justifies and how this ought to be understood. Last, we will explain the objections of the adversaries.

In the last chapter of Luke, Christ commands that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name (Luke 24:47). The gospel declares that all people are under sin and are subject to eternal wrath and death, yet for Christ's sake offers the forgiveness of sin and justification. These are received by faith. The preaching of repentance accuses us and frightens consciences with true and severe terrors. Surrounded by these accusations and terrors, hearts must receive consolation. This happens if they believe the promise of Christ, that on account of him we receive the forgiveness of sins. This faith that encourages and comforts despite these fears, receives forgiveness of sins, justifies, and gives life. Indeed, this consolation is a new and spiritual life. These things are plain and clear, can be understood by God-fearing people, and have testimonies of the Church. Yet nowhere can our adversaries say how the Holy Spirit is given. They imagine that the sacraments confer the Holy Spirit ex opere operato, without an upright movement in the recipient, as though the gift of the Holy Spirit were an idle matter.

Pulling It Together: Saving faith does not happen because one performs the right deeds or recites the correct formula or prayer. Nor does it come about all at once. First, the word of God accuses the conscience that it is corrupt. It does not charge us with being a little bit bad, for we are not and that would do us no good. We must be convicted that we are wretched and miserable sinners, sold out to sin. This must seriously concern us; we must be terrified of the consequences of our sin. Next, God's word offers us the consolation of hope, that because Christ offered himself to God as payment for our sin debt, those who believe or have faith in his death and resurrection are forgiven. Last, this faith encourages and comforts people through Christ's gift of the Holy Spirit. So, faith is an active trust in God; it is not doing or reciting religious things by those who believe in the history of Christianity but do not believe in Christ.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for suffering in my place that I too may be raised from the dead to live with and for you. Amen. 

The Letters of Paul looks at all but one of Paul's thirteen epistles and seeks to get at the heart of each one so that his message can inspire new hope, faith and love in us today.

Other books in the "Old Place, New Faces" series.

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Concerning Justification, part 26 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 25 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Psalm 50:8–15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Therefore, the fathers too were not justified by the law, but through the promise and faith. It is astonishing that the adversaries diminish faith to such a degree, although they see that it is everywhere praised as an eminent service, as in Psalm 50:15: “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you.” God wishes himself to be known and worshiped in this way: that we receive benefits from him because of his mercy, not due to our merits. This is the richest consolation in all afflictions. But the adversaries abolish such consolations when they diminish and disparage faith by teaching that people only conduct themselves toward God by means of works and merits.

Pulling It Together: Daily sacrifices were performed at the temple in Jerusalem because God commanded them. Sacrifice was done as an outward expression of grateful dependence upon God. Note how David offered 1,000 bulls, 1,000 rams, and 1,000 lambs to the Lord. He did not do so to appease God. Rather, he made such a large offering in thanks to God for allowing Solomon to build the temple. He did not make the offering because God, who does not eat flesh anyway, was especially hungry that day. Was David's sacrifice rebuked? Are our works and ministries to the Lord not accepted? Of course not. God is pleased when we keep our obligations and do good works. However, when we imagine that these things mitigate or altogether appease God's righteous wrath concerning our sin, or think that God is now obligated to forgive us because we have balanced a bad deed with a good one, we do not glorify God. Instead, because of our lack of faith in him, and our misguided trust in our works, we are glorifying ourselves. Furthermore, by casting aside faith for works, we lose the benefit of God's comfort and peace. So long as we can do some work that we call good, we might delude ourselves in thinking that God is reconciled. What happens though, when one is bedridden, awaiting death, and thinks an evil thought toward a reckless caregiver? What work will be done then to counter that sin? If only that person had faith in a merciful God instead of in self and religion. 

Prayer: Give me a thankful heart today, Lord, for all your blessings. Amen. 

Saints and Sinners, Volume 3: Encouragers of the Faith, is a seven-session Bible study on New Testament Characters by Dr. Dan Lioy, PhD. This study is the third in a series of Saints and Sinners from the New Testament who were used by God to begin to spread the Gospel among both Jews and Gentiles. May your study of God’s saints and sinners enrich your understanding of your life with Christ and encourage you in discipleship.

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Concerning Justification, part 25 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 24 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Psalm 130:1–8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Throughout the prophets and the psalms this worship, this latreia, is highly praised. Although the law does not teach the free forgiveness of sins, the Fathers knew the promise concerning the Messiah, that God would remit sins on account of the Christ. Therefore, since they understood that Christ would be the payment for our sins, they knew that our works are not a payment for so great a debt. Accordingly, they freely received mercy and forgiveness of sins by faith, just like the saints in the New Testament. Here belong those frequent repetitions about mercy and faith in the psalms and the prophets, such as, “If thou, O Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?” (Psa 130:3). Here David confesses his sins yet does not recount his merits. He adds, “But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.” (Psa 130:4) Here he comforts himself by trusting in God's mercy, and he cites the promise: “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope” (Psa 130:5). In other words, “I am sustained by this your promise because you have promised the forgiveness of sins.”

Pulling It Together: Even the saints of old understood the kind of worship that expected blessings from God. It may not have seemed like they understood anything but a quid pro quo religion. Yet the patriarchs and prophets did know about the coming Messiah and that he would take away the sins of the world. Isaiah 53:3-7 is a good example of this ancient knowledge. Though they made offerings as prescribed by the law, they knew that these offerings in themselves were insufficient payment for their sin debt. They understood that God's mercy was his motivation for his forgiveness of their sins. So we see that the saints in the Old Testament, like those in the New Testament, had faith in God's merciful forgiveness. They trusted in his promise because he gave his word.

Prayer: I praise you, O Lord, for although my sin is great, your mercy is far greater. Amen. 

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes a limited selection of music for use in worship, drawing primarily upon texts and music in the public domain, along with biblical texts set to familiar tunes. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations that have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Justification, part 24 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 23 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Romans 6:21–24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Therefore, when speaking about justifying faith, we must keep in mind that these three things concur: the promise, that it is free, and that the merits of Christ are the payment and propitiation. The promise is received by faith since the word "free" excludes our merits, signifying that the benefit is offered only through mercy. The merits of Christ are the payment since there must be a certain propitiation for our sins. Scripture frequently implores mercy, and the holy Fathers often say that we are saved by mercy. Therefore, whenever mercy is mentioned, we must bear in mind that faith is required to receive the promise of mercy. Also, whenever we speak of faith, we want an object to be understood, namely, the promised mercy. For faith justifies and saves, not on the ground that it is a worthy work in itself, but only because it receives the promised mercy.

Pulling It Together: Justifying faith, properly understood, includes these three things. First, that a promise has been made. God has promised to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9) in order to reconcile the world to himself through Christ (2 Cor 5:19). Second, that the promise is freely given. There is no condition attached to God's promise. We need do nothing and can do nothing to make his promise come to pass. Our works will not hasten the fulfillment of the promise. God freely forgives, cleanses, and reconciles to himself without any assistance from us. We do not forgive ourselves, nor do we help God forgive. We do not cleanse ourselves from unrighteousness, nor do we help God do so. We do not propitiate ourselves, and we do not assist God in reconciliation. He is not only quite capable of doing these things, he has promised to do so freely—without our merits. Third, these things are accomplished through Christ's merits. He has paid the price for our transgressions. Because the penalty for sin is death (Rom 6:23), Jesus Christ gave his own life on the cross in payment for our debt. We did not help him pay this debt in any way. Nor can we offer to pay after the tab has been settled. All we can do—or need do—is thankfully receive what has been freely offered and paid for through God's great mercy.

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for setting me free from sin and death, and for giving me your free gift of eternal life. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. 

SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations that have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Concerning Justification, part 23 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 22 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Click for a recording of today's Sola Devotion

Romans 4:15–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Faith does not merely acknowledge the history but assents to the promise. Paul plainly declares this when he says, “That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed” (Rom 4:16). For he understands that the promise cannot be received except by faith. This is why he places them together as things that belong to one another, connecting promise and faith. It is easy to determine what faith is if we consider this article in the Creed: “the forgiveness of sins.” So it is not enough to believe that Christ was born, suffered, and was raised again unless we also add the article that is the purpose of the story: “the forgiveness of sins.” To this article the rest must be related, namely, that because of Christ and not because of our merits, forgiveness of sins is given to us. Why was there a need for Christ to be offered for our sins if we could earn satisfaction for our sins through our own merits?

Pulling It Together: If a promise is made, faith—not work—is required. This is true in human relations and it is no less true in the relationship between the human and the divine. If I promise my children that we will go on vacation later in the year, they must hope with faith in me until it comes to pass. More to the point, if I promise that I love them and will not hold faults over their heads and use those mistakes against them in the future, even if they remember their mistakes, they must have faith that their father will keep his word. Indeed, they would never entertain such faith unless I had made that promise.

Just so, faith is required of us because God has made us a promise. He has pledged to forgive us all our sins because Christ satisfied the law's penalty for our trespasses. God has promised to forgive us our debts because his Son paid the price through the cross. Because he promised, faith is required; we must believe what he promised. Nor is it of any use to simply know the story of how God has accomplished this in Christ. We must have faith in his promise.

Imagine my children reminiscing after their father is in the grave. One child might say, “Remember that story about Dad promising to take us to the beach those summers? Do you know what I discovered? He and Mom really did go. I wish we had actually believed him so we could have gone too.” Then imagine the other child saying, “I wish we hadn't spent all of our summers working to earn money for vacations when we could have enjoyed the ones they wanted to give us.”

Prayer: I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes liturgies and services for your use. There are ready-to-copy settings for Holy Communion, services, services of the Word, Vespers, occasional services, funerals, and seasonal services. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations that have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning Justification, part 22 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 21 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Romans 12:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

And the difference between this faith and the righteousness of the law is easily discerned. Faith is the latreia that receives the benefits offered by God. The righteousness of the law is the latreia that offers to God our merits. By faith God wishes to be worshiped in this way: that we receive from him those things that he promises and offers.

Pulling It TogetherLatreia is the Greek word translated in the ESV as “divine service,” “divine worship,” “service of worship,” or “service” (Rom 9:4; 12:1; Heb 9:1, 6; John 16:2). It can also be translated simply as “worship.” Earthly righteousness or doing works of the law is a service that offers moral, civil, and religious deeds to God. We should certainly offer our whole selves to God (Rom 12:1). Yet, to imagine that this appeases God's wrath or earns justification and salvation is self-deception. Heavenly righteousness or faith does not offer anything to God but instead, receives merit from God because of Christ's offering on the cross. Having received God's mercy, forgiveness, justification, and sanctification, we ought to respond in obedience for his gifts. However, our obedience should never be construed as something that earns favor with God. Instead, because of the mercies of God that we receive through faith, we should be moved to offer our very selves—our entire lives—to God.

Prayer: Fill me with the power of your Spirit so that I may offer my whole self to you today. Amen. 

The Sola Online Worship Resource is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations that have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. 

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Concerning Justification, part 21 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 20 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Romans 5:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

What Is Justifying Grace?

The adversaries pretend that faith is only historical knowledge, and therefore teach that it can coexist with mortal sin. The result is that they say nothing about faith, by which Paul so frequently says that men are justified, since those who are accounted righteous before God do not live in mortal sin. But that faith which justifies is not merely a knowledge of history; it is an embrace of the promise of God, in which the forgiveness of sins and justification are freely offered because of Christ. Just so that no one may imagine that faith is simply knowledge, we will add further: it is to desire and to receive the offered promise of the forgiveness of sins and of justification.

Pulling It Together: Even the devils believe in Christ, if by belief we mean mere knowledge (James 2:19). Knowing stories about Jesus is not faith. Faith is a matter of the heart over the head. Faith trusts that God loves me even when I think that he cannot. Faith believes the promise of God even when I know I have failed to deserve his gift. Faith joyfully receives the grace of God, forgiveness, justification, and salvation because of Christ's merits, not because of my own deeds. My mind wonders if I have brought enough to merit these great gifts. Indeed, my mind knows that I have not done enough. But God's Spirit testifies to my heart that I am nonetheless his child (Rom 8:16), so my heart is comforted and remains confident, peaceful, and full of hope in the grace and glory of God.

Prayer: Come and reign over me and in me in spite of me, Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Winning, Losing, Loving: The Gospel in the Old Testament is an overview of Old Testament Scripture, tracing themes of chosenness, sin, and grace throughout the early books of the Bible. These cycles of sin and redemption point forward toward God's ultimate act of redemption in Jesus Christ.

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Concerning Justification, part 20 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 19 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Philippians 3:8–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Accordingly, this particular faith (by which a person believes that individual sins are forgiven because of Christ, and that on account of him, God is reconciled and propitious) obtains forgiveness of sins and justifies us. And because in repentance, that is in a terrified conscience, faith comforts and encourages hearts, regenerates us and brings the Holy Spirit so that then we are able to fulfill God's law—specifically, to love God, truly fear God, really be confident that God hears prayer, obey God in all afflictions, kill concupiscence, etc. So, because faith freely receives the forgiveness of sins and sets Christ as the mediator and propitiator against God's wrath, it does not present our merits or our love. This faith is the true knowledge of Christ, making use of the benefits of Christ; it regenerates hearts and precedes the fulfilling of the law. Not a syllable about this faith exists in the doctrine of our adversaries. Therefore we find fault with them, both because they teach only the righteousness of the law, and because they do not teach the righteousness of the gospel, which proclaims the righteousness of faith in Christ.

Pulling It Together: Ironically, so-called personal faith does not rely upon personal works but upon the person of Christ. It is solely because of him that God is reconciled and made favorable toward us. We are forgiven and made righteous because of Christ alone. We confess this to be true; we believe it is so, therefore we do not work to make it happen. Instead, we have faith that God in Christ has made it to be true. This same faith in Christ conveys his Spirit who compels us to believe all the more. He changes our natural inclinations so that we are enabled to keep the law of God—to pray to a Father whom we now believe genuinely loves us and cares for us, and to love and worship him more each day no matter what each day brings. This faith in Christ precedes good works because it is the true knowledge of him upon whom all righteousness and righteous deeds depend. 

Prayer: Help me depend more upon you than myself, Lord, and believe that your righteousness is at work within me. Amen. 

Teach Us to Pray is an eight-lesson curriculum based around Luther's Small Catechism.  Each lesson has a Bible study connected to the article of the Lord's Prayer covered. A section entitled "About Prayer"  teaches students helpful items about a solid prayer life and a prayer assignment for the coming week.  A major goal of this material is to help kids experience prayer and practice it in a variety of ways. This book could be used as part of a larger Confirmation series, or as a "pre-confirmation" Sunday School series for Jr. High and Middle School youth.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Justification, part 19 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 18 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

2 Corinthians 3:4–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Since justification happens through a free promise, it follows that we cannot justify ourselves. Otherwise, why would there be a need to promise? For since the promise cannot be received except by faith, the gospel—inherently the promise of the forgiveness of sins and of justification for Christ's sake—proclaims the righteousness of faith in Christ, which the law does not teach. Nor is this the righteousness of the law. For the law requires works and perfection from us. But for Christ's sake, the gospel freely offers reconciliation to we who have been defeated by sin and death. This reconciliation is received not by works, but by faith alone. Such faith does not bring confidence in one's own merits to God, but only trust in the promise, or the mercy promised in Christ.

Pulling It Together: How misleading—and even rude—it would be to invite people to a party and then demand that they serve the guests in order to stay. Imagine a boy asking a girl out on a date and then telling her that she had to pay for the movie in order to remain his friend. That is essentially the scene we paint of God when we add the requirement of works to justification and salvation. God is perfectly within his rights to demand anything of us. He might have required that we must perfectly recite the Athanasian Creed in order to get into heaven. He could have demanded perfect attendance at church. He could have made the performance of things obligatory as he did under the old covenant. Instead, he has given us a promise through a new covenant in Christ. This covenant only requires that we believe the promise, that we believe that it is God who makes us holy through the perfect, reconciling work of our Lord. It may be difficult to believe that we do not have to do anything to earn our salvation, but that is nonetheless, the one thing that is required. Believe.

Prayer: Lord, help me today to remember that you are my sufficiency and grace. Amen.

The kind of church we see in the New Testament is different from what most modern people imagine when they think of “going to church.” Experience Life Together: Experiencing House-Church Ministry, by Rev. Tom Hilpert, is a 15-week house-church curriculum designed for pastors, lay leaders, and churches interested in getting a taste for what church in the home is really like. Whether referred to as a house-church, organic church, alternative church, or cell church, this material applies well to any group that wants to experience Christian worship in the context of a small group meeting within the homes of the participants.

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Concerning Justification, part 18 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 17 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Romans 4:7–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Since people cannot fulfill the law of God by their own strength, and all are under sin, subject to eternal wrath and death, they cannot be freed by the law from sin and be justified. Yet the promise of the remission of sins and of justification has been given us for Christ's sake, who was given for us in order that he might make satisfaction for the sins of the world, having been appointed as mediator and propitiator. This promise is not dependent on our merits but freely offers the remission of sins and justification as Paul says, “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace” (Rom 11:6). And elsewhere, “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from law” (Rom 3:21). In other words, the remission of sins is freely given. Nor does reconciliation depend upon our merits. If the forgiveness of sins depended upon our merits, and reconciliation were from the law, it would be useless. Since we cannot fulfill the law, it would also follow that we would never obtain the promise of reconciliation. Thus Paul reasons, “If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void” (Rom 4:14). For if the promise required the condition of our merits and the law that we never fulfill, it would follow that the promise would be useless.

Pulling It Together: Circumcision was a seal or sign of Abraham's faith in God's promise. It was not a requirement for earning God's grace. Rather, it was a sign that Abraham believed what God promised. Even so, the promise of God's complete forgiveness is for those who believe his promise, not for those who have been circumcised or have in any other way become virtuous enough to receive God's gift. His priceless gift is freely given because of what his Son accomplished—not because of our achievements. First, we cannot achieve righteousness by keeping the law. It simply is not possible, as has been demonstrated earlier. Peter came to the same conclusion (Acts 15:10). Second, if God's grace is freely given, how is it that some say it must be earned, that people must somehow merit God's forgiveness? If one has to earn God's grace through works, then his grace is not grace at all. Furthermore, since we cannot even love God with our whole heart and soul and mind and strength (Mark 12:30), we cannot keep the law at all. For whoever thinks he has kept the law but has failed in even one part of it, is guilty of breaking all of the law (James 2:10). So if meriting God's favor is based on our works, one easily sees that a promise of grace is altogether useless, since no one would ever be the recipient of that promise.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving me your grace in spite of myself. Amen. 

Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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Concerning Justification, part 17 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 16 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Genesis 3:8–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Lastly, it was very foolish for our adversaries to write that men who are under eternal wrath deserve the remission of sins by an act of love that springs from their mind since it is impossible to love God, unless the forgiveness of sins is first received by faith. For the heart that truly feels that God is angry cannot love God unless God's reconciliation is confirmed. As long as he terrifies us and seems to be casting us into eternal death, human nature is not able to take such courage so as to love a wrathful, judging, and punishing God. It is easy for idle people to imagine fantasies concerning love—such as a person guilty of mortal sin being able to love God above all things—because they do not understand what the wrath or judgment of God is. But in the agony and conflicts of conscience, the conscience experiences the emptiness of such philosophical speculations. Paul says, “For the law brings wrath” (Rom 4:15). He does not say that by the law men earn the remission of sins. For the law always accuses and terrifies consciences. Therefore it does not justify, because the conscience terrified by the law flees from the judgment of God. Those who trust that by the law, by their own works, they merit the remission of sins, are therefore mistaken. It is sufficient for now for us to have said these things that the adversaries teach about the righteousness of reason or of the law. For after a while, when we will declare our belief concerning the righteousness of faith, the subject itself will compel us to cite more testimonies that will also be of service in overthrowing the errors of the adversaries that we have critiqued so far.

Pulling It Together: The law is always accusing us of wrongdoing. That is the law's job. Furthermore, we know that the law is right. In ourselves, we have no leg to stand on. The law has us dead to rights. Knowing that we have sinned against God, like Adam and Eve, we hide behind trees. God's response about our sin has made us fearful from the beginning. Adam and Eve were no longer interested in walking with God in the garden. Instead, their sin caused them to want to get as far away from him as possible. This law that drives us away from God will not suddenly draw us toward him. So, how can this law, the doing of things, somehow make us right with God when it is always telling us the exact opposite? It cannot. It does not, no matter how much we may wish it otherwise.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for covering my sin and helping me to walk with you again. Amen. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, Confirmation workbook which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Justification, part 16 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 15 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

1 Samuel 16:6–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

The flesh certainly does not love God if the carnal mind is belligerent toward him. If it cannot be subject to the law of God, it cannot love him. If the carnal mind is hostile toward God, the flesh sins, even when we do external civil works. If it cannot be subject to the law of God, it certainly sins even when, according to human judgment, it possesses deeds that are excellent and worthy of praise. The adversaries consider only the precepts of the Second Table which contain civil righteousness that reason understands. Content with this, they imagine that they satisfy the law of God. In the meanwhile, they do not see the First Table that commands that we love God, that we declare as true that God is angry with sin, that we truly fear God, and that we declare as certain that God hears prayer. But the human heart without the Holy Spirit either in security despises God's judgment, or in punishment flees from and hates God when he judges. So, it does not obey the First Table. Since contempt of God, and doubt concerning the Word of God, and about the threats and promises, are inherent to human nature, people truly sin even when they do virtuous works without the Holy Spirit because they do them with a wicked heart. According to Romans 14:23, “whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” Such persons perform their works with contempt of God, just as Epicurus does not believe that God cares for him, or that he is regarded or heard by God. This contempt corrupts works that are seemingly virtuous because God judges the heart.

Pulling It Together: God is concerned, though not primarily so, with the things that we do. The external matters such as are found in the second table of the law are there—in second place—for a reason. Keeping the Sabbath or the Lord's Day should not be your focus, as it is not God's primary interest in you. Honoring parents, murder, adultery, theft, lying, and coveting are all external matters that are of secondary importance. For if you keep the first table—that which is internal or of the heart—you will surely keep the second table, which is an external work. Since God looks at the heart, we ought to concern ourselves primarily with loving him with our whole self. Then the other commandments will be kept as well. This is why Jesus could say, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Though some people can keep the second table, they are still in sin if they do not keep the first. For only the person who has received God's grace by being filled with his Spirit is able to keep the first table. That person is absolved of sin for Christ's sake.

Prayer: Lord, help me love you with my whole self today. Amen. 

Full-Color Catechism Posters (Set of Seven)  These glossy full-color 11"x 17" posters feature the main texts from the six parts of Luther's Small Catechism and are designed for use in homes and churches to help children memorize these important and timeless words. Posters include: Holy Baptism, The Lord's Prayer, The Ten Commandments (standard), The Ten Commandments (simplified),The Apostles' Creed, Holy Communion, and Confession & Forgiveness. Each poster features a picture of "Luther's Small Cat" and matches the colors of the corresponding booklet from Sola's Luther's Small Cat Series.

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Concerning Justification, part 15 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 14 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index 

Isaiah 64:4–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Jesus said, “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). He also said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” So, if it is necessary to be born again of the Holy Spirit, the righteousness of reason cannot justify us before God and does not fulfill the law. Paul writes, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23); that is, they are destitute of the wisdom and righteousness of God that acknowledges and glorifies God. Paul also writes, “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, indeed it cannot; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Rom 8:7-8). These testimonies are so plain that, to employ the words of Augustine that he used in this case, they do not need a sharp mind, but only an attentive hearer.

Pulling It Together: The words of Jesus are enough. If it is Jesus who makes us free, how dare we try to make ourselves free through works of the law? So some say, “Yes, he sets you free but you must add works to remain free.” This is the righteousness of reason, the fleshly, earthly righteousness that satisfies some parts of the law but cannot keep it all. Yet, even if all of the law could be kept perfectly, as has been written earlier, without the grace of God, these civil and religious works would be filthy rags (Isa 64:6) and rubbish (Phil 3:8). Who then could imagine the following two things? First, who could imagine that there is a God who loves sinners so much that he would send his Son to set them free from their bondage to sin and death? Second, who would want to imagine that people could do a better job of liberation than God?

Prayer: Oh, Son of God, thank you for setting us free from this sin that we have been in for so long. Amen. 

Luther's Small Cat Discovers: The Seasons of the Church Year is written for 4th grade level students. This book takes students through the church year, accompanied by Luther’s Small Cat — a character who is just as inquisitive and precocious as the students. May your journey through the church year bring you closer to Christ, who walks through each moment of life alongside you.

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Concerning Justification, part 14 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 13 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0400

Index

Galatians 2:15–21

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

We have testimonies for our belief from the Fathers as well as the Scriptures. Augustine contends at great length against the Pelagians that grace is not given because of our merits. In On Nature and Grace he says, “If natural ability through the free will suffice both for learning to know how one ought to live and for living aright, then Christ has died in vain and then the offense of the Cross is made void. Why should I not cry out here too? Yes, I will cry out and with Christian grief will chide them: “You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace” (Gal 5:4; cf. 2:21). “For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law, that every one who has faith may be justified” (Rom 10:3-4).

Pulling It Together: Lutherans teach that Christians should do good works. However, they also confess that these works do not earn God's grace and save them from sin and death. Even if they were able to choose righteousness instead of sin as the Pelagians claim, and to do so perfectly and completely (which is ludicrous in and of itself) this would be altogether insufficient. Our good works, however fine they may seem to us, amount to nothing in the balance of justification and salvation. People are not justified by works of the law—either civil or religious. The only way a person is considered righteous by God—the only way—is through faith in Jesus Christ. If there is any other way to be justified, then Christ died for no reason. Lutherans, along with Scripture and the Church Fathers, confess that Christ is the end and fulfillment of the law with its required acts of righteousness, so that those who believe in Christ, or have faith, may be numbered by God among the righteous. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me a complete confidence in your Son so that I never rely upon myself. Amen. 

Luther's Small Cat Series from Sola Publishing is a graded elementary-aged Sunday School curriculum based on the sections of the Small Catechism, with each lesson focusing on an applicable story from the Bible. This easy-to-use workbook-style curriculum, allows kids to have a keepsake of the memory piece they master for the year.

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Concerning Justification, part 13 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 12 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0500

• Index

1 Timothy 1:12–15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

It is also both false and dishonoring of Christ to teach that men do not sin who do the commandments of God without grace.

Pulling It Together

An external religion does not earn the grace of God. Therefore, anyone merely keeping appearances, even if they strive to keep the commandments, is still in sin. Such people, as fine and decent as they may be, are trusting their own efforts. Anyone can keep some of the law some of the time, particularly the so-called second table of the law. But without the Holy Spirit and grace in our hearts, we will never keep the first table. We will never love God with our whole hearts unless we have faith through God's grace. Furthermore, when the Spirit of grace is within us, we then come to understand that we cannot keep the law nearly so perfectly as we once imagined. We understand what poor sinners we really are and that it is impossible to be saved without faith in the merits of Christ. Augustine wrote plainly of this matter in Of the Spirit and the Letter: “Man is not justified by the precepts of a good life, but by faith in Jesus Christ.” That person greatly dishonors the Lord who thinks he makes himself sinless and holy when “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim 1:15).

Prayer: Increase my faith, Lord, and save me from myself. Amen. 

Why Did Jesus Have to Die? is a six-week Bible Study that examines the most profound event of salvation history — the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ — exploring from a biblical perspective what is known as the doctrine of the Atonement.

Participant's Book    • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Justification, part 12 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 11 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0500

• Index

Jeremiah 17:5–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

It is also false that reason, by its own strength, is able to love God above all things and fulfill God's law. It cannot truly fear God, be truly confident that God hears prayer, be willing to obey God in death and other trials, or to not covet what belongs to others, etc. However, reason can produce civil works.

Pulling It Together: The first use of the law is social in nature, for it creates boundaries and consequences for those who do wrong. This is as far as reason or earthly righteousness goes. By itself, it can never create true love for God. It can create in a person the observance of religious duties that are often confused with true love of God. For example, the righteousness of reason can make a person mumble the Lord's Prayer without ever actually expecting a loving Father to be actively listening and desiring to answer that person's other prayers during the course of a day. Earthly righteousness might cause a person to take their children to church—because it is “the right thing to do.” But when tragedy or trial comes their way, does reason alone sustain them? As often as not, people will then turn away from the church to some other activity.

God's grace is required in order to really love him and keep his law. This is always the case but it is obvious when life gets difficult. If a person has been depending on their own external works of righteousness, their religion will begin to suffer under stress. When people rely upon their own strength, they will turn away from the Lord. But the person of faith will continue to place their confidence in God. When their own social and religious activities do not bring about anticipated results and life becomes difficult, the person of faith still loves God and walks in his ways.

Prayer: Thank you, Holy Spirit, for sustaining me with your grace. Amen. 

Family Matters is a nine-session Bible study that focuses on the first generations of God's people—Abraham and his descendants. It looks at how God's covenant promise sustained them as they navigated family relationships.

Leader's Guide

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Article 4: Concerning Justification, part 11 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 10 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0500

• Index

Psalm 51:1–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

It is also false that people are accounted righteous before God because of the righteousness of reason.

Pulling It Together: Just as people are not forgiven of their sins because of civil deeds and religious works, these works also will never make them righteous before the holy God. Their works and their external piety, no matter how fine, will never make them holy on the inside. This is why David asked God to do it; David could not. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me” (Psa 51:10). God must do for us what we can never do for ourselves. Only the holy God can make us clean, pure, holy, righteous. We will never stand before God, or be righteous, unless he does it for us. This certainly makes the admonition of Jesus more bearable: “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:20). For all of our effort to keep the commandments and the Sermon on the Mount, we will only discover that we cannot. We may come close or match their external righteousness, but the only way our righteousness will exceed that of the religious crowd is if God makes us righteous within. The righteousness of reason (external, earthly righteousness) will not change us on the inside and therefore, make us righteous before God (Matt 23:27). God does this for us “through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe” (Rom 3:22).

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, the salvation of the world. Amen. 

Come, Worship the Lord (Sola Music Series, Vol I) The Sola Music Series offers simple collections of easy-to-play worship music, including new songs and arrangements of old favorites. Based in a confessional theology and a respect for the historical and sacramental liturgy, these resources do not require a high level of musical expertise. Written in a simple and straight-forward style, these songs are intended for congregations that would like to explore a less formal musical style in worship, while still maintaining the integrity of the traditional order of worship. Such music would fit into what is sometimes referred to as "contemporary" or "blended" worship, without necessarily requiring a full band of experienced musicians and singers to lead the songs. Providing lead sheets for guitar and vocals, along with full scores for piano, Sola Publishing grants to those who purchase this volume the permission to reproduce words and music of the songs within for local congregational use. This book includes music from "The Holy Cross Setting" available with a SOWeR subscription.

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Concerning Justification, part 10 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 09 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0500

• Index

1 John 1:8–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

So it is false that we earn forgiveness of sins by our works.

Pulling It Together: There is an earthly righteousness that comes from human work and ability. Keeping the commandments, being a good citizen, exercising control over what is said, and minding one's own affairs with diligence and humility are examples of this kind of righteousness. The world would be a far better place if we all worked diligently at this earthly righteousness. Yet keeping the commandments, however perfectly, does not earn one anything but a fuller enjoyment of life (Lev 18:5). Applying the commandments to every part of life will only make for a blessed life here on earth. Earthly righteousness will never earn or merit the forgiveness of sins. Fine and decent people remain troubled about their standing before God because they know in their hearts that they are sinners. Even if they smiled at everyone and had a polite greeting, they know that they thought poorly of some. Even if they gave regularly to the local food pantry, they know that there was always more they could have done. And this is just the point. How can we ever know if we have done enough good?

So, we try to be more religious, hoping that the nagging accusations in our consciences will go away. We pile on more works, only now they are religious acts. These too, like other earthly kinds of righteousness, are fine and add to the enjoyment of life. But they will not earn the forgiveness of sins. The person who has 40 years of perfect attendance at Sunday School and worship, is still condemned by the sins he has committed. He will find no forgiveness of sins through his perfect attendance, even if he has a certificate and lapel pin to display for his lifetime effort. Imagine someone actually saying to God, “But, Lord! Lord! I have a shiny pin so I should enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 7:21-23).

There is, however, another kind of righteousness. It is not an earthly righteousness. This righteousness is heavenly and full of grace and forgiveness. It does not come from our hard work or the keeping of the commandments. Heavenly righteousness is the free gift and work of God. So, you should understand by now that even if you have an external, earthly righteousness, you must also have a righteousness that is higher and internal. Only the righteousness that is given by the work of God in Christ will free you from sin and an evil, accusing, nagging conscience. Only the righteousness of Christ graciously given to you will allow you peace of mind and lead you out of death into eternal life.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the sweet peace and fellowship of your Spirit that I enjoy because of your grace. Amen. 

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Justification, part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 08 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0500

Galatians 3:23–26 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

God requires the righteousness of reason. Because of his commandment, the honorable works that the Decalog commands must necessarily be performed. According to Galatians 3:24: “So that the law was our custodian.” Likewise, “The law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient” (1Tim 1:9). For God wants those who are carnal to be restrained by civil discipline, and to maintain this, he has given laws, letters, doctrine, magistrates, penalties. This righteousness of reason, by its own strength, can work to a certain extent, although it is often overcome by natural weakness and by the devil goading it to obvious crimes. We cheerfully assign this righteousness of reason the praises that are due it (since this corrupt nature has no greater good). Aristotle rightly says, “Neither the evening star nor the morning star is more beautiful than righteousness, and God also honors it with bodily rewards.” Nevertheless, it ought not to be praised with reproach to Christ.

Pulling It Together: The law is a good thing. It teaches us how to interact with God and with each other. The law also provides necessary restraint on the uncivil elements of society so that good order may be maintained. This works—up to a point. We understand that more laws, attorneys, judges, and punishments do not make a better society. Better citizens make a better society. The law keeps us in check until something better comes along. Knowing that we have a system of law in place would never cause us to disparage public education and other programs for the improvement of the citizenry. We would hope education has an effect and the law is not necessary. We would anticipate that some, at least, would become good citizens upon whom the law was never enforced because they saw the good reason of keeping the law.

In Christ Jesus, something far better than a program of education has arrived. Before faith in Christ came, the law instructed us, but we are no longer under the law's tutelage. That kind of righteousness has been fulfilled in Christ, who through faith has made us good citizens of his kingdom.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for bringing me into the family and kingdom of your Son. Amen. 

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power.” (1 Corinthians 6:14)

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Concerning Justification, part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 07 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0500

Matthew 7:25–27 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Therefore, the adversaries teach nothing but the righteousness of reason, or certainly of the law. Just like the Jews, they look upon the veiled face of Moses. As secure hypocrites who think that they satisfy the law, they excite presumption and empty confidence in works and have contempt for the grace of Christ. They drive timid consciences to despair, which while laboring with doubt can never experience what faith is, and how efficacious it is. Ultimately, they utterly despair.

Pulling It Together: The foolish person builds a house on sand. This should make me wonder about that beach house I have always wanted. Trying to live by the law is like owning a beach house. It sure looks pretty some days. The rest of the time it is a lot of work and is prone to being washed away in the next storm.

The wise person builds on the rock—or, if you will, the Rock (1Cor 10:4). She lives a life of faith in Jesus Christ. Believing in Jesus is the only sure foundation for life. Though the storms will come, the house of faith in Christ will not be washed away. The winds will blow and beat against that house, yet it will not fall, because Christ is its secure foundation.

So long as one tries to be Christian by doing things, her life will be knocked down in the end. How can she be confident in the things she does? “Surely,” she thinks, “I have failed to do enough to make God happy with my life.” But the one who is a Christian by virtue of the work Christ has done for her can be confident until the end. Whenever she wonders if she has done enough or been good enough, she thinks, “Of course, I haven't done enough or been good enough. Thank God that Christ has done it for me!” His grace is beyond sufficient (2 Cor 12:9). It is a rock to build a life upon.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for being my rock and sure foundation. Amen.

Ambidextrous Christianity is a nine-session Bible study that considers key questions of faith and life, letting our Lord direct us on the narrow path of faith. In studying God's Word with other believers, we seek to grow in our ability to move forward in our journey together, no matter what the road may before us.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Justification, part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 06 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0500

Titus 3:4–7   

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

So as not to appear to agree with the Pelagians, they make a distinction between due merit (meritum congrui) and complete merit (meritum condigni). For, if God necessarily gives grace for due merit, it is no longer due merit, but a true duty and complete merit. They do not understand what they are saying. Once this habit of love is present, they imagine that people are able to acquire merit (de condigno). Yet they tell us to doubt whether there is even a habit present. How then, do they know whether they acquire merit partially (de congruo) or fully (de condigno)? This whole matter was fabricated by idle men who did not know how the forgiveness of sins occurs or how, in the judgment of God and through terrors of conscience, trust in works is driven out of us. Secure hypocrites always judge that they fully acquire merit (de condigno), whether the habit is present or not, because men naturally trust in their own righteousness. But terrified consciences waver and hesitate. Then they seek and accumulate other works in order to find peace. Such consciences never think that they acquire enough merit (de condigno), and they rush into despair unless they hear, in addition to the doctrine of the law, the gospel about unmerited forgiveness of sins and the righteousness of faith.

Pulling It Together: Where do these ideas come from, except from the minds of those who have turned from the clear teaching of Scripture to their own speculations? Why would one wonder whether they had fully earned God's grace? If it must be earned, is it grace? Wondering about such things is an indication that one does not understand the ways of God at all. It is not necessary to navigate the fine line between heresies such as Pelgianism (that there is no original sin and therefore one is able to be good) and conjectures about preceding (or provenient) habits of grace. Lutherans teach that one is not saved through either half or full measures of merit that are calculated on religious and self-righteous works. Rather, we are altogether saved—not partially but completely—by God's doing, not ours. He did so because of his mercy, not because one has developed a habit that deserves God's further grace. He saved us through the regeneration and renewal of his Spirit who is poured out on us so richly through Christ that we need not wonder if we have enough grace. Grace is not accumulated by the person but extravagantly gifted by God. Of course there is meritum condigni. How could there be anything but complete merit since it is God who gives it so freely? How could there be anything but meritum congrui or partial grace if one were trying to earn God's favor? In that case, just to be clear, there would only be worthless religion (Matt 7:21-23) and no grace at all—since it cannot be earned. 

Prayer: Thank you, God, for saving me so completely. Amen. 

Lord, Teach Us to Pray is a eight-session curriculum on prayer intended for youth. Based on the themes of the Lord’s Prayer, it uses a Bible Study format, with each lesson including multiple Scripture texts along with the related section of Luther’s Small Catechism. A section entitled “About Prayer” teaches students helpful items about a solid prayer life and a prayer assignment for the coming week. A major goal of this material is to help kids experience prayer, and practice it in a variety of ways.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Justification, part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 05 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0500

Psalm 139:23–24 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

So as not to pass by Christ altogether, the adversaries require a knowledge of the history of Christ, and attribute him with giving us, as they say, prima gratia, "first grace," which they understand as a habit that disposes us to more readily love God. Yet what they ascribe to this habit is of little importance because they imagine that the acts of the will are of the same kind before and after this habit. They imagine that the will can love God but that this habit stimulates it to do so more cheerfully. They ask us to first merit this habit by preceding merits; then they tell us to earn an increase of this habit and eternal life through works of the law. Hence they bury Christ, so that men do not use Christ as as a mediator and believe that because of him they freely receive remission of sins and reconciliation. Rather, they dream that by their own fulfillment of the law they merit the remission of sins and are accounted righteous before God. Nevertheless, the law is never satisfied, since reason does nothing except certain civilized acts, while neither fearing God, nor truly believing that he cares. Although they speak of this habit, without the righteousness of faith, people cannot love God or even understood what the love of God is.

Pulling It Together: The Reformers were answering challenges from a church that really believed it was their own works that earned them eternal life. Take that in for a moment. It is a little difficult to conceive of today, as we have benefited for five centuries from the Lutheran Confessions. But in the early sixteenth century, the church believed that knowing the story of Jesus was only the beginning of the Christian religion. Somehow, knowing about him gave one the disposition to please God. This adjustment of human nature, it was taught, would allow people to perform increasing acts of piety and devotion that would earn them favor, forgiveness, and righteousness with God. In the meanwhile, they do not avail themselves of Christ's merits, for he was only the beginning of religion. They have become the next step in their supposed salvation. All of this happens, they imagine, by virtue of their own religious works. All the while, they fail to keep the first commandment. For without the righteousness given by God through faith, people will never love him with their whole heart. Evidence of this is the anxiety they will feel the next time they sin. “What do I need to do to fix my sin?” they will worry, not knowing that their sin has already been fixed — and not by any work of their own. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for knowing me and leading me in the everlasting way. Amen. 

Speaking for Christ is a Bible study on evangelism and what it means to share the message of Jesus in our everyday life. It approaches the subject by focusing on how God uses us to be his ambassadors and drives to the heart of the reason Jesus came into the world, to reconcile the world to himself through the proclamation of repentance and forgiveness of sins.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Justification, part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 04 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0500

Galatians 6:14–16 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

In this opinion, there are many great and pernicious errors that would be tedious to enumerate. Let the discreet reader consider only this: If this is Christian righteousness, what difference is there between philosophy and the doctrine of Christ? If we earn the remission of sins by these deceitful acts, of what benefit is Christ? If we can be justified by reason and the works of reason, of what need is Christ or regeneration? These opinions have caused the matter to come the point that many ridicule us because we teach that something other than philosophic righteousness must be sought. We have heard that some have set aside the gospel, and instead of a sermon, explain the ethics of Aristotle. Indeed, such men did not err if those things that the adversaries defend are true. For Aristotle wrote so learnedly about civil morals that nothing further concerning this is necessary. We see books in which certain sayings of Christ are compared with the sayings of Socrates, Zeno, and others, as though Christ had come for the purpose of delivering certain laws through which we might merit the remission of sins, as though we did not receive this freely because of his merits. Therefore, if we receive the doctrine of the adversaries—that by works of reason we earn remission of sins and justification—there will be no difference between philosophic—or certainly pharisaic—and Christian righteousness.

Pulling It Together: Do not suppose that Melancthon will not list some other errors as he develops this Article. By saying, "consider only this," he causes us to clearly see the main error that the Lutherans' opponents make. Their error was equating human philosophy with the work of God in Christ. If Christianity is simply another philosophy, then Christ and the cross offer no distinctive benefit to sinners. If one may earn a righteous standing before God through reason and philosophy, then why did God need to send his Son? If we may be justified with God by earning grace through reason then why do we hear that God gives grace freely? The error of the opponents reduces Christianity to pharisaism—one that makes a new law to keep, a law of reason and philosophy. But the Lutheran boast is in Christ and his cross alone, foolishness to the world but the very wisdom of God.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me trust in your work on the cross instead of my works and reason. Amen. 

The Word of Life Series is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ, to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Unit 1   • Unit 2   • Unit 3

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Concerning Justification, part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 03 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0500

1 Corinthians 3:18–23 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Here, having followed the philosophers, the scholastics teach only a righteousness of reason, namely civil works, and furthermore, concoct that reason without the Holy Spirit is able to love God above all things. So long as the human mind is at ease and does not feel the wrath or judgment of God, it can imagine that it wants to love God and that it wishes to do good for God's sake. In this manner, the scholastics teach that people merit the remission of sins by doing what is in them, that is, when reason grieves over sin, elicits an act of love to God, or wishes to do good. Since this opinion flatters people, it has produced and multiplied many services in the Church like monastic vows and abuses of the mass. With this opinion, in the course of time, one act of worship or observance and another has been devised. In order that they might nourish and increase confidence in such works, they have affirmed that God necessarily gives grace to those doing these works, not by the necessity of constraint but of immutability.

Pulling It Together

The whole problem of the scholastics, as it is with the world's philosophers, is that they believed that people are capable of being good. As a result, people who think this way, lull themselves into a state of calm, imagining that everything will be fine so long as they are good enough or religious enough or somehow balance the books against their debt of sin. But people are not good. Yes, it pains us to hear it but it is helpful to know it or to be reminded. Luther teaches that God “does not regard or consider anything in us as good. And in this way we are already good as long as we recognize nothing as good except God’s good and our own good as evil, for he who is wise in this way with God is truly a wise and good man. For he knows that nothing is good outside of God and that in God everything is good. As Christ says: 'The kingdom of God is within you' (Luke 17:21). It is as if He were saying: 'Outside of you is exile. Outside of you is everything which is seen and touched, but within you is everything which is believed only by faith'” (Luther's Works, Vol. 25, p. 383). Do you see that it is only God at work within you that brings about any real good in your life? And if it is God who is doing it, it is not you who does these good works, but instead the Spirit who is at work within you. How then would we imagine that we must do good works before God would offer us his grace? If there is anything immutable about God, it is that he offers his grace freely to all (Titus 2:11).

Prayer: Holy Spirit, work in me your will today. Amen. 

The goal of Personalities of Faith, a ten-session Bible study for youth, is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith". Using biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

Volume 1  • Volume 1 Leader's Guide  • Volume 2  • Volume 2 Leader's Guide

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Concerning Justification, part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 02 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0500

Mark 12:28–31 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

Of these two parts, the adversaries choose the law because human reason naturally understands the law in some way (since it has the same judgment divinely written in the mind). They seek the remission of sins and justification through the law. But the Decalogue requires not only outward civil works that reason can to some degree produce; it also requires other works that are placed far above reason, namely, to truly fear God, to truly love God, to truly call upon God, to be truly convinced that God hears us, and to expect his aid in death and in all afflictions. Finally, it requires obedience to God in death and all afflictions so that we may not flee from these or refuse them when God imposes them.

Pulling It Together: Some things come to us naturally. For example, we can look at the beauty and complexity of nature and understand that there must be a creator. Yet, we do not instinctively know who the creator is, let alone begin to truly and completely love God (Deut 6:5; Mark 12:30). When we learn who God is, we quickly discover that we cannot keep his law. Yet there are some who insist that people can somehow work off the fine that has been levied for their sins (Rom 6:23). Those who opposed the Reformers believed that human effort could appease the wrath of God. To be fair, there are some things the law requires that we are completely capable of fulfilling (James 2:10). However, we cannot pick and choose the ceremonies and other requirements of the law that we determine are necessary; we are obligated to keep the entire law (Gal 5:3). If one is to depend upon the law, the whole law must be kept (James 2:10). Yet we must admit that even the first commandment eludes us—since we have other idols and do not love God with our whole heart and mind and strength. Nor do we trust him. A solid proof of this assertion is our seeking to satisfy his righteous law by our own works, instead of depending upon God.

Prayer: Blessed are you, Father, for quieting the unrest of my soul and setting my spirit free. Amen.

A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, presented in a question and discussion format. The Leader's Guide that accompanies this study is a resource for those facilitating group discussion or may serve as a reader's commentary for those who are studying the Book of Concord on their own.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Justification, part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 01 Mar 23 00:00:00 -0500

Galatians 3:21–23 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification 

All Scripture ought to be divided into these two main topics: the law and the promises. In some places Scriptures present the Law, while in others the promise concerning Christ, either when it promises that Christ will come and for his sake offers the remission of sins, justification, and eternal life, or in the gospel, after he appeared, Christ himself promises the remission of sins, justification, and eternal life. Furthermore, in this discussion, by “law” we designate the Ten Commandments, wherever they are found in the Scriptures. At present, we will not say anything about the ceremonial and judicial laws of Moses.

Pulling It Together: The defense of the doctrine of justification begins with a definition of terms. The revelation of God is understood easily by seeing it in its simplest functions. The Old Testament presents God's commandments. Further refining the definitions, the present discourse will be dealing with the law in terms of the root of all scriptural law: the ten commandments. The New Testament, on the other hand, though it does deal with law just as the Old Testament shows God's grace, more generally handles God's promises or grace that answers the law. Without acknowledging these definitions, it is unlikely that one will readily understand that people are imprisoned under the law of God and liberated by the grace of Christ. Grace, faith, and justification must always be considered in contrast to the law and the commandments.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for setting me free from sin and death. Amen. 

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Justification, part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 28 Feb 23 00:00:00 -0500

Romans 5:1–2 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Justification

In the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and, below, in the Twentieth Article, they condemn us, for teaching that people obtain remission of sins freely for Christ's sake, through faith in Christ, instead of by their own merits. They condemn us both for denying that people obtain remission of sins because of their own merits, and for affirming that through faith, men obtain remission of sins, and through faith in Christ are justified. This controversy addresses the chief topic of Christian doctrine which, rightly understood, illumines and magnifies the honor of Christ and brings necessary and abundant consolation to devout consciences. So we ask His Imperial Majesty to hear us with forbearance in regard to matters of such importance. For since the adversaries do not understand what remission of sins, faith, grace, or righteousness are, they woefully corrupt this topic and obscure the glory and benefits of Christ, robbing devout consciences of the consolations offered in Christ. Yet, that we may strengthen the position of our Confession and remove the charges which the adversaries raise against us, certain things must be set forth in the beginning so that the sources of both kinds of doctrine—that of our adversaries and our own—may be known.

Pulling It Together: We begin to handle a long Article with this reading, much longer than Article 2, “Concerning Original Sin.” This is the foremost of the chief articles for the Lutherans. Justification touches every other article and doctrine in the Augsburg Confession and its Defense. This could be seen in the conclusion of Article 3, Concerning Christ. Although it was noted that there was no disagreement between the Lutherans and their opponents on the doctrine of the dual nature of Christ, there was a note of what was to come in the following, lengthy Article. For it is not enough that one understands that Christ is both human and divine; one must also comprehend the benefits of his two-fold nature. One of those benefits is justification. Because Christ was qualified and just to offer a sacrifice for humanity, people may now be declared innocent of their sins, or justified with God. This happens through faith, not by a system of religious actions. As a result, “we have peace with God.” This peace of mind occurs because one never has to worry if the right thing has been done to appease God's wrath. Christ satisfied God's righteous requirement—a thing that no one else could ever do no matter how much effort is expended (Acts 15:10).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the peace that comes through your righteousness. Amen. 

Reading and Discussion of Luther's Catechisms is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, presented in a question and discussion format. 

Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Christ http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 27 Feb 23 00:00:00 -0500

John 20:24–28 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Christ

Our adversaries approve of the Third Article, in which we confess that there are two natures in Christ, that the Word assumed a human nature into the unity of his person; and that this same Christ suffered and died to reconcile the Father to us; and that he was raised again to reign, and to justify and sanctify believers, and so forth, as stated in the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed.

Pulling It Together: Even a doubter like Thomas understood that Jesus is both God and man. Jesus Christ is God incarnate, or in the flesh. Thomas said that he would not believe Jesus was raised from the dead unless he saw him in the flesh. Knowing he had been crucified, had died, and was buried, Thomas said he would never believe unless he verified it was the same man by seeing the nail marks in his hands and by placing his hand in the spear wound in Jesus' side. Eight days later, Jesus gave Thomas the opportunity to touch his wounds. It is not clear whether Thomas actually touched Jesus' hands and side but we know Thomas' response was, “My Lord and my God!” The resurrected body of Christ caused the famous doubter to believe in divine flesh. Those who opposed the Lutherans also believed in the dual nature of Christ. There was no disagreement between the scholastics in the church and the Reformers concerning this article. However, there was much difference on the further matters of justification and sanctification through Christ. These matters are defended in the next Article.

Prayer: Help me believe, Lord, what is written of you in the volume of the book. Amen. 

Who is Jesus? An Introductory Bible Study

It is only in God’s Word that we find what God has to say about himself, and what he has chosen to reveal to us in Jesus Christ. This five-session study, written by the Rev. Roy Beutel, is meant to serve as an introduction to what the Bible says about Jesus Christ — who he is and what it means to trust in him as Savior and Lord. The study would work well for introducing people to Bible Study, for those new to the Christian faith, or for those who want a refresher on the basics of our faith in Christ.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Concerning Original Sin – part 17 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 26 Feb 23 00:00:00 -0500

1 Peter 3:14–16 

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Original Sin 

We think that this will satisfy His Imperial Majesty concerning the puerile and trivial sophistry used by our adversaries to pervert this article. For we know that we rightly believe and are in concord with Christ's catholic church. If the adversaries will renew this controversy, there will be no lack among us of those who will reply, defending the truth. For on this subject there are a great many times when our adversaries do not understand what they say. They often contradict themselves and do not explain correctly and logically that which is essential to original sin, or what they call defects. At this point, we have been disinclined to analyze their arguments with overly much refinement. Instead, we thought it worthwhile only to note with conventional and familiar words the belief of the holy Fathers, which we also follow.

Pulling It Together: Melancthon cut to the heart of the issue in this closing paragraph of his article defending the doctrine of original sin. The issue was truth. The Lutherans were convinced that they correctly believed. They had good reasons to believe this since both Scripture and the Church Fathers supported their position. With this in mind, Melancthon made it clear that there would be many who would defend the truth of what original sin is, if their opponents pressed the issue. This was an important matter of faith, needing a fearless defense. For if people do not understand their depraved and damnable nature how will they understand the hope that God offers in Christ? They must first become aware of human unrighteousness, that all fall short of God's glory (Rom 3:23). Furthermore, they must know that no one will be justified by doing works of the law (Rom 3:20; Psa 14:1; Eccles 7:20). Only then, may the righteousness of God be given through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 3:22). This is foundational. It is no wonder that the Lutherans defended the doctrine of original sin at length.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for ascribing your perfect righteousness to me, an undeserving sinner from my birth. Amen. 

David: Hero of God is a five-session VBS program that features one of the most famous people in Scripture. The Books of 1 and 2 Samuel tell the story of a young Israelite shepherd named David, who was chosen by God to be king. The biblical story shows how God can work through an ordinary person to do great things, illustrating the themes of faith, courage, compassion, and leadership. 

Sola’s Versatile Budget Series is a simple and flexible educational Vacation Bible School curriculum designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations. The flexible format works well for groups with limited budgets, or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. Unlike more elaborate and expensive VBS kits, this book is meant to serve as an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains can be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

More from the Versatile Budget Series

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Concerning Original Sin – part 16 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 25 Feb 23 00:00:00 -0500

Genesis 3:14–19  

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Original Sin 

The scholastics rationalize both sin and punishment when they teach that people can fulfill the commandments of God by their own strength. Yet in Genesis, the punishment that is imposed because of original sin is described otherwise. Human nature is subjected there, not only to death and other physical problems, but also to the kingdom of the devil. It is there that this fearful sentence is proclaimed: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed” (Gen 3:15). The defects and the concupiscence are both punishment and sin. In a correct understanding, death and other physical maladies, and the dominion of the devil are punishments. For human nature has been enslaved and held captive by the devil, who provokes it with evil opinions and errors, and instigates all manner of sins. Just as the devil cannot be conquered except by the aid of Christ, we cannot free ourselves from that slavery by our own strength. Even the history of the world shows the great power of the devil's kingdom. The world is full of blasphemies against God and of unrighteous teaching, and the devil keeps tethered in these bonds those who are wise and righteous in the sight of the world. In other persons, grosser vices manifest themselves. But since Christ was given to us to remove both these sins and punishments, and to destroy the kingdom of the devil, sin, and death, the benefits of Christ cannot be recognized unless we understand our evil. For this reason, our preachers have diligently taught about these subjects, having delivered nothing novel. Instead, they have set forth Holy Scripture and the judgments of the holy Fathers.

Pulling It Together: Sin is a far more serious problem than most people realize or want to admit. In our day (at least in much of European and American societies), many people seem to think that if they ignore sin or call it something other than evil that it will go away. With such rationalizations, they imagine that there will also be no consequence for their thoughts and actions. This is largely a cultural issue. In ever-increasing ways, it is culture that informs us about what is wrong. Whereas this misinformation has certainly bled over into today's church, the problem at the time of the Reformation was more obviously religious. There were two problems regarding sin that the Reformers addressed. One, as already mentioned, the church no longer regarded sinful nature, the defects and inclination toward evil, as sin. Two, the church taught that both these inclinations and the things that they did admit to be sin could be countered by their own actions.

The teaching of Scripture however, even in its opening chapters, shows that because of the original sin of Adam's and Eve's disobedience, humanity is enslaved to sin, death, and the dominion of Satan. There is nothing people can do to free themselves from these consequences of human nature. The Lutherans confessed that only Christ can set us free from the bonds of sin, death, and the devil. Furthermore, they insisted that Christ's benefits could not be comprehended without a proper understanding of human depravity. There was nothing new or different in their doctrines, for these were the instructions of both the Bible and the Church Fathers.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for delivering me from this bondage to sin and death. Amen. 

The biblical focus in this five-session VBS series, Rebekah & Her Family, comes from the Book of Genesis. God's hand is seen at work throughout the story — from Rebekah’s being chosen as a bride for Isaac, through the birth and lives of their twin sons, Esau and Jacob.  The story illustrates how God remains faithful to his promise, despite our sin, and that God's power can actually change our lives!

Sola’s Versatile Budget Series is a simple and flexible educational Vacation Bible School curriculum designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations. The flexible format works well for groups with limited budgets, or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. Unlike more elaborate and expensive VBS kits, this book is meant to serve as an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains can be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

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Concerning Original Sin – part 15 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 24 Feb 23 00:00:00 -0500

Colossians 3:5–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Original Sin 

But if the adversaries will contend that the fomes is an adiaphoron, not only many passages of Scripture but the entire Church will contradict them. Even though perfect agreement may not be reached, who ever dared to say that these matters were adiaphora, namely: to doubt God's wrath, God's grace, or God's Word, to be angry at the judgments of God, to be provoked because God does not immediately deliver one from afflictions, to murmur because the wicked enjoy a better fortune than the upright, to be urged on by wrath, lust, the desire for glory, wealth, and so forth? And yet godly men, as appear in the Psalms and the prophets, acknowledge these things in themselves. But in the schools they have borrowed notions from philosophy, that natural passions make us neither good nor evil, neither deserving of praise nor blame. They postulate that nothing is sin unless it is voluntary. These notions were expressed among philosophers with respect to civil righteousness, but not with respect to God's judgment. With no discretion they add the opinion that human nature is not evil. In its proper place we do not disagree with this but it is not right to twist it into an excuse of original sin. Nevertheless, these notions are read in the works of scholastics, who inappropriately mingle philosophy and social ethics with the gospel. Nor were these matters only disputed in the schools, but as usually occurs, were carried from the schools to the people. And these persuasions prevailed and suppressed the knowledge of Christ's grace by nourishing confidence in human strength. This is why Luther, wishing to declare the magnitude of original sin and of human infirmity, taught that these remnants of original sin in human nature are not in their substance adiaphora, but that they require the grace of Christ so that they will not be imputed against us, and, likewise, the Holy Spirit for their mortification.

Pulling It Together: As we have seen, part of the confutation or refutation of the Augsburg Confession was a disagreement with the Lutherans about what has been called, up until now, concupiscence. Today, Melancthon names it with the Latin word, fomes. This is just another way to say evil inclination. The Lutherans contended that this inclination is itself part of our nature. Furthermore, they insisted that this was not a matter of indifference, or adiaphoron. Not only do the Scriptures teach otherwise, so do the Church Fathers. Even if people do not act upon these fomes or lusts, even the inclination and desire being present both indicates and is a sinful nature. A sinful nature is not holy or righteous. It is sinful, no matter how we try to whitewash the tomb of this body of flesh (Rom 7:24). We sense the evils that are just under the skin, such as valuing money and all other securities more highly than God, so that trusting this fleshly security, we imagine that God's wrath against sin is not as serious as it truly is. We come to the point where we no longer call sin what it is: sin. And in doing so, we imagine we have beguiled God with our nonsensical notions, when we have only fooled ourselves.

If the people believe, as they were being (and still are being) taught, that their natural inclination toward evil is not in itself sin, that this is a matter of no concern, then why should they trust in God's grace? Or if it is thought that once baptized, this sinful disposition supposedly disappears or does not matter, then what chance is there of Christians putting to death their worldly impulses? So, Luther took a stand where people had begun to lose a sense of their need for God and his grace. He rightly taught that concupiscence or fomes is also sin. He only followed the teachings of the Fathers and the Apostles. For Paul, writing to Christians, said, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you... On account of these the wrath of God is coming” (Col 3:5-6).

Prayer: Lord, by your grace, help me mortify in myself that which is displeasing and sinful in your sight. Amen. 

 

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Concerning Original Sin – part 14 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 23 Feb 23 00:00:00 -0500

Matthew 5:27–30

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Original Sin 

But they contend that concupiscence is a punishment, and not a sin, while Luther maintains that it is sin. It has been cited above that Augustine defines original sin in connection with concupiscence. If there is anything wrong with this explanation, let them quarrel with Augustine. Besides Paul says, “I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” (Rom 7:7). He also says, “I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin which dwells in my members” (Rom 7:23). These testimonies cannot be overthrown by sophistry. For they clearly call concupiscence sin, which nevertheless, is not imputed to those who are in Christ, even though by nature it is a matter worthy of death if it is not forgiven. This, beyond all controversy, is what the Fathers believed. For in a long discussion, Augustine refutes the opinion of those who thought that concupiscence in people is not a fault, but an adiaphoron, such as the color of the body or ill health is said to be an adiaphoron.

Pulling It Together: It was not only those who penned the confutation who did not consider concupiscence, lust or the inclination and desire to sin, an actual sin in and of itself. Other Reformers thought the same thing. They used the word sin only with regards to a thing done. The Lutherans spoke in those terms too, but they were careful to note that original sin deals not only with what people do, but with the human nature that causes them to sin. Jesus also cut to the point, calling human nature itself sinful. One need not transgress by physical action to have committed a sin. Just thinking about the sin is itself a sin (Matt 5:28). Jesus sees the sin but the Lutherans' adversaries did not see lust as sin or a flaw in nature that is deserving of death and condemnation. They called it adiaphoron, something that is neutral, that one could be indifferent about, that made no more difference than the color of ones' skin. However, this was clearly not the position of Scripture, Jesus, or of the Church Fathers. Nor was it the view of the Lutherans, who along with Scripture, Jesus, and the Fathers, were not neutral toward concupiscence. They called it a sin that deserved death and damnation—unless it is forgiven by God for Christ's sake.

Prayer: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Amen.

The biblical focus in this five-session VBS book, Moses and the Great Escape, is found in the Old Testament book of Exodus. God has a grand plan for humankind — a plan he enacts through the Hebrew people. He created Moses to be instrumental in this plan.

Sola’s Versatile Budget Series is a simple and flexible educational Vacation Bible School curriculum designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations. The flexible format works well for groups with limited budgets, or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. Unlike more elaborate and expensive VBS kits, this book is meant to serve as an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains can be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

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Concerning Original Sin – part 13 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 22 Feb 23 00:00:00 -0500

Ezekiel 36:25–27

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Original Sin 

Here our adversaries complain against Luther because he wrote that, "Original sin remains after baptism." They add that this article was justly condemned by Leo X. But His Imperial Majesty will find a clear slander at this point. For our adversaries know in what sense Luther intended his remark that original sin remains after baptism. He has always written that baptism removes the guilt of original sin, although the “material,” of the sin, as they call it, remains, that is, concupiscence. He even added reference to the material that the Holy Spirit, given through baptism, begins to kill concupiscence by creating new desires in people. Augustine also speaks in the same way: “Sin is remitted in baptism, not in such a manner that it no longer exists, but so that it is not imputed.” Here he confesses openly that sin exists, in the sense that it remains, although it is not imputed. This view was so agreeable to those who succeeded him that it was cited in the Decrees. In Against Julian, Augustine says, “The Law, which is in the members, has been annulled by spiritual regeneration, and remains in the mortal flesh. It has been annulled because the guilt has been remitted in the Sacrament, by which believers are born again; but it remains, because it produces desires, against which believers struggle.” Our adversaries know that this is what Luther believes and teaches. Since they cannot renounce the message, they pervert his words instead, in order to crush an innocent man with their ruse.

Pulling It Together: It is too easy to protest against Leo and the Catholics, or against Luther and the Lutherans. That would be misdirection if what we mean to do determines what the Scripture teaches us with regard to original sin. We have discovered that we are born with a nature full of unrighteousness. God gives us the sacrament of baptism to cleanse us from our sinful nature. He cleanses us with his word of promise in the water but he does even more cleansing. In baptism, he gives us a new heart; he begins to create in us a clean heart or spirit. In other words, with baptism, God begins to move in us, urging us toward his will. We contend with sinful desires long after baptism but the Holy Spirit helps us in our struggle. The God within us now gives us right desires and the strength to overcome—even if that strong desire is to ask his forgiveness when we fall in the fight. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for forgiving me and for giving me a new heart for you. Amen. 

The biblical focus of Mary, Martha & Many Faithful Women, a five-session VBS book is found in the gospels. Through the eyes of sisters, Mary and Martha, we get a look at the ministry of Jesus. We see him as both human and as God. Along with some of Jesus' other female friends, we follow Jesus to the cross where he suffered a horrendous death to pay the price for our sins. From the darkness of the cross, we join the women at the tomb with Mary Magdalene as the mystery and victory of Easter morning unfold.

Sola’s Versatile Budget Series is a simple and flexible educational Vacation Bible School curriculum designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations. The flexible format works well for groups with limited budgets, or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. Unlike more elaborate and expensive VBS kits, this book is meant to serve as an “all-in-one” teacher’s resource. The worksheets and handouts it contains can be reproduced according to local needs. Each book in the Versatile Budget Series focuses on a particular character from the Bible, bringing together several stories on a common theme. Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

More from the Versatile Budget Series

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Concerning Original Sin – part 12 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 21 Feb 23 00:00:00 -0500

Psalm 116:12–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Original Sin 

Therefore, we do not handle original sin any differently than Scripture or the Church catholic. We have cleansed from corruptions and restored to light the most important declarations of Scripture and of the Fathers that had been obscured by the sophistical disputes of modern theologians. For it is clear from the subject itself that modern theologians have not noticed what the Fathers meant when they spoke of this defect. Knowledge of original sin is necessary because the magnitude of the grace of Christ cannot be understood unless our sickness is recognized. The entire righteousness of humans is absolute hypocrisy before God unless we acknowledge that our heart is naturally destitute of love, fear, and confidence in God. For this reason the prophet says, “For after I had turned away I repented; and after I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh” (Jer 31:19). Likewise, “I said in my haste, all men are liars,” that is, not thinking correctly concerning God (Psa 116:11).

Pulling It Together: This lengthy response to the confutation (and there is a good deal yet to go) is all to show that the Lutherans taught the same thing about original sin as the Scripture and the Church. Yet they wanted to be specific about what the lack of original righteousness means, since it had become more a matter of academic debate than something readily understood in the churches. This special treatment was necessary not only as an answer to their adversaries. They taught the same thing in the Lutheran churches so that their people could truly know their need of and have a desire for Christ. The inexpressibly great treasure of divine favor and grace that the gospel offers is lost to people who do not comprehend their need of God. As Christ says, “Those who are well have no need of a physician” (Matt 9:12; Mark 2:17). We must first understand that we are all miserable sinners who are in a state of disgrace with God. The Spirit will not force someone to drink who believes there is no thirst. Thanks be to God that when the need is appreciated and grace is believed, there is nothing for us to do but drink deeply and call upon the name of the Lord.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for doing everything necessary to save me from my original nature. Amen. 

The biblical focus of The Adventures of Paul, a five-session VBS book, is the life of the Apostle Paul, using lessons from the Book of Acts. Here Scripture tells the story of a serious man named Saul who worked to silence Christianity—until the risen Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus and changed his life. With his new name Paul, this one who had persecuted the Church went on to become one of the greatest apostles. 

The price of the book includes permission to reproduce the worksheets and handouts for local use. For smaller churches in a "one-room schoolhouse" setting, only one book is necessary. For churches with multiple grade levels and individual classes, we suggest that each teacher have a copy of the curriculum book.

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Concerning Original Sin – part 11 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 20 Feb 23 00:00:00 -0500

May 15, 2021

1 Corinthians 2:14–16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Original Sin 

These views also agree with Scripture. Paul sometimes expressly regards it as a defect. “The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1Cor 2:14). Elsewhere, he sees concupiscence “at work in our members to bear fruit for death” (Rom 7:5). We could cite more passages relating to both parts of our definition but the matter is so obvious that there is no need of further evidence. Besides, the intelligent reader will be able to easily determine that being without the fear of God and without faith are more than actual guilt. They are abiding defects in our unrevived nature.

Pulling It Together

We too often consider sin something we do. It is more than what we do; sin is the reason we do the things we know to be sinful. We sin because we are full of sin. This is what Charles Wesley referred to in his hymn, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” when he wrote, “I am all unrighteousness.” The doctrine of original sin points out both the defect in and the very inclination of our nature. The doctrine does not state that we are born sinning but that we are born in sin (Psa 51:5). It does not take us long to get around to sinning but this is not what the doctrine teaches is wrong with us even at birth. As such, the doctrine also instructs us why everyone sins and so, why everyone is in need of the Savior. Borrowing from Wesley's hymn again: In God there is plenteous grace to be found—grace to cover all our sin. Our helpless souls hang on God alone for help. He is not only willing to save us; he has saved us entirely and renewed our minds, our natures. We are now capable to both love God and desire the good.

Prayer: Revive and enlighten my mind today so that I may love you with a thankful heart. Amen. 

Connections Magazine features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design.

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Concerning Original Sin – part 10 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 19 Feb 23 00:00:00 -0500

Matthew 6:25–33

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Original Sin 

Therefore, we have correctly expressed both defects in our description of original sin: not being able to believe, fear, and love God, and concupiscence, which seeks carnal things contrary to God's Word. That is, it seeks not only the pleasure of the body, but also carnal wisdom and righteousness, trusting in these as good things while despising God.

Not only the ancient theologians, but also the more recent ones—at least the wiser ones among them— teach the same thing about original sin, namely, these defects that I have listed and concupiscence. Aquinas writes, “Original sin is the loss of original righteousness, and with this an inordinate disposition of the parts of the soul. Therefore it is not pure loss, but a corrupted temperament.” Bonaventure says: “When the question is asked, 'What is original sin?' the correct answer is that it is unchecked concupiscence. The correct answer is also that it is want of the necessary righteousness. In either of these answers, the other is included.” Hugo has the same opinion, saying that original sin is ignorance in the mind and concupiscence in the flesh. He indicates that when we are born, we have an ignorance of God—unbelief, distrust, contempt, and hatred of God. When he mentions ignorance, he includes all of these.

Pulling It Together: Original sin is the inability to seek God and his righteousness. What we are left with is the inordinate ability to seek after the things of the flesh. We are naturally anxious about having the basic things of life, and having them in plenty. God wants these things for us too, and he provides them. But because it is in our nature to not trust God, we scramble after these lesser things. Instead of trusting God for our basic needs, they become excessive desires that rule our time and energies.

Being so ruled, we believe ourselves to be the providers of all good things. Why should our powers be relegated to food and drink, to clothing and shelter? Surely, the sin of origin whispers, you can also create great wisdom to guide your lives, and a moral code that is as good or even better than having a god. This is nothing more than the love of self and the hatred of God. Our depravity does more than ask, “Who needs God?” We insist.

Yet, God comes to us when we are in this state. While we were buried in our self-centered sin, Jesus died for us (Rom 5:8). The Spirit of Christ speaks to this condition, showing us that we are dead in our sins and transgressions (Eph 2:1). He calls us beyond the deadly ignorance that has fooled us into believing that we provide for our lives. He demands that we live under God's rule and righteousness, trusting him instead of ourselves, not only for these lesser things but also for righteousness and salvation. 

Prayer: Help me to trust in you, Good Shepherd, to guide me to all good and needful things. Amen. 

The Wise & The Foolish is a nine-session Bible study that focuses on Jesus' "people parables" — or what might be described as discipleship parables. These are the character stories that focus on the nature of discipleship and what it means to be a wise and faithful follower of Jesus.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Original Sin – part 9 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 18 Feb 23 00:00:00 -0500

Ephesians 4:20–24

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Original Sin 

This is the substance of the definition found in the writings of Augustine, who usually defines original sin as concupiscence. He means that concupiscence replaced the loss of righteousness. Because our diseased nature cannot fear and love God and believe in God, it seeks and loves carnal things instead. It either scorns God's judgment when self-satisfied, or hates it when terrified. So, Augustine includes both the defect and the grievous habit that takes the place of righteousness. However, concupiscence is not only a physical corruption, but also an evil turning with the higher powers toward carnal things. Those who ascribe to the human condition a concupiscence that is not entirely destroyed by the Holy Spirit and simultaneously, a love for God above all things do not comprehend what they are claiming.

Pulling It Together: The original sinful nature that we are all born with must be drowned in baptism (Rom 6:3). Thereafter, since the flesh is so comfortable in its old clothing, there must follow a daily and even a continual putting off of that old self. We must put on the new self that is created in the image or likeness of God. The new self of the inner person, not that old person you are on the outside, is being renewed each day (2 Cor 4:16). Through faith, we put off the old and put on the new, reminded by the Holy Spirit of what happened in baptism. This renewal of the mind stands in stark contrast to the way we once lived. Now, instead of evil desires, we have a hunger and thirst for righteousness that is satisfied in Christ (Matt 5:6). As long as we are in this flesh, we are not yet perfect (Phil 3:12). So, we must constantly renew our minds through faith. That we even have this new desire, is an indication that the Spirit of God is at work within us.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, remind me to rely upon your righteousness as I strive to live today in a newness of life. Amen. 

Building on the pattern and format of Sola's Sunday Schoolhouse curriculum series, Sola Publishing has added SEED: Sola's Electronic Education Database, an online resource component to its education materials. This new web-based resource provides teachers with tools to build a Sunday School program and lead classes, with original resources printed in full color.

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Concerning Original Sin – part 8 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 17 Feb 23 00:00:00 -0500

Colossians 3:5–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Original Sin 

Irenaeus and Ambrose interpreted the image of God in that way, the latter saying many things to this effect, but especially: “That soul is not in the image of God in whom God is not always present.” Paul shows in the Epistles that the image of God is the knowledge of God, righteousness, and truth (Eph 5:9; Col 3:10). Peter Lombard was not afraid to state that original righteousness is the very likeness of God implanted in people by God. These opinions of the ancients that we reference do not disagree in any way with Augustine's interpretation of the image of God.

So when the ancient definition is that sin is the lack of righteousness, it not only denies obedience of the low human powers (that people are corrupt in body and the basest and lowest faculties), but also denies the knowledge of God, confidence in God, the fear and love of God—or certainly the power to produce these affections (any light in the heart that creates a love and desire for such concerns). Even the theologians teach in their schools that these are not produced without certain gifts and the assistance of grace. In order that the matter may be understood, we call these gifts the knowledge of God, and fear and confidence in God.

It is clear from these facts that the ancient definition says precisely the same thing that we state about human nature, by denying fear and confidence toward God—not only the acts, but also the gifts and power to produce these acts (not only that we are unable to do or achieve any perfectly good work but that we do not have a good heart toward God, one that truly loves God).

Pulling It Together: Some background may be helpful. The Church Fathers were those whose theological writings were most influential in the early Church. Irenaeus (early first century) and Ambrose (late fourth century) were two of those fathers of the Church. The former was a second-generation student of the Apostle John, having learned from John's disciple, Polycarp. Irenaeus was a bishop and respected apologist (defender of the faith), writing at length against heresies, especially against Gnosticism Ambrose was also a bishop of the Church. His writings refuted Arianism and influenced Augustine. It is no wonder that Augustine's interpretation agreed with Irenaeus and Ambrose, particularly the latter.

Not only did these two Church Fathers consider the image of God to be his nature, even Lombard, who was one of the scholastics whom the Lutherans cared little for (and this is putting it mildly), clearly stated the same. The ancient teaching of the Church about the “image” or “likeness of God” is certain. Its definition of sin is just as definite. Sin is a lack of righteousness and even the desire or ability to achieve anything perfectly good with regard to God. Therefore, the image of God that was in the creation of Adam and Eve was the “original righteousness” of a fearing, loving, and trusting knowledge of God. These, along with the power to live a life that reflects God's image, were stamped upon their being. That likeness of God, because of Adam's sin, is no longer part of human nature.

This is why Paul teaches us to put off the old self, the person created in Adam's image. We are charged with putting on the new self, the one recreated, reborn in God's image. By his grace, we have been given the likeness or nature of God and therefore, are now enabled to desire and to do good toward God and one another because of the love of God that has been revived in us through faith in Jesus Christ. 

Prayer: Enable whatever I do today, Father, in word or deed, to be done in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Introduce young students to the Church through this five-week series titled Welcome to Church. Click here for the Table of Contents and a sample session.

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Concerning Original Sin – part 7 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 16 Feb 23 00:00:00 -0500

Genesis 1:26–27

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Original Sin 

These were the reasons why we mentioned concupiscence in our definition of original sin, and denied that man's natural ability could fear and trust in God. We wished to indicate that original sin also contains these conditions: ignorance of God, contempt for God, being destitute of the fear of God and trust in him, and inability to love God. These are the chief flaws in human nature, conflicting especially with the first table of the Decalogue.

We have said nothing novel. The ancient definition, properly understood, expresses precisely the same thing: "Original sin is the absence of original righteousness" (a lack of the first purity and righteousness in Paradise). But what is righteousness? The scholastics wrangle about philosophical questions but do not explain what original righteousness is. In the Scriptures, righteousness comprises not only the second table of the Decalogue (regarding good works in serving people), but the first table too, concerning the fear of God, faith, and the love of God. Therefore original righteousness was to include not only an even adjustment of the body, but also these gifts: a quite certain knowledge of God, fear of and confidence in him, or at least the righteousness and power to yield these affections to him. (For the greatest feature in that noble first creature was a bright light in the heart to know God.) Scripture testifies to this, saying that, “God created man in his own image” (Gen 1:27). What else can this mean other than people were given a wisdom and righteousness that comprehended God, and in which God was reflected, that is, they were given the gifts of the knowledge of God, the fear of God, confidence in God, and so forth?

Pulling It Together: Melancthon probably did not expect push-back on the doctrine of original sin, and so, he provided an article of a few sentences in the Augsburg Confession. As the Lutherans' opponents wished to quibble, Melancthon furnished them a far lengthier defense to chew on. In doing so, he makes two points. The first is that the quibblers have done little more than pick, failing to provide their own definition of original sin. The second point is that the Lutheran definition, which he provides with a variety of illustrations and explanations, is actually the ancient definition of the Church. The Lutherans are doing nothing novel here, that should be distrusted.

He simply states the definition and then, provides a fuller explanation. Original sin is the complete lack of the original righteousness that was given humanity. It was originally within the nature of people to know God and to fear and love and trust him. Furthermore, it was natural that people would be like him, reflecting certain qualities of God, because they were made “in his image.” This noble nature is now lacking in people. Lutherans confess that lack in human nature to be original sin. This means that people, in and of themselves, do not know God. Furthermore, they cannot fear, love, and trust in God through either the natural power or inclinations with which they are born.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for causing me to be born again with your Spirit, for giving me a nature that longs for you. Amen. 

Experiencing Real Living guides the student in God's Word and nurtures key elements of faith. A picture diagram at the the beginning of each chapter assists the student in "seeing" the topic clearly. The series can be used to cover the over-arching biblical themes of creation, fall and redemption, or as a 12-week overview of the themes of the Catechism. It would serve especially well for leading an adult confirmation program. The volume is spiral bound for ease in use.

Teacher's Guide

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Concerning Original Sin – part 6 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 15 Feb 23 00:00:00 -0500

Psalm 14:1–3

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Original Sin 

If by nature, people are able to love God above all things by their own strength, as the scholastics confidently affirm, then what is original sin? What need is there of the grace of Christ if we can be justified by our own powers of righteousness? What is the need of the Holy Spirit if human strength can, by itself, love God above all things and fulfill God's commandments? Is there anyone who cannot see what preposterous thoughts our adversaries entertain? They acknowledge the lighter diseases in the nature of man but not the more severe. Yet Scripture admonishes us of these everywhere, and the prophets constantly complain (Psa 5:9; 13:1-6; 14:1-3; 36:1; 140:3) of carnal security, of the contempt of God, of hatred toward God, and of similar faults that are born with us. For Scripture clearly says that all these things are not blown at us, but that we are born with them. But after the scholastics polluted Christian doctrine with philosophy concerning the perfection of nature (the so-called light of reason), and ascribed to free will and resultant acts more than was sufficient, and taught that men are justified before God by philosophic or civil righteousness (which we also confess to be subject to reason and in a measure, within our power), they could not see the inner impurity of human nature. For this cannot be determined except by the Word of God, which the scholastics do not frequently employ in their discussions.

Pulling It Together: By means of reason, one may understand that without the doctrine of original sin, God must be considered rather foolish. Why would he send his Son to redeem people who were capable of redeeming themselves? Why would Christ then send the Helper when humanity needed no assistance? Scripture teaches, however, the extreme nature of our malady. We are lost altogether and cannot reason our way to God. Nor are we able to work our way into grace and righteousness. We are born in this condition; it is our nature—and in our nature. There is, therefore, nothing that any of us can do, by natural powers, to justify ourselves. We are all corrupt; no one does good because no one is able to do good. This is evident in Scripture, which the Lutherans charged that their opponents rarely used.

Prayer: Lord, help me hear you in your Word. Amen. 

Saints and Sinners, Witnesses to the Faith is a seven-session study, and the first in a three-part series by Dr. Dan Lioy, PhD, on Saints and Sinners in the New Testament who were powerful witnesses to the faith in Christ. May this study of saints and sinners enrich your understanding of life with Christ and encourage you in discipleship. 

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Concerning Original Sin – part 5 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 14 Feb 23 00:00:00 -0500

Psalm 1:1–2

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Original Sin 

We have not only used the term concupiscence but have also said that the fear of God and faith are wanting. This was added because the scholastic teachers also, not sufficiently understanding the definition of original sin that they received from the Fathers, lessen the sin of origin. They contend that the fomes (or inclination to sin) is a blemished quality of the body, and with their typical ineptness, ask whether this defect was derived from an infection in the fruit or from the breath of the serpent, and whether it can be cured with medicine. With such questions they have suppressed the main point. Therefore, when they speak of the sin of origin, they do not mention the more serious faults of human nature like ignorance of God, contempt for God, having no fear and trust in God, hatred of God's judgment, flight from God (as from a tyrant) when he judges, anger toward God, despair of grace, and putting one's trust in fleeting things like money, property, friends, etc. The scholastics do not notice these symptoms though they are completely contrary to the Law of God. In fact, they ascribe to human nature an unimpaired strength for loving God above all things and for fulfilling his commandments “according to the substance of the act.” They fail to recognize that they are saying things that are contradictory to one another. For what else is it, if in one's own strength, one is able to love God above all things, and to fulfill his commandments, than to have original righteousness?

Pulling It Together: The Lutherans used the same terminology as the scholastics, at least when speaking of original sin, but they meant something else than the scholastics seemed to be saying. Scholasticism was a school of critical thinking in medieval universities that valued artful argument above all things. The better the inference to logic, the truer they considered the matter. Thus, the inference was made that if original sin was simply a disease then a medical treatment could be the answer. This approach strangles the voice of Scripture. It relegates the real point and problem to a place of silence. If artful reasoning is to be depended upon, then we may expect to end up anywhere. Indeed, the scholastics failed to recognize that they had reasoned themselves into a corner by inferring that human nature was capable, by itself, to love God and keep his commandments. By their reasoning, original sin had become a sort of original righteousness.

This would not stand with the Lutherans. Sin could not, of course, be righteousness. Nor was original sin to be understood as some malady that people could conquer with a little more industry. Not only did the symptoms point to something more pernicious, so did the Scripture. And the Word of God—not artful reasoning— was always to be their final authority.

Prayer: O Lord my God, bless my meditation in your word today. Amen. 

You Can Understand the Old Testament: Its Message and Its Meaning by Dr. James C. Bangsund is an introduction to, and overview of, the Old Testament, exploring its meaning and its message. The book begins with the sometimes contentious question of why (and whether) the Old Testament is "old," and then moves into introductions to each of its major sections. Individual overviews and discussions of each book of the Old Testament are provided along with helpful maps, tables, and charts, as well as complete indexes of subject matter, biblical texts cited, and Hebrew words noted in the discussion. The book is aimed at students of the Bible, whether members of church congregations, pastors, or students in college or seminary.

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Concerning Original Sin – part 4 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 13 Feb 23 00:00:00 -0500

Ephesians 2:1–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Original Sin 

Some contend that original sin is not a corruption in human nature, but only bondage, or a condition of mortality (not an innate evil nature, but only a blemish or imposed burden) that those descended from Adam suffer because of the guilt of another (namely, Adam's sin), instead of any depravity of their own. They add that no one is condemned to eternal death on account of original sin, just as those born of a bond-woman are slaves and bear this condition without any natural blemish, but because of the circumstances of their mother (while they are born without fault of their own and therefore, original sin is not an innate evil, but just a defect and burden that we bear since Adam, but that we are not on that account personally in sin and inherited disgrace). To show that this impious opinion is displeasing to us, we mentioned "concupiscence," and with the best intention, explained it with the term "diseases," that "the nature of men is born corrupt and full of faults." The entire person, not a part, in his entire nature is born in sin as with a hereditary disease.

Pulling It Together: We discover that we are sinners from a very early age. Every one of us is known to walk in sin, and so, Scripture teaches that we are dead in our trespasses. This corruption of human nature skips no one. It is not as though this were some habit that every soul ever born learned from others. Everyone is born with a sinful nature and therefore, inherits the same condemnation as all others naturally born. Because of original sin, we are—every one of us—children who deserve the wrath of God. We not only have the inclination to sin, we are corrupt from the start, born in sin. This does not mean that we are headed toward a life of sin; it means that we are already living in sin.

But God being rich in mercy, and loving humanity with a great love, sent his Son to save us from our sinful birth. This is why Jesus tells us that we must be born again (John 3:3). We must be reborn with a new nature, one that is alive instead of already dead. In Christ alone, by the grace of God, we are saved from the old life of sin and reborn to new life.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for giving me new birth into a living hope through Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Amen. 

One For All is a nine-session Bible study that explores the center of the Christian faith by focusing on the unique and exclusive promise of Jesus. It examines not only the claims that Christ made about himself in Scripture but the claim that the Lord makes on our lives as well. By focusing on the Gospel message of salvation in Christ alone, the study seeks to show how God makes us a part of His mission to the whole world, and how "the love of Christ urges us on because we are convinced that one has died for all."

Leader's Guide

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Concerning Original Sin – part 3 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 10 Jan 23 00:00:00 -0500

1 Corinthians 3:18–21

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Original Sin 

We will show later more fully that our description agrees with the usual and ancient definition. First, we must show our design in preferring to use these words. In their schools, the adversaries confess that "the material," as they call it, "of original sin is concupiscence." So, in framing the definition, concupiscence should not be omitted, especially now, when some philosophize about original sin in a manner unbecoming teachers of religion. They speak about this natural, wicked desire in terms of heathen philosophy rather than according to God's Word, or Holy Scripture.

Pulling It Together: One of the slogans of the Reformation was (and continues to be) “Sola Scriptura.” Those Latin words mean “Scripture alone.” The idea behind that motto is that the Bible, the written word of God, may be relied upon as a sufficient guide and last word on truth. This is why the Lutherans returned to the Bible over and over again as documentation for what they taught. This was the custom of the prophets and apostles too. They wrote 80 times between the books of Joshua and 1 Peter, “It is written.” This was ample explanation for a variety of positions.

This will be the insistence of the Lutherans too. What is written in the Bible? They were not interested in philosophy so much as they were in what the Bible had to say on a matter. What Aristotle or Plato had to say was always subordinate to the Word of God. Even the Church Fathers were reliable only in as much as they agreed with Scripture. A proper understanding of original sin, therefore, will rely upon “sola Scriptura” as the final word.

Prayer: Lord, let me live today by what is written in your Word. Amen. 

A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

Part 1  • Pt 1 Leader's Guide  • Part 2  • Pt 2 Leader's Guide

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Concerning Original Sin – part 2 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 09 Jan 23 00:00:00 -0500

Colossians 3:2–6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Original Sin

It is quite evident that such subtleties have originated in the schools, not in the council of the Emperor. But although this sophistry can be very easily refuted; yet, in order that all decent folk may understand that we teach nothing absurd on this matter, we ask that the German Confession be examined first. This will free us from the suspicion of novelty. For there it is written: Weiter wird gelehrt, dass nach dem Fall Adams alle Menschen, so natuerlich geboren werden, in Suenden empfangen und geboren werden, das ist, dass sie alle von Mutterleibe an voll boeser Lueste und Neigung sind, keine wahre Gottesfurcht, keinen wahren Glauben an Gott von Natur haben koennen. (It is further taught that since the Fall of Adam all men who are naturally born are conceived and born in sin, i.e., that from their mother's womb, they all are full of evil desire and inclination, and can have by nature no true fear of God, no true faith in God.) This passage testifies that we deny to those conceived according to carnal nature not only the acts of fearing and trusting in God but also the power or gifts to do so. For we say that those naturally born have concupiscence and cannot produce true fear and trust in God. What fault can be found in this? Indeed, we imagine that we have sufficiently vindicated ourselves to respectable people. For in this sense the Latin passage denies the power to human nature—even to infants. Specifically, it denies the gifts and power to produce fear and trust in God. In adults, beyond this innate evil disposition of the heart, it also denies the acts. So when we cite concupiscence, we mean not only the acts or fruits but the constant inclination of our nature that does not cease as long as we are not born anew through the Spirit and faith.

Pulling It Together: A young family lives across my street and yesterday, the little boy brought their heavy trash can down the driveway to the street. His father was already teaching this seven- or eight-year-old some family responsibility. He will probably grow up, being able to care for his own family, providing all the good they need, including properly teaching his own children. We are quite capable of doing some good in this world, once taught to do so.

Yet Lutherans teach that original sin is a lack of power to do good because of a proclivity for evil. By good, we mean a righteousness of life that excludes sin. In our natural beings, we lack the power of such good. We may learn to take out the trash but even the finer acts of our lives are polluted with sin (Isa 64:5–6). This sinful nature is inherited, part of the basic human constitution. It skips no one.

More to the point, though we may learn to do some basic, good things, we are born incapable—and remain unable—of fearing, loving, and trusting God. Therefore, throughout life, we scramble after our lusts. The unceasing disposition to fulfill these natural desires remains in us until we are reborn through the work of God's Spirit and faith (John 3:5–7).

Prayer: Holy Father, set my heart and mind on the things above, not on the things of this earth. Amen. 

The Basics of the Christian Faith is an edition of the catechism that is aimed at seekers, visitors, and those that may not come from a Lutheran background. It is recommended for use in outreach, as a visitor welcome gift, or in new member packets. 

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Concerning Original Sin – part 1 http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 06 Jan 23 00:00:00 -0500

Psalm 51:3–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Original Sin 

The adversaries approve of the second article concerning original sin, but in such a way that they, nevertheless, criticize the definition of original sin, which we incidentally mentioned. Right away, His Imperial Majesty will discover that the writers of the Confutation were lacking not only in judgment but also in honesty. Where we simply desired to examine those things which original sin includes, they framed a discriminatory interpretation by craftily distorting a statement that has nothing in it which in itself is wrong. As a result, they say that to be without the fear of God and without faith is actual guilt. Therefore they deny that it is original guilt.

Pulling It Together: Lutherans teach that original sin is actual sin, not merely the inclination to sin. The result is that we are naturally without the fear of God, without trust in God, and with all the lusts of this life. Lutherans do not say that original sin is these specific things, but that these things are sinful outcomes and evidences of the corruption that is within us from the outset. The sins we commit indicate a deeper problem. The very first sin one commits points to that deeper, original corruption of being. Original sin is not a specific sin such as not fearing God, or not trusting in him, or desiring unlawful things. It is not the commission of a particular sin but the depraved condition, the diseased state of the natural person, that is itself sin.

Therefore, “we confess that we are in bondage to sin.” Our depravity is not just in the thinking, saying, and doing of wrong things; nor is it only in leaving them undone. We are enslaved to such behavior from the start because we are “brought forth in iniquity”—all of us. This corruption of our nature is hereditary (Rom 5:12).

Prayer: Thank you, God, for meeting my sin and guilt with your boundless mercy and grace. Amen. 

Sola Scriptura: The Norm of Faith is a study about how the Word informs and guides our understanding of what Scripture says. In other words, what the Bible means based on what it does. In terms of how we come to articulate our faith and our doctrinal teachings, to speak of Scripture as the "norm" of faith means that it is the standard against which our theology and proclamation are measured.

Leader's Guide

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Concerning God http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 05 Jan 23 00:00:00 -0500

Matthew 28:17–20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning God

Our adversaries approve of the First Article of our Confession, in which we declare that we believe and teach that there is one divine essence, undivided, etc., and that nevertheless, there are three distinct persons, of the same divine essence, and coeternal: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We have always taught and defended this article. We believe that it has sure and firm testimonies in Holy Scripture that cannot be overthrown. We constantly assert that those who think otherwise are outside of the Church of Christ; they are idolaters and insult God.

Pulling It Together: The Church in Rome believed the same thing about God's nature that Lutherans believed. Yet, as we shall soon see, there was much in the Lutheran Confession at Augsburg that they found disagreeable. It is good that we may live together in unity (Psa 133:1) on this Article.

Jesus declared that his followers are to go into all the world, baptizing and teaching. He said that they are to do so in the name. The word “name” is singular—not only in English but in the original Greek as well. Although they are to go in the singular name, three names are given: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Christians are to go into the world in the one name of the three. Lutherans and Roman Catholics confess that this is God. We believe from Scripture that the name of God given by Jesus is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. From these verses in Matthew and from many other evidences in Scripture, we believe that God is Trinity, one divine essence of three persons. 

Prayer: Help me believe the mystery that your Word affirms, Lord. Amen. 

This pocket edition of Luther's Small Catechism includes quotations from the English Standard Versions (ESV) of Scripture, and the traditional ICET liturgical texts (as used in the Lutheran Book of Worship). The primary verses of Scripture, Creed, and Prayers are printed in italics; Luther’s explanations are printed in plain text. Luther’s explanations are formatted with a mid-sentence break, to highlight contrasting phrases and to aid in memorization.

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From the Preface to the Defense http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 01 Jan 23 00:00:00 -0500

Colossians 2:1–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

From the Preface

We commend our cause to Christ, who in time will judge these controversies. We pray he will look upon the afflicted and scattered churches, and bring them back to godly and perpetual concord. So, if the known and clear truth is trampled underfoot, we will resign this cause to God and Christ in heaven, the Father of orphans and the Judge of widows and of all the forsaken, who we know will rightly judge and pass sentence upon this cause. Lord Jesus Christ, it is your holy gospel; it is your cause. Look upon the many troubled hearts and consciences, and maintain and strengthen in your truth your churches and little flocks who suffer anxiety and distress from the devil. Confound all hypocrisy and lies, and grant peace and unity, so that your glory may advance, and your kingdom, strong against all the gates of hell, may continually grow and increase.

Pulling It Together: The Church in Rome replied to the Lutheran's Augsburg Confession with what is called the Confutation. However, the Lutherans were not permitted to have a copy or to know what was contained therein, except that they agree to three things. They must not publish it, or reply to it, and must agree with it wholesale and unseen. They could not accept those conditions and relied upon notes taken at a public reading of the Confutation. Later, Melancthon also saw a copy and finished the Lutheran Defense that would never be accepted by the emperor. It seemed the Romanists had won the day. Nevertheless, the Defense of the Augsburg Confession was enthusiastically received by the Lutherans, further strengthening their beliefs. Since they had been rooted and built up in Christ and established in the faith, what could they do but trust in God and continue walking in the Lord?

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, give me strength through your Word that I may continue to walk with you in thanksgiving. Amen. 

This "Thank You" card by Ad Crucem includes 1 Corinthians 1:4. The 5"x7" card is printed on premium paper at a G7 and Green Certified USA facility. Each card is protected with a plastic sleeve and includes a bookmark, gift tag, and envelope.

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We Are the Lord’s http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 31 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

8 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. 

Romans 14:8–9, RSV

From Luther

In the past much has been written and ingeniously devised on the topic of preparing for death and the final judgment. But it has only served to further confuse timid consciences. For these comforters were not able to show anything of the comfort to be found in the riches of grace and bliss in Christ. They directed the people to oppose with their own works and good life, death and God’s judgment. In place of this delusion is now evident the precious truth; he who knows the gospel doctrines, goes on and performs his own work and duty in his respective calling. He takes comfort in the fact that through baptism he is engrafted into Christ; he receives absolution and partakes of the Holy Supper for the strengthening of his faith, commending his soul and body to Christ. Why should such a one fear death? Though it came at any time, in form of pestilence or accident, it will always find the Christian ready and well prepared, be he awake or asleep; for he is in Christ Jesus.

For all these things the Christian may well thank and bless God, realizing that he has no further need, nor can he gain anything better than he already has in the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit and the faithful prosecution of his calling; however, he should remain and daily grow in faith and supplication. But we cannot hope to attain to another and better doctrine, faith, Spirit, prayer, sacrament and reward than had all the saints, John the Baptist, Peter, Paul, or in fact than has now every Christian that is baptized. Therefore I need not idly spend time in trying to prepare people for death and inspire them with courage by such commonplaces as recalling and relating the innumerable daily accidents, ills and dangers of this life. This method will not answer; death will not thereby be frightened away, nor will the fear of death be removed. The gospel teaching is: Believe in Christ, pray and live in accordance with God’s Word, and then, when death overtakes or attacks you, you will know that you are Christ the Lord’s. We Christians live upon this earth to the very end that we may have assured comfort, salvation and victory over death and hell.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 459–460.

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In the Beginning http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 30 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word 

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God; 3 all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

John 1:1–5, RSV

From Luther

That this gospel may be more easily understood, we must go back to the passages of the Old Testament upon which it is founded, namely, the beginning of the first chapter of Genesis. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth; and God said, Let there be light; and God said, Let there be a firmament; and God said, Let there be sun, moon and stars.” From these words of Moses it is clearly proved that God has a Word, through which or by means of which he spoke, before anything was created; and this Word cannot be anything that was created, since all things were created through this divine utterance. The Word must therefore have preceded the light, since light came by the Word; consequently it was also before all creatures, which also came by the Word, as Moses writes.

If the Word preceded all creatures, and all creatures came by the Word and were created by it, the Word must be a different being than a creature, and was not made or created like a creature. When all things began it was already there, and cannot be confined to time nor to creation; rather time and creation are made and have their beginning through it. Thus whatever is not temporal must be eternal; that which has no beginning cannot be temporal; that which is not a creature must be God. Besides God and his creatures there is nothing. Hence the Word of God, which was in the beginning and through which all things were made and spoken, must be God eternal and not a creature.

Again, the Word and he that speaks it are not one person; for it is not possible that the speaker is himself the Word. What sort of speaker would he be who is himself the Word? But Scripture here speaks in strong, lucid words: “God said.” Thus God and his Word must be two distinct things. Thus the words of Moses show conclusively that there are two persons in the Godhead from eternity, before all creatures, that the one has his existence from the other, and the first has his existence from nothing but himself. Yet the Scriptures firmly maintain that there is only one God. Thus there must be two persons in the Godhead and yet be one God.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 458–459.

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A Just Reward http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 29 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

2 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, as is fitting, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore we ourselves boast of you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you are enduring. 5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be made worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering

2 Thessalonians 1:2–5, RSV

From Luther

One of the chief reasons why God permits Christians to suffer on earth is to make plain the distinction between their reward and that of the ungodly. In the sufferings of believing Christians, and in the wickedness, tyranny, rage and persecution directed by the unrighteous against the godly, is a certain indication of a future life unlike this and a final judgment of God in which all men, godly and wicked, shall be forever recompensed. When Paul speaks of the tribulations and sufferings of Christians, he means to say that these afflictions are the indication of God’s righteous judgment, and a sign that you are worthy of the kingdom of God for which you suffer. In other words: “O beloved Christians, regard your sufferings as dear and precious. Think not God is angry with you, or has forgotten you, because he allows you to endure these things. They are your great help and comfort, for they show that God will be a righteous judge, will richly bless you and avenge you upon your persecutors. In this you have unfailing assurance. You may rejoice and console yourselves, believing without the shadow of a doubt that you belong to the kingdom of God, and have been made worthy of it, because you suffer for its sake.”

But it is impossible that it should continue to be, as now, well with the world and evil with you. God’s righteousness will not admit of it. Just because he is a righteous judge, things must be eventually different: the godly must have eternal good, and the wicked, on the other hand, must be punished forever. Otherwise God’s judgment would not be righteous; in other words, he would not be God. This is an impossible proposition, since God’s righteousness and truth are immutable, in his capacity as judge he must perforce in due time come from heaven, when he shall have assembled his Christians, and avenge them of their enemies, recompense the latter according to their merits, and confer eternal rest and peace upon his followers for the temporal sufferings they have endured here. Necessarily, then, he has planned a future state for Christians and for non-Christians, in either instance unlike what they know on earth.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 457–458.

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The Faith of Shepherds http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 28 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; 18 and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 

Luke 2:15–20, RSV

From Luther

Had not these shepherds believed the angel they would never have gone to Bethlehem, they would have done none of those things related of them in this gospel. One might say, I would gladly believe if an angel from heaven were to preach to me. But whoever does not receive the Word for its own sake will never receive it for the sake of the preacher, even if all the angels preached it to him. He who receives it because of the preacher does not believe in the Word, neither in God through the Word, but he believes the preacher and in the preacher. Hence the faith of such persons does not last long. But whoever believes the Word, does not care who the person is that speaks the Word, and neither will he honor the Word for the sake of the person; but on the contrary, he honors the person because of the Word, and always subordinates the person to the Word. If the preacher perishes, or even falls from the faith and preaches differently, he will forsake the person of the preacher rather than the Word of God.

All who believed Christ because of his person and his miracles fell from their faith when he was crucified. So it is in our day and so it has always been. The Word itself, without any regard to persons, must be enough for the heart; it must lay hold of man as if taken captive, so that he feels how true and right it is, even if the world, all the angels, all the princes of hell said differently, even if God himself spake otherwise; as he at times tempts his own elect and appears as if different from what he had before declared. So it was with Abraham when commanded to offer his son Isaac; with Jacob, while wrestling with the angel; with David, when persecuted by his son Absalom. This faith triumphs in life and death, and nothing is able to overthrow it; because it rests upon nothing but the Word without any regard whatever to persons. Such faith these shepherds possess; they cleave to the Word so strongly that they forget the angels who declared it to them. They do not say, Let us go and see what the angels made known to us, but what the Lord hath made known to us.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 456–457.

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Our Need of the Gospel http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 27 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

8 And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; 11 for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!” 

Luke 2:8–14, RSV

From Luther

The shepherds were in the field, under the canopy of heaven, and not in houses, showing that they do not cling to temporal things. They are in the fields by night, unknown to the world which sleeps in the night, and by day delights to walk that it may be noticed. They represent all the lowly who live on earth, often despised and unnoticed but dwell only under the protection of heaven; they eagerly desire the gospel.

That they were “shepherds,” means that no one is to hear the gospel alone for himself, but every one is to tell it to others who are not acquainted with it. For he who believes for himself has enough and should endeavor to bring others to such faith and knowledge, so that one may be a shepherd of the other to lead him into the pasture of the gospel in this world, during the night time of this earthly life. At first the shepherds were sore afraid because of the angel; for human nature is shocked when it first hears the gospel that all our own works are nothing and are condemned before God, for it does not easily give up its prejudices and presumptions.

Now let every one examine himself in the light of the gospel to see how far he is from Christ, what is the character of his faith and love. Many are enkindled with dreamy devotion, when they hear of the poverty of Christ, are almost angry with the citizens of Bethlehem, denounce their blindness and ingratitude, and think, if they had been there, they would have shown the Lord and his mother a more becoming service, and would not have permitted them to be treated so miserably. But they do not look by their side to see how many of their fellow men need their aid, whom they let go on in their misery unaided. It is altogether wrong for you to think that you have done much for Christ, when you have done nothing for those needy ones. Had you been in Bethlehem you would have paid as little attention to Christ as they did; but since it is now made known who Christ is, you profess to serve him, but you would hardly have done it before.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 454–455.

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Grace Working in Nature http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 26 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was the first enrollment, when Quirini-us was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. 7 And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 

Luke 2:1–7, RSV

From Luther

He was born of the virgin Mary. There is no deception here, for the Word clearly states that it was an actual birth. Mary’s experience was not different from that of other women, so that the birth of Christ was a real natural birth, Mary being his natural mother and he being her natural son. But she brought forth without sin, without shame, without pain and without injury, just as she had conceived without sin. The curse of Eve did not come upon her, where God said: “In sorrow shalt thou bring forth children.”

Grace does not interfere with nature and her work, but rather improves and promotes it. I mention this that we may be grounded in the faith and know that Jesus was a natural man in every respect just as we are, the only difference being in his relation to sin and grace, he being without a sinful nature. It is a great comfort to us that Jesus took upon himself our nature and flesh. Therefore we are not to take away from him or his mother anything that is not in conflict with grace, for the text clearly says that she brought him forth, and the angels said, Unto you he is born.

How could God have shown his goodness in a more sublime manner than by humbling himself to partake of flesh and blood, so that henceforth even that can be regarded godly, honest and pure, which in all men is ungodly, shameful and impure? These are real miracles of God, for in no way could he have given us stronger, more forcible and purer pictures of chastity than in this birth. When we look upon this birth, and reflect how the sublime Majesty moves with great earnestness and inexpressible love and goodness upon the flesh and blood of this virgin, we see how all evil lust and every evil thought is banished. No woman can inspire such pure thoughts in a man as this virgin; nor can any man inspire such pure thought in a woman as this child. If in reflecting on this birth we recognize the work of God that is embodied in it, only chastity and purity spring from it.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 453–454.

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For You http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 25 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

7 And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; 11 for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:7–11, RSV

From Luther

Faith comes first, and it is proper that we recognize it as the most important in every word of God. The right and gracious faith which God demands is, that you firmly believe that Christ is born for you, and that his birth took place for your welfare. The gospel teaches that Christ was born, and that he did and suffered everything in our behalf. It is not simply said, Christ is born, but to you he is born. The right ground of salvation which unites Christ and the believing heart is that they have all things in common. But what have they?

Christ has a pure, innocent and holy birth. Man has an unclean, sinful and condemned birth. David says: “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” Nothing can help this unholy birth except the pure birth of Christ. But Christ’s birth cannot be distributed in a material sense, neither would that avail anything; it is imparted spiritually through the Word; it is given to all who firmly believe, so that no harm will come to them because of their impure birth. In this way we are cleansed from the miserable birth we have from Adam. For this purpose Christ willed to be born, that through him we might be born again. Christ takes our birth from us and absorbs it in his birth, and grants us his, that in it we might become pure and holy, so that every Christian may rejoice and glory in Christ’s birth. Whoever does not believe this, or doubts, is no Christian.

O, this is the great joy of which the angel speaks. This is the comfort and exceeding goodness of God that, if a man believes this, he can boast of the treasure that Mary is his rightful mother, Christ his brother, and God his father. But this cannot occur except through the faith that teaches us rightly to understand the gospel and properly to lay hold of it. This is the only way that Christ can be rightly known so that the conscience is satisfied and made to rejoice. Out of this grow love and praise to God who in Christ has bestowed upon us such unspeakable gifts. This gives courage to suffer everything that is well pleasing to God.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 452–453.

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Behold! http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 24 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness, “I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” 

John 1:29–34, RSV

From Luther

By this John means to say: I have, by my teaching, made you all sinners, having condemned your works and told you to despair of yourselves. But in order that you may not also despair of God, I will show you how to get rid of your sins and obtain salvation. Not that you can strip off your sins or make yourselves pious through your works; another man is needed for this; nor can I do it, I can point him out, however. It is Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. He, he, and no one else in heaven or on earth, takes our sins upon himself. You yourselves could not pay for the very smallest of your sins. He alone must take upon himself not alone your sins, but the sins of the world, and not some sins, but all the sins of the world, be they great or small, many or few.

Now if you are able to believe that this voice of John speaks the truth, and if you are able to follow his finger and recognize the Lamb of God carrying your sins, then you have gained the victory, then you are a Christian, a master of sin, death, hell and all things. Then your conscience will rejoice and become heartily fond of this gentle Lamb of God. Then you will love, praise and give thanks to our heavenly Father for his infinite wealth of mercy, preached by John and given in Christ. Finally you will become cheerful and willing to do his divine will, as best you can, with all your strength. What lovelier and more comforting message can be heard than that our sins are not ours any more, that they no more lie on us, but on the Lamb of God. Lying on him, sin must be vanquished and made to nothing, and likewise death and hell, being the reward of sin, must be vanquished also. Behold what God our Father has given us in Christ.

Take heed lest you presume to get rid of the smallest of your sins through your own merit before God, and lest you rob Christ, the Lamb of God, of his credit. John indeed demands that each one should know himself, repent and grow better, yet not in himself, but in Jesus Christ alone.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 451–452.

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The Last Message http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 23 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, he did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 They said to him then, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” 

John 1:19–23, RSV

From Luther

The question arises, Did John really confess the truth when he denied that he was Elijah or a prophet, when Christ himself called him Elijah and more than a prophet. He himself knew that he had come in the spirit and power of Elijah, and the Scriptures called him such. The truth of the matter is that he simply confessed the truth in a straightforward manner, namely, that he was not that Elijah about whom they asked, nor a prophet. The prophets commonly led and taught the people, who sought advice and help from them. Such a one John was not and would not be, for the Lord was present, whom they were to adhere to and follow. He did not desire to draw the people to himself, but to lead them to Christ, which was needful before Christ himself came. A prophet foretells the coming of Christ. John, however, shows him present, which is not a prophet’s task. John directs the people to Christ, and this is a higher and greater office than that of a prophet, yet it is not on account of his merit, but on account of the presence of his Master. In praising John for being more than a prophet, not his worthiness but that of his Master, who is present, is extolled. For it is customary for a servant to receive greater honor and reverence in the absence of his master than in his presence.

The rank of a prophet is higher than that of John, although his office is greater and more immediate. A prophet rules and leads the people, and they adhere to him; but John does no more than direct them away from himself to Christ, the present Master. Therefore, in the simplest and most straightforward manner, he denied being a prophet, although abounding in all the qualities of a prophet. This he did for the sake of the people, in order that they might not accept his testimony as the foretelling of a prophet and expect Christ in other future times, but that they might recognize him as a forerunner and guide, and follow his guidance to the Lord, who was present. The gospel through which Christ has come into the world is the last message before the day of judgment.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 449–450.

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The Word-angel http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 22 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to behold? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 Why then did you go out? To see a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, those who wear soft raiment are in kings’ houses. 9 Why then did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written, 'Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee.'" 

Matthew 11:7–10, RSV

From Luther

We must accustom ourselves to the Scriptures, in which angel means a messenger; not a bearer of messages or one who carries letters, but one who is sent to solicit orally for the message. Hence in the Scripture this name is common to all messengers of God in heaven and on earth, be they holy angels in heaven, or the prophets and apostles on earth. Thus they who proclaim God’s Word are called his angels or messengers and solicitors. But the heavenly spirits are called angels chiefly because they are the highest and most exalted messengers of God. Thus John the Baptist is also an angel or word-messenger, and not only that, but one who also prepares the way before the face of the Master in such manner that the Master himself immediately follows him, which no prophet ever did. For this reason John “is more than a prophet,” namely an angel or messenger, and a forerunner, so that in his day the Lord of all the prophets himself comes with his messenger.

The preparing here means to make ready the way, to put out of the way all that interferes with the course of the Lord, just as the servant clears the way before the face of his master by removing wood, stones, people and all that is in the way. But what was it that blocked the way of Christ and that John was to remove? Sin, without doubt, especially the good works of the haughty saints; that is, he should make known to everybody that the works and deeds of all men are sin and iniquity and that all need the grace of Christ. He who knows and acknowledges this thoroughly is himself humble and has well prepared the way for Christ.

Thus John is not a prophet, but a messenger. And not a messenger who stays at home, but one that goes before the face of his master and brings the master along with him, so that there is but one time for the messenger and for the master. Thus Christ pleads with the Jews to take John as a messenger, and not as a prophet. To this day it is the delusion of the Jews that they look for another time. They, therefore, remain shaken reeds and soft raiment seekers.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 448–449.

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Believe and Rejoice http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 21 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. 6 Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:4–7, RSV

From Luther

Joy is the natural fruit of faith. Until the heart believes in God, it is impossible for it to rejoice in him. When faith is lacking man is filled with fear and gloom and is disposed to flee at the very mention, the mere thought of God. The unbelieving heart is filled with enmity and hatred against God. Conscious of its own guilt, it has no confidence in his gracious mercy; it knows God as an enemy to sin who will terribly punish the same. One may as well try to pursuade water to burn as to talk to such a heart of joy in God. All words will be without effect, for the sinner feels upon his conscience the pressure of God’s hand. The psalmist says, “Rejoice, ye righteous; and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.” It must be the just and the righteous, then, who are to rejoice in the Lord. This text, therefore, is not written for the sinner, but for the saint. We must first tell the sinners how they can be liberated from their sins and perceive a merciful God. When they have been released from the power of an evil conscience, joy will naturally result.

But how shall we be liberated from an accusing conscience and receive the assurance of God’s mercy? He who would have a quiet conscience and would be sensitive of God’s mercy must place no hope whatever in works, but must comprehend God in Christ, comprehend the gospel and believe its promises. But what does the gospel promise other than that Christ is given for us, bears our sins and is our Bishop, Mediator and Advocate before God, and that only through him and his works is God reconciled, our sins forgiven and our consciences set free and made glad? When this sort of faith in the gospel really exists, the heart confidently feels his favor and grace. It is secure and in good spirits because God has conferred upon it, through Christ, superabundant goodness and grace. It will enjoy sincere pleasure in God as its beloved and gracious Father. Such is the rejoicing of which Paul here speaks — a rejoicing where is no sin, no fear of death and hell, but rather a glad and all-powerful confidence in God and his kindness.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 447–448.

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Armor of Light http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 20 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

11 Besides this you know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; 12 the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 13 let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. 

Romans 13:11–14, RSV

From Luther

We are not profited by the shining of the sun, and the day it produces, if our eyes fail to perceive its light. Similarly, though the gospel is revealed and Christ is proclaimed to the world, none are enlightened but those who receive it, who have risen from sleep through the agency of the light of faith. They who sleep are not affected by the sun and the day; they receive no light and receive as little as if there were neither sun nor day. It is to our day that Paul refers when he says: “Knowing the season, that already it is time for you to wake out of sleep.” In the light of our spiritual knowledge we are to rise from sleep and lay aside the works of darkness. Paul is not addressing unbelievers. He tells the Romans they know the time is at hand, that the night is past and the dawn appears.

But why this passage to believers? Because no one ever gets to the point of knowledge where it is not necessary to admonish him, continually to urge him to new reflections upon what he already knows; for there is danger of his untiring enemies — the devil, the world and the flesh — wearying him and causing him to become negligent, and ultimately lulling him to sleep. There should, therefore, be continuous exhorting to vigilance and activity. Hence the Holy Spirit is called the Comforter or Helper, who incites and urges to good.

Not the works of darkness Paul calls “armor,” but the works of light. Why “armor” rather than “works?” Doubtless to teach that only at the cost of conflicts, pain, labor and danger will the truly watchful and godly life be maintained. But it is no easy thing to stand always in battle array during the whole life. Good trumpets and bugles are necessary, preaching and exhortation of a sort to enable us valiantly to maintain our position in battle. Good works are armor. Let not the works of darkness get such control of you as to render your members weapons of unrighteousness. The word “light” here carries the thought of faith. The “armor of light” is simply the works of faith. “Darkness” is unbelief; it reigns in the absence of the gospel and of Christ through the instrumentality of the doctrines of men, instigated by the devil.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 446–447.

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Spiritually Poor http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 19 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 And when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.

Matthew 11:1–5, RSV

From Luther

Among the works of Christ none is greater than the preaching of the gospel to the poor. This means that to the poor the divine promise of grace and consolation in and through Christ is preached, offered and presented, so that to him who believes all his sins forgiven the law is fulfilled, conscience is appeased and at last life eternal is bestowed upon him. What more joyful tidings could a poor, sorrowful heart and troubled conscience hear than this? How could the heart become more bold and courageous than by such consoling, blissful words of promise. Sin, death, hell, the world, the devil and every evil are scorned when a poor heart receives and believes this consolation of the divine promise. To give sight to the blind and to raise up the dead are but insignificant deeds, compared with the preaching of the gospel to the poor.

Surely these poor are not the beggars and the bodily poor, but the spiritually poor, namely, those who do not covet and love earthly goods; those poor broken-hearted ones who in the agony of their conscience seek and desire help and consolation so ardently as to covet neither riches nor honor. Nothing but a merciful God will help them. These are the ones for whom such a message is intended, and they are delighted in their hearts with it.

Though the gospel is heard by all the world, yet it is not accepted but by the poor only. It is to be preached and proclaimed to all the world as a message only for the poor, as the rich cannot receive it. Whosoever would receive it must first become poor, just as Christ says, he came not to call the righteous, but sinners only, although he called all the world. In like manner all should become poor who hear the gospel, that they might be worthy of the gospel. Hence you see who are the greatest enemies of the gospel, namely, the work-righteous saints, who are self-conceited. The gospel has not the least in common with them. They want to become rich in works, but the gospel wills that they are to become poor. So they clash with the gospel.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 444–45.

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The Spiritual Day http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 18 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

11 Besides this you know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; 12 the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 13 let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. 

Romans 13:11–14, RSV

From Luther

This is equivalent to saying, “salvation is near us.” By the word “day” Paul means the gospel; the gospel is like day in that it enlightens the heart or soul. Christ and his grace, promised to Abraham, are now revealed; they are preached in all the world, enlightening mankind, awaking us from sleep and making manifest the true, eternal blessings, that we may enjoy ourselves with the gospel of Christ and walk honorably in the day. By the word “night” we are to understand all doctrines apart from the gospel. For there is no other saving doctrine; all else is night and darkness.

Paul designates the most beautiful and vivifying time of the day — the delightful, joyous dawn, the hour of sunrise. In response to the morning dawn, birds sing, beasts arouse themselves and all humanity arises. At daybreak, when the sky is red in the east, the world is apparently new and all things reanimated. In many places in the Scriptures, the comforting, vivifying preaching of the gospel is compared to the morning dawn, to the rising of the sun. The gospel day is produced by the glorious Sun, Jesus Christ. Malachi calls him the Sun of Righteousness with healing in his wings. The natural sun makes the natural day, but the Lord himself is the author of the spiritual day. Christ is the Sun, the source of the gospel day. From him the gospel brightness shines throughout the world. As the natural heavens bring the sun and the day, so the apostles in their preaching bring us the real Sun, Christ.

The Scriptures sublimely exalt the gospel day, for it is the source of life, joy, pleasure and energy, and brings all good. Hence the name “gospel,” joyful news. Who can enumerate the things revealed to us by this, the gospel day? It teaches us everything—the nature of God, of ourselves, and what has been and is to be in regard to heaven, hell and earth, to angels and devils. It enables us to know how to conduct ourselves in relation to these, whence we are and whither we go. In permitting ourselves to be blinded by human doctrines, we return to the night. Whatsoever is not the gospel day surely cannot be light. The gospel declares him the Light and Sun of the world.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 443–44.

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The Peace of the Cross http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 17 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. 6 Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:4–7, RSV

From Luther

By “peace of God” we must understand, not that calm and satisfied peace in which God himself dwells, but the peace and contentment he produces in our hearts. This peace is the gift of God and is called the “peace of God,” because, having it, we are at peace with him even if we are displeased with men. This peace is beyond the power of mind and reason to comprehend. They who know nothing of fleeing to God in prayer, when overtaken by tribulation and adversity and when filled with care and anxiety, proceed to seek that peace alone which reason apprehends and which reason can secure. But reason apprehends no peace apart from the removal of the evil. But they who find their peace in God, rejoice in him and are contented. They calmly endure tribulation; standing firm, they await the inner strength wrought by faith. It is not theirs to inquire whether the evil will be long or short in duration; they ever leave it to God’s regulation. They are not anxious to know when, where or by whom termination of the evil is to come. God affords them grace and removes their evils, bestowing blessings beyond their expectation.

This is the peace of the cross, the peace of God, the peace of conscience, Christian peace, which gives us eternal calm and makes us satisfied with all men and unwilling to disturb any. Reason cannot understand how there can be pleasure in crosses and peace in disquietude. Such peace is the work of God, and none can understand it until he has experienced it. “Heart” and “mind” here must not be supposed to mean human will and understanding; but faith and love are meant in all their operations, in all their inclinations toward God and men. The reference is simply to a disposition to trust and love God, a willingness of heart and mind to serve God and man to the utmost. Briefly, this text is a lesson in Christian living, in the attitude of the Christian toward God and man. It teaches us to let God be everything to us, and to treat all men alike, to conduct ourselves toward men as does God toward us, receiving from him and giving to them. It may be summed up in the words “faith” and “love.”

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 442–43.

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Priestly Prayer http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 16 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. 6 Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:4–7, RSV

From Luther

Here Paul teaches us to cast our care upon God. Should anything transpire to give you care or anxiety, turn to God with prayer, with supplication, entreating him to accomplish for you all you would seek to effect by care. Do so in thankfulness; you have a God solicitous for you, to whom you may freely come with all your anxieties. Whoever does not so when misfortune befalls him, but endeavors to measure it by his reason and to overrule it by his counsel, and thus falls into anxiety—this man plunges himself into deep wretchedness, loses his joy and peace in God, and all to accomplish nothing. Of this fact we have daily testimony in our experience and in that of others. But let no one conclude that he will be utterly careless and rest upon God, making no effort, no exertion, not even resorting to prayer. Whoso adopts this course must soon fail and fall into anxiety. We must ever strive. Many care-engendering things befall us for the very purpose of driving us to prayer. Many things transpire which tend to create in us anxiety, but we must not let them make us overanxious. We must commit ourselves to God and implore his aid for our needs.

Prayer is made vigorous by petitioning; urgent by supplication; pleasing and acceptable by thanksgiving. Strength and acceptability combine to prevail and secure the petition. This, we see, is the manner of prayer practiced by the Church; the holy fathers in the Old Testament always offered supplication and thanks in their prayers. The Lord’s Prayer opens with praise and thanksgiving and the acknowledgment of God as Father. It earnestly presses toward him through filial love and a recognition of fatherly tenderness. For supplication this prayer is unequaled. Hence it is the sublimest and noblest prayer ever uttered.

These words of Paul beautifully spiritualize and explain the mystery of the golden censer of which Moses has written much in the Old Testament, detailing how the priests should burn incense in the temple. We are all priests and our prayers are censers. The golden vessel signifies the precious words of prayer; the live coals stand for thanksgiving for benefits in prayer; the ascending smoke is our faith, when we believe our appeal reaches God and is heard. We must not doubt that God hears us.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 440–42.

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Serving God http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 15 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

14 What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. 18 But some one will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.

James 2:14–18, RSV

From Luther

Faith receives the good works of Christ, love bestows good works on our neighbor. Our faith is strengthened and increased when Christ is held forth to us in his own natural works, namely, that he associates with the blind, the deaf, the lame, the lepers, the dead and the poor; that is, in pure love and kindness toward all who are in need and in misery, so that finally Christ is nothing else than consolation and a refuge for all the distressed and troubled in conscience. Here is necessary faith that trusts in the gospel and relies upon it, never doubting that Christ is just as he is presented to us in this gospel, and does not think of him otherwise, nor lets any one persuade us to believe otherwise. That gospel which suffers Christ to be seen and to be doing good only among the needy will not belie you.

If you desire to believe rightly and to possess Christ truly, then you must reject all works that you intend to place before God. They are only stumbling blocks, leading you away from Christ and from God. Before God no works are acceptable but Christ’s own works. Let these plead for you before God, and do no other work before him than to believe that Christ is doing his works for you and is placing them before God in your behalf. God demands of us no other work that we should do for him than to exercise faith in Christ. With that he is satisfied, and with that we give honor to him, as to one who is merciful, longsuffering, wise, kind and truthful. After this think of nothing else than to do to your neighbor as Christ has done to you, and let all your works together with all your life be applied to your neighbor. Look for the poor, sick and all kinds of needy, help them and let your life’s energy appear in this, so that they may enjoy your kindness, helping wherever your help is needed, as much as you possibly can with your life, property and honor. Know that to serve God is nothing else than to serve your neighbor in love, whether he be enemy or friend, or whether you can help in temporal or spiritual matters. This is serving God and doing good works.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 439–40.

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The Offense of Christ http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 14 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who takes no offense at me.” 

Matthew 11:2–6, RSV

From Luther

There are two kinds of offenses, one of doctrine, and the other of life. The offense of doctrine comes when one believes, teaches or thinks of Christ in a different way than he should, as did the Jews, teaching that Christ was other than he really was, expecting him to be a temporal king. Christ and Paul always dwell upon this offense, scarcely mentioning any other. It is not without reason that men are admonished to remember this. Under the reign of the pope this offense has been hushed entirely, so that neither monk nor priest knows of any other offense than that caused by open sin and wicked living, which the Scriptures do not call an offense. They teach the people to believe that the mass is an offering and a good work, that by works men may become pious, may atone for sin and be saved, all of which is nothing less than rejecting Christ and destroying faith.

The offense of life is, when one sees and teaches an openly wicked work of another. It is impossible to avoid this offense, inasmuch as we must live among the wicked, but it is not so dangerous, since everybody knows that such offense is sinful, and no one is deceived by it. There is no disguise nor deception. But in the offense of doctrine there may be the most beautiful religious ceremonies, the noblest works, the most honorable life, so that it is impossible for common reason to censure or discern it. Only faith through the Spirit recognizes that it is all wrong. Against this offense Christ warns us, saying: “Whoso shall offend one of these little ones, which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”

Whosoever does not preach Christ, or who preaches him otherwise than the gospel teaches, namely, as one caring for the blind, the lame and the poor, teaches us how to become unhappy and stumble in Christ. It is truly a great blessing not to be offended in Christ, and there is no other help or remedy than to look at his works and compare them with the Scriptures. Otherwise it is impossible to keep from being offended at Christ.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 438–39.

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Coming in Power and Grace http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 12 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who takes no offense at me.” 

Matthew 11:2–6, RSV

From Luther

The disciples of John had learned from him many excellent testimonies concerning Christ, that he was the Lamb of God and the Son of God, that Christ must increase while he must decrease. All this his disciples and the people did not believe, nor could they understand it, as they and all the people thought more of John than of Christ. Consequently they clung so closely to John, that for his sake they became jealous of Christ and were dissatisfied with him, when they saw that he also baptized and drew the people to himself.

To this error they are led for two reasons. First, Christ was not yet known to the people, but only to John; neither had he yet performed any miracle. The second reason was that Christ appeared so humble, being the son of a carpenter and of a poor woman. He did not belong to the priesthood, nor to the learned, nor had he ever studied, but was only a layman and a common apprentice. Hence it seemed that the excellent testimony of John concerning Jesus of Nazareth did not at all seem true. They were looking for one who might appear in an imposing manner among them, or like a highly learned leader among the priests or like a mighty king. From this delusion John could not dissuade them.

But when Jesus began to perform miracles and became famous, John thought that he would direct his disciples from himself to Christ, that they might not establish a new sect and become Johnites, but might cling to Christ and become Christians. They must learn that the works and coming of Christ would not be attended by drums and bugles and the like worldly pomp, but by spiritual power and grace; that by virtue of such power and grace the dead would be raised up, the blind receive their sight, the deaf hear, and all kinds of bodily and spiritual evil be removed. This would be the coming and glory of this King, the least of whose works could not be performed by all the kings, all the learned and all the rich of the world.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 436–37.

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The Promised Seed http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 11 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

15 And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven, 16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, says the LORD, because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will indeed bless you, and I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore. And your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies, 18 and by your descendants shall all the nations of the earth bless themselves, because you have obeyed my voice.”

Genesis 22:15–18, RSV

From Luther

The blessing here promised to the patriarch in his seed is simply the grace and salvation in Christ which the gospel presents to the whole world. For Christ is the seed of Abraham, his own flesh and blood, and in Christ all believing inquirers will be blessed. This promise to the patriarch was later more minutely set forth and more widely circulated by the prophets. All of them wrote of the advent of Christ, his grace and gospel. The divine promise was believed by the saints prior to the birth of Christ; thus, through the coming Messiah they were preserved and saved by faith.

But faith is not abolished in the fulfilment of the promise; rather it is established. As they in former time believed in the future fulfilment, we now believe in the completed fulfilment. Faith in the two instances is essentially the same; but one belief succeeds the other as fulfilment succeeds promise. In both cases faith is based on the seed of Abraham, that is, on Christ. In one instance it precedes his advent and in the other it follows. He who would now, like the Jews, believe in Christ yet to come, as if the promise were still unfulfilled, would be condemned. For he would make God a liar in holding that the word is unredeemed, contrary to fact. Were the promise not fulfilled, our salvation would be still far off; we would have to wait its future accomplishment.

Having in mind faith under these two conditions, we must now believe not only in the promise but in its past fulfilment. For though the faith of the fathers is one with our faith, they trusting in Christ to come and we in a Christ revealed, yet the gospel leads from the former faith to the latter. It is now necessary to believe the promise, and also its fulfilment. Abraham and the ancients were not called on to believe in the accomplished fulfilment, though they had the same Christ as we have. There is one faith, one spirit, one Christ, one community of saints; but they preceded, while we come after, Christ. Thus we—the fathers and ourselves—have had and still have a common faith in the one Christ, but under different conditions. Because of this common faith believers unite in Christ as one body.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 434–35.

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Wake Up http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 10 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

11 Besides this you know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; 12 the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 13 let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. 

Romans 13:11–14, RSV

From Luther

For the sake of effect and emphasis the apostle in his admonition employs a pleasing figure and makes an eloquent appeal. The word “sleep” is used as a simile to help us grasp the spiritual thought. Since for the sake of temporal gain men rise from sleep, put aside the things of darkness and take up the day’s work when night has given place to morning, how much greater the necessity for us to awake from our spiritual sleep, to cast off the things of darkness and enter upon the works of light, since our night has passed and our day breaks. “Sleep” here stands for the works of wickedness and unbelief. For sleep is properly incident to the night time. Then, too, the explanation is given in the added words: “Let us cast off the works of darkness.” Similarly in the thought of awakening and rising are suggested the works of faith and piety. They that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet the hope of salvation.

Paul, of course, does not enjoin against physical sleep. His contrasting figures of sleep and wakefulness are used as illustrations of spiritual lethargy and activity — the godly and the ungodly life. Note the analogy between natural and spiritual sleep. The sleeper sees nothing about him; he is not sensitive to any earthly realities. In the midst of them he lies as one dead and useless, without power or purpose. Though having life in himself he is practically dead to all outside. His mind is occupied, not with realities, but with dreams, in which he beholds mere images, vain forms of the real; and he is foolish enough to think them true. But when he wakes, these illusions or dreams vanish. Then he begins to occupy himself with realities.

So it is in the spiritual life. The ungodly person sleeps. He is in a sense dead in the sight of God. He does not recognize the real spiritual blessings extended him through the gospel; he regards them as valueless. For these blessings are only to be recognized by the believing heart; they are concealed from the natural man.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 433–34.

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Well Prepared http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 09 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God; 20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now; 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 

Romans 8:18–25, RSV

From Luther

You say, I would indeed await his coming with joy, if I were holy and without sin. I answer, What relief do you find in fear and flight? It would not redeem you from sin if you were to be filled with terror for a thousand years. The damned are eternally filled with fear of that day, but this does not take away their sin; this fear rather increases sin and renders man unfit to appear without sin on that day when it comes.

There is no one so well prepared for the judgment day as he who longs to be without sin. If you have such desire, what do you fear? You are then in perfect accord with the purpose of that day. It comes to set free from sin all who desire it, and you belong to that number. Return thanks to God and abide in that desire. Christ says his coming is for our redemption. But do not deceive yourself and be satisfied, perhaps, with the simple desire to be free from sin and to await the coming of the day without fear. Perhaps your heart is false and you are filled with fear, not because you would be free from sin, but because in the face of that day you cannot sin free and untrammeled. See to it that the light within you be not darkness. For a heart that would be truly free from sin will certainly rejoice in the day that fulfils its desire. If the heart does not so rejoice there is no true desire to be loosed from its sin.

From this we learn how few there are who pray the Lord’s Prayer acceptably. There are few who would not rather that the day would never come. This is nothing else than to desire that the kingdom of God may not come. Yet, he who feels such fear must not despair, but rather use it wisely. He does so who permits such fear to urge him to pray for grace that his fear might be taken away and he be given joy and delight in that day. Therefore those who fear are nearer their salvation than the hard-hearted, who neither fear nor find comfort in that day.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 432–33.

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His Kingdom Come http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 08 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 

Luke 21:25–28, RSV

From Luther

How shall we look up and lift up our heads, which evidently means, how shall we manifest any joy in and longing for these signs? In answer I would say that all this is spoken only to those who are really Christians and not to heathen and Jew. True Christians are so afflicted with all manner of temptations and persecutions that in this life they are miserable. Therefore they wait and long and pray for redemption from sin and evil; as we also pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom come,” and, “Deliver us from evil.” If we are true Christians we will earnestly and heartily join in this prayer. If we do not so pray, we are not yet true Christians.

If we pray aright, our condition must truly be such as to look up to them with joy and earnest desire, however terrible these signs may be, as Christ admonishes: “When these things come to pass, look up.” He does not say, Be filled with fear or drop your heads; for there is coming that for which we have been earnestly praying. If we really wish to be freed from sin and death and hell, we must look forward to this coming of the Lord with joy and pleasure.

But what do those do who are filled with fear and do not desire to have him come, when they pray, “Thy kingdom come,” “Thy will be done”? Do they not stand in the presence of God and lie to their own hurt? Do they not strive against the will of God who will have this day for the redemption of the saints. It is necessary that we exercise great care lest we be found to hate and to dread that day. Such dread is a bad omen and belongs to the damned, whose cold minds and hard hearts must be terrified and broken, if perchance they might reform.

To believers that day will be comforting and sweet. To them that day will be the highest joy and safety; just as in this life the truths of the gospel are exceedingly sweet to the godly and exceedingly hateful to the wicked. Why should the believer fear and not rather exceedingly rejoice, since he trusts in Christ who comes as judge to redeem him and to be his everlasting portion?

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 431–32.

Today's video was made in 2021 so references in the video to days and dates may be askew in the year in which you are listening. However, the Luther reading is, indeed, for this day in the year.

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Signs of the Gospel http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 07 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 

Luke 21:25–28, RSV

From Luther

By the powers of heaven some understand the angels of heaven. But since Christ speaks of signs and says we shall see them and recognize in them the coming of the last day, they must surely be visible tokens and be perceived with the bodily senses. For those people whose consciences are in distress and whose hearts are failing from fear, though this be an affection of the soul, yet manifest it by word and countenance. Therefore these powers of heaven must be such as can be really shaken and so perceived.

The Scriptures speak in a twofold way concerning the powers of heaven. At one time they are spoken of as the heavens which are the most powerful among all creatures, “and God called the firmament—expanse or fortress—heaven.” Every creature under heaven is ruled and strengthened by the light, heat and movements of the heavens. What would the earth be without the heavens but a dark and desert waste? At another time the powers of heaven signify the hosts of heaven: “and the heavens and the earth were finished and all the hosts of them.” It is common in the Scriptures to speak in this way of the powers of heaven. And it is clear from this and other passages that the hosts or powers of heaven include all that is in them; in the heavens, the sun, moon, stars and other heavenly bodies; on earth, man and beast, birds and fish, trees, herbs and whatsoever lives upon it. The passage before us may therefore mean the powers of heaven in both senses, probably chiefly the hosts of heaven. Christ could say that all creatures shall be shaken and shall serve as tokens of that day; sun and moon with darkening, the stars with falling, the nations with wars, men with hearts failing from fear, the earth with earthquakes, the waters with winds and roaring, the air with infection and pestilence, and the heavens with their hosts.

Christ calls these signs and desires us to take special notice of them, appearing, as they do, not alone, but with a multitude of other tokens. Let the unbeliever doubt and despise God’s tokens and speak of them as simply natural; but let us hold fast to the gospel.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 429–30.

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Signs http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 06 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

19 By your endurance you will gain your lives. 20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it; 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfil all that is written. 23 Alas for those who are with child and for those who give suck in those days! For great distress shall be upon the earth and wrath upon this people; 24 they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led captive among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 

Luke 21:19–28, RSV

From Luther

“The sun shall be darkened” (Matthew 24:29). Some think that the sun is to be darkened never to shine again; but this cannot be the meaning, for day and night must continue to the end. “While the earth remaineth day and night shall not cease.” This sign therefore dare not interfere with day and night and still be fulfilled before the judgment day. “The moon shall not give her light.” The same is to be said of this as of the signs of the sun. Is it not true that scarcely a year has passed in which sun and moon have not been eclipsed? Astronomers have told us, and rightly so, that these eclipses are but natural phenomena. As a result the tokens are the more despised and carnal security is increased. “The stars shall fall from heaven.” This is seen almost daily. Aristotle again talks about the nature of the thing; but the gospel, which is the Word and wisdom of God, pronounces the falling of the stars a sign. Wherefore if the stars fall or the sun and moon fail to give their light, be assured that these are signs of the last day; for the gospel cannot utter falsehood. While in these years there have been so many showers of stars, they are all harbingers of the last day, as Christ says; they must appear often that the great day may be abundantly proclaimed. These signs appear and pass, but no one heeds them; they are waiting for other signs, just as the Jews are waiting for another Christ.

“Distress of nations” does not, indeed, mean that all nations and all people among these nations will so suffer; for you must note that these are to be signs. Stars do not fall from heaven at all times; the sun does not lose its brightness for a whole year; all these may be tokens without changing the order of things. “Distress of nations” does not refer to the body. For there will be peace and joy in abundance. People will eat and drink, buy and sell, marry and be given in marriage and wrap themselves up in this present life as if they expected to abide here forever. I take it that it is the condition of agonized conscience. Sin and conscience oppress. By these the sinner becomes so distressed that he knows not what to do, nor whither to flee.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 428–29.

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Absurd Doctrine http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 05 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; 2 but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. 3 So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe. 4 But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So through God you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then an heir. 

From Luther

Galatians 4:1–7, RSV

In the article of faith, in which we say that the Son of God became man and that he was of the same nature as we ourselves are, in order that he might redeem us from sin and death and give us eternal life without any merit or worthiness of our own, we give Jews and Turks no less occasion for laughter and mockery than when we speak of the three persons in the Godhead. For this is a more absurd assertion by far, in the estimation of human reason, which speculates in its Jewish and Turkish, yea, heathenish teachings, on this wise: God is an only, almighty Lord of all, who has created all men and given them the law according to which they are to live; accordingly it follows that he will be merciful to the good and obedient, but will condemn and punish the disobedient. Therefore he who does good works and guards himself against sin, God will reward. These are nothing but heathenish conclusions drawn from earthly, worldly experience and observation.

Such heathen ideas of wisdom, holiness and service of God are taught and practiced by the pope. So we believed, myself and others, while we were under him, not knowing any better; otherwise we would have done and taught differently. In fact, he who has not this revelation and Word of God, can neither believe nor teach other than pagan doctrine. For human reason knows no better; and how can it know better without the revelation? Even when the revelation was proclaimed, human wisdom would not heed it, but despised it and followed its own fancies.

But to us this counsel and mind of God, in giving his Son to take upon himself our flesh, is revealed and declared. From the Word of God we have the knowledge that no man of himself can be righteous before God; that our whole life and all our deeds are under wrath and condemnation, because we are wholly born in sin and by nature are disobedient to God; but if we would be delivered from sin and be saved, we must believe on this mediator, the Son of God, who has taken our sin and death upon himself, by his own blood and death rendering satisfaction, and has by his resurrection delivered us.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 427–28.

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A Spiritual Kingdom http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 04 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

12 The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written, 15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on an ass’s colt!” 

John 12:12–15, RSV

From Luther

We will direct our attention to the reason why the evangelist quotes the words of the prophet, in which was described long ago and in clear, beautiful and wonderful words, the bodily public entrance and advent of our Lord Jesus Christ to the people of Zion or Jerusalem. The prophet wanted to show to his people and to all the world, who the Messiah is and in what manner he would come and manifest himself. He thereby anticipates the mistaken idea of the Jews, who thought that, because there were such glorious things said and written of Christ and his kingdom, he would manifest himself in great worldly pomp and glory, as a king against their enemies, especially the Roman empire, to the power of which they were subject, and that he would overthrow its power and might, and in its place set up the Jews as lords and princes. Thus they expected nothing in the promised Christ but a worldly kingdom and deliverance from bodily captivity. They were led to this notion, and strengthened in it, by their false priests, preachers and doctors, who perverted the Scriptures concerning Christ and interpreted them according to their own worldly understanding as referring to bodily, worldly things, because they would fain be great earthly lords.

But the dear prophets plainly foretold that we should not think of such an earthly kingdom, nor of bodily salvation, but give attention to the promise of a spiritual kingdom and of a redemption from the pernicious fall of mankind in paradise. This is a different salvation from that of bodily freedom, power and glory, the end of which is death.

The evangelist therefore quotes this saying of the prophet to punish the blindness and false notions of those who seek bodily and temporal blessings in Christ and his gospel, and to convince them by the testimony of the prophet, who shows clearly what kind of a king Christ was and what they should seek in him, in that he calls him just and having salvation and adds this sign of his coming by which they are to know him: “He cometh to thee, meek, and riding upon a colt, the foal of an ass.” This verse takes away all support for excuse, if they do not receive Christ, and it cuts off all hope and expectation for another. It distinctly announces that he would come on this wise and he has fulfilled everything.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 426–27.

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By Faith Alone http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 03 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 And when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3 If any one says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and he will send them immediately.” 4 This took place to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of an ass.” 

Matthew 21:1–5, RSV

From Luther

“Behold.” With this word the evangelist at once rouses us from sleep and unbelief as though he had something great or remarkable to offer, something we have long wished for and now receive with joy. Such waking up is necessary, because everything that concerns faith is against reason; for example, how can reason comprehend that an individual should be king of Jerusalem who enters in such poverty and humility as to ride upon a borrowed ass? But the nature of faith is that it does not judge nor reason by what it sees, but by what it hears. It depends upon the Word alone and not on vision or sight. Christ is received as King only by the followers of the word of the prophet, by the believers in Christ. These are the true daughters of Zion.

This King is distinguished from all other kings. It is “thy” King who was promised to you, whose own you are. For him you have yearned from the beginning, him the fathers have desired to see, he will deliver you from all that has hitherto burdened, troubled and held you captive. This is a comforting word to a believing heart, for without Christ man is subject to many raging tyrants who are not kings, but murderers, at whose hands he suffers great misery and fear.

But where the heart receives the King in firm faith, it is secure and does not fear sin, death, hell, nor any other evil; for it well knows and in no wise doubts that this King is the Lord of life and death, of sin and grace, of hell and heaven, and that all things are in his hands. Thus he became our King and came down to us that he might deliver us from these tyrants and rule over us himself alone. He who is under this King cannot be harmed either by sin, death, hell, Satan, man nor any other creature. Such boundless gifts are brought by this poor, despised King. All this reason does not understand, nor nature comprehend; it can be comprehended by faith alone.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 424–25.

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Your King Comes to You http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 02 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on an ass, on a colt the foal of an ass. 10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall command peace to the nations; his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. 11 As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your captives free from the waterless pit. 

Zechariah 9:9–11, RSV

From Luther

Learn from these words what takes place when God begins to make us godly, and what is the first step in becoming so. There is no other beginning until your King comes to you and begins to work in you. It is done in this way: the gospel comes first and must be preached and heard. In it you hear and learn how all your works count for nothing before God and that everything that you work and do is sinful. Your King must first be in you and rule you. Here is the beginning of your salvation; you relinquish your works and despair of yourself, because you see and hear that all you do is sin and amounts to nothing, as the gospel tells you. You receive your King in faith, cling to him, implore his grace and find consolation in his mercy alone.

But when you hear and accept this it is not your power, but God’s grace, that renders the gospel fruitful in you, so that you believe that you and your works are nothing. For you see how few there are who accept it, so that Christ weeps over Jerusalem. Nor is it by virtue of your power and your merit that the gospel is preached and your King comes. God must send him out of pure grace. Hence, no greater wrath of God exists than where he does not send the gospel; there is only sin, error and darkness, there man may do what he will. Again, there is no greater grace than where he sends his gospel, for there must be grace and mercy in its train, even if not all, perhaps only a few, receive it.

This is what is meant by “Thy King cometh unto thee.” You do not seek nor find him; he seeks and finds you. The preachers and their sermons come from him, not from you; your faith and everything that your faith works in you comes from him, not from you; when he does not come, you remain outside; where there is no gospel, there is no God, but only sin and damnation. Therefore you should not ask where to begin to be godly; there is no beginning, except where the King is proclaimed and enters.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 423–24.

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Your Neighbor Needs You http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 01 Dec 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

7 “Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! 12 So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. 

Matthew 7:7–12, RSV

From Luther

Faith brings and gives Christ to you with all his possessions. Love gives you to your neighbor with all your possessions. These two things constitute a true and complete Christian life; then follow suffering and persecution for such faith and life, and out of these grows hope in patience. Where, then, are the good works which you are to do to your neighbor? They have no name. As the good works which Christ does to you have no name, so your good works are to have no name. They have no name so that there may be no distinction made and they be not divided, else you might do some and leave others undone. You shall give yourself entirely to him with all you have, the same as Christ gave himself wholly to you, with praying, fasting, all works and suffering, so that there is nothing in him that is not yours and was not done for you. Thus it is not your good work that you give alms and pray, but that you offer yourself to your neighbor and serve him, whenever he needs you and in every way you can, be it with alms, prayer, work, counsel, comfort, apologizing, clothing, food, and if need be, with suffering and death.

If you have ears to hear, listen and learn what good works are. A work is good for the reason that it is useful and benefits or helps the one for whom it is done; why else should it be called good? A tree bears fruit, not for itself, but for the good of man and beast, and these fruits are its good works. You are not to do good to God and to his dead saints, they are not in need of it; still less to wood and stone, to which it is of no use, but to men. To men you should do everything that you would they should do to you. A man is to live, suffer and die for his wife and child, the wife for the husband, children for parents, servants for masters, masters for servants, the government for subjects and subjects for governments, each one for his fellow man, even for his enemies. Such are truly Christian and good works, and should be done at all times, in all places, and toward all people.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 422–23.

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Awaiting Glory http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 30 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

13 Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature be thus minded; and if in anything you are otherwise minded, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. 17 Brethren, join in imitating me, and mark those who so live as you have an example in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power which enables him even to subject all things to himself. 

Philippians 3:13–21, RSV

From Luther

We Christians are expectantly to await the coming of the Saviour. His coming will not be to our injury or shame as it may be in the case of others. He comes for the salvation of our unprofitable, impotent bodies. Wretchedly worthless as they are in this life, they are much more unprofitable when lifeless and perishing in the earth. But, however miserable, powerless and contemptible in life and death, Christ will at his coming render our bodies beautiful, pure, shining and worthy of honor, until they correspond to his own immortal, glorious body. Not like it as it hung on the cross or lay in the grave, blood-stained, livid and disgraced, but as it is now, glorified at the Father’s right hand. We need not then be alarmed at the necessity of laying aside our earthly bodies; at being despoiled of the honor, righteousness and life adhering in them, to deliver it to the devouring power of death and the grave — something well calculated to terrify the enemies of Christ; but we may joyfully hope for and await his speedy coming to deliver us from this miserable, filthy pollution.

Think of the honor and glory Christ’s righteousness brings even to our bodies! How can this poor, sinful, miserable, polluted body become like unto that of the Son of God, the Lord of glory? What are you — your powers and abilities, or those of all men, to effect this glorious thing? But Paul says human righteousness, merit, glory and power have nothing to do with it. Another force intervenes, the power of Christ the Lord, who is able to bring all things into subjection to himself. Now, if he has power to subject all things unto himself at will, he is able also to glorify the pollution and filth of this wretched body, even when it has become worms and dust. In his hands it is as clay in the hands of the potter, and from the polluted lump of clay he can make a vessel that shall be a beautiful, new, pure, glorious body, surpassing the sun in its brilliancy and beauty. The righteousness of Christ inspires with power, making evident that we worship the true and living God, who delivers from sin, death and condemnation, and exalts this perishable body to eternal honor and glory.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 421–22.

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The Comfort of the Word http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 29 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be made worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering — 6 since indeed God deems it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to grant rest with us to you who are afflicted, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 inflicting vengeance upon those who do not know God and upon those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They shall suffer the punishment of eternal destruction and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 10 when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at in all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. 11 To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his call, and may fulfil every good resolve and work of faith by his power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

2 Thessalonians 1:5–12, RSV

From Luther

Whatever the Christian suffers here on earth at the hands of the devil and the world befalls him simply for the sake of the name of God and for his Word. True, as a baptized child of God the Christian should justly enjoy unalloyed goodness, comfort and peace on earth; but since he must still dwell in the kingdom of the devil, who infuses sin and death into human flesh, he must endure the devil. Yet all Satan’s afflictions and the world’s plagues, persecutions, terrors, tortures, even the taking of the Christian’s life, and all its abuse, is wrought in violence and injustice. But to offset this, the Christian has the comforting assurance of God’s Word that because he suffers for the sake of the kingdom of Christ and of God he shall surely be eternally partaker of that kingdom. Certain it is, no one will be worthy of it unless he suffers for it.

Christians should certainly expect this and comfort themselves in the confidence that God will not permit the wrongs of his people to continue unpunished and unavenged. We might think he had forgotten, were we to judge from the facts that godly Abel was shamefully murdered by his brother, that God’s prophets and martyrs — John the Baptist, Jeremiah, Paul and others — suffered death at the hands of bloodhounds like the Herods, Neros and other shameless, sanguinary tyrants of that sort, and this when God had, even in this life, given glorious testimony of their being his beloved children. A judgment must be forthcoming that tyrants may suffer pains and punishments, and that the godly, delivered from sufferings, may have eternal rest and joy. Let all the world know that God does not forget even after death.

This is the consolation which the future judgment at the resurrection of the dead holds, that, as God’s righteousness requires, the saints shall receive for their sufferings a supremely rich and glorious recompense. Paul seems to present, as the principal reason why God must punish the world with everlasting pain, the fact that the world has inflicted tribulation on Christians. This is indicated where we read that Christ shall say on the last day: “Depart from me, ye cursed … inasmuch as ye did it not unto one of these least, ye did it not unto me.”

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 419–21.

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Ready for Advent http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 28 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke 21:25–28, RSV

From Luther

The signs preceding the judgment day are many and great. They will all be fulfilled, even though none or very few men take note of or esteem them as such. Two things must take place according to the Word and prophecy of Christ and the apostles: first, many and great signs will be made manifest; second, the last day will come unawares; the world will not expect it, even though that day be at the door. Though men see those signs and be told that they are signs of the last day, still they will not believe. Some, indeed, will see it and it will be those who least expect it. That there will be such security and indifference among men we prove from the words of Christ and the apostles. Christ says: “Take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare, for so shall it come upon all them that dwell on the face of the earth.”

From these words it is clear that men in great measure will give themselves over to surfeiting and drunkenness and the cares of this life, and that, drowned as it were in these things, they will rest secure and continue to dwell on the earth as if the dreadful day were far away. For were there no such security and heedlessness, that day would not break in unawares. But he says it will come as a snare by which birds and beasts are caught at a time when most concerned about their food and least expecting to be entrapped. In this figure he gives us clearly to understand that the world will continue its carousing, eating and drinking, building and planting, and diligently seeking after earthly things, and will look upon the day of judgment as yet a thousand and more years off, when, in the twinkling of an eye, they may stand before the terrible judgment bar of God. Whatever other signs may appear before Christ’s coming, I know that, according to Christ’s words, surfeiting and drunkenness, building and planting, buying and selling, marrying and giving in marriage and other cares of this life will be in evidence.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 418–19.

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Spiritual Knowledge http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 27 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

9 And so, from the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,

Colossians 1:9–11, RSV

From Luther

The apostle’s words are “be filled,” that is, not only hear and understand God’s will, but become rich in the knowledge of it, with ever increasing fullness. You have begun well; you are promising shoots. But something more than a good beginning is required, and the knowledge of God’s will cannot be exhaustively learned at once on hearing the Word. “Knowing the will of God” means more than simply knowing about God, that he created heaven and earth and gave the law, a knowledge which even the Jews and Turks possess. When this point has been reached further enlightenment is necessary if man is to be saved. He must know the meaning of Christ’s words: “This is the will of my Father, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life.”

This spiritual knowledge, or confidence, is not so easily learned as other things. It is not so readily apprehended as the knowledge of the law written in nature. Indeed, that more than anything else hinders the Christians and saints from obtaining the knowledge of God’s will in Christ, for it compels the heart and conscience to plead guilty in every respect and to confess having merited the wrath of God; therefore the soul naturally fears and flees from God. Then, too, the devil fans the flame of fear and sends his fiery arrows of dismay into the heart. The wicked world eagerly contributes its share of hindrance against Christians as a people of the worst type, condemned enemies of God. Our flesh and blood is a drawback, making much of its own wisdom and holiness and seeking thereby to gain honor and glory or to live in security of life and wealth, pleasure and covetousness. Hence on every side a Christian must be in severe conflict, if he is to succeed in preserving the knowledge of God’s will. Verily, there is need of earnest and diligent use of the Word of God and prayer, that Christians may not only learn to know the will of God, but also to be filled with it. Only so can the individual walk always according to God’s will, and gain strength to enable him to face fears and terrors against the devil, the world, flesh and blood.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 417–18.

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Day to Day Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 26 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

20 Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” 23 The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” 24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. 25 But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. 

John 21:20–25, RSV

From Luther

Christ teaches us a beautiful and touching lesson. Notwithstanding the examples and lives of all the saints every person should attend to the work entrusted to him and guard the honor of his calling. This is truly a needed and wholesome teaching. Many persons are found like Peter, looking around to the saints Christ loved, and turning their backs to the commission and calling to follow Christ. As no one now is without some commission and calling, so no one is without some kind of work, if he desires to do what is right. Every one therefore is to take heed to continue in his calling, look to himself, faithfully do what is commanded him, and serve God and keep his commandments; then he will have so much to do that all time will be too short, all places too cramped, all resources of help too weak.

Moreover it is a common plague that no one is satisfied with his own lot, so that the heathen say: How does it happen that there is always better fruit in another field, and that the neighbor’s cow gives more milk than our own? How does it come that no one is content with his own state and thinks that of another is better than his own? If God allowed one to change his lot with all his will, even then he would be like every one else, would become more tired and at last stay with his own. Hence one ought not to think of changing his lot, but of changing his spirit of discontent. Cast aside and change that restless spirit, then the lot of one will be like that of another and all will be prized alike.
To overcome such unrest, discontent and disgust in one’s self, faith is helpful and necessary — a faith which is of the firm conviction that God governs all alike, places each one in the lot that is the most suitable for him. This faith brings rest, contentment and peace; it banishes the tired spirit. Hence we see how faith is needed in everything and how it makes everything easy, good and sweet, even if you were in prison or in death, as the martyrs prove. Without faith all things are difficult and bitter, though you possessed the pleasures of the whole world, as all the great lords and wealthy prove, who at all times lead the most wretched lives.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 416–17.

Today's video was made in 2021 so references in the video to days and dates may be askew in the year in which you are listening. However, the Luther reading is, indeed, for this day in the year.

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Kept in Fear http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 25 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's video was made in 2021 so references in the video to days and dates may be askew in the year in which you are listening. However, the Luther reading is, indeed, for this day in the year.

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

8 Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. 11 To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 

1 Peter 5:8–11, RSV

From Luther

The devil does not sleep; he looks around and exerts himself to exterminate the pure doctrine in the Church and will finally, it is feared, bring it to this, that should one pass through all Germany he would find no pulpit where the pure Word of God is preached as in former days. He tries with all his might to prevent the pure doctrine from being taught, for he cannot endure it. To escape from the enemy is most difficult. He lurks and watches everywhere, and pushes his affairs so hard that even the learned fall and the elect stumble, as did Moses, Peter and the other apostles. We think we are safe and permit matters to drift. We should pray and call on God to maintain the gospel and cause his holy name to be proclaimed more and more widely; but no one cares, no one prays for the advancement of the gospel. The consequence must be that God will overthrow both us and Satan. The end will be that our rashness and indifference shall bring us into great misery.

The heart must thoroughly grasp this idea, that although we may feel secure concerning a matter and have Scripture for it, and be prepared and fortified in the best possible manner with clear proofs, it is after all the will and power of God that protect us and defend us against the devil, our adversary and most bitter foe. But this occurs only when God awakens us and keeps us in his fear, so that we may always be concerned and cry: “Lord, increase our faith.” Our hearts should always be in a condition as if we had only begun to believe to-day, and always be so disposed toward the gospel as if we had never before heard it. We should make a fresh beginning each day. Our faith must constantly grow and become stronger. Man is a poor, weak creature. Paul says, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels.” This treasure is the gospel. An earthen vessel is easily broken and its contents spilled. When the devil notices what a treasure faith is and in what a poor vessel it is kept he rages and storms in his wrath to shatter the vessel and spill the treasure. Man is a poor, weak earthen vessel; if God would permit, Satan would soon utterly destroy the whole vessel.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 414–15.

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Commending Ourselves to God http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 24 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

31 “When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33 and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. 34 Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Matthew 25:31–34, RSV

This will take place publicly in the presence of all angels, men and creatures, and before the whole rabble of an ungodly world, that it may be seen who have been pious, honest Christians, as well as who have been hypocrites. Such a separation cannot take place in the world until that day, not even in the assembly which constitutes the Christian Church. The good and the bad must remain together in this world, as we learn from the parable of the wedding guests, or as Christ himself had to tolerate Judas among his apostles. Christians are much grieved that they must remain in the midst of a crooked, perverse, ungodly people, which is the kingdom of Satan.

While Christians have their sufferings here upon earth, they will also have their comfort on the coming day of judgment, when Christ will separate them from the other flock, so that after that day no false, ungodly men, nor death, nor devil can ever touch them or offend them. Christ will pronounce the verdict in the very words in which he has already prepared it and set it forth and will certainly not change it. Therefore see to it that you are among those who are kind and merciful here upon earth for Christ’s sake, or who even suffer for his sake, then you may joyfully await the last day, and need not be afraid of the judgment; for he has already selected you and placed you among those who shall stand at his right hand.

We who are Christians should hope for the coming of this judgment and desire it with our whole heart, as we pray in the words: Thy kingdom come; thy will be done; deliver us from evil; so that we may also hear the glad and welcome words: Come, ye blessed, into the kingdom of my Father. This is the verdict we await; for this we are Christians. For we must constantly see and hear the maliciousness which Satan and the world practice against the gospel. There is so much misery upon earth that we ought to be tired of this life and cry aloud: Come, dear Lord, and deliver us. For there are certainly souls who are joyfully awaiting the judgment of Christ with a good conscience.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 413–14.

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That We May Stand http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 23 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

31 “When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats

Matthew 25:31–32, RSV

From Luther

Had it not been told us we should be inqusitive beyond measure to know what would happen on the last day, and what Jesus would say and do on that day. Here we are now told of and have set before us, first of all, death, which no one can escape; but after that the day of judgment. Then it will come to pass that Christ will bring together by means of the resurrection all who have ever lived upon earth; and at the same time he will descend in inexpressible majesty, sitting upon the throne of judgment, with all the heavenly host hovering around him; and all the good and bad will appear, so that we shall all stand exposed before him and no one will be able to conceal himself.

The appearance of this glory and majesty will immediately become a great terror and pain to the condemned, lest they shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might. Even if there were no more than a single angel present, there would not remain in his presence one fickle, wicked conscience, were it possible to escape, any more than a thief and a rascal can bear to come before a human judge. If he could escape he would much prefer it, if only for the purpose of escaping public disgrace, to say nothing of his being compelled to hear the judgment passed upon him.

What a terrible sight it will be, when the ungodly shall see not only all of God’s angels and creatures, but also the Judge in his divine majesty, and shall hear the verdict of eternal destruction and hell-fire pronounced upon them forever. This should surely be a powerful admonition for us to live as Christians, so that we may stand in honor and without fear at the right hand of this majestic Lord, where there will be no fear, nor terror, but pure comfort and everlasting joy. Whoever is not moved and aroused by these words can certainly never be moved by anything.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 412–13.

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Striving to Be His http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 22 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 2:1 My little children, I am writing this to you so that you may not sin; but if any one does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2 and he is the expiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 1:7–2:2, RSV

From Luther

Since we are unable to keep the law, Christ came and stepped between the Father and us, and prays for us: Beloved Father, be gracious unto them and forgive them their sins. I will take upon me their transgressions and bear them; I love thee with my whole heart, and in addition the entire human race, and this I will prove by shedding my blood for mankind. I have fulfilled the law and I did it for their welfare in order that they may partake of my fulfilling the law and thereby come to grace.

Thus there is first given us through Christ the sense that we do not fulfil the law and that sin is fully and completely forgiven; however, this is not bestowed in a way or to the end that we need not keep the law in the future, and may forever continue to sin, or that we should teach, if we have faith we need no longer to love God and our neighbor. But the meaning is that the fulfilling of the law may now for the first time be successfully attempted and perfectly realized, and this is the eternal, fixed and unchangeable will of God. To this end it is necessary to preach grace that man may find counsel and help to come to a perfect life.

But the help offered us is that Christ prays the Father to forgive us our sins against the law, and not impute what we are still owing. He promises also to give the Holy Spirit, by whose aid the heart begins to love God and to keep his commandments. God is not gracious and merciful to sinners to the end that they might not keep his law, nor that they should remain as they were before they received grace and mercy; but he condones and forgives both sin and death for Christ’s sake, who has fulfilled the whole law to make the heart glad and through the Holy Spirit to kindle and move the heart to begin again to love from day to day more and more. Thus begins in us not only love, but also truth, a true character, as the law requires. Christ is full of grace and truth, and through him grace and truth grow in us.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 411–12.

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Preaching for Christ’s Sake http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 21 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

44 Then he said to them, “These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.

Luke24:44–48, RSV

From Luther

The gospel is the preaching of repentance and remission of sins. It should not be preached in a corner, but before all men, whether it be received or not, for it is to spread even farther that it may be heard and bear fruit. We are not to be offended though few receive it, nor say it has been given in vain. We should be content that Christ has commanded us to preach it in all the world, that he who will may receive it.

By repentance Christ means a change for the better; not what we have called repentance, when one scourges and chastises himself and does penance to atone for his sin, or when the priest imposes this or that upon any one for penance. Scripture does not speak of it in this sense. Repentance signifies a change and reformation of the whole life; so that when one knows that he is a sinner and feels the iniquity of life, he desists from it and enters upon a better course of life in word and deed, and does it from the heart.

But we should preach also forgiveness of sins. This signifies that the gospel should be preached, which declares unto all the world that in Christ the sins of all the world are swallowed up, that he suffered death to put away sin from us, and arose to blot it out. All this he did, that whoever believeth should have the comfort and assurance that it is reckoned unto him even as if he himself had done it. This continues as long as we live until the day of judgment.

Forgiveness is so great and powerful that God not only forgives your past sins, but forgives also the sins you will yet commit. He will not condemn us for our daily infirmities, but forgives all, in view of our faith in him, if we only strive to press onward and get rid of sin. Repentance in his name is done when in those who believe in Christ God through that faith works a change for the better, not for a moment, nor for an hour, but for their whole life. A Christian is not perfectly nor instantaneously cleansed, but the reformation and change continues as long as he lives. Nothing will be accomplished except in Christ’s name. That alone has power to save.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 409–10.


Today's video was made in 2021 so references in the video to days and dates may be askew in the year in which you are listening. However, the Luther reading is, indeed, for this day in the year.

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When Tempted http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 20 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart I seek thee; let me not wander from thy commandments! 11 I have laid up thy word in my heart, that I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed be thou, O LORD; teach me thy statutes! 

Psalm 119:9–12, RSV

From Luther

A man may be familiar with God’s Word, yet if he walks in self-security, concerned about other matters, or perhaps, being tempted, he loses sight of God’s Word, it may easily happen that he is seduced and deceived by the secret craft and cunning of the devil; or of himself become bewildered, losing his wisdom and being unable to find counsel or help even in the most trivial temptations. For the devil and reason, or human wisdom, can dispute and syllogize with extraordinary subtlety in these things until one imagines that to be true wisdom which is not. A wise man soon becomes a fool; men readily err and make false steps; a Christian likewise is prone to stumble; and even a teacher and prophet can easily be deceived by reason’s brilliant logic. So there is need of understanding, of careful, keen discernment, that wisdom be not perverted and falsified, and man be deceived with its counterfeit.

Man is prone to stumble and to fail in understanding when not watchful of his purposes and motives, to see how they accord with the wisdom of God’s Word. Particularly is his understanding unreliable when the devil moves him to wrath, impatience, dejection, melancholy, or when he is otherwise tempted. Often they who have been well exercised with trials become bewildered in small temptations and uncertain what course to take. In this one needs to be watchful and not go by his reason or his feelings, but remember God’s Word, or ascertain if he does not know what it is, and be guided thereby. Man cannot judge aright by the dictates of reason when he is tempted. Therefore he ought not to follow his own natural intelligence, nor to act from hasty conclusions. Let him be suspicious of all his reasoning and beware of the cunning of the devil, who seeks either to allure or to intimidate us by his specious arguments. Let him call upon the understanding born of his wisdom in the gospel, what his faith, love, hope and patience counsel, what God’s will eloquently teaches every one and under all circumstances, and let him strive and pray to be filled with such knowledge.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 408–09.

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The Golden Year of God's Word http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 19 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, 20 always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. 

Ephesians 5:15–20, RSV

From Luther

The time is unquestionably good as long as the gospel is faithfully preached and received. At the same time, even to-day the world is filled with evils, factions, false theories and bad examples of every sort; much of this wickedness is inherent in ourselves. With these things the Christian must always contend; the devil pursues, and our own flesh discourages and allures us from recognition and observance of the divine will. If we strive not against it, we shall soon lose sight of God’s will, to our own injury, even while listening to the gospel. For the devil’s strongest fury is exerted to befoul the world with fanaticism, and to draw from the pure doctrine of faith into that evil even those who possess the gospel. Being flesh and blood we are always self-secure, unwilling to be led by the Spirit, indolent and unresponsive in relation to the Word of God and to prayer. In the outward walks of life, obstacles and evils meet us everywhere, impeding our spiritual progress and impelling us to suppress the gospel and to rend the Church.

Let no one, then, expect to enjoy an era of peace and pleasure here on earth. Although the present time is in itself good, and God bestows upon us the golden year of his Word and his grace, yet the devil is here with his factions and followers, and our own flesh supports him. He corrupts the blessed days of grace at every possible opportunity, and so oppresses Christians that they must contend against him with their utmost strength and vigilance if they would not, through the influence of evils and obstacles, be wrested from the gospel they have received and would persevere therein to the end.

Wherefore we have the best reasons to adapt ourselves to the present time in the best possible way; to walk wisely and circumspectly, showing all faithfulness to the will of God; obeying it while we have opportunity — while still in possession of God’s Word, his grace and his Spirit. Being opposed and obstructed by the devil and our own flesh, we must be wise and careful and guard against following them. So, then, we are to understand by “evil days” the allurements that lead us away from God’s Word and his will.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 407–08.

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The Noahic Covenant http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 18 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

17 For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall die. 18 But I will establish my covenant with you; and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. 

Genesis 6:17–18, RSV

From Luther

Interpreters discuss what that covenant was. Lyra explains it as the promise to defend him against evil men who had threatened to murder him. Burgensis claims this covenant refers to the perils amid the waters, which were to be warded off. Still others believe it was the covenant of the rainbow, which the Lord made with Noah. In my opinion he speaks of a spiritual covenant, or of the promise of the seed which was to bruise the serpent’s head. The giants had this covenant, but when its abuse resulted in pride and wickedness, they fell from it. So it was afterward with the Jews, whose carnal presumption in reference to God, the law, worship and temple led to their loss of these gifts, and they perished. To Noah, however, God confirms this covenant by certainly declaring that Christ was to be born from his posterity and that God would leave, amid such great wrath, a nursery for the Church. This covenant not only includes protection of Noah’s body, the view advocated by Lyra and Burgensis, but also eternal life.

He plainly states “with thee.” He mentions not the sons, nor the wives, whom he was also to save, but he mentions Noah alone, from whom the promise was transmitted to his son Shem. This is the second promise of Christ, which is taken from all other descendants of Adam and committed to Noah alone. Afterward this promise is made clearer from time to time. It proceeded from the race to the family, and from the family to the individual. From the race of Abraham it was carried forward to David alone; from David to Nathan; from Nathan down to one virgin, Mary, who was the dead branch or root of Jesse, and in whom this covenant finds its termination and fulfilment. The establishment of such a covenant was most necessary in view of the imminence of the incredible and incalculable wrath of God.

It was no easy matter to believe that the whole human race was to perish. The world consequently judged Noah to be a dolt for believing such things and ridiculed him. In order to strengthen his mind amid such offenses God speaks with him often, and now even reminds him of his covenant.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 406–07.

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Your Neighbor as Yourself http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 17 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Romans 15:4–7, RSV

From Luther

There are two reasons why we should receive one another. The first is because of Christ’s example. The Scriptures present Christ to us as one upon whom fell the infamy of our sins—for us he was ignominious in God’s sight—and who did not despise, reject nor revile us, but received us, that he might redeem us from our sins. We are, then, under particular obligation to receive one another. The other reason the apostle presents for our receiving one another is that thus we contribute to the praise and honor of God. This we learn from Christ. He everywhere testifies that all he does is in obedience to his Father’s will, and that he came for no other purpose than to do the will of God. It is certain, then, that he bore the ignominy of our sins simply because it was his Father’s will.

Mark the exceeding mercy of the Father’s controlling will in placing upon his beloved Son our sins, and permitting him to bear the shame of them, merely that we might escape condemnation. A true recognition of this, God’s gracious will, must evoke sincere love and praise to him and gratitude for his mercy. Christ has in himself upheld the honor of God by receiving us and bearing our sins. So should we likewise take upon ourselves the burdens, the sins and imperfections of our neighbors, and bear with them and help reform them.

When such Christian conduct is manifest before sinners and the spiritually weak, their hearts are attracted to God and forced to exclaim: Truly, he must be a great and gracious God, a righteous Father, whose people these are; for he desires them not to judge, condemn nor reject us poor, sinful and imperfect ones, but rather to receive us, to give us aid and to treat us as if our sins and imperfections were their own. Should we not love and exalt such a God? Should we not praise and honor him and give him the implicit confidence of our hearts in all things? This is the praise God would have from us, that we receive and regard our neighbor’s condition as our own. Such conduct on our part will encourage others to believe and will strengthen the faith of believers.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 404–05.

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Willful Wickedness http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 16 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

48 As I live, says the Lord GOD, your sister Sodom and her daughters have not done as you and your daughters have done. 49 Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, surfeit of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. 50 They were haughty, and did abominable things before me; therefore I removed them, when I saw it

Ezekiel 16:48–50, RSV

From Luther

These same conditions now exist everywhere. Every peasant, burgher, nobleman is simply gathering dollars, waits and saves, eats and drinks, is insolent and mischievous as though God were nothing at all. No one cares for the despised Jesus in his poverty; nay, he is even trod under foot, until all obedience, discipline and honor are destroyed among us, as they were in Sodom and Gomorrah, and matters become so bad as to become unbearable, because all admonition and preaching seem to be of no avail. The world will not recognize that it must die and stand before God in judgment, but rages against known truth. Let us give heed and take it to heart, that the wrath of God may not also sweep us away. What else would God need to do to that end than let loose both the Turks and Satan against us. The Turk would be compelled to cease doing what he has done and is still doing, were we not so hardened in blindness and impenitence and so completely ripe for judgment. The reason is that we rage so blasphemously against God’s Word and his proffered help.

I hold that if we Lutherans, as they call us, were only dead, the whole world would immediately cry, “Victory,” as though they had already devoured every single Turk. But it shall happen to them also that a hundred shall be slain by one Turk. The younkers at Jerusalem thought, if they could only put the prophet Jeremiah out of the way they would surely be safe from the king of Babylon. What happened? After they had cast Jeremiah into the dungeon, the king came and led them all into captivity.

I can also see that God has spun a web over Germany as it is determined to be guilty of willful blindness, wickedness and ungratefulness in opposing the precious gospel. It is determined to be guilty of foolishness before God for which it will have to pay dearly.* May God preserve us and grant us and our little flock that we may escape this terrible wrath, and be found among those who honor and serve our dear Christ, and await the judgment at his right hand joyously and blissfully. Amen.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 403–04.

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The Right Righteousness http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 15 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith

Philippians 3:7–9, RSV

From Luther

As far as the righteousness of the law is concerned, Paul dares to say that he regards it as filth and refuse; notwithstanding in its beautiful and blameless form it is unsurpassed by anything in the world. Only the righteousness of faith teaches us how to apprehend God — how confidently to console ourselves with his grace and await a future life, expecting to approach Christ in the resurrection. By “approaching” him we mean to meet him in death and at the judgment day without terror, not fleeing, but gladly drawing near and hailing him with joy as the one awaited with intense longing.

Now, the righteousness of the law cannot effect such confidence of mind. Hence, for me it avails nothing before God. What does avail is God’s imputation of righteousness for Christ’s sake through faith. God declares to us in his Word that the believer in his Son shall, for Christ’s sake, have God’s grace and eternal life. He who knows this is able to wait in hope for the last day, having no fear, no disposition to flee.

But is it not treating the righteousness of the law with irreverence and contempt to regard it as something not only useless, but loathsome and abominable? Should we not condemn as a heretic this preacher who goes beyond his prerogative and dares find fault with the law of God? Paul would say: I, too, was such a one. In my most perfect righteousness of the law I was an enemy and persecutor of the Church of Christ. It was the legitimate fruit of my righteousness that I thought I must be a party to the most horrible persecution of Christ and his Christians. Thus my holiness made me an actual enemy of Christ and a murderer of his followers.

Whence such a disposition? It naturally springs from human righteousness. Every individual who professes human righteousness, and knows nothing of Christ, holds that righteousness efficacious before God. He relies upon it and gratifies himself with it, presuming thereby to present a flattering appearance in God’s sight and to render himself especially acceptable to him. His enmity is greater and his hatred more bitter toward the preaching that dares to censure such righteousness and assert its futility to merit God’s grace and eternal life.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 402–03.

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The Table of Gratitude and Grace http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 14 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I tell you that from now on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after supper, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

Luke 22:17–20, RSV

From Luther

The words “my” and “you” are words of unmistakable significance. Who is it that says “my body,” “my blood”? The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who shed his blood and died for you. When he says, “my body,” “my blood,” he merely asks “you” to acknowledge and believe it, to rest in such faith and render him thanks for what cost him so bitterly. He would not have you shamefully despise his Sacrament or lightly neglect it because it is to be had without price or effort.

But you may argue that the statement of Paul is too awful, when he says, whosoever eats the bread and drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily, eats and drinks judgment unto himself, and is guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. Dear friend, you must not consider yourself so much from the standpoint of worthiness or unworthiness of your person as from that of your need, which makes the grace of Christ necessary. If you recognize and feel your need, you have the requisite worthiness and preparation. The Holy Supper has been instituted by Christ, not as a poison for us and as a sign of Christ’s wrath, but as a means of comfort and salvation. Above all, you must realize that however great your unworthiness, the merit of your Lord Jesus Christ cannot be doubted. It is your duty to praise, honor and thank him, and to be one of the observers of his ordinance and institution, as he has a right to expect and as you have vowed in your baptism.

There is a twofold reason for you to receive the Lord’s Supper. It means gratitude and praise for Christ, and grace and solace for yourself. To occupy the standpoint of this twofold reason does not argue wickedness and a misuse of the Sacrament; it is the right standpoint and pleasing to God. Our relation to God is right only when we occupy the standpoint of gratitude and supplication. In rendering thanks we honor him for the blessings and grace already received, in supplication for those we crave for the future. When one goes to the Holy Supper with this disposition, what is his act but the declaration: Lord, I thank thee for all the grace I have received at thy hands, and I pray thee to supply still further my need? You cannot more highly honor God.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 400–01.

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Unmoved http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 13 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

3 O LORD, in the morning thou dost hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for thee, and watch. 7 But I through the abundance of thy steadfast love will enter thy house, I will worship toward thy holy temple in the fear of thee. 8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of my enemies; make thy way straight before me. 11 But let all who take refuge in thee rejoice, let them ever sing for joy; and do thou defend them, that those who love thy name may exult in thee. 12 For thou dost bless the righteous, O LORD; thou dost cover him with favor as with a shield.

Psalm 5:3, 7-8, 11-12, RSV

From Luther

Here we are told when and what joy is, namely, confidence and a good conscience resting in the mercy of God. They that have had experience in these things say that there is no joy above that of a pure conscience, nor any sorrow greater than that of a guilty and troubled one. A pure and joyful conscience comes in no other way than by looking steadfastly to the mercy of God. In the former part of this verse he describes the joy in tribulation; in the latter part the joy of prosperity, which cannot be true and sincere unless it be a rejoicing in God only. This verse briefly makes a distinction between prosperity and adversity. It is impossible that he who does not trust in the Lord should not be filled with sorrow when tribulation comes upon him. He who is in sorrow cannot but continually murmur, because there is no praising of God without joy of heart, and this sorrowful and impatient murmurer must displease God and be more and more forsaken of him.

On the other hand it is impossible that he should not rejoice who trusts in God. If the whole world should burst upon the head of such a one he would stand unmoved amid the falling ruins. He who is joyful in such hope cannot but think well of God, exult in his praise, and encourage himself in him. The man who thus rejoices is patient, happy and in a state to be protected of God. Nor will such a one rejoice, hope and exult in vain, for God will preserve him. If then thy soul be sad and cast down, begin some joyful song or psalm or something that brings thy God to thy memory and thou wilt find relief and wilt prove that the counsel of the wise man it good: “In the day of evil be not unmindful of good things.”

By the name of the Lord we may understand Jesus Christ, or Father, Son and Holy Spirit. All these are names of God. They who love the name of Jesus love the salvation of God, the truth, the mercy and the wisdom of God; all these are included in the name of the Lord. If a man love these he must of necessity love the name of the Lord.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 399–400.

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Daily Fear http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 12 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find.’ 10 And those servants went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.  11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment; 12 and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.” 

Matthew 22:8–14, RSV

From Luther

God deals with us in a way to put down arrogance, that we may not become haughty and wanton, but may always remain in fear. For when temptation comes we are liable to fall into error. Peter on the water retained his pure faith as long as he unhesitatingly ventured on the water according to the word of Christ. Had he remained in this faith, he might have walked hundreds of miles on the water; but as soon as he wavered he began to sink. So Moses also had a strong faith, but at times fell from it. Thus it happens that one may have a strong faith, but doubts and falls. By faith Moses led the people of Israel through the midst of the sea and through death, and Peter boldly ventured on the sea; but they both fell, although God raised them up again. The thief on the cross laid hold on faith once for all and clung to it.

We have a beautiful parable of this in the tree which begins to blossom in the spring and is soon covered with white blossoms. But as soon as the rain falls on them, many of the blossoms are ruined and the frost utterly destroys many more of them. When the fruit begins to appear and the winds arise, much of the young fruit falls to the ground; later the caterpillars and worms make their appearance and they prick and destroy the fruit to such an extent, that scarcely the twentieth, yea, hardly a hundredth part ripens. The same thing happens to the gospel. At first everybody wants to become a Christian, and the gospel promises to do well, but as soon as the rain and wind of temptation come, large numbers fall away. Afterwards come the sects and factions, like worms and beetles, which prick and pollute the fruit of the gospel, and so much false doctrine is taught, that only a few remain faithful to the gospel.

The first thing that faith requires is that we be not secure and presumptuous, but remain in fear. We need to cling to God and pray: Merciful God, thou hast permitted me to become a Christian, help me to continue to be one and to increase daily in faith.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 398–99.

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Subduing the Nations http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 11 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

7 I will tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to me, “You are my son, today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” 

Psalm 2:7–9, RSV

From Luther

Here the vain dreams of the flesh are to be removed, and no one is to imagine that the kingdom of Christ is either founded on or preserved by iron or arms; because it is written that he delighted not in chariots, nor in horses, nor in the legs of a man. The apostle says: “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal.” The Turks, whom at this day we never seek to conquer by any other means than the sword, we ought to conquer by increasing the number of Christians among them.

Why do we not attack with the sword also the wicked among ourselves? But God forbid. The kingdom of Christ consists in righteousness, truth and peace. By these it was obtained and by them it will be preserved. Hence, when he said above that he was appointed king, he recommended no other office whatever than that of the Word, saying, “I will declare the decree of God,” not, I will ride fine horses, I will lay waste cities, I will seek the treasures of the world; but I will do this one thing — declare those things which God has commanded, that is, that Christ is God and man, which Paul calls the gospel, saying, “Separated unto the gospel of God, which he had promised afore, concerning his Son Jesus Christ.”

You see that this whole verse is an allegory which really takes place in fact and life. As the word “Christ” is the word of salvation and peace, not in the flesh, but in the spirit, it follows of necessity that it subdues and drives out the safety, peace and easy life of the flesh. Where it does this, it appears unto the flesh harder and more unfeeling than iron itself. Wherever the carnal man is savingly touched by the Word of God, one thing is felt, another is wrought, namely, “The Lord killeth and maketh alive.” Though God is the God of life and salvation and these are his proper works, yet, in order to accomplish these, he kills and destroys, that he may come unto his proper work. He kills our will, that he may establish his own in us. He mortifies the flesh and its desires, that he may implant the Spirit and his desires; and thus “the man of God is made perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 397–98.

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The External Word http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 10 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness to me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen; 38 and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe him whom he has sent. 39 You search the scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness to me; 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.

John 5:37–40, RSV

From Luther

The external word or preaching belongs to Christianity as a channel or means through which we attain unto the forgiveness of sins, or the righteousness of Christ, with which Christ reveals and offers us his grace or lays it in our bosom, and without which no one would ever come to a knowledge of this treasure. Whence would any man know, or in what man’s heart would it ever come, that Christ, the Son of God, came from heaven for our sake, died for us, and rose from the dead, acquired the forgiveness of sins and eternal life, and offers the same to us, without publicly having it announced and preached? Although he acquired this treasure for us through his suffering and death, no one could obtain or receive it, if Christ did not have it offered, presented, and applied. All that he had done and suffered would be to no purpose, but would be like some great and precious treasure buried in the earth, which no one could find or use.

Therefore I have always taught that the oral word must precede everything else, must be comprehended with the ears, if the Holy Ghost is to enter the heart, who through the Word enlightens it and works faith. Faith does not come except through the hearing and oral preaching of the gospel, in which it has its beginning, growth and strength. Therefore the Word must not be despised, but held in honor. We must familiarize ourselves with it and constantly practice it, so that it ever bears fruit. It can never be understood and learned too well.

Here then you have all that belongs to the article of the righteousness of Christ. It consists in the forgiveness of sins, offered to us through Christ, and received by faith in and through the Word, purely and simply without any works on our part. Yet I do not mean that Christians should not do good works, but that these are not to be mingled in the doctrine of faith and decorated with the shameless delusion that they avail before God as righteousness. After we have this righteousness of faith, works are to follow and continue here on earth. Both faith and works are to be maintained, each in its proper place, the former before God above all works, the latter in works of love to our neighbor.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 395–96.

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The Book of Comfort http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 09 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; 2 let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. 3 For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Romans 15:1–6, RSV

From Luther

The apostle gives us a general admonition from the Scriptures, saying that not only this passage, but the entire Scriptures were written for our learning. The Bible contains much about Christ, and also about numerous saints—Adam, Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob—which was not recorded for their sakes. The Bible was written long after their time; they never saw it. Thus, however much is written about Christ, it is not for his sake; he had no need of it. It is recorded for our instruction. The record of Christ’s words and deeds is for our edification, the model for us to follow. Although the words are about Christ, they are directed to us, for our learning; we are to conduct ourselves as the Scriptures tell us Christ and his saints conducted themselves.

Mark the book the apostle here presents for the perusal and study of Christians — none other than the holy Scriptures. He tells us it contains doctrine for us. Now if our doctrine is to be found in the Bible, we certainly should not seek it elsewhere; all Christians should make daily use of this book. No other bears the title here given by Paul — book of comfort — one that can support the soul in all tribulations, helping it not to despair, but to maintain hope. For thereby the soul apprehends God’s Word and, learning his gracious will, cleaves to it and continues steadfast in life and death. He who knows not God’s will must doubt, for he does not know what relation he sustains to God.

Since the life to come is not evident to mortal sense, it is necessary for the soul to have something to which it may cling in patience, something to help it to a partial comprehension of that future life, and upon which it can rest. That something is God’s Word. Paul mentions “patience” before “comfort” to indicate that he who is unwilling to endure suffering and seeks consolation elsewhere cannot taste the comfort of the Word. It is the province of the Word alone to comfort. It must therefore meet with patience first. To maintain Christian patience under trials, the afflicted must comfort themselves with those portions of Scripture that show Christ’s example. Thus the hope of the soul continues steadfast.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 394–95.

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Stages of Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 08 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

46 So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Caperna-um there was an official whose son was ill. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Jesus therefore said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” 49 The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way.

John 4:46–50, RSV

From Luther

The nobleman must have had faith, else he would not have asked the Lord to come to his son. He believed that if Christ would come to his house, he could heal his son; but unless he were present, he could not effect the cure. His faith was not strong enough to realize that Christ could heal without being present. Hence, his faith had to attain a higher stage. When Christ said, “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe,” his faith drooped and he feared lest Christ would refuse to help him. The earthen vessel was shattered and he thought his son had to die. But Christ approached, raised him up, and placed him on a higher plane of faith. “Go thy way; thy son liveth.” Thus the man advanced from his first faith, when he believed that Christ could heal if he were present, to a higher stage of faith, by reason of which he now believed the mere Word of Christ. For if he had not believed the Word, he would not have ceased until the Lord had accompanied him to his house; but he accepted the Word, believed Christ and clung to his Word.

This is a pure and strong faith, that requires the individual to cast away all sense, understanding and reason, and sink himself into one little word, be satisfied with it and feel secure in it. Reason would have led him to say: When I left my son, he was ill. As I left him so shall I find him. But faith says the contrary, abides firmly by the Word and is immersed in it; it does not at all doubt that it shall be as the Word declares. The father accepted the word of Christ, “Go thy way; thy son liveth,” and so he said in his heart: My son is ill, but I shall find him well. This was faith over against reason and experience. Thus faith does not remain idle or quiet, but progresses and rises higher.

So Christ also deals with us and permits us to be tried to strengthen our faith. If at the close of our lives we shall have a spark of such faith, it will be well with us. It matters not how insignificant faith may be, the power lies in seeing that it be not overthrown.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 393–94.

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Nothing but Receiving http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 07 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

14 And when the hour came, he sat at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I tell you I shall not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I tell you that from now on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Luke 22:14–19, RSV

From Luther

If you desire to render a precious noble service to God, and duly to honor the passion of Christ, bethink yourself of the Sacrament and partake of it. His praise and honor are bound up with it. This is his memorial. There is no show of garment or ceremony filling the eye. The only agent at work is the spoken Word. On earth the Word may be lowly esteemed; but no eye can see, no ear can hear, no heart can comprehend its worth and sublimity in the eyes of God and his angels. God’s Word and work at first but feebly impress. Hence they require application and meditation. This art is effectively taught in the words, “This do in remembrance of me.” Receive, proclaim, praise and laud the tidings of the grace manifested in Christ and thank him for it. Thus you will confess with heart and mouth, with body and soul, that you have given God nothing, that you can give him nothing, but everything you have has been received from him, especially eternal life and infinite righteousness in Christ.

He who remembers Christ and honors his passion is safeguarded against error and devilish delusions of every kind. He serves and honors God. He does not despise God’s institution and order, but observes it with humility and joy. God certainly receives such honor gladly, since he has instituted the Holy Supper to be appropriated, and not to be neglected. Surely he cannot be delighted when man does not approach and receive it. Such neglect means to charge God with the folly of instituting unnecessary ordinances and with uncertainty as to what we need. But he who partakes, honors God by celebrating and aiding in the perpetuation of this memorial of Christ by proclaiming, praising and blessing the grace manifested by Christ, through his suffering, to us poor sinners. With the Lord’s Supper God has bound up his own honor, for in Christ alone he desires to be acknowledged and worshiped as our God. So far as the Holy Supper is a confession before men, the communicant proclaims Christ and teaches faith in him. He helps to spread and preserve the kingdom of Christ, strengthens the influence of gospel and sacrament, aids in the conversion of sinners and in storming the devil’s kingdom.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 391–93.

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Triumphant Laughter http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 06 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and his anointed, saying, 3 “Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us.” 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the LORD has them in derision. 5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6 “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.” 

Psalm 2:1–6, RSV

From Luther

These things are written for our sake, “that through patience and through comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope.” What is written in this psalm with reference to Christ is applicable to all Christians, for whoever sincerely desires to be a Christian, will bear with his Herods, his Pilates, his rulers, his kings, his people and his heathen who rage against him, meditate vain things, rise up and take counsel together against him. For if these things are not done by men, they will be done by devils, or at least by men’s own conscience, and certainly in the hour of death; then there is need of remembering this and like consolations, “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh at them; the Lord shall have them in derision,” and of standing firmly in this hope and being moved by no circumstances whatever.

But this derision is divine. God made the Christ-murdering Jews and Gentiles a derision to the whole world by raising Christ from the dead and making, out of his despairing kingdom among that one people, a kingdom that shall flourish eternally over all creatures, thus turning all their endeavors into an event the very contrary of what they expected. Therefore as in the preceding verses the passion and death of Christ are prophesied, so in this verse his resurrection is predicted, though by a somewhat obscure allusion. Who would have thought, while Christ was suffering and the Jews triumphing, that God was laughing at them all the while! So also while we are oppressed, how shall we believe that God is holding our adversaries in derision, when it seems to us as though we were held in derision both by God and men? What a power of faith is required in all these words!

But his sitting in heaven is so secret and hidden that unless thou be in heaven thou canst not know and understand it. Thou art suffering upon earth and the hope of help is denied thee in all things by all, until, rising by faith and hope above all things, thou mountest up to reach unto him who sitteth in the heavens. Here it is that the anchor of our heart is to be cast in all tribulation, and all the evils of the world will not only be made easy to bear, but will become a derision.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 390–91.

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The Sum of the Matter http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 05 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy steadfast love; according to thy abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 

Psalm 51:1–3, RSV

From Luther

Every Christian who wishes to make confession of his sins should place his confidence without reserve in the merciful promises and invitations of God, firmly believing that Almighty God will graciously forgive him his sins. Before he confesses his sins to a confessor, let him with due diligence make confession to the Lord God himself. Let him enumerate to the divine Majesty all his sins and infirmities, his conversation, deeds and manner of life without extenuating or concealing anything, just as if he dealt with a very familiar friend. His sinful and wicked thoughts also, so far as can be recalled, should be confessed.

Every Christian who would confess his sins should possess the honest intention and determination to amend his life and to forsake every manner of open, mortal sin. A confession without this purpose would be a dangerous and unpromising undertaking. When one discovers that he lacks the steady purpose to amend his life, he should fall upon his knees and pray to God for it. One must consider that it is impossible to call to mind and confess all his mortal sins; he should remember that after applying all diligence he confesses only the smallest part of his sins. The sins to be confessed, therefore, are the manifestly mortal sins and such as press upon a man’s conscience at the time of confession. It is quite impossible to confess all mortal sins in view of the fact that when God sits in judgment and passes sentence upon them, not according to his gracious mercy, but his stern justice, even our good works render us guilty of death and condemnation.

The sum of the matter is this, that those persons are saved who place their trust solely in God, not in their works, nor in any creature. Consequently man should learn to have greater confidence in God’s mercy than in the zeal with which he makes confession. One cannot be too active, determined and guarded against the accursed evil of confiding in one’s own works. Therefore we should accustom our consciences to trust in God, and let it be done with the understanding that to believe and trust in God is pleasing to him, and that unreserved trust in God is his highest glory.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 389–90.

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Proper Attire http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 04 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Bible

8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find.’ 10 And those servants went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.  11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment; 12 and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.” 

Matthew 22:8–14, RSV

From Luther

Among the company sitting at table, there was also found a rogue, whom the king, in looking over the guests, speedily recognized to have on no wedding garment, and to have come, not in honor of the wedding, but disgracing the bridegroom and the lord who had invited him. These are such as permit themselves to be numbered among the Christians, hear the gospel, are in the outward communion of the right Church and act before the people as if they might also be of the gospel, but are not in earnest about it.

Such people the Christians must suffer in their gatherings and cannot prevent them from being amongst them; nor can they remove them, nor turn them out of their gatherings. They cannot judge and recognize them all, but must bear them and suffer their company until God himself comes with his judgment, so that they become manifest and betray themselves by their wicked life or false belief and spirit of heresy as not being true and honest Christians. So Paul says: “There must be also heresies among you, that they who are approved may be made manifest among you.” Thus the king comes in himself and makes manifest him who has not on the wedding garment.

It is easy to understand what is meant by this man’s being without a wedding garment, namely, without the new adornment in which we please God, which is faith in Christ, and therefore also without truly good works. He remains in the old rags and tatters of his own fleshly conceit, unbelief and security, without penitence and without understanding his own misery. He does not from the heart seek comfort in the grace of Christ, nor better his life by it, and looks for nothing more in the gospel than what his flesh covets. This wedding garment is the new light of the heart, kindled in it by the knowledge of the graciousness of this bridegroom and his wedding feast, which takes place especially through faith, by which the heart is renewed and purified. Where there is no faith, there the Holy Ghost is not, nor such fruits as please God. Whosoever does not know Christ through faith will also care little for God’s Word, nor think of living in accordance with it. He remains proud and insolent, but weeping and gnashing of teeth come soon enough.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 388–89.

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Equal Service http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 03 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0400

From the Word

1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; 2 let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. 3 For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Romans 15:1–6, RSV

From Luther

All the good we can do to God is to praise and to thank him. This is the only true service we can render him. We receive all blessings from him, in return for which we should make the offering of praise. If anything else purporting to be service to God is presented for your consideration, rest assured it is erroneous and delusive. The distracted world attempts to serve God by setting apart houses, churches, cloisters, vestures, images, bells, organs and candles; the money for this expense should have been appropriated for the poor, if the object was to make an offering to God. Service to God is praise to him. It must be free and voluntary at table, in the chamber, in house or field, in all places, with all persons, at all times.

But how shall there be honor and praise of God, when we do not love him? How shall we love him when we do not know him and his blessings? How shall we know him and his blessings when no word is preached concerning them and when the gospel is left to lie under the table? Where the gospel is not in evidence, knowledge of God is an impossibility. Then to love and praise him is likewise impossible. True divine service of praise cannot be established with revenues, nor be circumscribed by laws and statutes. It emanates from the gospel, and certainly is as often rendered by a poor, rustic servant as by a great bishop.

Divine service must be rendered with “one mind” and with “one mouth.” One needs Christ as much as another. We render divine service when we are harmonious, and when we recognize our common equality and our common blessings in Christ; when none exalts himself above another, nor assumes special advantages. We all receive the same baptism and sacrament, the same faith, the same Christ and Spirit, the same gospel—in a word, the same God. Here in this wilderness the heavenly bread is impartially distributed. Then how can it possibly be right for one to exalt himself over his fellow? Since there is one common blessing for the weak and the firm in faith, for the strong in Christian conduct and for the weak, one should not esteem another more lightly than himself, nor reject him.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 386–87.

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Remember http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 02 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Just One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ 

Acts 22:14–16, RSV

From Luther

The benefit of the Sacrament of Baptism is this, that therein God unites himself with you and becomes one with you in a gracious, comforting covenant. You desire, in accordance with the purpose and meaning of Baptism, to die from your sins and to be renewed on the last day, a hope inspired by the sacrament. On the strength of such desire on your part, God admits you to Baptism. The renewing work begins from that hour; he imparts to you his grace and Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit begins to kill the sin in your nature and to prepare the latter for death and for the resurrection on the last day.

You pledge yourself to remain in this state, and throughout your life, to the moment of death, to destroy sin more and more. God, accepting your pledge, exercises you during your whole life by imposing many good works, and not a few sufferings. Since such is your pledge to God, God in turn shows you grace and covenants with you that he will not impute to you the sins remaining in your nature after Baptism and will not regard them, nor condemn you on account of them. He is pleased with your effort to destroy sins and your desire to be rid of them. Though evil thoughts and desires may stir, though at times you sin and fall, yet if you arise and renew your covenant, your sins are forgiven by virtue of the covenant based upon the Sacrament of Baptism. If it were not for this covenant, every sin, however small, would condemn us. Hence there is no greater comfort on earth than Baptism, in which we pass under the jurisdiction of God’s grace and mercy.

Therefore one should not be terrified when he feels evil lust; when one’s thoughts and desires burn with passion; even when one falls from grace, still there is no ground for despair. But he should call to mind his baptism and joyfully comfort himself with the fact that God there covenanted to slay his sins and not to impute them unto condemnation, provided he refuses to consent to them and remain in them; provided he calls upon God for grace in order to make self-discipline possible; to battle against sin until released by death.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 385–86.

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God Wants Us http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 01 Nov 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a marriage feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast; but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, Behold, I have made ready my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves are killed, and everything is ready; come to the marriage feast.’ 5 But they made light of it and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find.’ 10 And those servants went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment; 12 and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.” 

Matthew 22:1–14, RSV

From Luther

The great love Christ has for us is presented to us in this picture of the marriage feast. There are many kinds of love, but none is so fervent as a bride’s love for her bridegroom and that of the bridegroom for his bride. True love has no regard for pleasures or presents, or riches or gold rings, but cares only for the bridegroom. Even if he gave her all he had, she would regard none of his presents, but would say: I will have only thee. And on the other hand if he has nothing at all, it makes no difference to her, she will in spite of all that desire him. This is the true nature of the love of a bride. But where she has regard to pleasure, she does not care for him, but for the money; such love does not last long.

This true bride-love God presents to us in Christ, in that he allowed him to become man for us and be united with our human nature that we might thus perceive and appreciate his good will toward us. As the bride loves her betrothed, so also does Christ love us; and we on our part will love him, if we believe and are the true bride. Although he gave us the wisdom of all the prophets, the glory of all the saints and angels, and even heaven, yet would we not esteem them unless he gave us himself. The bride can be satisfied with nothing; the only one thing she wants is the bridegroom himself. “My beloved is mine and I am his.”

So is Christ also disposed toward me; he will have me only and nothing besides. If I gave him all I could, it would be of no use to him; he would not regard it, if I wore all the hoods of all the monks. He wants my whole heart; the outward things, as the outward virtues, are only maid-servants, he wants the wife herself. He demands my heart. This marriage union is accomplished by faith, so that I rely fully and freely upon him, that he is mine. If I really have him, what more can I desire? If I am his and he is mine, I have eternal life, righteousness and all that belongs to him, so that neither death, sin, hell nor Satan can harm me.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 384–85.

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The Rage of Unbelief http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 31 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and his anointed, saying, 3 “Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us.” 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the LORD has them in derision. 5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6 “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.” 7 I will tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to me, “You are my son, today I have begotten you. 

Psalm 2:1–7, RSV

From Luther

It is evident that by “kings” is signified Herod and Pilate, even though Pilate was not a king; for these two operated together to fulfil that which the counsel of God had foreordained to be done, namely, to destroy Christ. By “rulers” are to be understood the leaders among the priests; by “heathen” the Roman soldiers under Pilate, who seized Jesus, scourged and crucified him; and by “people” we are clearly to understand the common people of the Jews.

Observe here the tenderness and modesty of the prophet, how feelingly and sympathetically he speaks of the fury of these men, when he might with justice have mentioned those enraged expressions of the Jews, “Away with him, crucify him,” and all those other infuriated clamors with which they accused Christ, frenzied and maddened, but he calls them only “meditations.” Meditation is a continual prating or talking and is here used in a bad sense. For as a lover is always spontaneously saying many things about the object loved, so the hater is assiduously prating the worst of things about the object hated. There is the same modesty also in the words “rage” and “take counsel together;” the act itself was far more atrocious than the purport of these words would seem to indicate. We are thereby taught not to exaggerate the evil conduct of men, but as much as possible lessen it, and thus show that we do not feel so much indignation on our own account as pity on theirs.

“Against the Lord and against his anointed,” is also a word of faith. God orders his words thus, that we may learn for our consolation and exhortation that we never suffer any injury, but what it offends God first, more than it does us; and such is the care of God our Father over us, that he feels every injury done to us before we do, and aims a greater indignation against it. This David holds forth to us, that we may keep ourselves from all feeling of revenge; that we may rather pity those whom we see rushing upon such majesty unto their own perdition. They do not in the least injure us, but horribly destroy themselves.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 383–84.

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The Way of Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 30 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff which the wind drives  away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. 

Psalm 1:1–6, RSV

From Luther

The way of the ungodly is so specious that unto men they may seem to rise in the judgment and to stand in the congregation. But he who cannot be deceived understands their ways and knows that they are ungodly; in his eyes they are not at all among the members of his Church. He knows the righteous only and not the sinners, that is, he approves the one and not the other. Therefore, their way shall perish, a thing they least of all expect or believe, though it continues with such success as to seem to be eternal. God knoweth only the way of the righteous, although it is hidden even to the righteous themselves. God’s right hand leads them on in a wonderful way, seeing that it is a way, not of sense, nor of reason, but of faith only; even of that faith that sees in darkness and beholds things that are invisible.

When, therefore, we are subject to ungodly shepherds, we do not obey the ungodly, but men; for we do not follow their ungodliness, but we endure the presence of their persons. When men cast out and put down such, is it the ungodly that are put down? No, the persons are put down; for the ungodly who are put down remain ungodly still. The ungodly man is only then put down when he is led from ungodliness to godliness. This is not done by external violence but by love, internally praying and externally admonishing, while God condescends to work at the same time.

When thou hearest that all things “prosper” for the righteous man, thou art to desire it for thyself and to sigh for all those who are placed in any adversity, of whatsoever kind it may be; when thou hearest that their leaf doth not wither and that the pure Word of God flourisheth in the Church of Christ, all fables and dreams of men are cast out; when thou seest any of these things thus take place anywhere thou art to congratulate thyself, to rejoice and give thanks unto the divine goodness. And do not think that thou art thus exhorted to impossibilities; only make the attempt and thou wilt be compelled to rejoice and be thankful.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 381–82.

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True Man and True God http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 29 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

41 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, 42 saying, “What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” 43 He said to them, “How is it then that David, inspired by the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying, 44 ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I put thy enemies under thy feet’? 45 If David thus calls him Lord, how is he his son?” 46 And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did any one dare to ask him any more questions. 

Matthew 22:41–46, RSV

From Luther

Here Christ does not explain, but only says that David in his Psalm called Christ his Lord. “How then doth David in the Spirit call him Lord?” It does not sound right and it is contrary to nature for a father to call his son lord, be subject to him and serve him. Now David calls Christ his Lord, and to whom the Lord himself says: “Sit thou on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool,” that is, be like me, acknowledged and worshiped as the right and true God; for it becometh none other to sit at his right hand; he is indeed so jealous that he allows no one to sit equal to him, as he says: “My glory will I not give to another.”

Since the Lord now makes Christ equal to himself, he must be above all creatures. Therefore he proposes to the Jews a great question, without solving it; for they did not understand it and the time had not yet come to make this publicly known. But the meaning is as our articles of faith teach us to believe, that Christ was both David’s true natural son, of his blood and flesh, and also David’s Lord, whom David himself must worship and hold as God. However, it was impossible to make these statements harmonize, as it is still impossible for human reason, where the Holy Spirit does not reveal it, to comprehend how the two should be at the same time in the one Christ, that he was truly David’s seed and God’s Son by nature.

Now Christ propounded this question to teach that it is not enough to have the law, which only shows from what state we have fallen; but that Christ must be born, not in sin as David and all men are born, but had to be born without man of the virgin, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, born a real, true man, yet without sin. He is the only man that has been able to keep and fulfil the law. This one must intercede in our behalf before God and be our right hand and protection, in whom we have forgiveness of sins and deliverance from God’s anger and hell. He also gives us the Holy Spirit to follow him until we come to him and be like him without any sin and in perfect righteousness.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 380–81.

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The Unity of the Church http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 28 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; 2 let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. 3 For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Romans 15:1–6, RSV

From Luther

God gives patience and consolation. As he is the God of heaven and earth, so he is the God of patience and consolation. All are his gifts. If they are given, they are not of nature, but of grace. If God does not direct his Word to the heart to fit the needs of the individual, the heart will never discover this patience and consolation. But when he gives grace to search the Scriptures, he likewise gives these gifts. There is no more marked manifestation of God’s wrath than the fact that he permits the decline of his spoken and written Word. On the other hand, God gives no greater blessing than when he exalts his Word among us and permits it to be read.

The apostle enjoins the Romans to be of one mind and tolerant of one another. The weak in conscience should accept as right what they of strong faith and sound conscience observe. The effort should be for a oneness of faith and conscience, and a sameness of opinion to avoid the wrangling occasioned by conflicting personal ideas of what is right. It is not necessary that we should all follow the same occupation. One may be a smith and another a tailor without impairing unity of faith and purpose, only let one tolerate the outward calling of the other. As privilege of occupation is right, so in external things of meats, apparel and place, we are at liberty to follow our own pleasure. It is not wrong to fast in honor of the name of an apostle, or to confess during Lent. But neither does he who omits these things commit any evil by this omission. Let not one censure, judge, condemn and quarrel with his fellow over the matter. But I refer to toleration only in things wherein we are at liberty to be lenient. We are to permit the weak in faith to continue in their practices for a time until we are finally able to extricate them from error. They must not be too hastily and rashly rejected with disastrous results to their consciences.

The apostle enjoins us to be likeminded according to Christ Jesus; that is, from a Christian point of view. For unbelievers, too, are likeminded, but according to the flesh, the world and the devil, and not according to Christ. The Jews were of one mind against Christ and against his Church. Christian unity resists sin and everything opposed to the religion of Christ.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 379–80.

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The Sin of Ingratitude http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 27 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

13 If a man returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water; so quit before the quarrel breaks out. 

Proverbs 17:13–14, RSV

From Luther

The heathen everywhere, despite their ignorance of God and his grace, condemned even to the utmost the evil of ingratitude. They regarded it the mother of evils, than which was none more malevolent and shameful. Among many examples in this respect is one left us by a people in Arabia called Nabathians, who had an excellent form of government. So strict were they in regard to this evil that any one found guilty of ingratitude to his fellows was looked upon as a murderer and punished with death.

No sin is more abominable to human nature, and of none is human nature less tolerant. It is easier to forgive and forget the act of an enemy who commits a bodily injury, or even murders one’s parents, than it is to forget the sin of him who repays simple kindness and fidelity with ingratitude and faithlessness; who for love and friendship returns hatred. In the sentiment of the Latin proverb, to be so rewarded is like rearing a serpent in one’s bosom. God likewise regards this sin with extreme enmity and punishes it.

Thus we have the teaching of nature and of reason regarding the sin of men’s ingratitude toward one another. How much greater the evil, how much more shameful and accursed, when manifested toward God, who, in his infinite and ineffable goodness, conferred upon us while yet enemies of him and deserving of the fires of hell, not ten dollars, not a hundred thousand dollars even, but redemption from divine wrath and eternal death, and abundantly comforted us, granting safety, a good conscience, peace and salvation! These are inexpressible blessings, incomprehensible in this life. And they will continue to occupy our minds in yonder eternal life. How much more awful the sin of ingratitude for these blessings as exemplified in the servant mentioned in the gospel to whom was forgiven the debt of ten thousand talents and who yet would not forgive the debt of his fellow-servant who owed him a hundred pence!

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 378–79.

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The Evils of Ingratitude http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 26 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I give thanks to God always for you because of the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in every way you were enriched in him with all speech and all knowledge —  6 even as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you — 7 so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ; 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:3–9, RSV

From Luther

We have before us the opening words of the first Epistle to the Corinthians, which Paul was moved to write because of unpleasant conditions in the church at Corinth after his departure. Divisions had arisen and sad confusion prevailed in doctrine and life. Hence the apostle was constrained to rebuke their wickedness and correct their infirmities. Because of these wholesome admonitions, the reading and heeding of this epistle is not only profitable but essential, for the devil takes no respite, but whenever the gospel is preached in its purity he mixes with the children of God and sows his tares.

Paul begins very leniently, showing them what they have received through the gospel. His purpose is to arouse their gratitude to God, and to induce them, for his honor and glory, to be harmonious in doctrine and life, avoiding divisions and other offenses. Paul would say: What abundant grace and gifts have been given you of God! They are bestowed, not because of your righteousness, merits and works; nay, all these blessings have been freely given you in Christ and for his sake, through the preaching of the gospel. The gospel is a grace which brings to you all manner of gifts, by him enriching you in everything.

He gives them an example of his own gratitude, thanking God on their behalf, for the purpose of calling forth their especial gratitude when they should consider what they formerly were and what they now had received through the gospel. He would have them beware lest, forgetful of their former misery and present grace, they relapse into their old blindness. We are aware of the great benefits bestowed upon us, but at the same time we see and realize that the devil instigates divisions and scandals. The cause of these evils may be traced to our ingratitude. Where God’s mercies are lightly dismissed from the mind and disregarded, gratitude and regard for God’s Word cannot be the result; satiated, listless Christians go their way fancying that their spiritual conditions always were and always will be as now. The people, therefore, must be awakened to consider their former destitution, the wretchedness in which they were, that they may return thanks to God and recount the superior and wonderful gifts which have enriched them in all things.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 376–77.

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The Unity of the Church http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 25 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:1–6, RSV

From Luther

Christians should feel bound to maintain the unity of the Spirit, since they are all members of one body and partakers of the same spiritual blessings. They have the same priceless treasures — one God and Father in heaven, one Lord and Saviour, one Word, baptism and faith; in short, one and the same salvation, a blessing common to all, whereof one has as much as another, and cannot obtain more.

The unity of the Church does not consist in similarity of outward form of government, likeness of law, tradition and ecclesiastical customs. The Church is called “one holy, Christian Church,” because it represents one plain, pure gospel doctrine, and an outward confession thereof, always and everywhere, regardless of dissimilarity of physical life, or outward ordinances, customs and ceremonies. But they are not members of the true Church of Christ who, instead of preserving unity of doctrine and oneness of Christian faith, cause divisions and offenses by human doctrines and self-appointed works for which they contend, imposing them upon all Christians as necessary.

One of the wickedest offenses possible to commit against the Church is the stirring up of doctrinal discord and division, a thing the devil encourages to the utmost. This sin usually arises in certain haughty, conceited, self-seeking leaders who desire peculiar distinction for themselves and strive for personal honor and glory. They will give honor to no one, even when they recognize the superiority of his gifts over their own. In their envy and vengefulness they seek occasion to create factions and to draw people to themselves. Many are deceived and immediately respond to the new doctrine presented in specious words by presumptuous leaders thirsting for fame. Many weak but well-meaning ones fall to doubting; many become reckless pleasure lovers, disregarding all religion and ignoring the Word of God. Even they who are called Christians come to have hard feelings against one another, their love grows cold and faith is extinguished. Christians, then, should be careful to give no occasion for division or discord. They must strive against them, submitting to all suffering and performing all demands to prevent, so far as possible, any disturbance of the unity of doctrine, of faith and of Spirit.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 375–76.

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Showing Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 24 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 

Matthew 5:14–16, RSV

From Luther

Let the Christian know that his earthly life is not unto himself, nor for his own sake; his life and work belong to Christ, his Lord. Hence his walk must be such as shall contribute to the honor and glory of his Master, whom he should so serve that he may be able to say with Paul, not only with respect to the spiritual life — the life of faith and righteousness by grace — but also with respect to its fruits — the outward conduct: “It is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me.” The world is to recognize Christ by his shining in us.

It is an astonishing fact that the world is merged into so great darkness that it utterly disregards the Word of God and the conditions he designed for our daily living. If we preach faith in God’s Word the world receives it as heresy. If we speak of works instituted of God himself and conditions of his own appointing, the world regards it as idle talk. Living a simple Christian life in one’s own family, or performing faithfully the duties of a servant, is of no value, but it says: “Oh, that is merely the following of worldly pursuits. To do good works you must set about in a different way. You must creep into a corner, don a cap, make pilgrimages to some saint; then you may be able to help yourself and others to gain heaven.”

The Scriptures teach no other good works than God enjoins upon all men in the ten commandments and which pertain to the common conditions of life. True, these do not make such a brilliant show in the eyes of the world as do the self-appointed ceremonials constituting the divine service of the hypocrites; but they are true, worthy, good and profitable works in the sight of God and man. What can be more acceptable to God and advantageous to man than a life lived, in its own calling, in the way that contributes to the honor of God, and that by its example influences others to love God’s Word and to praise his name? Therefore, influence men by your godly walk and good works to believe in Christ and to glorify him.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 374–75.

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Holding Fast in Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 23 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 

Philippians 1:3–6, RSV

From Luther

Paul rejoices in the gospel with his inmost soul. He thanks God that others have come into its fellowship. His confidence is firm regarding certain beginners in the faith, and he is so interested in their salvation as to rejoice in it as much as in his own, apparently unable to thank God sufficiently for it. He prays unceasingly that he may live to see many come with him into such fellowship and be preserved therein until the day of the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall perfect and complete all the defects of this earthly life. He prays these beginners may go forth faultlessly in faith and hope until that joyful day.
Thus the apostle pours out the depths of his heart, filled with the real fruits of the Spirit and of faith. He burns with love and joy whenever he sees the gospel recognized, accepted and honored, and the Church flourishing. For the converts he can conceive of no loftier desire — can offer no greater petition for them than to implore God that they may increase and persevere in the gospel faith. Such is the inestimable value he places upon possessing and holding fast God’s Word.

Paul is here an example of gratitude for us. It behooves the Christian who recognizes the grace and goodness of God, expressed in the gospel, first of all to manifest his thankfulness toward God and then toward men. As Christians who have abandoned the false services and sacrifices that in our past heathenish blindness we zealously practiced, let us remember our obligation henceforth to be the more fervent in offering true service and right sacrifices to God. We can render him no better service than the thank-offering, as the Scriptures call it. That is, receiving and honoring the grace of God and the preaching and hearing of his Word, and furthering their operation, not only in word, but sincerely in our hearts and with all our physical and spiritual powers. This is the truest gratitude.

These words therefore give us an exact delineation of the Christian that believes in the holy gospel. Such hearts are rare in the world and especially difficult to find, unless it be among the beloved apostles or those who approach them in the likeness of Christ. Let us not be found unthankful, and forgetful of God’s infinite goodness.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 373–74.

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A Prosperity of Grace http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 22 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

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1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff which the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. 

Psalm 1:1–6, RSV

There is a common inquiry among men concerning blessedness; there is no one who does not wish that it may be well with him, and does not dread the thought that it should be ill with him. Yet all who have ever inquired into the matter have wandered from the knowledge of true blessedness, and those have wandered the most widely who have inquired with greatest diligence, such as the philosophers, the greatest of whom have placed true blessedness in the works of virtue, having rendered themselves more unhappy than the rest; they have deprived themselves of the blessings both of this life and of that which is to come. The common people, although their ideas were the more grossly mad by making blessedness to consist in carnal pleasure, enjoyed at least the good of this life. This teacher, however, deriving his doctrine from heaven and detesting all the devoted endeavors of men, gives this only true definition of blessedness which is wholly unknown to men — that he is the blessed man who loves the law of God. It is a short definition, but it contains a savor that is contrary to all human ideas, and especially to human wisdom.

Is he not a blessed man and one strong in the faith who does not walk in the broad way in the midst of the multitudes; who suffers reproaches and many evils from the same, and yet does not consent unto them so as to walk with them? Who is not deceived by the most specious counsel of the ungodly, which might deceive the very elect? It is a great thing not to be overcome by riches, pleasures and honors; but to overcome the specious righteousness and wisdom of the ungodly, who direct their attacks most of all against pure faith, is the greatest of all victories. But you are to notice that these words are the words of faith and that they do not speak of men according to what they appear to be. For no one would imagine such to be the ungodly. The prophet here speaks in the spirit; and spiritually that is ungodly which the world considers most godly, because it is devoid of faith. The ungodly are secure and confident in their lives, and there is no fear of God before their eyes.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 371–72.

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Freely Forgiven http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 21 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; 25 and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.

Matthew 18:23–27, RSV

From Luther

What does the servant do? He foolishly thinks he will pay the debt, falls down and asks the Lord to have patience with him. This is the torment of all consciences, when sin comes and smarts deeply until they feel in what a sad state they are before God; then there is no rest; they run hither and thither, seek help here and there to be freed from sin, and in their presumption think they can do enough to pay God in full. Thus we were taught hitherto. From this also have come so many pilgrimages, cloisters, masses and other nonsense. So we fasted and scourged ourselves, and became monks and nuns. All this came because we undertook to begin a life and to do many works of which God should take account and allow himself to be paid by them. Thus we thought to quiet the conscience and put it at peace with God. We acted just like this foolish servant.

Now a heart that is thus smitten with the law, feels its blows and distress, is truly humiliated. Therefore it falls before the Lord and asks for grace, except that it still makes the mistake of intending to help itself, for this we cannot root out of our nature. When the conscience feels such misery, it dare promise more than all the angels in heaven are able to fulfil. When our consciences were forced in the confessional, we did everything that was imposed upon us and gave more than was demanded of us. What should the poor people do? They were glad to be helped even in this manner; they ran and martyred themselves to be rid of their sins. Yet it did no good whatever, for the conscience remained in doubt as before, and did not know on what terms it stood with God.

But the Lord comes and sympathizes with this distress, because the servant is captive and bound in his sins, and yet is such a fool as to want to help himself; he looks for no mercy, knows nothing to say of grace, and feels nothing but sins, which press him heavily, and knows of no one to help him. Then his lord has mercy on him and sets him free. Thus God deals with us. He forgives our debt, because he hears our cries and sees our humiliation.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 370–71.

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Standing Firmly http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 20 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Ephesians 6:10–13, RSV

From Luther

The devil neither sleeps nor rests, and consequently it is not safe for a Christian to fold his hands and be idle. He is to consider how he may fortify himself against the power of the devil; for he is not called the prince of this world in vain. He rules the world, howls and rages, and cannot bear that a Christian makes progress. For thereby a rupture is made in his kingdom and his net broken. Hence, wherever possible, he hinders the growth and development of the Christian life. When the fire of faith is kindled and burns, and the devil feels it and becomes aware of it, he immediately attacks it with all his cunning, for he knows how his kingdom is endangered by it. Therefore he endeavors to protect his kingdom with great zeal and exerts himself to retain all under his obedience. For that rogue has a sharp vision and easily becomes conscious of the presence of a true Christian. Therefore he tries to entrap him, surrounds and attacks him on all sides; for he cannot bear that any one should desert his kingdom.

On this account it is dangerous to live heedlessly, for the devil is likely to take us by surprise. This happens even to the great ones among the saints, who rightly apprehend the Word of God. When they think they stand securely, this rogue is behind them, strikes them down and wrestles with them until they are vanquished. This is what happened to the great men of God, to Moses, to Aaron and to the princes of Judah. They had an excellent faith, when they led the people out of Egypt, and all the people went in faith through the Red Sea, through the wilderness and through many wonderful experiences, in which they manifested their faith. At last they came to a point where they feared that they would have to die of hunger and thirst in the parched wilderness. Is it not a pity that after manifesting their faith in so many great trials, wrestling with them and overcoming them, they should allow themselves to be overcome by their belly and murmur against God, and be so fiercely attacked that they succumbed and allowed themselves to be overthrown by Satan. Hence no one is secure, unless his faith continues to grow stronger and stronger.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 369–70.

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He Promised http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 19 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the LORD delivers him out of them all. 20 He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. 21 Evil shall slay the wicked; and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. 22 The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. 

Psalm 34:19–22, RSV

From Luther

God kindly sends upon his Christians temptation, sorrow and affliction. These preserve them from carnal satiety and teach them to seek comfort and help. God did thus also in former ages, in the time of the martyrs, when he daily suffered them to be violently seized in person and put to death by sword, fire, blood and wild beasts. In this way he truly led his people to school, where they were obliged to learn to know his will. Faith taught them and confirmed to them that such suffering was God’s purpose and immutable will concerning themselves, which, whatever attitude towards them he might assume, he could not alter, even as he could not in the case of Christ himself. This discipline and experience of faith strengthened the martyrs and soon accustomed them to suffering, enabling them to go to their death with joy and pleasure.

What noble and enlightened, what strong and courageous people God produced by the discipline of cross and affliction! We, in contrast, because unwilling to experience such suffering, are weak and enervated. If but a little smoke gets into our eyes, our joy and courage are gone, likewise our perception of God’s will, and we can only raise a loud lamentation and cry of woe. Just so Christ’s disciples in the ship, when they saw the tempest approach and the waves beat over the vessel, quite forgot, in their trembling and terror, the divine will, although Christ was present with them. So also in the time of the martyrs, many Christians became timid and at first denied Christ from fear of torture or of long confinement in prison.

It is God’s will that we, too, should learn to accustom ourselves to these things through temptation and affliction, though these be hard to bear and the heart is prone to become agitated and utter its cry of woe. We can quiet our disturbed hearts, saying: I know what is God’s thought, his counsel and will in Christ, which he will not alter: he has promised me through his Son, and confirmed it through my baptism, that he who hears and sees the Son shall be delivered from sin and death, and live eternally. The heart possessing such knowledge is kindled by the Holy Spirit and armed against the flesh, the world and the devil.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 368–69.

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Enriched http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 18 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

4 I give thanks to God always for you because of the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in every way you were enriched in him with all speech and all knowledge — 6 even as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you — 7 so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ; 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

1 Corinthians 1:4–9, RSV

From Luther

What Paul terms being enriched “in all utterance”—which, in the exalted spiritual meaning of the words, bears on life everlasting—is having the comfort of faith in Christ and of invocation and prayer. “Enriched in all knowledge” means having true conception and right judgment in all things of our physical life and in all our earthly relations. All things that a Christian should know and should possess are comprehended in these two terms. These blessings are gifts and treasures indescribably great. He who will contrast them with the destitution of our former condition cannot but be joyful and thankful.

The Christian has indeed inestimable treasures. In the first place he has the testimony of the Word of God, which is the word of eternal grace and comfort, that he has a right and true conception of Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, the Commandments and the Creed. In addition he has the sure refuge of God’s promise to deliver us from every trouble in which we shall call upon him, and to give us, as he promised by the prophet Zechariah, the Spirit of grace and of prayer. And the Christian, by virtue of his enlightened understanding, can wisely discern what are good works and what callings are pleasing to God; on the other hand, his judgments are equally true as to unprofitable and vain works and false services. Formerly we had not this wholesome knowledge. We knew not what we believed, or how we prayed and lived. We sought comfort and salvation in self-devised trivialities, in penances, confessions and satisfactions, in self-righteous works of monkery and in obedience to the commands of the Pope. We believed such works to be fully satisfactory and, indeed, the only things that were holy; the pursuits of common Christians we considered worldly and dangerous. In contrast to this darkness, consider the priceless and to-be-cherished blessing of knowing with certainty wherein the heart is to take comfort, how to seek help in distress and how to conduct oneself in one’s own station. Truly we should now render to God heartfelt thanks for the great favor and blessing of restored light and understanding in Scripture and the right conception of doctrinal matters.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 366–67.

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Renewed http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 17 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

17 Now this I affirm and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds; 18 they are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart; 19 they have become callous and have given themselves up to licentiousness, greedy to practice every kind of uncleanness. 20 You did not so learn Christ! — 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus. 22 Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. 
25 Therefore, putting away falsehood, let every one speak the truth 

Ephesians 4:17–25, RSV

From Luther

The new man has the Spirit and the truth, by which the heart is illuminated unto righteousness and holiness wherein man follows the guidance of God’s Word and feels a desire for a godly walk and a good life. This new man is created after God, as an image of God, and must of necessity differ from such as live in error and in lusts, without the knowledge of God and disobedient to him. For if God’s image is in man, man must consequently have the right knowledge of God and right conceptions and ideas, and lead a godly life consistent with holiness and righteousness as found in God himself.
Such an image of God Adam was when first created. He was, as to the soul, truthful, free from error, possessed of true faith and knowledge of God; and as to the body, holy and pure, that is, without the impure, unclean desires of avarice, lasciviousness, envy, hatred and the like. Thus the whole life of the man was a beautiful portrait of God, a mirror wherein God himself was reflected; even as the lives and natures of the holy spirits and angels are wrapped up in God and represent true knowledge of him, assurance, and joy in hm and utterly pure and holy thoughts and works according to the will of God.

All Adam’s children — all men — would have so remained from their birth, if Adam had not suffered himself to be led astray by the devil and to be thus ruined. But since Christians, by the grace and Spirit of God, are now renewed in this image of God, they are so to live that soul and spirit are righteous and pleasing to God through faith in Christ; and that also the body — meaning the whole external life — be pure and holy. They thus enter again into their former relation and into the true paradise of perfect harmony with God and of justification; they are comforted by his grace. They are disposed to lead a godly life and resist ungodly lusts and ways. They begin to taste God’s goodness and lovingkindness and to realize what they lost in paradise. He, therefore, that would be a Christian should strive to be found in this new man created after God — in the very essence of righteousness and holiness before God.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 365–66.

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The Old Man http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 16 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

22 Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. 

Ephesians 4:22–24, RSV

From Luther

What Paul calls “the old man” is well known to us, namely, the whole nature of man as descended from Adam after his fall in paradise, being blinded by the devil, depraved in soul, not keeping God before the eyes, nor trusting him, yea, utterly regardless of God and the judgment day. He portrays the old man as given to error, coming short of the truth, knowing naught of the true knowledge of Christ and faith in him, indifferent alike to God’s wrath and God’s grace, deceiving himself in his own conceit that darkness is light.

Out of this error proceeds the other corruption, the lusts of the body, which are the fruits of unbelief. Unbelief causes men to walk in sinful security and yield to all the appetites of their flesh. Such have no inclination for what is good, nor do they aim to promote order, honor or virtue. They take desperate chances on their lives, wanting to live according to the lusts of their flesh and yet not be reprimanded.

This, says the apostle, is the old man’s course and nature. He will do naught but ruin himself. The longer continued, the greater his debasement. He draws down upon himself his own condemnation and penalty of body and soul; in proportion as he becomes unbelieving and hard-hearted, does he become haughty, hateful and faithless, and eventually a perfect scoundrel and villain. This was your former manner of life, when as yet you were heathen and non-Christian. Therefore you must by all means put off the old man and cast him far from you; otherwise you cannot remain a Christian, for glorying in the grace of God and the forgiveness of sin is inconsistent with following sin, remaining in the former unchristian life and walking in error and deceitful lusts. A life and walk of this nature is not becoming a Christian, who is regarded, and truly is, a different order of being from his former self. A Christian must take care that he deceive not himself; he differs from the hypocrite, who may honor God’s Word and the gospel, yet in reality he is unchanged. True Christians so live that it is apparent from their lives that they keep God before their eyes and truly believe the gospel.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 364–65.

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One in Ten http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 15 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then said Jesus, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” 

Luke 17:11–19, RSV

From Luther

The stranger sincerely gives God all the glory. O, what a terrible example is this! Among ten only one, and he among the least and most worthless. How entirely does God overlook that which is great, wise, spiritual and honorable! Yet such people have no fear, but become hardened and petrified in their nature. It is also terrible that the Lord knows that ten were cleansed, of this they did not think. He inquires after and seeks them: Where are the nine? O, what a frightful thing it will be when they at some future time will feel this inquiry and must answer whither they went, that they did not give God the glory. Then they will say: Well, we have nevertheless praised and thanked God, and thus our priests have taught us! Then it will appear whether it will help us to follow the doctrines of men in the name of God, and to forsake the doctrine and will of God. We are sufficiently warned in the gospel, so that no excuse will help us if we allow ourselves to be deceived. In Baptism we have all vowed to follow Christ and his doctrine; no one has vowed to follow the pope, the bishops and clergy. Thus Christ has thoroughly rejected and forbidden the doctrines of men.

Christ comforts his poor Samaritans, who for his name’s sake must risk their lives with the priests and Jews, and strengthens their hope with the sentence and judgment that he demands the nine and judges them as God’s thieves, who steal God’s glory, but he justifies the Samaritan. This hope gives them strong courage, that their cause before God will be rightly maintained and will stand, and that that of the others will be condemned, it matters not how great they were and what power they had on earth.

Before Christ justifies the Samaritan, he judges the nine, that we should be sure not to hasten or desire revenge, but leave it only to him, and go our way. For he himself is so careful to defend the right and punish the wrong. Nor does he wait long to have them accused before him, but of his own free will summons them, so that without doubt the cause of unbelievers affects him more and sooner than it strikes or harms us.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 363–64.

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Calling Jesus “Lord” http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 14 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were heathen, you were led astray to dumb idols, however you may have been moved. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus be cursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. 

1 Corinthians 12:1–3, RSV

From Luther

To call Jesus “Lord” is to confess oneself his servant and to seek his honor alone; to act as his messenger or the bearer of his Word and command. Paul refers here chiefly to the office which represents Christ and bears his Word. Where the office answers these conditions and points to Christ as the Lord, it is truly the message of the Holy Spirit, even though the occupant of the office does not in his own person possess the Spirit; the office itself is essentially of the Holy Spirit. Hypocrisy and invention have no place here. One must proceed in sincerity if he would be certain he is Christ’s minister, or apostle, and really handles his Word. Only the inspiration of the Holy Spirit can give one this assurance.

All Christians — each in his own sphere — may equally call Christ “Lord.” One may be assured he serves Christ if he can call him “Lord,” for only by the Holy Spirit is he enabled to do that. Let him try for a single day — from morning until evening — whether or no he can truly say at all times that he is the servant of God and of Christ in what he does. When delivering a sermon or listening to one, when baptizing a child or bringing one to baptism, when pursuing your daily duties, ask yourself if the act is attended by such faith that you can, without misgiving and not hypocritically, nor mechanically, boast — if necessary, die by your boast — that you serve and please Christ therein. This is calling Christ “Lord.” Unquestionably you will often feel your heart doubting and trembling over the matter. Flesh and blood is too weak to obtain this glorious confidence; the Holy Spirit is essential.

I often used to wonder that St. Ambrose was so bold as to call himself a servant of Jesus Christ. I supposed we all ought to be terrified at thoughts of this kind, and that none but the apostles might boast of such honor. But the fact is, we must all say to Christ: Thou art my Lord and I am thy servant; for I believe in thee and aspire to be with thee and all the faithful and to possess thy Word and Sacrament. Otherwise Christ will not acknowledge us.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 361–62.

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Knowledge of Sin http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 13 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth; 7 but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:5–9, RSV

From Luther

All hear the gospel, but it does not enter the hearts of all, for they do not all feel their sins. But the gospel teaches that everything we have in us is sin. Therefore it also offers comfort, forgiveness of sin. But if I am to receive forgiveness of sins. I must have knowledge of sin. Forgiveness of sins consists in nothing more than two words, in which the whole kingdom of Christ consists. There must be sins, and if we are conscious of them, we must confess them; when we have confessed them, forgiveness and grace are immediately present. Before there is forgiveness, there is nothing but sin. This sin must be confessed that I may feel and know that all that is in me is blindness; forgiveness of sins cannot exist where there is no sin. There is, however, no lack of sins to confess, but the lack is in not feeling and knowing our sins.

When God forgives sins it is quite a different thing from man’s forgiving. When one man forgives another his sins, he thinks of them again, or perhaps even lays them up to him. But God condemns no more, he banishes all wrath from him, he thinks no more of sin. Now when this wrath is gone, then hell, death, the devil and all misfortune that the devil may bring with him, must also disappear; and instead of wrath God gives grace, comfort, salvation and everything good that he himself is. Sin is all unhappiness, forgiveness is true happiness. The divine majesty is great, great is also that which it forgives. But you must know in your heart how great these words are in which you must trust and for which you can cheerfully die. Only a few rightly receive these words, therefore there are but few true Christians.

This then is the kingdom of Christ. Here there is no work, but only the acknowledgment of all our misfortune, and the reception of all the gifts of God. Therefore it is not by merit; it is a simple gift. This is the gospel upon which faith depends. I need no works before God, and need only be careful rightly to confess my sins. Then I have forgiveness of sins and am one with God, all of which the Holy Spirit works in me.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 360–61.

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Behold His Glory http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 12 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

24 Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which thou hast given me in thy love for me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world has not known thee, but I have known thee; and these know that thou hast sent me. 26 I made known to them thy name, and I will make it known, that the love with which thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” 

John 17:24–26, RSV

From Luther

These words are the last petition of this prayer, but the most comforting one for all those who cling to Christ. We are here assured of what we are finally to receive, where we shall find rest and abide, because in this world we are wretched, despised and have no sure abiding place. Therefore, as a kind, faithful Saviour, Christ encourages us, by saying that he will prepare mansions for us, that we are to be with him, and are to be as happy as he is with his Father. He would say: Do not worry as to your abiding place; let the world and the devil rave and rage, you shall be taken care of and come to the place you desire, where you may rest and remain in spite of the world and the devil. These words should be a pillow and a downy bed for our souls; and when the last hour shall arrive and we are to be freed from sin, from the world, from the power of the devil and from every evil, and are to be brought to our eternal rest and joy, we should go thitherward with cheerful hearts.

We are not only to be with him, but we are also to come to a clear, bright view of his glory. Here upon earth we have it and recognize it only by faith. We do not really see it, but only through the Word as through a dark glass. Our knowledge is still obscure, as when a dark cloud overshadows the bright sun. No human heart can understand the greatness of Christ’s glory, since he appeared so very obscure while on earth. But in the world beyond another light will shine most brilliantly in our very presence, which we shall behold with unspeakable joy. What injury can the world do us, though it deprive us of property, honor, and life, if thereby we are brought to Christ and may behold his glory. But we are too cold and sluggish to believe this. It is beyond human understanding to comprehend that our poor, decaying bodies should ever reach such a position of honor as to be able to see this excellent, divine glory forever; yea, our bodies shall become more brilliant and brighter than the sun and the stars.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 359–60.

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The Authority to Proclaim http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 11 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” 

John 20:19–23, RSV

From Luther

The forgiveness of sins is of two kinds: the first is to drive sin from the heart and infuse grace into it; this is the work of God alone. The second is the declaration of the forgiveness of sin; this man can do to his fellow man. Christ did both. He instils the Spirit into the heart and externally he declared forgiveness through the word, which is a declaration and public preaching of the internal forgiveness.

All men who have been baptized and are Christians have this latter power. With this power they praise Christ, and the word is put into their mouth, so that they may and are able to say, if they wish, and as often as it is necessary: Behold, O man! God offers thee this grace, forgives thee all thy sin; be comforted, thy sins are forgiven; only believe, and thou wilt surely have forgiveness. This word of consolation shall not cease among Christians until the last day. Such language a Christian may always use and in this manner has power to forgive sins. Therefore if I say to you: Thy sins are forgiven, then believe it as surely as though God himself had said it to you.

Now if there were no man on earth to forgive sins, and there were only law and works, what a weak and miserable thing a poor troubled conscience would be. But now when God adequately instructs every one so that he is able to say to others: Thy sins are forgiven thee, wherever thou art, the golden age has arrived. On this account we are to be defiant and boastful against sin, so that we can say to our brother, who is in anxiety and distress on account of his sins: Be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven; although I cannot give the Holy Ghost and faith, I can yet declare them unto thee; if thou believest, thou hast them. They who thus believe these words, praise and glorify God. He has given man power to forgive sins, and thus the kingdom of Christ is spread, the conscience is strengthened and comforted. This we do now through the Word. God grant that we may also thus understand it. But who could do this if Christ had not descended and instructed us.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 358–59.

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Kingdom Comfort http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 10 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. 2 And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” — he then said to the paralytic — “Rise, take up your bed and go home.” 7 And he rose and went home.

Matthew 9:1–7, RSV

From Luther

These words contain in brief what the kingdom of Christ is, namely, this sweet voice penetrating our inmost soul, “Thy sins are forgiven.” In no other sense are we to view the kingdom of Christ than to know how we stand before God. From it follows that the kingdom of Christ is realized where comfort and the forgiveness of sins reign, not only in proclaiming the words, which is also necessary, but where they reign in reality. Christ did not only speak these words into the ear of this sick man; but he also forgave his sins and comforted him. It is well for us Christians to know this. These words are indeed easily and quickly said and heard; but when it comes to the test the light is soon extinguished and Satan begins to lead us astray. We must beware and properly learn the character and nature of the kingdom of Christ. You know how reason is inclined to fall from faith to works. But here you see no works at all, no merit, no command; there is only the offering of Christ’s assistance, his comfort and grace.

If the kingdom of Christ is to grow, we must keep the law out of it, and not be busy with works. For it is not in harmony with Christ’s kingdom to say: Run hither and thither and atone for your sins; you must observe and do this and that, if you will be free from sin. Your sins are forgiven out of pure grace without any work or law. The fanatics profess to have a nobler spirit; they urge and insist upon our doing something first of all, and allow faith and love to be overlooked.

This of course is not of the Holy Spirit. Christ first takes possession of the conscience, and when it is right in faith toward God, then he also directs us to do works toward our neighbor. He first highly extols faith and keeps works in the background. This the fanatics cannot understand. Yet so it must be, Christ will prove his Word, and examine who has received it and who not. Let us therefore remain on the right road to the kingdom of Christ with the words of the gospel which comfort the conscience: Be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 357–58.

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Fulfilling God's Law http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 09 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Romans 13:10, RSV

From Luther

All the works of the law tend in the end to prove our love to God. This love the law requires and will have above everything else. We are to observe that all the works of the law are not commanded merely for the purpose of being performed. If God had even given us more commandments, he would not want us to keep them to the injury and destruction of love. If these commandments oppose the love of our neighbor, God wants us to annul them. Moses brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, leading them for forty years through the wilderness, and not one of them was circumcised, although it was commanded them. Was God angry with them, because they did not obey his commandment? No, there was a higher commandment in force at that time, namely, that they were to obey God who commanded them to come out of Egypt in haste to the promised land. By their marching they daily obeyed God, otherwise God would have been angered by disobedience. Both the need and the love were at hand, for it would have been unbearable to endure the pain of circumcision and at the same time the burden of the journey. Thus love took the place of the commandment.

In like manner Christ excused his disciples, when they plucked the ears of corn and ate them on the Sabbath day, and the Jews accused them of transgressing the law by doing on the Sabbath day that which was not lawful to do. The Lord gave them to understand that here is no Sabbath day; the body needs food, necessity demands it; we must eat even though it be on the Sabbath day. Thus David went into the house of God and ate the shew bread, which it was not lawful for him, nor for those with him, to eat, but only for the priests. David ate the bread, though he was not a priest, because hunger pressed him to do it. Neither did Ahimelech, the priest, violate the law in giving the bread to David, for love was present and urged him to do it. Therefore we have need of the law, that love may be manifested; but if it cannot be kept without injury to our neighbor, God wants us to suspend it.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 355–56.

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Pleasing Service http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 08 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your descendants be named.” 19 He considered that God was able to raise men even from the dead; hence, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

Hebrews 11:17–19, RSV

From Luther

To reason it was a foolish command God gave to Abraham to slay his son. If reason should be the judge all mankind would come to no other conclusion than that it was an unfriendly and hostile command. How could it be from God, since he himself had said to Abraham that he would multiply his seed through this son, and that it should become as innumerable as the stars of the firmament and as the sand by the sea. Therefore to reason it was a foolish, a grievous and hard commandment. But what did Abraham do? He closes his senses, takes his reason captive, and, obeying the voice of God, goes and does as God commanded him.

By this Abraham proved that he obeyed from the heart; otherwise, even if he had put his son to death a hundred times, God would not have cared for it; but God was pleased that the deed came from the heart and was done from true love to God. It came from a heart that must have thought: Even if my son dies, God is almighty and faithful, he will keep his word, he will find ways and means beyond that which I am able to devise; only obey, there is no danger. Had he not had this boldness and faith, how could he have had it in his fatherly heart to proceed to kill his only and well beloved son?

Later the Jews wanted to follow this example and offered their children to God, hoping thereby to perform a service well-pleasing to God; but it was far from it. O, how many healthy, noble and beautiful children perished! The prophets protested against this service, they preached, warned and wrote against it, telling the people that it was a deception, but all in vain. Many a prophet lost his life because of this, as the history of the Books of the Kings shows.

But why was this service of the Jews displeasing to God? Because it did not come from the heart, and was not done out of love to God; but they simply looked upon the service without the command and word of God. There must be first love in the heart, then follows the service that will be pleasing to God. Abraham proved by his act that he loved God with his whole heart.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 354–55.

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The Christian Life http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 07 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 

Luke 17:11–14, RSV

From Luther

How very friendly and lovingly the Lord invites all hearts to himself in this example and stirs them to believe in him! There is no doubt that he desires to do for all what he does here for these lepers, if we only freely surrender ourselves to him for all his favor and grace. The Lord desires that we should joyfully and freely venture to build on his favor before we feel or experience it. He has here sufficiently testified that he hears them willingly without any hesitation. He does not first say he will do it, but as though it were already done, he did as they wished. He does not say: I will have mercy on you, and cleanse you; but merely: “Go show yourselves unto the priests.” As though he would say: There is no use of asking, your faith has already acquired and obtained it, before you begin to ask; you were already cleansed in my sight when you began to expect such things of me; only go and show yourselves to the priests; as I consider you and as you believe, so you are and shall be.

Behold, so powerful is faith to obtain all it wants of God, that God considers it done before the asking. Of this the prophet Isaiah has already said, “It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Not as though faith or we were worthy of it, but in order that he might show his unspeakable goodness and willing grace, that he might stir us to believe in him, and with joyful and unwavering consciences to look to him for every good thing. For thus Christ hears these lepers before they call, and before they cry out he is prepared to do all their hearts desire. Are not these strong incentives that make the heart joyful and eager? His grace permits itself to be felt and grasped, yea, it grasps and satisfies us.

The lepers have taught us how to believe; Christ teaches us to love. Love does to its neighbor as it sees Christ has done to us. This is a Christian life; it does not need much doctrine, nor many books, it is wholly contained in faith and love.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 353–54.

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Faith and Love http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 06 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

18 But some one will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder. 20 Do you want to be shown, you shallow man, that faith apart from works is barren? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by works, 23 and the scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness”; and he was called the friend of God. 24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead. 

James 2:18–26, RSV

From Luther

aith is an active, living thing. But in order that men may not deceive themselves and think they have faith when they have not, they are to examine their works, whether they also love their neighbors and do good to them. If they do this, it is a sign that they have the true faith. If they do not do this they only have the sound of faith and they are as one who sees himself in a glass; when he leaves it, he sees himself no more, but sees other things, forgetting the face in the glass. From this passage deceivers and blind masters have demolished faith and established only good works as though righteousness and salvation did not rest on faith, but on our works.

But James means that a Christian life is nothing but faith and love. Love is being kind and useful to all men, to friends and enemies. Where faith is right it certainly loves, and does to others in love as Christ did to him in faith. Thus every one is to beware lest he has in his heart simply a dream and fancy instead of faith, and thus deceives himself. This he will not learn as well anywhere as in doing the works of love. Beware, if your life is not in the service of others, and you live only for yourself, and care nothing for your neighbor; then your faith is certainly nothing, for it does not do what Christ has done for you. Paul also says: “If I have faith enough to remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing.” This explains the whole matter, not that faith is insufficient to make us pious, but that a Christian life must embrace and never separate these two, faith and love. But the presumptuous undertake to separate them, they want only to believe and not to love, they despise their neighbor, and yet pretend to have Christ. This is false and must fail. Thus we say, then, that faith is everything and saves us, that a man needs no more for his salvation. But he is on this account not idle, but labors much for the benefit of his neighbor and not for himself; for he does not need it, he has enough in Christ.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 352–53.

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Securing the Unseen http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 05 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised. 37 “For yet a little while, and the coming one shall come and shall not tarry; 38 but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” 39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and keep their souls. 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hebrews 10:35–11:1, RSV

From Luther

This means as much as to say, faith is the means by which one trusts in possessions he does not see, namely, that I should expect temporal things which I can neither see nor hear, but must only hope for. If I were a man who had a wife and children, had nothing for them and no one gave me anything; then I should believe and hope that God would sustain me. But if I see that it amounts to nothing and I am not helped with food and clothing, what takes place? As an unbelieving fool I begin to doubt and take whatever is at hand, steal, deceive, cheat the people and make my way as best I can. This is what shameless unbelief does. But if I am a believer, I close my eyes and say: O God, I am thy creature and thy handiwork. I will depend entirely upon thee who carest more for my sustenance than I do myself; thou wilt indeed nourish, feed, clothe and help me when and where thou knowest best.

Thus faith is a sure foundation through which I expect that which I see not. Therefore faith must always have sufficient; before it should fail the angels would have to come from heaven and dig bread out of the earth in order that believing persons should be fed. The heavens and the earth would have to pass away before God would let his believers lack clothing and the other necessaries of life. The comforting and powerful Word of the divine promise demands this. But when one inquires of reason for counsel it soon says: It is not possible. You must wait a long time until roasted ducks fly into your mouth, for reason sees nothing, grasps nothing, and nothing is present. Concerning spiritual blessings I wish to say that when we come to die we will see before our eyes very death, when we would eagerly wish to live; we will see very hell, and yet we would fondly wish to possess heaven. In brief, we will not see a single thing we would like to have. But faith is the principle by which I secure what I do not see. I fully trust that God, by virtue of his promise, will give me life and salvation.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 351–52.

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Follow the Pattern http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 04 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

17 Brethren, join in imitating me, and mark those who so live as you have an example in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power which enables him even to subject all things to himself. 

Philippians 3:17–21, RSV

From Luther

Paul, contemplating with special interest and pleasure his Church of the Philippians, is moved by parental care to admonish them to hold steadily to what they have received, not seeking anything else and not imagining themselves perfect with complete understanding in all things. He particularly admonishes them to follow him and to mark those ministers who walk as he does; also to shape their belief and conduct by the pattern they have received from him. He not only makes an example of himself, but introduces those who similarly walk, several of whom he mentions in this letter to the Philippians. The individuals whom he bids them observe and follow must have been persons of special eminence. But it is particularly the doctrine which the apostle would have the Philippians pattern after. Therefore we should be chiefly concerned about preserving the purity of the office of the ministry and the genuineness of faith. When these are kept unsullied, doctrine will be right, and good works spontaneous.
Apparently Paul is a rash man to dare boast himself a pattern for all. Other ministers might well accuse him of wishing to exalt his individual self above others. “Think you,” our wise ones would say to him, “that you alone have the Holy Spirit, or that no one else is as eager for honor as yourself?” Just so did Miriam and Aaron murmur against Moses, their brother, saying: “Hath the Lord indeed only spoken by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us?” Paul, however, does not say, “I, Paul, alone;” but, “as ye have us for an example.” That does not exclude other true apostles and teachers. He admonishes his church, as he everywhere does, to hold fast to the one true doctrine received from him in the beginning. They are not to be too confident of their own wisdom in the matter; but rather to guard against pretenders to a superior doctrine, for so had some been misled. At that time many Jews went about with the intent of perverting Paul’s converts, pretending that they taught something far better, drawing the people away from Christ and back to the law in order to establish and extend their Jewish doctrines.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 349–50.

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The Inner Man http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 03 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner man, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God. 

Ephesians 3:14–19, RSV

From Luther

The apostle alludes to his prayer by naming its outward expression—bending the knees. But the external posture, if accompanied by nothing else, is sheer hypocrisy. When prayer is genuine, possessing the fire by which it is kindled, prompted by a sincere heart which recognizes its need and likewise the blessings that are ours as proclaimed in the Word, and when faith in God’s Word — in his promise — revives, then the individual will be possessed with a fervor prompting him to fall upon his knees and pray for strength and for the power of the Spirit. When the Spirit of prayer is enkindled and burns within the heart, the body will responsively assume the proper attitude; involuntarily, eyes and hands will be upraised and knees bended. Recall the examples of Moses, David and even Christ himself.

Paul here establishes the doctrine that no one should presume to speak to God, to entreat him for any favor, unless approaching, as Paul does here, in the name of “the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” For Christ is our sole Mediator, and no one need expect to be heard unless he approach the Father in the name of that Mediator and confess him Lord given of God as intercessor for us and ruler of our bodies and souls. Prayer according to these conditions is approved. Strong faith, however, is necessary to lay hold of the comforting Word, picturing God in our hearts as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.The statement that Christ is our Lord is very comforting, though we have made it terrifying by regarding Christ as a stern and angry judge. But the fact is that he is our Lord for the sole purpose of securing us against harsh lords, tyrants, the devil, the world, death, sin and every sort of misfortune. We are his inheritance, and therefore he will espouse our cause, deliver us from violence and oppression of all kinds and better our condition. The name “Lord” is altogether lovable and comforting to us who believe, and gives us confidence of heart. Naught is here for me but real help and pure grace. God designs to have me his child in Christ, placed above all things temporal and eternal.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 348–49.

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Appearances http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 02 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.

Luke 17:11–16, RSV

From Luther

Why was it necessary for the evangelist to write that this one leper was a Samaritan? By this he opens our eyes and warns us that God has two kinds of people who serve him. The one kind has the appearance and name of having a great, spiritual, holy life, wholly wrapped up in it, but all in vain. They are nothing more than ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing. Yet they have the honor and are regarded as the true worshipers of God; therefore goods, friendship and everything the world has comes to them. The others are of the opposite appearance, and are without show or name, as though no one were less God’s people than they.

The Jews alone had the name of being God’s people, and they alone had God and his worship in preference to all other people on the earth. They hated the Samaritans above all nations, for they too claimed to be God’s people along with the Jews; therefore a Samaritan was to them as an apostate Christian is to us. It is true that the Samaritans did not have the right belief and that the Jews had the true law of God. But as God loves the truth and is an enemy to hypocrisy with all its boasting, he turns it round and accepts the Samaritans and lets the Jews go. Thus it happens that they are not his people who still have the name, the appearance and honor of his people. Again, they who are his people, and have the name and appearance, are regarded as heretics, apostates and the devil’s children.

So it is even at the present time. The clergy, priests and monks call themselves and are regarded the servants of God. No one is a Christian who does not believe as they do, although no one is less a Christian. Those whom they regarded as heretics, many of whom they have burned and exiled, dare not be called Christians, although they alone are the true Christians. No one falls on his face at the feet of Christ, except the Samaritans, the despised, the condemned, the accursed. Therefore let us guard against everything that makes only a show, it certainly is deceiving; and let us not reject what does not make a display, so that we do not reject Christ and God, as the Jews did.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 347–48.

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The Spirit Within http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 01 Oct 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 

Romans 8:14–16, RSV

From Luther

Paul describes here the power of the kingdom of Christ, the real work and the true exalted worship which the Holy Spirit effects in believers, the comfort by which the heart is freed from the fear and terror of sin and given peace, and the heartfelt supplication which in faith expects of God an answer and brings his help. These blessings cannot be secured through the law or through our own holiness. That we are children of God and may confidently regard ourselves as such, we learn from the witness of the Spirit, who, in spite of the law and our unworthiness, testifies to it in our weakness and assures us of it. Where there is faith in Christ, there the Holy Spirit brings comfort and childlike trust, which doubts not that God is gracious and will answer prayer as he has promised, not for the sake of our worthiness, but for the sake of the name and merit of Christ, his Son. This witness is the experience within ourselves of the power of the Holy Spirit working through the Word and the knowledge that our experience accords with the Word and the preaching of the gospel. For thou art surely aware whether or no, when thou art in fear and distress, thou dost obtain comfort from the gospel, whether thy heart is assured of God’s graciousness, and thou no longer fleest from him, but canst cheerfully call upon him in faith, expecting help.This is the true inward witness by which thou mayest perceive that the Holy Spirit is at work in thee. In addition to this thou hast also external witnesses. It is a witness of the Holy Spirit in thee that he gives the special gifts, spiritual understanding, grace and success in thy calling; that thou hast pleasure and delight in God’s Word, confessing it before the world at the peril of life and limb; that thou hatest and resistest ungodliness and sin. Those who have not the Holy Spirit are neither willing nor able to do these things. Even in the Christian these things are accomplished in great weakness; but the Holy Spirit governs them in this weakness, and strengthens them in this witness, as Paul says: “The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities.”

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 346–47.

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Speaking Forgiveness http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 30 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” 

John 20:19–23, RSV

From Luther

This is a great and mighty power which no one can sufficiently extol, given to mortal men of flesh and blood over sin, death, hell and all things. The pope, too, boasts in the canon law, that Christ has given him power over all earthly things; which indeed is correct if the people rightly understood it. They apply it to the civil government; this is not Christ’s thought; he wishes to say that when ye speak a word concerning a sinner it shall be spoken in heaven and shall avail as much as if God himself had spoken it. This is not civil, but spiritual power.

If Christ speaks a word, it must be so, since he is Lord over sin and death. When he says to you: Thy sins are forgiven, they must be forgiven and nothing can prevent it. If he says: Thy sins shall not be forgiven thee, they remain unforgiven, so that neither you, nor an angel, nor a saint, nor any creature, can forgive your sin, even if you tortured yourself to death. But in this matter one must not do like the popes. They have reached the point to claim the power that whatever they say, so it must be. If the pope says: Thy sins are forgiven thee, they are blotted out, even though you do not repent, nor believe. They mean by this that they have the power to open or shut heaven. From this it would follow that our salvation depended upon the authority and power of man. Since this is in conflict with all the Scriptures, it cannot be true. These words do not establish the power of him who speaks, but of him who believes. God has given us the Word and authority to speak. This power belongs to every Christian, since Christ has made us all partakers of his power and dominion. Here is not a civil but a spiritual rule, and Christ’s followers rule spiritually. Christ’s meaning is: Ye shall have the power to speak the Word, and to preach the gospel, and whosoever believeth has the remission of his sins; but whosoever believeth not has no remission of sin. Therefore if you believe the Word, you gain this power; but if you believe not, then what I speak or preach will avail nothing even though it be God’s Word.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 344–45.

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Serving One Lord http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 29 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Woord

24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Matthew 6:24–25, RSV

Fron Luther

Mammon means goods or riches, and such goods as one does not need, but holds as a treasure, and it is gold and possessions that one deposits as stock and storage provisions. This Christians do not do, they gather no treasures; but they ask God for their daily bread. Others, however, are not satisfied with this, they gather a great store upon which they think they can depend; in case our God should die to-day or to-morrow, they would be able to keep themselves.

To have money and possessions is not forbidden, as we cannot get along without them. Abraham, Lot, David, Solomon and others had great possessions and much gold; and at present there are many wealthy persons who are pious, in spite of their riches. But it is one thing to have possessions and another to serve them; to have mammon and to make a god of it. Job also was wealthy, he had great possessions and was more powerful than all who lived in the East; yet he says: “If I have made gold my hope, and said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence; have I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because my hand had gotten much?”

Whoever possesses riches is lord of the riches. Whoever serves them, is their slave and does not possess them, but they possess him; for he dare not make use of them when he desires, and cannot serve others with them; yea, he is not bold enough to dare to touch them. But if he is lord over his riches, they serve him, and he does not serve them; then he dare use them and casts his care only upon God; he aids the poor with his wealth and gives to those who have nothing. We see here and there many pious poor people existing only for the purpose that the wealthy may help and serve them with their riches.

The sum of it all is, that God cannot allow us to have another Lord besides himself. He is a jealous God and cannot suffer us to serve him and his enemy. It is his will that we serve not gold and riches, and that we be not overanxious for our life; but that we labor and commend our anxiety to him.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 343–44.

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Tempting Christ http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 28 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

1 I want you to know, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same supernatural food 4 and all drank the same supernatural drink. For they drank from the supernatural Rock which followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless with most of them God was not pleased; for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things are warnings for us, not to desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to dance.” 8 We must not indulge in immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put the Lord to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as a warning, but they were written down for our instruction, upon whom the end of the ages has come.

1 Corinthians 10:1–11, RSV

From Luther

In Numbers, chapter 21st, we read that after the people had journeyed forty years in the wilderness and God had brought them through all their difficulties and given them victory over their enemies, as they drew near to the promised land, they became dissatisfied and impatient. They were setting out to go around the land of the Edomites, who refused them a passage through their country, when they began to murmur against God and Moses for leading them out of Egypt. Thereupon God sent among them fiery serpents and they were bitten, a multitude of the people perishing.

Complaining against God is here called tempting him. Men set themselves against the Word of God and blaspheme, as if God and his Word were utterly insignificant, because his disposing is not as they desire. Properly speaking it is tempting God when we not only disbelieve him, but oppose him, refusing to accept what he says as true and desiring that our own wisdom rule. Such was the conduct of the Jews, notwithstanding God’s promise to remain with them and to preserve them in trouble; and notwithstanding that he proved his care by daily providences in special blessings and strange wonders.

Paul, in speaking of how they tempted God, says, “They tempted Christ,” pointing to the fact that the eternal Son of God was from the beginning with his Church and with the people who received the promise of his coming in the form of man. They believed as we do that Christ was the Rock that followed them. That sin and blasphemy was the real meaning of their murmurings is indicated by the fact that Moses afterward, in the terrible punishment of the fiery serpents by which the people were bitten and died, erected at God’s command a brazen serpent and whoever looked upon it lived. It was a sign to them of Christ who was to be offered for the salvation of sinners. It taught the people that they had blasphemed against God, incurred his wrath and deserved punishment, and therefore in order to be saved from wrath and condemnation, they had no possible alternative but to believe again in Christ.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 342–43.

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Our Only Help http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 27 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, 34 and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’

Luke 10:30–35, RSV

From Luther

The man who lies here half dead, wounded and stripped of his clothing, is Adam and all mankind. The murderers are the devils who robbed and wounded us and left us lying prostrate and half dead. We still struggle a little for life; but there lies horse and man, we cannot help ourselves to our feet, and if we were left thus lying we would have to die by reason of our great anguish and lack of nourishment. If the poor wounded man had desired to help himself he would only have done harm to himself and irritated his wounds. Had he remained lying quiet, he would have suffered all the same. This parable pictures us perfectly.

Thus we are when left to ourselves. We are always lost, we may lay hold where we will. Hitherto man has thought out many ways and methods how he might reform his life and get to heaven. One invented this way, another that; therefore there arose the many kinds of orders, the letters of indulgence, and the crusades; but they have only made evil worse. The world is thus finely portrayed in this wounded man; it lies in sins over head and ears and cannot help itself.

But the Samaritan, who is our Lord Jesus Christ, has fulfilled the law and is perfectly healthy and sound. He comes and does more than both priest and Levite. They saw the wounded man lying helpless and half dead, but they could not help that. He who lay there half dead saw it too, but could not improve matters. The dear sainted fathers saw very well that the people lay in their sins over their ears, and felt the anguish of sin, but what could they do to remedy it? But Christ, the true Samaritan, goes to him and does not require the helpless one to come to him; for here is no merit, but pure grace and mercy; he binds up his wounds and pours in oil and wine. This is the whole gospel from beginning to end. Cling firmly to this Samaritan, Christ the Saviour, he will help you, and nothing else in heaven or on earth will.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 341–42.

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Adhering to the Word http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 26 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles — 13 ... ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. 

Ephesians 3:1, 13, RSV

From Luther

Having been imprisoned at Rome by order of the emperor, Paul thus consoles his beloved converts at Ephesus, admonishing them to cleave to the doctrine learned from him, and not to be frightened from it by his fate. He reminds them of that whereunto God has called them, and of that they have received through his preaching.

Such admonition is still, and will ever be, necessary in the Christian community. The weak must endure severe conflicts in the tribulations which the gospel inevitably entails. The trial is especially hard when they must lose their leaders and teachers, and in addition hear the shameful, bitter taunts of the calumniators. We in this day have to expect that some will be offended when teachers are assailed. We should therefore be prepared, and when any of our number fall away from our faith to flatter tyrants and the pope, and become liars and knaves, we must individually lay hold of the gospel in such a way as to enable us to stand and to say: “Not because a certain one has taught thus, do I believe. It matters not what becomes of him or what he may be, the doctrine itself is right. This I know, whatever God may permit to befall myself or others because of it.”

How could I comfort myself and stand firm unless I were able to say: “Though ten other worlds and everything great, lofty, wise and prudent, and all my friends and brethren as well, should turn from me, the doctrine still remains true. I will adhere to the Word of God, stand or fall what may.” When the trying hour arrives, we are able to accomplish as little against the enemy as Paul when he lay in chains, powerless to succor a soul. He was obliged to commit his cause to the Lord. At the same time, as a faithful apostle, he ceased not to admonish and warn to the full extent of his power. Well he knew that many false apostles were ready, as soon as he said a word, to pervert it. For the sake of affording his converts comfort and strength, Paul proceeds to make his sufferings and tribulations pleasing to them by speaking of these afflictions in unusual and beautiful terms.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 340–41.

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We Are the Widow http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 25 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word 

11 Soon afterward he went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. 12 As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. 

Luke 7:11–15, RSV

From Luther

This was indeed a sad condition in the life of the widow. She had lost her husband, and now her only son, whom she loved, had died. Among those people it was regarded a great misfortune, if parents could not leave their name, or children. They regarded this a great disfavor of God. Hence the widow, who, after the death of her husband, had placed all her hope and comfort in her only son, must have had great sorrow when her son was torn from her and she had nothing left on earth. She undoubtedly thought: You are also one of the accursed women to whom God is such an enemy as to compel you to pass from the earth without leaving an offspring.

Therefore this woman had great sorrow, not only because she had been robbed of her husband and afterwards of her son, the family being thereby destroyed before her eyes; but, what seemed far more serious, she was forced to think: Now I see that God is unfavorable to me and I am cursed; for this punishment has been executed upon me, because God in the Psalms and the Prophets has threatened the ungodly to destroy them root and branch. This has happened to me. If some one had then said to her: Thy son shall live again before thine eyes, she would undoubtedly have replied: Alas! do not mock me in my deep sorrow. Grant me at least so much that I may bewail my great misery, and do not add to it by mockery.

But all this is portrayed here that we might learn that with God nothing is impossible, whether it be misfortune, calamity, anger, or whatever it may be, and that he sometimes allows misfortune to come upon the good as well as upon the wicked. Yea, God even permits at times the ungodly to sit at ease, and meet with success in all their undertakings, while he appears to the pious as if he were angry with them and unfavorable to them. So it happened to the godly Job, all whose children were sadly destroyed in one day, who was robbed of his cattle and land, and his body terribly tormented. He was an innocent man and yet he was compelled to endure a punishment such as no ungodly person had suffered.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 338–39.

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The Righteousness of God http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 24 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

20 For no human being will be justified in his sight by works of the law, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it, 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; 23 since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus

Romans 3:19–24, RSV

From Luther

The law is known when I learn from it that I am a sinner and am condemned, and see that there is no hope nor comfort anywhere for me, and I cannot help myself, but must have another one to deliver me. Then is the time I look around for him who can help, and he is Christ Jesus, who for this purpose became man, like unto us, in order that he might help us out of the mire into which we have fallen. He loved God with all his heart and his neighbor as himself, and submitted his will to the will of his Father, fulfilled the law in every respect; this I could not do and yet I was required to do it. God accepts him; and that which he fulfilled in the law, he offers me. He freely gives me his life with all his works, so that I can appropriate them to myself as a possession that is my own and is bestowed upon me as a free gift.

Christ has through his death secured for us the Holy Spirit; he fulfils the law in us and not we. For that Spirit, whom God sends into your heart for the sake of his Son, makes an entirely new man out of you, who does with joy and love from the heart everything the law requires, which before would have been impossible for you to do. This new man submits himself wholly and entirely to the will of God. Whatever God does with him, is well pleasing to him. This Spirit you cannot merit yourself, but Christ has secured it. When I believe from the heart that Christ did this for me, I receive also the same Holy Spirit that makes me an entirely new man. Then everything God commands is sweet, lovely and agreeable, and I do what he desires of me; not by my own strength, but by the the strength of him that is in me, as Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ that strengtheneth me.”

But take heed that you do not undertake to secure this faith in Jesus Christ by your own works or power. The Holy Ghost must do it, and faith alone is sufficient to this end. Our good works are for another purpose, namely, to prove our faith.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 337–38.

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Thy Will Be Done http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 23 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they came together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 22:34–39, RSV

From Luther

Consider it an established fact that reason can never understand and fulfil the law, even though it knows the meaning of the law. Human nature alone will never be able to accomplish what God requires in this commandment, namely, that we surrender our will to the will of God, so that we renounce our reason, our will, our might and power, and say from the heart: Thy will be done. You will nowhere find a person who loves God with his whole heart and his neighbor as himself. It may indeed happen that two companions live together in a very friendly manner, but even there hypocrisy is hidden, which continues until you are offended by him; then you will se how you love him, and whether you are flesh or spirit. But this commandment requires me to be friendly with all my heart to him who has offended me.

Take to yourself this commandment: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and think upon it; how far you are from fulfilling it, that you have not yet made a beginning to suffer and to do from the heart what God demands of you. When God does our pleasure, then we can easily say: How I do love God, he is my Father! How gracious he is to me! But when he sends misfortune and adversity, we no longer regard him as our God, nor as our Father. True love to God does not act in this way, but thinks in the heart and says with the lips: Lord God, I am thy creature; do with me as thou wilt; if thou desirest, I will suffer any misfortune or die this very hour; I will cheefully do so. But you will never find a person who will always regulate himself according to this commandment.

Therefore there is no human being who is not condemned, for no one has kept this commandment, and God requires everyone to keep it. We stand in the midst of fear and distress, unable to help ourselves. Our human nature is unable to keep the law, which wants the heart, and unless done from the heart, it avails nothing before God. This is never done except man is born anew through the Holy Spirit. When you realize this, the law has accomplished its work.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 336–37.

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The Firm Assurance of Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 22 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

11 Soon afterward he went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. 12 As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother.

Luke 7:11–15, RSV

From Luther

These words are instantly followed by such power and efficacy that the dead man did not lie as before, but sat up, bound and covered as he was, began to speak and showed that he was no longer dead, but alive. This was a wonderful and quick change from death to life. Where the spark of life had long been extinguished and there was no sign of life, there are fully and instantly restored breath, blood, sensibility, movement, thought, speech and everything else that belongs to life. Christ, with one word, turned the sad and sorrowing procession into a joyous, lovely and beautiful procession of life, in which both the youth, carried by four or more to be buried under ground, and his mother, joyously follow the Lord Jesus into the city, accompanied by the whole crowd, forgetting death, the bier and the grave, and speaking joyously and thankfully only of life.

But the glory and honor of this work belong to the Lord Jesus, through whose power and authority alone death can be removed and life brought forth from it. Hence the fame and report concerning Christ, of which the gospel speaks, saying that it went forth throughout the whole country, is recorded for our consolation and joy over against the fear and dread of death, that we may know what kind of a Saviour we have in Christ. He so manifested himself on earth in his ministry and form of a servant, that he can be known as the Lord both of death and life, to destroy the former and bring the latter to light. He met death and fought with it, as in the case of Jairus’ daughter and again that of Lazarus, and at last in his own person, when he finally overcame and destroyed it.

We should learn to believe this and comfort ourselves in the hour of death and in all other times of distress. We should be firmly assured that in Christ we have obtained victory over death and life. Yea, the more misery and death are in us, the more richly we shall find comfort and life in him, provided we hold fast to him by faith, to which he spurs us on and admonishes us both through his Word and by such examples as the one mentioned above.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 335–36.

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Suffering Life http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 21 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

When we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. 
18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Romans 8:15b–18, RSV

From Luther

Here you have the great boast, the honor and glory of the Christian. Leave to the world its splendor, its pride and its honors, which mean nothing else—when it comes to the point — than that they are the children of the devil. But consider the marvel of this, that a poor, miserable sinner should obtain such honor with God as to be called, not a servant of God, but a son and an heir of God. Any man might well consider it a privilege to be called one of God’s lowest creatures; but the apostle declares that we who believe in Christ shall be his heirs, his sons and daughters. Who can sufficiently magnify God’s grace? But the apostle adds the words, “if so be that we suffer with him,” to teach us that while we are on earth we must so live as to approve ourselves good, obedient children, who do not obey the flesh, but who for the sake of this dominion endure whatever befalls them or causes pain to the flesh.

O how noble it is in a man not to obey his lusts, but to resist them with a strong faith, even though he suffer for it! To be the child of a mighty and renowned king or emperor means to possess nobility, honor and glory on earth. How much more glorious it would be, could a man truthfully boast that he is the son of one of the highest angels! Yet what would all that be compared with one who is named and chosen by God himself, and called his son, the heir of exalted divine majesty? Such sonship and heritage must assuredly imply great and unspeakable glory and riches, and power and honor, above all else that is in heaven or on earth. This very honor, even though we had nothing but the name and fame of it, ought to move us to become the enemies of this sinful life on earth and to strive against it with all our power, notwithstanding we should have to surrender all for his sake and suffer all things possible for a human being to suffer. But the human heart cannot grasp the greatness of the honor and glory to which we shall be exalted with Christ. It is altogether above our comprehension or imagination.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 333–34.

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The Anxious World http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 20 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

O men of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.  34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.

Matthew 6:30–34, RSV

From Luther

The world is always anxious about the future, and thinks thereby to be removed from danger and to protect and support itself. It sees not its own vanity, and that its projects may be wrong; that it is true and experience testifies, as Christ here says, that each day brings its own misfortune and evil. Thus it happens with such plottings and prudence of its own, with which it means to insure itself and to forestall all coming danger, the world only causes more woe and harm. Whenever worldlings see that things do not go as they expected, or that an accident happens, they begin to despond, think of one remedy and another, and imagine they must look for help, protection and safety, wherever they can and as best they can. They begin to patch and think to help matters by all sorts of strange craftiness and practices against God and their consciences to which they are driven by unbelief. Hence comes so much misfortune, misery, murder, war, and all misdoings of the wicked world. Each one means to carry out his affairs without God, to oppress and choke every one who would hinder them, and to throw all things higgledy-piggledy in a heap, rather than desist from his intent. From this all order is destroyed and naught but evil grows in governments and all other affairs.

Against this Christ would caution his believers that they may not waver, nor stake their affairs on that which is uncertain, vainly caring for the future, but at all times do that which is right; that they may not worry at the outcome of things, nor allow themselves to be swerved by future and uncertain good or evil. He would rather commend care to God, and then take everything that happens to them in good part and overcome it with faith and patience. On earth it cannot be otherwise than that each one in his daily calling meets with things other than he welcomes, which cause him trouble and labor. Hence Christ calls this life daily evil or misfortune. He would have us know it and be prepared for it, and not hanker after the world and become partakers in its unrighteousness and evil affairs, which lead us and others into ruin and damnation.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 332–33.

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First Things First http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 19 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. 

Matthew 6:25–33, RSV

From Luther

This is the chief passage in this sermon, and states the manner in which we are to proceed to obtain the divine or eternal gift, and what we need for this life. Would you rightly look to that of which it behooves you to take care, then let this be the first, aye, your only care, that you strive according to God’s Word to do your duty, to serve him in his kingdom as his Word teaches you—for in this consists the righteousness belonging to this kingdom—and to prize his Word more highly than all pertaining to this temporal life.

If you have done this you have done well and provided well, and you need not take any further burdens upon you, nor cherish any cares in your heart; indeed, it should be much too small a thing for you to care for so slight a matter as the wants of your daily bread, and thus to aggrieve yourselves. Rather do this for the honor of God and for your own benefit, that you strive after the great and eternal good; if you attain and keep this, the rest will surely take care of itself. Neither can you obtain it from God in any better way than by first seeking and asking of him great things.

It is to his liking that we ask great things of him, and he is pleased to give them. Since he gladly gives great things, he will not stint the small things, but will throw them into the bargain. God has often caused many pious people, who have helped in building up God’s kingdom, have served the Church and furthered God’s Word, to experience this. God has richly blessed them with goods and honor. This is evidenced not only by the examples of the Scriptures, but also by the history of some of our pious kings and princes, who, having liberally given for the ministry and for schools, have not become poorer, but were more richly blessed of God and have reigned in peace, in victory and good fortune. God would gladly do this still, if the world would happily follow the well-meant advice which is given here, and not with unbelief, greed and unchristian scheming rage against his Word to its own harm and ruin.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 331–32.

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The Gracious Offer http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 18 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word 

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” 

The Revised Standard Version. Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1971, p. Lk 18:9–14.

Luke 18:9–14, RSV

From Luther

Surely this is the art of a great master, which is entirely foreign to, high and far above human understanding. Reason cannot harmonize what this publican has here put together to construct a prayer from words entirely opposed to each other. It does not at all seem proper that such a sinner and condemned person should dare come before God and pray. Sin and mercy are opposed to each other, like fire and water. Mercy does not belong where sin abounds, but wrath and punishment. How then does this man discover the art to harmonize and unite them, and how dare he desire and call for grace to cover his sins? To this belongs more than to know the law and the ten commandments, an art, of which the Pharisee knew nothing at all.

This is preaching the precious gospel of God’s grace and mercy in Christ, which is published and offered to condemned sinners without any merit of their own. The publican must have heard of this, and the Holy Spirit must have touched and moved his heart with it, as he feels his sins through the law, that he comes before God and offers his prayer, that he certainly believes as he has heard from the Word of God, that God will be merciful and forgive sins, will turn away his wrath and eternal death for the sake of his Son, the promised Messiah. Such faith united and bound together these two opposing elements in this prayer.

This preaching of the gospel is heard by many, and it appears an easy matter to say it; but it is not as common as men think. No one better understands how difficult it is than the few who study and exercise themselves to believe and pray like the publican. The reason of this is, that the pious Pharisee is still within us and hinders us from thus uniting them. Thus you have in this publican a beautiful example of true Christian repentance and faith. He gives honor and praise to God alone for his divine grace; he prays to him from the heart and in true confidence in his Word and promise. You see here an excellent masterpiece of spiritual wisdom and the proper fruits that follow faith.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 330–31.

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The Sooner the Better http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 17 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

From the Word

26 Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil.

Ephesians 4:26–27, RSV

From Luther

This passage sounds as though permission were given to be angry. But Paul is taking into consideration the way of the world. Men are tempted and moved to anger. There are no clean records. Under sudden provocation the heart swells with ire, while the devil lustily fans the flame; he is ever alert to stamp us with his seal and image and make us like unto himself, either through error and false doctrine, or through wrath and murder in conflict with love and patience. These two forms of evil you will encounter, especially if you make an effort to be a godly Christian, to defend the truth and to live uprightly in the sight of all. You will meet with all manner of malice aforethought and deceit, and with faithlessness and malignity on the part of those you have benefited. This will hurt you and move you to wrath. In your own house and among your dear Christian brethren you will often meet with that which vexes you; a word of yours may hurt their feelings. It will not be otherwise. This life of ours is so constituted that such conditions will exist. Flesh and blood cannot but be stirred at times by wrath and impatience, especially when it receives evil for good; the devil is ever at hand kindling your anger and endeavoring to fan into a blaze the wrath and ill humor between yourself and your neighbor.

But right here, says the apostle, you should beware and not sin; not give rein, nor yield to the impulse and promptings of wrath. That you may indeed be moved, the apostle would say, I well know, and you may fancy you have the best of reasons for exhibiting anger and vengeance; but beware of doing what your wrath would have you do; if overcome by wrath and led to rashness, do not continue in it, do not harbor it, but subdue and restrain it, the sooner the better. Do not suffer it to take root or to remain with you over night. If followed, wrath will cause you to fall and sin against God and your neighbor. When wrath attacks you, go into your chamber, pray the Lord’s Prayer and confide in God; he will uphold your right.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 328–29.

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The Chief Good http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 16 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.”

Luke 10:25–28, RSV

From Luther

God is a jealous God and cannot suffer us to love anything above himself. God allows us indeed to love his creatures; they were created for this purpose and are good. All things that are attractive and beautiful by nature cause us to love them. This God permits us to do. But that I should cling to the creature and love it with the same love with which I love God, the Creator, this he cannot and will not allow. The love of the creature should stand far, far below our love to him; and as he is the chief good, his will is also to be loved in the highest degree above all other good.

To love God with all the heart is to love him above all creatures. I must be affectionate towards him, evermore cleave to him, depend upon him, trust him, have my desire, love and joy in him, and always think of him. To love God with all the soul is to devote your entire bodily life to him. The soul in the Scriptures signifies the life of the body, which acts through the five senses, seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and tasting, and everything that the soul does through the body, as eating, drinking, sleeping. All this I will give up before I forsake my God, you must be able to say. To love God with all our strength is to devote all our members and whatever we may be able to do through our bodies to the love of God, and sacrifice all rather than do anything contrary to his will. To love God with all the mind is to take to nothing except what is pleasing to God.

But there is not a man on earth who thus fulfils the law. Thus this law makes us all sinners in that not the least letter of this commandment is fulfilled even by the most holy person in the world. No one clings so firmly to God with all the heart, that he would forsake all things for God’s sake. What would we do if we had to give our lives for God’s and Christ’s sake? Still the law requires it. Therefore it is safer to confess that we are sinners, than to have respect to our works and beautiful, glittering lives.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 327–28.

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The Sin Remover http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 15 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

John 1:29, RSV

From Luther

With reference to the forgiveness of sins let me say that you will not find anything in your heart with which you can pay them off, nor raise any funds for which God might recognize you and cancel the debt in the ledger. But if you seize Christ as the one who has become your substitute, who has taken your sin upon himself, and who has given himself with all his merit and worthiness for you, no sin can avail anything against you. If I am a sinner, he is holy and Lord over sin, death, Satan and hell, so that no sin can harm me, because he has been given me as my righteousness and salvation.

Through grace we have, indeed, the forgiveness of all sins, but in no way except in and through Christ alone, and in him only it must be sought and can be obtained. Whoever will come before God with any kind of work, which God is to recognize as meritorious for obtaining grace, will be disappointed and deceived, yea, instead of grace he will heap wrath upon himself. All other ways and means are condemned as the doctrines of devils, as when men are led and directed to their own works, or to the holiness and merits of others, as of the saints who have led ascetic lives or have suffered and expiated a great deal; or as those have done who have comforted people in the throes of death by admonishing them to suffer death willingly for their sins. Whoever dares to offer anything else for sin or to atone for it himself does nothing less than deny the Lord Jesus Christ, disgrace and slander him, as if the blood of Christ were of no more consequence than our repentance and satisfaction, or were not sufficient to take away all the sins of the world.

Would you, then, be freed from your sins, you need not chastise yourself with them, nor have anything to do with them, but simply creep under the wings and into the bosom of Christ, as he is the one who has taken them away and has laid them upon himself.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 326–27.

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The House of God http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 14 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

45 And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, 46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer’; but you have made it a den of robbers.” 

Luke 19:45–46, RSV

From Luther

Here the Lord tells us what the temple of God is: “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.” This is a strong passage. The words, “for all people,” “for all Gentiles,” is against the Jews, who trusted in the temple of God at Jerusalem, and thought that it was impossible for God to demolish this temple or destroy this city. They stoned Stephen, because he said, “Jesus shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” But we must rightly understand this expression, that the city of Jerusalem, the temple and the people, should remain until the time of Christ. With this agree all the prophets, who have given all things into the hands of Christ; as he would then dispose of them, so it would be and remain.

It is true that God himself had established the temple at Jerusalem and had himself consecrated and sanctified it with his Word, when he said: This house is my house! for his Word was preached in it. Wherever God’s Word is preached, there is God’s own true house, there God most certainly dwells with his grace. Wherever his gospel is, there is a house of prayer, there men shall and may truly pray and God will also hear their prayer. But where the Word of God is not found, there the devil has full sway.

That we have imitated the Jews and have built so many churches would be well enough, if we had done it in order that the Word of God might be preached there; for where the Word goes there God is present and pours out his grace. But Jesus says to the Jews: You have made my house a den of thieves. Truly he gives it a scandalous name. But he does it because they no longer respect the house of God, but make it a market house. The priests did not inquire whether the Word of God was preached in it, although they sang and babbled and read the prophets and Moses. But God cares nothing for such babbling of psalms, and Christ is therefore justly angry at such a desecration of his temple by these bloated misers, who not only forsake the true worship of God, but trample it under their feet.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 325–26.

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Craving Riches http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 13 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs. 

1 Timothy 6:10, RSV

From Luther

We see from daily experience what a shameful and accursed vice covetousness is, and what harm it does, especially in high places, whether clerical or lay. If the money fiend has taken possession of a pastor’s or preacher’s heart, so that like the rest of the world he aims at securing for himself great riches, then, like Judas, the traitor, he has already fallen into the jaws of the devil and is prepared to betray Christ, his Word and his Church for a few pieces of silver. Thus the pope has introduced all sorts of idolatries and abominations in the name of God and the Church in order to secure and maintain his riches and dominion; he has led multitudes of souls to the devil, so filling them with false terrors of his ban that no one dares to say a word against it.

How harmful it is in civil government when lords and princes are dominated by this shameful vice, aiming to appropriate everything to themselves! On this account they forget to exercise their princely office so as to be of help to the land and people over whom they have been placed as lords for this purpose, and thus they have forfeited the commendation and love, which they should receive with all honor and praise as the fathers of their people and their country. They do not concern themselves about the spread of God’s Word, the administration and support of churches and schools, or the maintenance of law and order among their subjects. They permit destitute pastors with their wives and children, the widows and orphans, to suffer injustice, violence and want. In the meantime they go about with their tax lists, and consider only how they may collect money enough for their extravagant expenditures and pomp.

Nowadays every one who has the power by means of his money impoverishes his neighbors and thus sets God and conscience aside. Upon such unchristian doings must come the fearful wrath and punishment of God. The time will come when he will turn us out of doors; since we do not heed his Word and admonition, he himself may put a forcible end to this godless business. This the believer escapes who with godly fear quietly occupies his station in life, satisfied with the things that God gives him.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 323–25.

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The Bold Faith of Lepers http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 12 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word 

11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”

Luke 17:11–13, RSV

From Luther

This is a plain, simple history or transaction, which requires little explanation. Yet as plain as it is, great is the example it presents to us. In the leper it teaches us faith, in Christ it teaches us love. Now, faith and love constitute the whole character of the Christian. Faith receives, love gives. Faith brings man to God, love brings man to his fellow man. Through faith he permits God to do him good, through love he does good to his brother. For whoever believes has everything from God, and is happy and rich. He needs nothing more and does and orders all things for the good and benefit of his neighbor. Through love he does to his neighbor as God did to him through faith. He reaps good from above through faith, he gives good below through love.

It is characteristic of faith boldly to trust God’s grace, and to form a bright vision and refuge in God, doubting nothing. Where there is no true faith there is no true prayer, nor any seeking after God. But where it exists it makes man bold and anxious freely to bring his troubles unto God, and earnestly to pray for help. It is not enough to believe there is a God, and pray many words as the wretched custom is now. But observe in the leper how faith is constituted, how without any teacher at all it teaches us how our prayers may be truly fruitful. You here observe how they had a good opinion of and a comforting assurance in Christ, and firmly thought he would be gracious to them. This thought made them bold and anxious to bring their troubles to him, and to cry for help with great earnestness and a loud voice.

Luke does not relate three things of the lepers in vain: first, that they went to meet him; second, they stood; third, they lifted up their voices. By these three things their strong faith is commended to us as an example. The going forth to meet him is the boldness excited by comforting assurance. The standing is the firmness and sincerity against doubt. The lifting up of the voice is the great earnestness in prayer, growing out of such confidence.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 322–23.

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The Consolation of Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 11 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

12 So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— 13 for if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. 

Romans 8:12–17, RSV

From Luther

This is a noble and comforting text, worthy of being written in letters of gold. Because ye now through faith, he means to say, have the Holy Spirit and are led by him, ye are no longer in bondage as ye were when under the law; ye need no longer be afraid of its terrors and its demands, as if God would condemn and reject you on account of your unworthiness and the remaining infirmity of your flesh. But ye have the consolation that, through faith, ye have the assurance of God’s grace, and may consider God your Father and call upon him as his children.

Paul speaks of the “spirit of bondage” and the “spirit of adoption” according to the customs of his times. In those days man-servants and maid-servants were the property of the master of the house in the same sense that a cow was his property. He bought them with his money; he did with them as he pleased, just as with his cattle. They were afraid of their master and had to expect stripes, imprisonment and punishment even unto death. They could only say: Here I serve for my bread only; I have nothing to expect but stripes, and must be content to have my master cast me out or sell me to some one else whenever he chooses. They could never have a well-grounded hope of release from such fear and bondage and coercion.

Such a slavish, captive, fearful and uncertain spirit ye do not have, says the apostle. Ye are not compelled to live continually in fear of wrath and condemnation as are the followers of Moses and all who are under the law. On the contrary, ye have a delightful, free spirit, one confident and contented, such as a child entertains toward its father, and ye need not fear that God is angry with you or will cast you off and condemn you. For ye have the Spirit of his Son in your hearts and know that ye shall remain in his house and receive the inheritance, and that ye may comfort yourselves with it and boast of it as being your own.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 321–22.

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Trusting the Gospel http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 10 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

31 Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decapolis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech; and they besought him to lay his hand upon him. 33 And taking him aside from the multitude privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue; 34 and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.

Mark 7:31–35, RSV

From Luther

In this text both faith and love are presented to us. Faith, in that these people had before heard how kind and compassionate Jesus was and how he had helped those who had come to him. Although the text does not state this, yet we must so conclude, and the facts prove that they must have previously heard the good tidings of Christ the Lord, on account of which they believed. This was the beginning of their faith. For the Word must first have been heard, and must have entered the human heart, showing the mercy of God in such a way as to create faith. Then they clung to these tidings, trusted them, went thither, and hoped to receive of him what they had heard. In this way faith grows out of the Word of God. We must, therefore, earnestly search the gospel in order thus to lay the first stone. The Word first informs us of the mercy and goodness of God; faith then lays hold on the Word with firm confidence, and we obey it. We now become conscious of it in our hearts and are satisfied. For as soon as we believe we are already justified and are with Christ in his inheritance.

This text also sets forth the works of love in this, that these people go and take care of this poor man, just as Christ sent forth the tidings to them, showing his goodness and mercy, without any merit in them or their efforts to obtain it. As soon as they lay hold on that mercy and drink from its fountain, they again send it forth freely and impart it to their neighbor. These people do not need this work themselves, they are not looking for a reward, nor do they even think of themselves, but are only thinking of the poor man and how they may help him. So Christians should carefully consider how love works and how it cares for others. “Love seeketh not its own.” “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 320–21.

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Faithful Suffering http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 09 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you. 7 Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. 8 Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you.

1 Peter 5:6–10, RSV

From Luther

This is a precious and comforting passage, the truth of which Peter learned, not only by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, but from his own experience. One instance of his experience was when, in the high priest’s house, he thrice denied his Lord, and soon thereafter fell into such anxiety and despair that he would have followed the traitor Judas had not Christ turned and looked on him. It was for this reason that Christ, so soon after his resurrection, first of all commanded that the glad tidings be announced to Peter.

Weak Christians suffer beyond measure because they are plagued and beset so constantly by the devil. Their afflictions oppress them so sorely that they imagine no one suffers as severely as they do. Especially does this seem the case in the great spiritual temptations which come to those endowed with peculiar gifts and called to positions of prominence in the Church. Thus Paul often laments his great temptations, which the common people do not understand and cannot endure. These sufferings are often such that even the great and strong would languish and wither beneath them, were it not for the comfort God bestows. These troubles grip the heart and consume the very marrow. It is true that temptations differ and come from different sources, and so every one may imagine his own a peculiar kind, yet the sufferings and temptations of all Christians are alike in this, that the devil tries to drive them all from the fear of and confidence in God into unbelief, contempt, hatred, and blasphemy against God.

Amid such temptations Peter comforts suffering Christians by telling them that they are not the first, nor the only ones, to be thus assailed. They are not to feel as if it were a wonderful and unheard of cross which they bear and were bearing it alone. They are to know that their brethren, Christians of all times, and scattered through all the world, must suffer the same things at the hands of Satan and his minions. It assuages and comforts the sufferer beyond measure to know that he does not suffer alone, but with a great multitude.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 319–20.

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That Which Makes for Peace http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 08 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

41 And when he drew near and saw the city he wept over it, 42 saying, “Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hid from your eyes. 

Luke 19:41–42, RSV

From Luther

If you only knew what belongs to your peace, you would yet this day consider, and redeem the time. But you are blind and will neglect the opportunity until there shall be neither help, nor counsel. The Jews were stubborn and depended on God’s promises. They vainly thought they owned the temple, and that God dwelt there; besides, they thought they had mighty men, money and treasures enough to defy all their enemies. They trusted in their own glory and built their own confidence on a false delusion, which finally deceived and destroyed them.

The Lord, however, saw deeper into the future than they when he said: O Jerusalem! if thou hadst known what I know, thou wouldst seek thy peace. Peace in the Scriptures means that all things go well with us. You now think you have pleasant days, but if you knew how your enemies will encamp round about you, compass you about and hedge you in on every side, crush you to the ground and demolish all your beautiful buildings, and leave not one stone upon another, you would eagerly accept the Word, which brings solid peace and every blessing to you.

God caused his threat to be executed; the city was besieged at the time of the Easter festival, when the Jews from every land were assembled within the walls of Jerusalem. There were together at that time about three million people. One hundred thousand would have been enough to crowd the city. But all this great multitude God in his wrath intended to bake, melt and weld together into one mass of ruin. The apostles and Christians were all out of the city. They had withdrawn and were scattered in Samaria, Galilee and among the heathen. Thus God separated and saved the good grain and heaped the chaff into one place.

Here let us learn a lesson, for this concerns also us. God has now opened the precious treasures of his holy gospel unto us, by which we can learn God’s will. Yet no one will earnestly believe it; we rather despise it and make light of it. God has great patience; he waits to see how we will deal with his gospel; but when we once let the opportunity slip, he will take his Word from us, and then the wrath which consumed the Jews will also consume us.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 317–18.

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Nothing More http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 07 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

3 Take heed to yourselves; if your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him; 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” 5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

Luke 17:3–5, RSV

From Luther

There are those who hear and read the gospel and what is said by faith, and immediately conclude that they have a correct conception of what faith is. They think that faith is something which is altogether in their own power to have or not to have, as any other natural human work. When in their hearts they begin to think that the doctrine is right, and believe it is true, they immediately conclude that faith is present. But as soon as they see and feel in themselves and others that no change has taken place, that they remain in their old ways, they conclude that faith is not sufficient, that they must have something more and greater than faith. Then they cry: “Faith alone does not do it.” Why? Because there are so many who believe, and are no better than before. Such people are those whom Jude in his epistle calls dreamers, who deceive themselves with their own dreams.

The true faith, of which we speak, cannot be manufactured by our own thoughts, for it is solely a work of God in us without any assistance on our part. It is God’s gift and grace. Faith is something very powerful, active, restless, effective, which at once renews a person and regenerates him and leads him altogether into a new manner and character of life, so that it is impossible not to do good without ceasing. Just as natural as it is for the tree to produce fruit, so natural it is for faith to produce good works.

Whoever has not this faith talks but vainly about faith and works, and does not know what he says. For he has not received it; he juggles with lies and applies the Scriptures where they speak of faith and works to his own dreams and false thoughts, which is purely a human work. Whereas the Scriptures attribute both faith and good works not to ourselves, but to God alone. We should therefore despair of ourselves and pray to God for faith as the apostles did. When we have faith we need nothing more, for it brings with it the Holy Spirit, who not only teaches us all things, but also firmly establishes us in them, and leads us through death and hell to heaven.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 316–17.

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Evident Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 06 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

21 “Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 7:21, RSV

From Luther

If we are to do God’s will, we must first know for a certainty what it is, and how to do it. This our own wisdom and thoughts do not teach, or all men, heathen and Turks, could do it as well, and every fanatic would come and pretend that whatever pleases him was God’s will. Therefore we must hear God’s Word alone, which reveals plainly unto us what the will of God, the Father, is. First that he has sent his only begotten Son into the world to reconcile us sinners unto God by his death, to purify and sanctify us through his blood without our merits; this he has proclaimed to every one by the gospel, and requires you to believe and accept it. Then, when we have received such grace and salvation, have been baptized into Christ and believe, his will is that we should afterwards live accordingly, obey God and do what is commanded in the ten commandments, every one in his calling confess God’s Word, honor and support it, avoid and flee from sin, be good, patient, chaste, modest, kind, faithful and true.

This God will have preached not only with the mouth, but in the heart and in the deed. Whoever neglects this or teaches, believes and acts contrary, should know that he has not done God’s will and is already judged, that he does not belong to the kingdom of heaven, because he is without faith and love. It will do him no good to boast of Christ as though he were serving him faithfully, preached much and did great wonders. On the other hand, if you earnestly do this will of God, cheerfully hear and believe God’s Word, honor him and do good to your neighbor, you can bravely and joyfully say before God: Lord, Lord, and comfort yourself with the kingdom of heaven which God has given you. Whether on this account the world reviles and condemns you need not trouble you. For now you hear that God does not wish you to seek praise and honor when you say: Lord, Lord! But you are to do the deed and bear fruit of him, who does the will of God. Then measure all doctrine and life with this rule to the praise of God and you will not be deceived.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 315–16.

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God's Dollar http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 05 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

4 And his disciples answered him, “How can one feed these men with bread here in the desert?” 5 And he asked them, “How many loaves have you?” They said, “Seven.” 6 And he commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground; and he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd.

Mark 8:4–6, RSV

From Luther

Christ commands the disciples to set the loaves before the multitude, by which he shows that he will administer his work and gifts through the instrumentality of human agencies. He thus teaches those who have an office or commission and those who stand before others faithfully and conscientiously to serve the people in obedience to Christ by cheerfully and meekly giving of their own and imparting to others what God entrusted and gave to them. Especially would he teach them to be useful and bring comfort to the poor flock of Christians by their good example of faith and love in order to strengthen their faith and love. He here shows how he gives and will give rich blessings to the end that such office and service may accomplish much good, and bring forth much fruit.

Let us also learn that the gifts and good things which God gives, are not profaned, if they are used in helping the poor in acts of charity, as Christ promises when he says: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.” This has been experienced by many pious people everywhere who have liberally given before our time for the support of the ministerial office, schools, the poor and the like. God gave to them for so doing good times, peace and quiet. Hence arise the proverbs among the people which have been confirmed: One loses no time by going to church; giving alms does not impoverish; possessions unjustly gotten bring no blessing.

But the world will not believe this. It goes on with its raking and scraping together of riches and will let no one be satisfied with what he has; every man desires more than his fellow and seeks riches by robbing, stealing and oppressing the poor. It is evident from this that there is no blessing in such riches; but only the curse of God, misery, misfortune and agony of heart. Therefore a Christian should think much more of a dollar that God gives him than of all the great treasures of the rich misers upon the earth. He has this beautiful treasure in his home which is called godliness, a peaceful quiet heart in God.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 314–15.

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Blessed Ears http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 04 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

15 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn for me to heal them.’ 6 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 Truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. 

Matthew 13:15–17, RSV

From Luther

Christ spoke these words especially to his disciples at the time when he was greatly moved with spiritual delight and praised his heavenly Father for the revelation of the gospel. He was especially anxious to speak with them because their own salvation also depended upon that revelation. They are nothing more than words of thanksgiving that the disciples lived in the time of the revelation of the gospel, which brings deliverance and salvation from sin and misery to the world. The beloved prophets had prophesied of this time in a glorious manner, they longed for it beyond measure. Therefore, he would say, you are blessed and more than blessed; for you now enjoy the truly golden year, the pure kingdom of grace and the blessed time; only be careful that you retain it and make good use of it.

On the one hand he exhorts to thanksgiving for such grace; and on the other he laments over the great ingratitude of the world, because there are so few people who know and receive this grace, and many even despise it. Therefore Christ especially turned to his disciples and praised them, as though he wished to say: Your eyes and ears are indeed blessed, which see and hear this gospel grace; alas, there are many eyes and ears that do not wish to see and hear it, although they have it right before them. This is a great and superabundant treasure, but the great mass of the people only despise it, and even persecute it.

But the blessed treasure really depends upon a right seeing and hearing; for it is plainly revealed and stands in the clear light before their eyes. But the great mass cannot see nor understand it. What did it help the Pharisees that Christ himself preached the gospel to them? What would it help all the fanatics and critics if forgiveness of sins were preached twice as clearly as it is? They are so completely chilled and choked with thoughts of their own conceits and pleasures dear to them that they can neither see nor hear anything else. But these are indeed blessed eyes and ears that can make a right use of the blessed time or dispensation of the gospel, and know what God has given them in it.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 312–13.

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No Other Gods http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 03 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 And God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me. 

Exodus 20:1–3, RSV

From Luther

The Jews abstained outwardly from idolatry, but their hearts were far from God, full of mistrust and unbelief. Outwardly they appeared beautiful, as though they meant it in all sincerity, but within they were full of idolatry. They understood this law to mean no more than that they should not set up idols and images to worship, and when they could confess with their lips that they have only one God and honor no other gods, they thought they had kept this commandment.

Now we must have high regard for the law. Thou, thou, it says, thou, and everything thou art; especially does it mean the heart, the soul, and all the powers. It does not speak of the tongue, or the hands, or the knees; but it speaks of the whole body and of all thou hast and art. If I am to have no other God, then I must surely possess the only true God with my heart, I must in my heart be affectionate to him, evermore cleave to him, depend upon him, trust him, have my desire, love and joy in him, and always think of him. Thou shalt love God with all thy heart, so that thy whole body from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet, inwardly and outwardly, goes forth in love, rejoices in God and honors him.

Now find me a man who is chaste and otherwise pious with a burning passion and love; there is none such on the earth. We find ourselves much more inclined to anger, hatred, envy, worldly pleasures. You see, you poor condemned creature, you should have delighted in God’s law, and you have no pleasure in it. Had we now remained in this condemnation, we would have had to perish forever. Therefore Christ comes and offers his mercy, and says: You are to love God with all your heart, but you have not done it; now believe in me. Then when we come before God the Father, Christ will say: Father! Although they have not wholly fulfilled thy law, yet I have done so, let this be to their benefit because they believe in me.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 311–12.

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A Cup of Cold Water http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 02 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. 15 Any one who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But if any one has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in truth. 

1 John 3:14–18, RSV

From Luther

John uses an illustration plain enough for any one to understand, and from which we may judge that the soul wanting in small duties will be deficient in great ones. According to the apostle, if one possesses this world’s goods and sees his neighbor in want, being able to render assistance without injury to himself, and closes his heart against him, not assisting him even with the slightest work of love, how can the love of God dwell in him, since he appreciates it so little that he will not spare his needy brother a penny? How can he be expected to render a greater service — to lay down his life for his brother? What right has such a soul to boast that Christ has laid down his life for him and delivered him from death?

Frequently people are found who have this world’s goods and are able to help the needy, yet close their hearts against the unfortunate. Where shall we find in imperial courts, among kings, princes and lords, any who extend a helping hand to the needy Church in the maintenance of the poor, of the ministry, and of schools? How would they measure up in the greater duty of laying down their lives for the brethren, and especially for the Christian Church?

But the merely selfish may well escape our censure in comparison to those who not only close their purses to the poor, but shamelessly and forcibly deprive and rob their needy neighbor of his own by overreaching, by fraud, oppression and extortion; who take from the Church the property rightfully hers and especially reserved for her. Not only is the papistical rabble of to-day guilty of such sin, but many who would be known as evangelical practice the same fraud with reference to the parochial estates and general property of the Church, and tyrannically harass and torment the poor ministers. But oh, how heavy and terrible the impending judgment for those who have denied to Christ the Lord in his thirst even the cup of cold water. Therefore let him who would prove himself a Christian show himself such by his deeds and works.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 310–11.

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That They May Hear and Believe http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 01 Sep 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech; and they besought him to lay his hand upon him. 33 And taking him aside from the multitude privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue; 34 and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.

Mark 7:32–35, RSV

From Luther

The people bring the poor man to the Lord, who takes him aside, lays his fingers into his ears, spits and touches his tongue with spittle, looks up toward heaven, and sighing says, Ephphatha, that is, be opened. This is a lovely picture. Those who bring the deaf-mute to the Lord signify the office of the ministry. Apostles and ministers lead the poor consciences of men to God.

This is done in three ways, by preaching, by a godly life and by intercession. With the preaching of the Word, though it be by a sinner, men are brought to God; a godly life serves to show the Word so much the mightier in its power; to pray for the people leads them on the road to faith and works.

If the Word thus goes on its way in a threefold manner, it cannot fail to bring forth fruit. God says, “My Word, that goeth forth out of my mouth, shall not return unto me void.” This is indicated by the bringing of the deaf-mute into Christ’s presence. The ministers bring the sinners before God, who opens their eyes, ears and mouth. When persons are thus brought to God, he gives them grace to believe. By laying his fingers into the man’s ears Jesus signifies that through the Word he breathes the Holy Spirit into him, and makes the heart believing, chaste and holy. The spittle laid on the man’s tongue typifies the Word of God which is put into his mouth that he may be able to speak it. For wherever there is true faith, the Spirit will give you no peace. “I believe,” says David, “therefore have I spoken.”

That Christ takes the man aside and looks up to heaven teaches us that such power must come from heaven, working in the heart of man by divine power. Thus we must first hear the Word of God and, through the intercession of Christ, obtain faith. Then we will publicly confess and praise God forever.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 309–10.

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The Heavenly Force http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 31 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

5 Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God, 6 who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not in a written code but in the Spirit; for the written code kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 Now if the dispensation of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such splendor that the Israelites could not look at Moses’ face because of its brightness, fading as this was, 8 will not the dispensation of the Spirit be attended with greater splendor? 9 For if there was splendor in the dispensation of condemnation, the dispensation of righteousness must far exceed it in splendor. 10 Indeed, in this case, what once had splendor has come to have no splendor at all, because of the splendor that surpasses it. 11 For if what faded away came with splendor, what is permanent must have much more splendor. 

2 Corinthians 3:5–11, RSV

From Luther

The “letter” is the whole law of Moses, or the doctrine of the ten commandments, which teach how we should obey God, honor parents, love our neighbors, and the like—the very best doctrine to be found in all books, sermons and schools. There is another message, which Paul terms the “ministration of a new covenant or of the Spirit.” This doctrine does not teach what works are required of man; but it makes known to him what God would do for him and bestow upon him, indeed what he has already done; he has given his Son Christ for us; because, for our disobedience to the law, which no man fulfils, we were under God’s wrath and condemnation. Christ made satisfaction for our sins, effected a reconciliation with God and gave to us his own righteousness. This doctrine is revealed through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works in the hearts of them who hear and accept the doctrine. Therefore this ministration is termed the ministration “of the Spirit.”

It is of design that the apostle does not term the two dispensations “law” and “gospel,” but names them according to the respective effects produced. For it is impossible to keep the law without Christ, though man may, for the sake of honor or property, or from fear of punishment, feign outward holiness. The heart which does not discern God’s grace in Christ cannot turn to God, nor trust in him; it cannot love his commandments and delight in them, but rather resists them. Therefore, God would have his gospel message unceasingly urged as the means of awakening man’s heart to discern his state and recall the grace and lovingkindness of God, with the result that the power of the Holy Spirit is increased constantly. No influence of the law, no work of man is present here. The force is a new and heavenly one — the power of the Holy Spirit. He impresses upon the heart Christ and his works, making it a true book which does not consist in tracing mere letters and words, but in true life and action.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 308–09.

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Faith Bears Fruit http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 30 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. 18 A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will know them by their fruits. 

Matthew 7:15–20, RSV

From Luther

No one knows others by their fruits, except he who is born again. Therefore he who has not the Spirit cannot have this knowledge. The fruit by which we are to know them is unbelief. One can know them to some extent by open sins, yet this judgment is deceptive, for Christians also fall. Hence the fruit by which they are known is an inner fruit, and I must have the Holy Spirit and judge according to his guidance. The fleshly eye and reason are not sufficient. You may see two persons go to the Lord’s Supper, the one is a believer, the other not, and yet their external work is the same. What then makes the difference? Faith in the heart and unbelief, because the one regards it as a good work, the other not. Tauler said that believers and unbelievers were often so similar in external appearance that no one could distinguish them, nor is reason able to judge unless we have the Spirit of God. For this reason the decision and judgment of spiritual things should not be based on external things, as on the work and person, but on the inner condition of the heart. The fruits and the good works do not make any one pious or good; but he must first be good and pious at heart. The apples do not make the tree, but the tree must be there before the fruit.

If I understand this, then I notice that there is no work so bad as necessarily to condemn a man, nor none so good as to save him. Faith alone saves us, and unbelief alone condemns us. The deed of the adulterer does not condemn him; the adultery only shows that he has fallen from the faith, and this condemns him. Nothing makes any one good but faith, and nothing makes one wicked but unbelief. The tree shall be cut down; he does not say, the fruit shall be cut down. Thus the works of love do not make me good, but faith, in which I do these works and bear this fruit. We must begin with faith, but the pope begins with works, just as though I could bear apples before I was an apple tree. Thus unbelief is the foundation of all sin.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 306–07.

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Exercise Judgment http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 29 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Matthew 7:15, RSV

From Luther

We should well consider this passage, for Christ our Lord here commands and gives all Christians the power to be judges of all doctrine, and he gives them power to judge what is right and what is not. It is now well on a thousand years that this passage has been perverted by false Christians, that we have had no power to judge, but had to accept what the pope and the councils determined without any judgment of our own. Either the gospel lies or the pope and the councils do. Christ says, we have the right to judge all doctrines, and whatever is proposed for us to keep or reject. The Lord does not speak to the pope here, but to all Christians. As the doctrine, “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them,” is proclaimed to all; so likewise the words, “Beware of false prophets,” exclude no one.

Hence I say, Pope, you and the councils have resolved, and now I have to decide whether I may accept it or not, because you will not stand and answer for me when I die, but I must see to it myself how I stand before God, so that I may be certain of my fate. You must be certain in regard to this matter, that it is God’s Word, as certain and more so than you are that you are living, for on this alone your conscience must rest. God commands his Word to be told you through men, and especially has he permitted it to be proclaimed and written for you by the apostles, who did not preach their own word, but God’s Word. Surely a person can preach the Word to me, but no one is able to put it into my heart except God alone, who must speak to the heart, or all is in vain; when he is silent the Word is not spoken. Hence no one shall draw me from the Word which God teaches me.

All this you must now believe, not as a word that Peter preached, but the Word that God has commanded you to believe. You must return to the gospel and observe where the foundation has its source; you must be judges and have the power to judge over all things that are offered you. But no one can judge false doctrine, except the man who is spiritual.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 305–06.

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Trusting God with the Future http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 28 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

And they ate, and were satisfied; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. 

Mark 8:8, RSV

From Luther

It is God’s will that we do not squander his gifts uselessly; but be economical and prudent with them, and use the abundance which he gives faithfully for our benefits and needs, and preserve them for the future, when we may have further use for them. That is honoring the precious food and not permitting the crumbs to lie under the table; just as our fathers taught their children from this example and added the proverb: “He who saves when he has will find when he needs.” It is a malignant, shameless vice and great contempt of the gifts of God, that the world is now overflooded with cloisters, pomp and expenditure of money for everything far beyond its ability to pay. From this then must follow such robbing, stealing, usury, hoarding and pinching by which the country and the people, rulers and subjects, are ruined as a punishment.

We should not shamefully expend and destroy that which we have in abundance and cannot enjoy either in our need or in our pleasure. If such is expended and destroyed in an unchristian manner, the poor have not only their little torn from their teeth by our greed, but we even merit that God does not permit us to enjoy that which we have raked together, extorted and saved by pinching. The jaws of avarice can devour the property of a prince faster than a whole city can give it to him, and yet no person is happy or better because of it. A prince must have more for banking, for sports, for display in dress than his people and country can afford. Consequently there is lack everywhere in those things we need for the Church and the school, for government and the common advantage of all, for our nourishment and necessities.

It can no more be called enjoying the gifts of God, which he gives so richly and abundantly to the end for us to enjoy; for man will not use them in the praise of God and enjoy them for himself, but only for the dishonor of God and for the destruction of the blessings given. No one has any thought of saving anything for posterity, but all live as if they rejoiced in destroying everything at once. But in all this destruction God will nevertheless help us, since we have no other desire.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 304–05.

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God Will Take Care of You http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 27 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him, and said to them, 2 “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days, and have nothing to eat.

Mark 8:1–2, RSV

From Luther

Behold, what a sympathetic Christ we have, who even provides food for us. Here new hope is awakened and man is comforted through the words of Christ, when he says: Here they are and listen to me until the third day. I must now give them also what they need. Here you see that all who faithfully cling to the Word of God will be fed by God; for that is the nature and power of faith, which flows alone out of the Word of God.

Therefore let us make a beginning to believe; for unbelief is the cause of all sin and vice, which now abounds in all stations of life. How does it come to pass that everywhere there are so many foolish women and rogues, so many rank impostors, thieves, robbers, usurers, murderers, and sellers of indulgences? It all comes from unbelief. For such men judge alone according to human reason, and the reason judges only according to that which it sees; what it does not see it does not wish to accept.

But Christ wishes to set before us a twofold picture, namely, one of faith, that we should not be overanxious; and also a picture of love, that as he does to us, is anxious about our welfare, feeds and clothes us out of free love, not for the sake of his own advantage or because of our worthiness; so we should also do to our neighbor, freely and gratuitously, out of pure love. This is beautifully portrayed in the visible picture of the four thousand men who cling to God by a faith which says: God will indeed feed us. They commend themselves to God and freely lay all their need upon him. Then Christ comes, before they have any care and before they ask him to come, takes all more to heart than they do themselves, and says to his disciples, “I have compassion on the multitude.” In this confidence and hope let thy faith run its course, acknowledge that God is thy friend, flee to him in greatest need; believe and expect it and he will help thee; this thou shouldst not doubt. In harmony with this thou shouldst serve thy neighbor freely and gratuitously.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 303–04.

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Eternal Delight http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 26 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.

Genesis 8:22, RSV

From Luther

Following this text, the Jews divide the year into six parts, each comprising two months. But it seems to me that Moses simply speaks of the promise that we need not fear another general flood. During the time of the flood such confusion reigned that there was no season, either of seedtime or harvest, and by reason of the great darkness caused by the clouds and the rain, day could not readily be distinguished from night. The meaning is simply that God here promises Noah the imminent restoration of the earth, so that the fields might again be sowed; that the desolation caused by the flood should be no more; that the seasons would run their course in accordance with regular law, harvest following seedtime, winter following summer, cold following heat in due order.

This text should be carefully remembered in view of the common notions concerning the signs before the last day. Some declare there will be eclipses of ever so many days’ duration. They say foolishly that for seven years not a single child will be born. But this text declares that neither day, nor night, neither summer, nor winter, shall cease; therefore these natural changes will go on, and there will never be an eclipse which will rob human eyes of an entire day.

Nor is it a phrase devoid of meaning when he says, “While the earth remaineth,” for he gives us to understand that the days of this earth shall sometime be numbered, and other days, days of heaven, shall follow. As long as the days of the earth endure, so long shall the earth abide and with it the rotation of seasons. But when these days of the earth shall pass, then all these things shall cease, and then shall follow days of heaven, that is eternal days. Then shall be one Sabbath after the other, when we shall not be engrossed with bodily labor for the purpose of gaining a livelihood; for we shall be as the angels of God. Our life will be to know God, to delight in God’s wisdom and to enjoy the presence of God. This life we attain through faith in Christ, in which may the eternal Father mercifully keep us, through the merit of his Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, by the ruling and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 302–03.

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Worthy of Your Calling http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 25 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. 4:1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called

Ephesians 3:20–4:1, RSV

From Luther

The chief thing that should influence a Christian’s outward walk is the remembrance of his calling and appointment by God. He should be mindful why he is called a Christian, and live consistently. He must shine before the world; that is, through his life and God’s work, the Word and the name of Christ the Lord must be exalted. Paul would say: “You have received God’s grace and his Word and are a blessed people. In Christ all your needs are happily supplied. Be mindful of this and remember you are called to a far different and vastly higher life than others know. Show by your manner of living that you seek a higher good than the world seeks, that you have, indeed, received far greater blessings. Let your lives honor and glorify the Lord who has given you such blessings.

The so-called Christian life that does not honor Christ makes its sin the more heinous for the name it bears. Every sin the people of God commit is a provocation of Jehovah; not only in the act of disobedience itself, but also in the transgression of the second commandment. The enormity of the sin is magnified by the conditions that make it a blasphemy of God’s name and an occasion of offense to others. Paul says, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” So a Christian should by all means guard the honor of God in his life. He must take heed that he be not guilty of blaspheming that name and of doing wickedness. The devil, aided by the world, construes every act, when possible, to reflect upon God’s honor and glory. His purpose is to injure the Church by charging offenses, thus deterring unbelievers from embracing the gospel and causing the weak to fall away.

To guard against such disaster, Christians should be particularly careful to give no occasion for offense in their conduct, and to value the name and honor of their God too highly to permit blasphemy of them. Let them remember that upon keeping sacred the name and honor of God depends their own standing before God and men. God promises, “Them that honor me will I honor.”

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 300–01.

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Led by the Spirit http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 24 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

12 So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— 13 for if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Romans 8:12–14, RSV

From Luther

Like ourselves, Paul had to deal with two classes of people, the true and the false Christians. There is not so much danger from the adversaries of the doctrine; their opposition is so open that we can readily beware of them. But since the devil sows his seed among us who are called Christians and boast of the gospel, it behooves us to take heed of those who claim to be Christians. It is easy enough to boast of God and of Christ and of the Spirit. But whether such boasting has any foundation depends on whether or not the Spirit so works and rules in us as to subdue and mortify sin. For where the Spirit is, there assuredly he is not idle, nor powerless. He proves his presence by ruling and directing man and prevailing on him to obey and follow his promptings.

To be “led by the Spirit of God” means to be given a heart which gladly hears God’s Word and believes that in Christ it has grace and the forgiveness of sins; a heart which confesses and proves its faith before the world; a heart which seeks, above all things, the glory of God, and endeavors to live without giving offense, to serve others and to be obedient, patient, pure and chaste, mild and gentle; a heart which, though at times overtaken in a fault, and may stumble, soon rises again by repentance and ceases to sin. All these things the Holy Spirit teaches one if he hears and receives the Word, and does not willfully resist the Spirit.

The devil, who is also a spirit, persuades the hearts of the worldlings; but it soon becomes evident that his work is not that of a good or divine spirit. For he leads men to do the reverse of that which the Spirit of God leads them to do; they find no pleasure in hearing and obeying God’s Word, but despise God, and become proud and haughty, avaricious, unmerciful. Let every one therefore take heed that he deceive not himself. For there are many who claim to be Christians and are not. We perceive this from the fact that not all are led by the Spirit of God.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 299–300.

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Resist! http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 23 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

19 Know this, my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, 20 for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God. 

James 1:19–20, RSV

From Luther

To God alone belong honor, judgment, and vengeance, hence also wrath. But I fear this will not be done as long as we are in this life, and yet it would be grace, if we only became so pious as to make a beginning; for as soon as we suffer an injury, flesh and blood at once act as flesh and blood; we begin to rage and rave in anger and impatience. It is natural for us to feel hurt when suffering, injustice and violence attack us, hence it becomes necessary to check and restrain the feelings of anger and to resist them. The feeling that you are injured will pass away, but that desire to avenge yourself in any way is prohibited. If you cannot secure your rights without doing greater harm, let it go. It is not good to check or punish one wrong with another, nor is God willing to have universal justice perish because of your petty claims.

We know that God has committed the judiciary to the civil government and to that end established princes and lords, who bear the sword in God’s stead. Aside from this they are personally exactly like the other people are, having no more right to be angry than any one else. The judge or executioner, in condemning and executing a man that never personally did them an injury, does so in God’s stead, officiating in God’s place, inasmuch as the malefactor has become liable to God’s sentence and penalty. There should be no anger, nor bitterness in man’s heart, while God’s wrath and sword accomplish their work.

The same holds good in war, when you must defend yourself, thrust, beat and burn, then wrath and revenge are likely to reign supreme, and yet it should not proceed from the heart of man, but emanate from divine authority and command, so that the wicked be punished and peace be maintained. Hence where such wrath exists it is not to be called man’s wrath, but God’s. When unhappily you commingle God’s and man’s wrath, it is the miserable doings of the devil. Thus the wrath of man is at all times full of envy to his neighbor, but God’s wrath is administered according to his command and springs from a good heart, that deplores the fact that man should suffer any ill, and yet God must punish and abolish wickedness.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 298–99.

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The Sinful Conscience http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 22 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

4 And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, 7 they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”

Luke 5:4–8, RSV

From Luther

A sinful conscience is apt to do just as Peter does here, flee from its Saviour, and think: O God, I am not worthy to be saved and sit among the saints and angels! That treasure is far too high for me! But this is foolish; for should you establish yourself upon your own holiness, you would build on the sand. Not until Peter considered himself unworthy did he become really worthy. Just because you are a sinful person you must the more trust in God. In this matter you must open wide and greatly expand your heart that grace may freely flow into it.

It is proper that you know yourself, and the more thoroughly you do this, the better it is; but you must not on that account reject grace because of your sins. If you find that your conscience troubles you and would drive you to despair, you are most fortunate; then you will find consolation in the words of Micah and say: “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity and casteth our sins into the depths of the sea?” All gods that do not take away sin are idols. These wish to discover righteousness, but the Lord God brings it. Therefore when your God comes to you and your conscience feels its sins, you must not despair. The more you feel your disgrace, the quicker God imparts grace.

The Scriptures praise God because he takes away sins and casts them into the depths of the sea. Gods says: “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake; I will not remember thy sins.” We cannot become rid of our sins by our works, nor become righteous by means of any power within ourselves. God will do that without merit and without works, out of pure grace. Therefore the more you feel that you are a sinful man and the more you wish to flee from God, the more you should press toward him. Do not desist, but approach God with renewed confidence and hold fast to him.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 297–98.

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Without Distinction http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 21 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. 

Luke 6:35–36, RSV

From Luther

How is God our heavenly Father merciful? In this that he gives us all things, natural and spiritual, temporal and eternal, gratuitously and out of pure goodness. For should he give unto us according to our merits, he would have to give us only eternal condemnation. Therefore what he gives us in our possessions and honor is given out of pure mercy. He sees that we are captives of death; he is merciful and gives us life. He sees that we are the children of hell; but he is merciful and gives us heaven. He sees that we are poor, naked and exposed, hungry and thirsty; but he is merciful and clothes, feeds and gives us drink, and satisfies us with all good things. Thus, whatever we have, for the body or spirit, he gives us out of mercy, and pours his blessings over us and into us. Therefore Christ says: Imitate your Father and be also merciful as he is merciful.

This is not a common mercy, nor one that reason teaches. For that is selfish; it gives to the great and learned; it loves those who are beautiful; it gives to those from whom it has some benefit or advantage. It is a politic, beggarly, piece-meal mercy. Christians must not seek their own, but look at all alike, whether friend or foe, as our heavenly Father does. Where this mercy is not, there is also no true faith. For if your heart is not in the state of faith so that you know your God has revealed himself to you as good and merciful, without any merit on your part, while you were still an enemy and a child of wrath; if you believe this, you cannot refrain from showing yourself in like manner to your neighbor, and do all, out of the love of God, for your neighbor’s welfare. Therefore see to it that you make no distinction between friend and foe, the worthy and the unworthy. This has been said of faith and works, namely, that the motion of faith is inwards and upwards, of works, outward and downward. For thus we are righteous before God and men, in that we honor God and look direct to him and believe according to his Word, and in love do what we can for our neighbor.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 296–97.

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Bold Peace http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 20 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

6 Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:6–7, RSV

From Luther

This is the true peace that satisfies and quiets the heart; not in times when no adversity is at hand, but in the midst of it, when outwardly there is nothing but strife. This is the difference between worldly and spiritual peace. Worldly peace consists in removing the outward evil that disturbs the peace; when enemies besiege a city there is no peace; but when they depart peace returns. Such is the case in poverty and sickness. While they afflict you, you are discontented; but when they are removed and there is health and plenty, there is peace and rest again. He who experiences this peace is not changed, being just as faint-hearted whether the evil be present or not; only he feels it and is frightened when it is present.

Christian or spiritual peace, however, just turns the thing about, so that outwardly the evil remains, as enemies, sickness, poverty, sin, death and the devil. These are there and never desist, encompassing us on every side; nevertheless, within there is peace, strength and comfort in the heart, so that the heart cares for no evil, is really bolder and more joyful in its presence than in its absence. Therefore it is peace which passeth and transcendeth all understanding and all the senses. Reason cannot grasp any peace except worldly or external peace; it knows not how to comfort or satisfy a person in times of affliction. But when the Spirit comes, he lets the outward adversity remain, but strengthens the person, making the timid fearless, changing the troubled into a quiet, peaceful conscience.

Whence does he receive this? From his faith in Christ. For if I truly believe in the Lord from the depth of my heart, so that it can truly say: My Lord Christ has by his resurrection conquered my need, my sin, death and all evil, and will be with and in me; it is impossible for me to be faint-hearted and timid, no matter how much sin and death oppress me. If you look to Christ and believe on him, no evil that may befall you is so great that it can harm you and cause you to despair. Therefore it is impossible for the fruit of peace to be absent where faith is.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 294–95.

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The Majestic Command http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 19 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

21 Also take with you every sort of food that is eaten, and store it up; and it shall serve as food for you and for them.” 22 Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him. 

Genesis 6:21–22, RSV

From Luther

This is the first passage in which praise for obedience to God is clothed in such a form of words. Later we find it stated repeatedly that Moses and the people did according to all that God commanded them. But Noah received commendation as an example for us. His was not a dead faith, which is no faith at all, but a living and active faith. He renders obedience to God’s commands, because he believes both God’s promises and threats; and he carefully carries out what God commanded with reference to the ark, the gathering of the animals and the food. This is unique praise for Noah’s faith, that he remains on the royal road — adds nothing, changes nothing and takes nothing from the divine command, but abides absolutely in the precept he has heard.

It is the most common and the most noxious sin in the Church, that people either altogether change God’s commands, or render something else paramount to them. They sin who swerve too much to the left by failing to perform the divine commands. Those who swerve to the right and do more than God has commanded, like Saul when he spared the Amalekites, sin even more grievously. They add a sham piety. While those who err on the left cannot excuse their error, these do not hesitate to ascribe to themselves remarkable merit, and such error is exceedingly common. God is wont sometimes to command common, ridiculous and even offensive things; but reason delights in splendid things. From the common ones it shrinks or undertakes them under protest. Thus the monks shrank from home duties and chose for themselves others, apparently of greater glamor. To-day the great throng, hearing that common tasks are preached in the gospel, despise it as a common thing and lacking in elegance. Such is the madness of man’s wisdom.

Hence Moses rightly commends Noah’s obedience when he says that he did everything the Lord had enjoined. That means to give God credit for wisdom and goodness. Noah kept his eye on the majesty of him who gave the command. That was enough for him, even though the command be absurd and apparently impossible. All such objections he passes by and takes his stand upon the one thing commanded by God.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 293–94.

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Eat What Is in Front of You http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 18 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

21 Also take with you every sort of food that is eaten, and store it up; and it shall serve as food for you and for them.” 22 Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him. 

Genesis 6:21–22, RSV

From Luther

As the flood was to last a whole year, it was necessary to remind Noah of the food to be collected from the herbs and the fruits of the trees in order to preserve the life of man and of animals. Though the wrath of God was terrible to the destruction of everything born on earth, yet the goodness of the Lord shines forth in this awful calamity. He looks to the preservation of man and the animals, and through their preservation to that of the species. The animals chosen for preservation received food suitable to their nature. As for man he did not yet use flesh for food. He ate only of the vegetation of the earth, which was far more desirable before the flood than at present, after the remarkable corruption of the earth through the brackish waters.

It would have been an easy matter for God to preserve Noah and the animals for the space of a full year without food, as he preserved Moses, Elijah and Christ without food. But God in the government of the things created allows them to perform their functions. In other words, God performs his miracles along the lines of natural law. God also requires that we do not discard the provisions of nature, which would mean to tempt God, but that we use the things God has prepared for us with thanksgiving. A hungry man, who looks for bread from heaven, rather than tries to obtain it by human means, commits sin. Christ commands the apostles to eat what is set before them. Noah is here enjoined to employ the ordinary methods of gathering food. God did not command him to expect in the ark a miraculous supply of food from heaven.

The life of the monks is all a temptation of God. They abstain from certain meats, though God has created them to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe, and by those who know the truth, that every creature of God is good and nothing to be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving.

We observe here the providence of God, by whose counsel the evil are punished and the good saved. By a miracle God preserves a portion of his creatures, when he punishes the wicked, and graciously makes provision for their posterity.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 292–93.

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A Constant Dying http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 17 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

12 So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh —  13 for if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live.

Romans 8:12–13, RSV

From Luther

Here the apostle confesses that even in the Christian there is a remnant of the flesh, that must be put to death — all manner of temptation and lusts in opposition to God’s commandments. These are active in the flesh and prompt to sin. They are here called the “deeds of the body.” Of this nature are thoughts of unbelief and distrust, coldness and indolence with respect to God’s Word and prayer, carnal security and presumption instead of the fear of God, impatience and murmurings under suffering, anger and vindictiveness, or envy and hatred against our neighbor, avarice, unchastity and the like. Such inclinations as these dwell in flesh and blood and cease not to move and tempt man. Because of human infirmity they at times overtake him when he is not careful enough about transgression. They will surely overpower him unless he resolutely opposes them, and puts to death these “deeds of the body.” To do this means a severe struggle, a battle, which never abates, nor ceases as long as we live. The Christian dare never become slothful or negligent in this matter. He must constantly put to death the flesh lest he himself be put to death by it.

This constitutes the difference between those who are Christians and sanctified and those who are without faith and the Holy Spirit, or who grieve and lose the Spirit. For although believers, as well as unbelievers, are not wholly free from the sinful lusts of the flesh, they yet remain in repentance and the fear of God; they hold fast to the belief that their sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake, because they do not yield to them, but resist them. Therefore they continue under forgiveness, and their remaining infirmity is not fatal, nor damning to them as it is to those who, without repentance and faith, go on in carnal security and purposely follow their evil lusts against their own conscience, casting away from themselves both faith and the Holy Spirit. Having received the Holy Spirit, Christians are to comfort themselves with the fact that they have help and strength to resist and mortify sin.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 291–92.

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Our Sufficiency http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 16 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God, 6 who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not in a written code but in the Spirit; for the written code kills, but the Spirit gives life. 

2 Corinthians 3:4–6, RSV

From Luther

These words are blows and thrusts at the false apostles and preachers. We rely not upon ourselves or our wisdom and ability, Paul would say; we preach not what we ourselves have invented. But this is our boast and trust in Christ before God, that we have made of you a divine epistle; have written upon your hearts, not our thoughts, but the Word of God. We are not glorifying our own power, but the works and power of him who has called and equipped us for such an office; from whom proceeds all you have heard and believed.

It is a glory which every preacher may claim, to be able to say with full confidence of heart: This trust have I toward God in Christ, that what I teach and preach is truly the Word of God. Likewise when he performs other official duties in the Church — baptizes a child, absolves and comforts a sinner — it must be done in the same firm conviction that such is the command of Christ. Who would teach and exercise authority in the Church without this glory, “it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depths of the sea.” For the devil’s lies is what he preaches, and death is what he effects.

God puts into our heart and mouth what we should say, and impresses it upon your heart through the Holy Spirit. We cannot ascribe to ourselves any honor, cannot seek our own glory as the self-instructed, proud spirits do; me must give to God the honor, and must glory in the fact that by his grace and power he works in you unto salvation through the office committed unto us. Nothing should be taught and practiced in the Church but what is unquestionably God’s Word. Man’s achievements, man’s reasoning and power, are of no avail in spiritual matters save in so far as they come from God. For it is of no moment that men observe our greatness and ability; the important thing is that poor souls may rest assured of being presented with God’s Word and works, whereby they may be saved.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 289–90.

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Bless the Work of Our Hands http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 15 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

From the Word

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”

Luke 5:4, RSV

From LutherWhen Christ wished to bestow his gifts upon Peter and the others he did not cause the fish to leap into the boat without labor or nets, as he very well might have done. He commanded them to put out into the deep and let down their nets. They are to engage in the handicraft they understood and were accustomed to. Christ keeps aloof from the lazy, unfaithful idlers who will not do as they have been commanded, and will not keep their hands and feet from straying. Thus he teaches a twofold lesson, that he will not give us anything unless we work for it, and that the things that we obtain do not come from our work, but from God’s help and blessing. You are to work, but you are not to depend upon that work, as if that which resulted from it were of your own accomplishment.

Our work produces and bestows nothing. Yet it is necessary as a means through which we may receive what God gives. The disciples must use their hands to let down the nets and draw them in, if they wish to secure anything, and must be willing to do so. Yet they must acknowledge that their labor did not bring about the result, otherwise they would have succeeded without Christ in the first place. He permits them to make a trial and discover by experience that the toil of this entire night has been in vain and to no purpose.

This he teaches us by daily experience in all kinds of affairs and doings on earth. Very often he permits us to labor long and arduously without results, till it becomes bitterly painful to us, and we are forced to complain with Peter: “We have toiled all night, and have taken nothing.” This he does that we may not venture to depend upon our labor, but may know that he must grant it success, and that we have not secured this through our own efforts, skill, or diligence. All human life and nature are such that, until God gives the increase, we may often labor long and much to no purpose. But the work is not to cease on that account, nor should any man be found without work. God giveth the increase.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 288–89.

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On Being Useful http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 14 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

4 And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, 7 they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.”

Luke 5:4–10, RSV

From Luther

That Peter is not alarmed on account of his unworthiness and sins is an abundant comfort and grace. He is not only to have the forgiveness of sins, but is also to know that God intends to accomplish still greater things through him by making him a help and comfort to others. What Christ would say is, That which thou hast accomplished by the draught of fishes is much too little; really, it is nothing at all. Thou art henceforth to become a different kind of fisherman, in a different sea, with a different net and boat. I am going to engage thee in a business which shall be called “catching men.” This means that throughout the entire world, thou art to draw away souls from the power of the devil into the kingdom of God. Then only wilt thou become the sort of man that can help others, even as thou thyself hast been helped.

From this gospel let us rightly comprehend and grasp Christ and the power of his comfort, that we may comfort both ourselves and others, and may instruct and remind the consciences which are in distress and fear that may by no means run or flee away from Christ, but may much rather flee to him and wait for his comfort. Thus to fear and run away is nothing else than to drive your own salvation and happiness away from you. Christ has not come to make you afraid, but to remove your sins and distress from you. Nor does he draw nigh and follow after you to drive you away, but that he may kindly allure you to himself. “Fear not” speaks to your heart, and to the hearts of all troubled consciences, and pronounces absolution from all sins and removes all fear. He will grant you a still richer grace by making you such a holy, blessed and useful man in his kingdom that you can be of comfort to others and can bring those to him who like yourself are now full of fear and in need of comfort and grace. Here you see how a man is delivered from spiritual poverty and distress through Christ’s Word. He obtains forgiveness of sins and peace of conscience with increase of spiritual gifts through the grace of Christ.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 287–88.

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The Curse of Humanity http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 13 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

6 There is great gain in godliness with contentment; 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world; 8 but if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs. 

1 Timothy 6:6–10, RSV

From Luther

Those who plant themselves among the thorns of avarice, and seek after great possessions, must suffer the consequences of being stung and torn and must fall, not only into manifold temptations and dangers, but also into snares in which they are so thoroughly caught that they sink into a temporal destruction and eternal damnation from which they can never again escape. Of this we have daily examples even in those who boast of the gospel and Christianity. Everywhere we find robbery, oppression, assessment and usury, to such an extent that even God and conscience are set aside for the sake of a miserable penny. Then, as if such a fall were not deep enough, they harden themselves, and keep on their course defiantly and sacrilegiously, until they sink so far as to become enemies of the Word of God, become blind and deaf, so unblessed and accursed that they are of no service in any vocation of life, and can do nothing that is wholesome and good or useful to the pleasure and improvement of others.

All comes from this that men are bent on being rich. Such covetousness and cares do assuredly keep company with a pride that makes men aim at being something great and powerful. Covetousness would appropriate everything to itself. It would at first have this house, this field, this castle, this village. It grows greater and greater till it becomes a dragon’s tail that draws everything after it. Where covetousness has once become rooted, it daily brings forth cares of a hundred different kinds; there the human heart boils and bubbles with countless insatiable lusts and desires that serve no other purpose than its own destruction, and springs from no other source than man’s fall from faith, and thence from one temptation and snare to another. It is a dreadful plague that has taken such thorough possession of men that, on account of it, they can do nothing good or useful, and can no longer have any thought of serving God or man. The curse has already been pronounced that he shall never be satisfied and that he must endure all sorts of misfortune and heartaches through the very things he has coveted to his everlasting destruction.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 286–87.

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No Worries http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 12 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Luke 15:3–7, RSV

From Luther

This great and good Shepherd is not satisfied to seek his lost sheep so lovingly and carry it home so gently with joy; but when he brings it home he appoints a special feast and season of joy, and calls together his friends and neighbors to rejoice with him. Yea, he makes a great jubilee. Thus God in heaven together with all the heavenly hosts and all creatures rejoice over one sinner that repents. Here is shown who the lost sheep is, namely, the sinner who repents, that is, who feels his sins and is heartily sorry on account of them, and would gladly be free from them, come to Christ and amend his life. The character of Christ is such as to seek and carry no sheep except that which is lost and knows no refuge or help of its own.

How could Christ preach more effectively and comfortingly, or what more should he do to make the heart joyful and awaken a strong confidence in him? He is such a Shepherd as is not only unwilling to lose his sheep, but anxiously seeks it; and when he has found it, he carries it home with all joy, and instigates such a feast of joy that all the angels and saints in heaven and all creatures rejoice and smile so benignly that even the sun must shine more lovely. For when man is sorrowful, the sun and everything appears dark to him, but when the heart is joyful everything appears lighter and brighter to him.

He who will firmly believe Christ to be this kind Shepherd shall receive true consolation and joy in Christ the Lord; because he has here the promise, that if he cling unto Christ and permit himself to be carried on his shoulders, he is a dear guest in the kingdom of heaven and will be received with great joy. Therefore if you desire to possess true comfort and joy, learn to impress this lovely picture on your heart. In Christ you find all things, if you only remain under his protection and lie still upon his shoulders. You need not be troubled about sin, death or life, you have all things in Christ who carries and defends you.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 285–86.

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God Remembered http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 11 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

23 He blotted out every living thing that was upon the face of the ground, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the air; they were blotted out from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those that were with him in the ark. 24 And the waters prevailed upon the earth a hundred and fifty days. 8:1 But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the cattle that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided.

Genesis 7:23–8:1, RSV

From Luther

When that horrible wrath had exhausted itself, and all flesh and living things on the earth had been destroyed, the promise made by God to Noah and his sons, that they were to be the seed of the human race, began to be realized. No doubt this promise was to them an object of eager expectation. No life is so hedged about with difficulties as that of faith. This was the life lived by Noah and his sons, whom we see absolutely depending upon the heavens for support. The earth was covered with water. There was no bottom on which to stand. It was the word of promise that upheld them, as they drifted in this welter of waters.

The difficulty besetting Noah is hinted at in the words, “God remembered.” Moses thus intimates that Noah had been tossed on the water so long that God seemed to have forgotten him entirely. They who pass through such mental strain, when the rays of divine grace are gone and they sit in darkness or are forgotten by God, find by experience that it is far more difficult to live in the Word or by faith alone than to be a hermit or a monk. Hence it is not a meaningless expression when the Holy Spirit says that “God remembered Noah.” He means that from the day that Noah entered the ark, no word was spoken, nothing was revealed to him; that he saw no ray of divine grace shining, but merely clung to the promise which he had accepted, while the waters and waves raged as if God had certainly forgotten him.

The word “remembered” indicates that great sadness beset both man and beast during the entire time of the flood. It must have been by dint of great patience and extraordinary courage that Noah and the others bore this lapse from God’s memory, which is simply unbearable to the flesh without the Spirit, even in slight trials. True, God always remembers his own, even when he seems to have forgotten them; but Moses indicates that he remembered his people here in a visible way, by a sign, and by openly fulfilling what he had previously promised through the Word and the Spirit. This story sets before us an example of faith, of endurance and patience.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 283–84.

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Revelation of the Divine http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 10 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

33 O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory for ever. Amen. 

Romans 11:33–36, RSV

From Luther

The reason and wisdom of man go so far as to reach the conclusion, although feebly, that there must be one eternal being, who has created and who preserves and governs all things. Man sees such a beautiful and wonderful creation in the heavens and on the earth, one so wonderfully, regularly and securely preserved and ordered, that he must say: It is impossible that this came into existence by mere chance, or that it originated and controls itself; there must have been a Creator and Lord from whom all these things proceed and by whom they are governed.

But, even knowing this, we have not yet searched out or fathomed the exalted, eternal, divine essence of the Godhead. For even though I have learned that there is an only divine majesty, who governs all things, I do not thereby know the inner workings of this divine essence himself; this no one can tell me, except in so far as God himself reveals it in his Word. Now we Christians have the Scriptures which we know to be the Word of God. From these, and from no other source, we have obtained all that is known of God and divine works from the beginning of the world. And our knowledge is confirmed and proven by great miracles, even to the present day. These Scriptures declare that there is no God nor divine being save this one alone. They not only manifest him to us from without, but they lead us into his inner essence, and show us that in him there are three persons; not three Gods or three kinds of divinity, but the same undivided, divine essence.

Such a revelation is radiantly shed forth from the declaration of his divine counsel and will. In that counsel and will it was decreed from eternity and was proclaimed in his promises, that his Son should become man and die to reconcile man to God. This no angel nor any other creature could do; it must be done by God himself. It could not be done by the person of the Father, who was to be reconciled, but it must be done by a second person with whom this counsel was determined and through whom and for whose sake the reconciliation was to be brought about.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 282–83.

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Our Neighbor's Honor http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 09 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 

Luke 15:1–5, RSV

From Luther

Christ is the good shepherd. He has lighted the lamp, that is, the gospel, and he goes about in the desert, that is, the world. He seeks the lost sheep, when he comes with his Word and proclaims to us first our sins, and then his grace and mercy. Christ’s declaration, that he is the Shepherd and has laid our sins upon his shoulders, makes us fully trust in him, and makes publicans and sinners run after him. These would not have come to him, had they regarded him as a hard and wrathful judge; they were drawn to him when they heard this loving doctrine.

Learn from this, that our neighbor is to be sought as a lost sheep, that his shame is to be covered with our honor, that our piety is to be a cover for his sins. When you come together, conceal the shame of others, and do not cause wounds which you cannot heal. Should you meet with anything like this in some one’s house, throw your mantle over it and close the door. A very good reason for doing this is that you would have others do the same to you. Christ acts thus. He keeps silent and covers our sins. He could expose us to shame and tread us under foot, but he does not do so. All will be brought to light, however, at the final judgment. There is in God’s judgment no greater sin on earth than when pious men and women despise those who lie in their sin.

Hence this gospel is very comforting to sinners. But while it is friendly to sinners, it is a source of great fear to Pharisees. It is spoken to those only who acknowledge their sins, and they acknowledge their sins when they repent of them. It is of no use to the Pharisees, for they do not acknowledge their sins. To those who acknowledge them and are about to despair, the gospel must be brought. When your sins are gnawing at you, and your heart is agitated, say: Oh, God! I have come to feel my sins, I need the one Shepherd who seeketh me. I will freely venture on the gospel. When you thus come to God, you are already the sheep placed upon his shoulders. You have found the Shepherd.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 281–82.

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Helping Sinners http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 08 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” 

Luke 15:1–2, RSV

From Luther

We have here the Pharisees and hypocrites, who are exceedingly pious people and are over head and ears in holiness. We have also the open sinners and publicans, who were over head and ears in sin. These were despised by those shining saints, and were not considered worthy of their society. But Christ intervenes with his judgment and says that those saints are to stoop down and take the sinners upon their shoulders, and with their righteousness and piety they are to bear in mind to help the others out of their sins.

It is truly a Christian work to descend and get mixed up in the mire of the sinner, taking his sin upon ourselves and floundering out of it with him, not acting otherwise than if his sins were our own. We should rebuke and deal with the sinner in earnest; yet we are not to despise but sincerely to love him. There are great and good works in which we should exercise ourselves. But no man pays attention to them. Such works have entirely faded away, and it is to be feared that the holiest are in the deepest hell, and that sinners are mostly in heaven. Moses acted thus when the Israelites worshiped the molten calf. He mingled freely with the people in their sins. He punished them severely, but afterward he went up and bowed down before God, and prayed that he would forgive the people their sin, or blot him out of the Book of Life. Here we have a man who knew that God loved him and had written his name in the book of the blessed. Thus Paul also at times severely rebuked the Jews, yet he writes to the Romans, “I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” Thus we should act and serve our neighbor; but such a course is much too lofty for reason and passes beyond its conception. Our bearing toward sinners should be: inwardly, the heart in service; outwardly, the tongue in earnest. This is what Christ, our Captain, has manifested in himself. He could have justly condemned us as sinners, but de did not do so. He gave himself to be our Servant. His righteousness has served for our sins, his fulness for our feebleness, his life for our death.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 280–81.

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The Humble Gospel http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 07 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were heathen, you were led astray to dumb idols, however you may have been moved. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus be cursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. 

1 Corinthians 12:1–3, RSV

From Luther

No one can possibly possess the Holy Spirit, if he does not regard Christ as the Lord, much less if he call him accursed. Destroy the foundation and you destroy all; there will be no God, no Spirit, and all your claims, teaching and works are naught. You must recognize and be governed by the fact that either Christ must be received and believed in as the one true Lord, and praised and glorified as such, or else he will be cursed; between these alternatives is no medium. We are to make the doctrine of this verse the standard and authority as to what and how we preach concerning Christ. He who speaks by inspiration of the Holy Spirit certainly will not curse Christ; he will glorify and praise him. If his teaching is not to the glory of God, you may safely conclude that he is not true, not inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Thus Paul rejects the glorying and boasting of the sects over their offices and gifts — they who pretend to be filled with the Spirit and to teach the people correctly, and who make out that Paul and other teachers are of no consequence. Themselves the chief of apostles, the people must hear them and accept their baptism. More than that, they demand a higher attainment in the Spirit for gospel ministers, deeming faith, the sacrament and the outward office insufficient. All such teachers are in reality simply guilty of condemning, reproaching and cursing Christ, though themselves bearing and boasting that name. To slight Christ’s Word and ministry, and exalt in their stead other things as mediums for obtaining the Holy Spirit and eternal life, or at least as being equally efficacious and essential — what is this but scorning Christ and making him of no consequence? The tongue of a minister — the language he employs — must be of that simplicity which preaches naught but Christ. If he is to testify of the Saviour and glorify him, he cannot present other things whereby Christ would be ignored and robbed of his glory.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 279–80.

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Misdirection http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 06 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

36 As they were saying this, Jesus himself stood among them. 37 But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them. 

Luke 24:36–43, RSV

From Luther

As the text gives occasion, we may here speak of ghosts, or walking spirits, for we see here that the Jews and the apostles themselves held that spirits roam about and are seen by night and at other times. But the Scriptures do not say, nor give any example, that such are the souls of dead persons walking among the people and seeking help, as in our blindness and delusion by the devil we have heretofore believed.

We have good reason not to believe such apparitions of roaming, erring spirits that profess to be souls. First, because the Scriptures nowhere say that the souls of the deceased that have not yet risen should wander about among the people; whereas everything else we need to know is clearly revealed in the Scriptures. Not one word of this is given for our instruction, nor is it possible that we should grasp and understand the state of the spirits that have departed from the body before the resurrection and the day of judgment; for they are sundered and separated altogether from the world and from this generation. Furthermore, it is clearly forbidden in the Scriptures to consult the dead or to believe them who do. God will neither let one rise from the dead, nor preach, because we have Moses and the prophets, or the Scriptures.

Know therefore that all ghosts and visions, which cause themselves to be seen and heard, especially with din and noise, are not men’s souls, but evidently devils that amuse themselves either to deceive the people with false claims and lies, or unnecessarily frighten and trouble them. A Christian should be well girded with God’s Word and faith, that he may not be deceived nor affrighted, but abide in the doctrine that he has learned and confessed from the gospel of Christ, and cheerfully despise the devil with his noise. Nor does he tarry long when he feels that a soul trusts in Christ and despises him.

That Christ shows his hands and his feet to his disciples signifies that they were weak. But he does not rebuke them; he lovingly comforts them that they might be strong and fearless. Hence they were also made cheerful and of good courage. Therefore we ought not to cast away the weak, but so deal with them that they may become strong and of good cheer.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 277–79.

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The Inclination of the Heart http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 05 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21 And when the LORD smelled the pleasing odor, the LORD said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I ever again destroy every living creature as I have done. 22 While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” 

Genesis 8:20–22, RSV

From Luther

This is a powerful passage relating to original sin. Whoever weakens its force, goes groping like the blind man in the sunlight, failing to see his own acts and experiences. Look in how many ways sin manifests itself in our earlier years. What an amount of switching it requires until we are taught order and attention to duty! What then shall we say of the inward vices when unbelief, presumption, neglect of the Word, and wicked views grow up? Original sin is not a slight disorder or infirmity, but complete lawlessness, the like of which is not found in other creatures, except in evil spirits. Not even the saints are excepted. For we learn by experience that even holy men can scarcely stand firm; that even they are often entangled by gross sins, being overwhelmed by such natural corruptions.

The Hebrew ne-urim denotes the age when man begins to use his reason; this naturally occurs in the sixth year. Similarly the term ne-arim is used to denote boys and youths who need the guidance of parents and teachers up to the age of manhood. It will be profitable for each of us to glance backward to that period of life and consider how willingly we obeyed the commands of our parents and teachers, how diligent we were in studying, how persevering we were, how often our parents punished our sauciness. Who can say for himself that he was not much more pleased to go out for a walk, to play games and to gossip than to go to church in obedience to his parents.

Although these impulses can be corrected or bridled to a certain extent by discipline, they cannot be entirely rooted out of the heart, as their traces show when we are grown up. God, indeed, causes some persons to experience emotions which are naturally good; but they are induced by supernatural power. Thus Cyrus was impelled to restore the worship of God and to preserve the Church. But such is not the tendency of human nature. Where God is present with his Holy Spirit, there only the imagination of the human heart gives place to the thoughts of God. God dwells there through the Word and the Spirit. But Moses speaks here only of those who are without the Holy Spirit; they are wicked even at their best.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 276–77.

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Intolerant http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 04 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

Do not wonder, brethren, that the world hates you.

1 John 3:13, RSV

From Luther

Why this hostility? Because the apostles sought to deprive the world of its idolatry and damnable doings. Such good works the world could not tolerate. What it desires is nothing but praise and commendation for its own evil doings, expecting from God the impossible endorsement, “Your deeds are good and well-pleasing to me. You are pious children. Just keep on cheerfully killing all who believe and preach my Word.”

In the same way the world conducts itself to-day with reference to our gospel. For no other reason are we hated and persecuted than because we have, through God’s grace, proclaimed his Word that has rescued us from the blindness and idolatry in which we had sunken as deeply as the world, and because we desire to rescue others. We preach no other doctrine than faith in Christ, which they themselves confess in words. We differ only in our claim that Christ having been crucified for us and having shed his blood to redeem us from sin and death, our salvation is not effected by our works, or holiness or devotion. The fact that we do not regard their faithless worship equal to Christ himself, but teach men to trust in the grace of God and not in their own worthiness, and to render him gratitude for his grace—this fact is intolerable to the world. No unity or harmony is to be hoped for; the world will not forsake its idolatry nor receive the faith.

So to understand the world as to know what we may expect from it is essential and valuable to the Christian. Thus armed he will not be dismayed and become impatient of suffering, nor permit its malice and ingratitude to mislead him to hate and desire for revenge. He will keep his faith and love, suffering the world to go its way if it refuse to hear his message. The Christian should expect nothing better from the world than its bitter persecution for his good works and love, Such knowledge is comforting to the godly little company of Christians. If they fare better, they thank God for it. But they are ever to abide in love toward God, whose love they have received and felt, and likewise toward men, their enemies not excepted.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 275–76.

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The Divine Reminder http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 03 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you yield yourselves to any one as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?

Romans 6:15–16, RSV

From Luther

Necessarily your life must be obedient to some master. Either you obey sin, to continue in the service of which brings death and God’s wrath, or you obey God in grace unto a new manner of life. Reason teaches, through the law, good works and forbids evil, but it is unable to comprehend why its teachings are not fulfilled. It perceives, from the results which follow disrespect for the law, that it is best to honor it, that it is right and praiseworthy not to steal and commit crime. But it fails to understand why, after its teachings are given, they are not naturally fulfilled. With sword, rack and gallows the judge may restrain public crime, but he cannot punish more than what is known and witnessed to before court. Whatever is done secretly and does not come before him, he cannot punish or restain.

The Word of God, however, teaches how to crush the head of the serpent and to slay the evil, so that judge and executioner are no longer necessary. It tells us that a Christian has certain knowledge that through the grace of Christ his sins are forgiven, blotted out and deprived of condemning power. Because he has obtained and believes in such grace, he receives a heart abhorrent of sin. Although feeling within himself the presence of evil thoughts and lusts, yet his faith and the Holy Spirit are with him to remind him of his baptism. He says: Although time and opportunity permit me to do evil and I run no risk of being detected and punished, I will not do it, but will obey God and honor Christ my Lord, for I am baptized into Christ and as a Christian am dead unto sin, nor will I come again under its power.

So acted godly Joseph, who, when tempted by his master’s wife, “left his garment in her hand, fled and got him out.” He was but flesh and blood and naturally not insensible to her inducement, to the time and opportunity, to the friendship of the woman. But he restrained himself, not yielding even in thought to the temptation. Such obedience to God destroys, indeed, the source of sin and evil.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 274–75.

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Blind to Grace http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 02 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

4 For the word of the LORD is upright; and all his work is done in faithfulness. 5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. 

Psalm 33:4–5, RSV

From Luther

When a babe is born blind we see what a painful thing the lack of sight is, what a precious thing even one eye would be, and what a divine blessing a healthy, bright countenance is. The eye serves us our whole lifetime and without it one had rather be dead; and yet no one thanks God for it. The psalmist had pure eyes and could see far, that the whole world was full of the goodness and the lovingkindness of God. From whom does this goodness come? Have we deserved it? No, but it has pleased God to cast his gifts promiscuously into the world, which the unthankful receive almost as freely as the thankful. We are grieved when we are obliged to lose a few dollars, or to give them to the poor. How much of his goods does God daily cast into the world and no one thanks him for anything?

We may observe all God’s creatures and become convinced of his goodness in them. “He makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and unjust.” He enlightens our eyes, but who acknowledges that it is God’s blessing? If some morning the sun should not rise, what distress and anxiety it would cause, but since it rises and shines daily at the appointed time, no one considers it a blessing. So it is with the rain from heaven, with the grain in the field and with all that God has created. They exist in such abundance and are daily bestowed upon us so plenteously that we fail to see them.

At times God permits some man to fall into anxiety, into pain and distress; he becomes blind, lame, dropsical. The disciples asked the Lord concerning the man blind from his birth, whether he or his parents had sinned. The Lord answered, “Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents; but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” God sees that the treasures of this world do not move us. In his grace he presents to us a blind person, so that, when we do not recognize his grace and kindness in our good fortune, we may at least do so in our misfortune.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 272–73.

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Stewards of the Gospel http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 01 Aug 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

1 Corinthians 4:1, RSV

From Luther

To serve Christ, or God, is defined by Paul as fulfilling an office ordained of God, the office of preaching. This office is a service or ministry proceeding from Christ to us and not from us to Christ. To make himself clearly understood in this matter of service or ministry, Paul carefully adds to the word “ministers” the explanatory word “stewards,” which cannot be understood otherwise than as referring to the office of the ministry.

He calls his office “service or ministry of Christ,” and himself “minister of Christ,” because he was ordained of God to the office of preaching. Thus all apostles and bishops are ministers of Christ; that is preachers, messengers, officers of Christ, sent to the people with his message. The meaning of the verse, then, is: Let every individual take heed not to institute another leader, to set up another Lord, to constitute another Christ. Rather be unanimously loyal to the one and only Christ. We apostles are not your lords, nor your masters; we do not preach our own interests, nor teach our own doctrines. We do not seek to have you obey us, or give us allegiance and accept our doctrine. We are messengers and ministers of him who is your Master, your Lord and Leader. We preach his word, enlist men to follow his commandments and lead only into his obedience.

He who so receives us, receives, not us, but Christ, whom we alone preach. But he who does not regard us, does us injustice, discards Christ, the one true Leader, sets up another in his stead and makes gods of us. Where more authority is assumed than God’s command grants, idolatry results and the leader assumes a new character. The Church has no other doctrine than that of Christ, no other obedience than to obey him.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 271–72.

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The Righteous Man http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 31 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. 9 These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God. 10 And Noah had three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Genesis 6:8–10, RSV

From Luther

Noah is called “just” because of his faith in God, because he first believed the general promise with respect to the seed of the woman and then also the particular one respecting the destruction of the world through the flood and the saving of his own offspring. On the other hand he is called “perfect” (“upright”) because he walked in the fear of God and conscientiously avoided murder and other sins with which the wicked polluted themselves in defiance of conscience. Nor did he permit himself to be moved by the frequent offenses of men most illustrious, wise, and apparently holy.

Great was his courage. Today it appears to us impossible that one man should oppose himself to all mankind, condemning them as evil, while they despise the Church and God’s Word and worship, and maintain that he alone is a son of God and acceptable to him, therefore, is a marvelous man, and Moses commends this same greatness of mind when he plainly adds “in his generations,” or “in his age,” as if he desired to say that his age was, indeed, the most wicked and corrupt.

In the history of Enoch we explained what it means to “walk with God,” namely, to advocate the cause of God in public. To be just and upright bespeaks private virtue, but to walk with God is something public — to advocate the cause of God before the world, to wield his Word, to teach his worship. Noah was not only just and holy for himself, but he was also a confessor; he taught others the promises and threats of God, and performed and suffered all that behooves a public personage in an age so exceedingly wicked and corrupt.

Peter beautifully sets forth what it means to walk with God when he calls Noah a preacher, not of the righteousness of man, but of God — the righteousness which comes by faith in the promised seed. What reward Noah received from the ungodly for his message Moses does not indicate. The statement is sufficient that he preached righteousness, that he taught the true worship of God while the whole earth opposed him. What a noble example of patience and other virtues Noah is, who was just and irreproachable in that ungodly generation and walked with God.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 270–71.

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A Friend of Sinners http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 30 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” 

Luke 15:1–2, ESV

From Luther

Luke freely and plainly tells us what kind of people Christ had about him, namely, those who openly lived as they should not live. Thus it would appear that the Pharisees had sufficient reason to blame him, because he pretended to be a pious and holy man and kept company with such low characters. At that time men called publicans were scattered through the land, to whom the Romans gave charge of a city and required of them a certain amount of revenue. Those who collected such revenue or tax managed matters so as to have a profit from it. As the sum appointed for each city or office was large, these officers extorted without let or hindrance, so that they might enjoy more as their own. Their masters were so close with them that they could not gain much for themselves, if they would act justly and take advantage of no one. Hence they were reported in all lands as extortioners in whom little good or honesty could be found.

So other great crowds in general were called “sinners,” who in other respects were worse people and publicly lived in a shameful and wild state, in covetousness, adultery and the like. Such drew near to Christ to hear him, since they had heard that in the light of his doctrine and his many miracles he was an excellent man. Now there was after all a spark or two of virtue and honesty in them, since they had a desire for Christ and gladly heard his doctrine and wished to see what he did. They had heard nothing but good of him, and they well knew that their doings did not harmonize with his life, yet they feel no enmity against him, but go to him, not to seek any evil in him, but to see and hear something good, and to hope that they might become better.

The scribes and Pharisees, who were held to be the most pious and holy, were such poisonous reptiles that they were not only enemies of Christ, but could not even suffer poor sinners to come to him and hear him that they might be made better. They called him a “wine-bibber and a glutton” and a “friend of publicans and sinners.” Such names he must bear from these holy people, not because he was given to gluttony and drunkenness, but because he permitted “publicans and sinners” to come to him.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 269–70.

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Nothing To Do http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 29 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

And the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled.

Luke 14:23, RSV

From Luther

This refers to the heathen, who have dwelt in no city, who were without any worship of the true God, but were idolatrous, and did not know what God was. Go thither, he says, and compel them to come in. For the world arrays itself against the gospel in every way, and cannot tolerate this doctrine, and yet this housefather wants his house full of guests; he has made preparations, and now must have people to eat, drink and be joyful, even if he had to make them of stones.

But how shall we compel, as God does not want any forced worship? He desires that we should preach thus: Dear friend, do not despair because you are a sinner and have such a terrible sentence of condemnation passed upon you; but do this, go forth and be baptized and hear the gospel. Here you will learn that Jesus Christ has died for your sakes and has made satisfaction for your sins. If you will believe this you will be safe against the wrath of God and eternal death, and you shall eat here at this glorious supper and live well, become hearty and strong. When a man feels his wretchedness and misery, then is the time to say to him: Sit down at the table of this rich Lord and eat, that is, be baptized and believe in Jesus Christ, that he has made satisfaction for your sins. There are no means to aid you, except you be baptized and believe. Thus wrath will cease and heaven will shine with pure grace and mercy, forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

These words are, therefore, lovely and comfortable for the poor, miserable multitude of those who are constrained to come in, who before were lost and condemned heathen. By these words God desires forcibly to portray and show unto us his unfathomable grace. Thus God shows that he is immeasurably more anxious to give and help us than we are or ever can be to receive and pray; and that he requires nothing more difficult from us than that we open our hearts and accept his grace. This is the way we are to come to this supper, that from Jews and Gentiles there may be one Christian Church.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 268–69.

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The Cares of the Church http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 28 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

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1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. [Selah] 

Psalm 46:1–3, RSV

No power, might or protection which can comfort, or upon which one can rely, may be sought in the world. Wholly in God, and in God alone, must help be sought. By his divine power God must uphold the Church. He has always from the beginning wonderfully preserved it in the world, in the midst of great weakness, in disunion occasioned by schismatics and heretics, in persecution by tyrants. The government is wholly his, though he commits the office and service to men, whom he summons and uses to administer his Word and sacrament. Every Christian should be intent, in that whereunto God has called and appointed him, serving God faithfully and doing that which is commanded him. The anxiety respecting the Church’s continued existence and her preservation against the devil and the world can be left to the Lord. He has taken this upon himself and so has removed the burden from our shoulders that we might be certain of the permanence of the Church. Christians have regard for God’s Word and believe that God cares for them. They commend all things to him and at his word go on with courage. They have learned that they should not rely upon their own wisdom and reason and upon human help or comfort.

Let me illustrate from my own experience. What should I have done when I began to denounce the lies of the indulgence system, and later the errors of the papacy, if I had given heed to the terrible things all the world wrote and said would happen to me? How often I heard it said that if I wrote against such and such eminent persons I would provoke their displeasure, which would prove too severe for me and the whole German nation. But since I had not begun this work of myself, being driven and led thereto by reason of my office, I must continue. I commended the cause to God and let him bear the burden of care, both as to the result of the work and as to my own fate. Thus I advanced the cause more, despite tumultuous opposition, than I had ever before dared to think or hope. So let every Christian cast his heart and its anxieties upon God, who is strong and can easily carry the burden.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 267–68.

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The Cure for the Conscience http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 27 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” 

John 3:14–15, RSV

From Luther

Here Christ uses the Scriptures to point to himself. He means to say, that just as the Jews in the desert, who were bitten by fiery serpents, were saved by looking upon the serpent of brass, which Moses set upon a standard, so it is also with regard to me. No one who looks upon me will perish; all those who have an evil conscience, are tormented by sin and death, should believe that I have come down from heaven for their sakes and have ascended again. Then neither sin, nor death shall harm them. Whoever would enter heaven and be saved, must be saved by this serpent, which is Christ. Thus this gospel condemns free will and every human accomplishment, and points only to this serpent.

The spiritual significance of the narrative in Numbers is this: The serpent, which bit and poisoned the Jews, is sin, death and an evil conscience. I know that I must die and that I am under the power of death; I cannot free myself and must remain in this state until a dead serpent is set up for me, one which can harm no one, but rather benefit, as did the serpent of Moses. Now, this is Christ. I see him hanging on the cross, not beautiful, nor greatly honored; but I see him hanging in disgrace, like a murderer and malefactor; thus, reason must say that he is cursed before God. The Jews believed this to be true and they could only consider him the most cursed of all men before God and the world.

Moses had to set up a serpent of brass, which looked like the fiery serpents, but did not bite, nor harm any one; it rather saved the people. Thus, Christ also has the form and the appearance of a sinner, but has become my salvation; his death is my life; he atones for my sins and takes away from me the wrath of the Father. If man believes that the death of Christ has taken away his sin, he becomes a new man. The carnal, natural man cannot believe that God will gratuitously take away and forgive us all our sins. Reason argues: You have sinned, you must also atone for your sin. The gospel of Christ says: You have sinned, another must atone for you. Our works are nothing; but faith in Christ does it all.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 265–66.

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The Golden Age http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 26 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Then the LORD said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.

Genesis 7:1, RSV

From Luther

As soon as that extraordinary structure, the ark, was built, the Lord commanded Noah to enter it, because the time of the deluge, which the Lord announced one hundred and twenty years before, was now at hand. All this convinced Noah that God was taking care of him; it gave him ample and abundant word to support and confirm his faith in such great straits. Noah, being holy and just, a kind and merciful man, often struggled with his own heart, hearing with greatest agitation of mind the voice of the Lord, threatening certain destruction to all flesh. It was needful, then, that repeated declaration should confirm his agitated faith, lest he might doubt.

Could words be more appalling than these, that Noah alone was righteous before the Lord? It is a fearful thing to live in such an evil and godless world. By the goodness of God we are in the golden age, since we still have the light of God’s Word. The sacraments are rightly administered in our churches, pious preachers proclaim the pure Word, and though magistrates be weak, wickedness is not desperately rampant. If there had been more godly teachers in the days of Noah, there might have been more righteous people. The fact that Noah alone was proclaimed a righteous man makes it evident that the godly teachers had been either destroyed or corrupted, leaving Noah the sole preacher of righteousness.

Noah’s faith was truly great; he could rely upon God’s utterance. I realize what weight the whole world’s hostile and condemnatory judgment must carry. We are condemned in the judgment of the pope, the Sacramentarians, and the Anabaptists, but this is mere play and pleasure, compared to what the righteous Noah had to bear, who found not a single person in the whole world to approve of his religion or life, except his own sons and his pious grandfather. Therefore, Noah is a brilliant and admirable example of faith, who opposed the judgments of the world with an heroic steadfastness of mind in the assurance that he was righteous while all the rest of the world was wicked. It is helpful often to reflect upon such examples, since the prince of this world battles against us, endeavoring to kindle despair in us. It behooves us to be well armed.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 264–65.

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The Double Blessing http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 25 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

20 When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But then what return did you get from the things of which you are now ashamed? The end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Romans 6:20–23, RSV

From Luther

Paul here contrasts the experience of the Romans in the two forms of service. He leaves it to them to determine which has been productive of benefit and which of injury, and to choose accordingly as to future service and obedience. Recall your manner of life when you were free from righteousness, he would say, and obeyed only the desires and enticements of sin. What pleasure or gain had you in it? None, except that for which you are now ashamed. Had you remained in it you would at last have found death. Only these two grand results — shame and death. Munificent reward indeed for him who, choosing freedom from righteousness, lives to his own pleasure. He is deceived into thinking he has chosen a highly desirable life, for it gratifies the fleshly desires, and he thinks to go unpunished.

But gratification is succeeded by two punishments: First, shame, confession of disgrace before God and the world. Thus Adam and Eve in Paradise, when they chose to violate God’s command and, enticed by the devil, followed their desire for a forbidden thing, were made to feel the disgrace for sin; they were ashamed in their hearts to appear in the presence of God. The other punishment is death and the fires of hell.

Is it not better, then, to be free from the service of sin and to serve righteousness? So doing, you would never suffer shame or injury, but would receive a double blessing: First, a clear conscience before God and all creatures, proof in itself that you live a holy life and belong to God; second and chief, the rich and incorruptible reward of eternal life.

In these observations Paul is speaking after the manner of men, in a way comprehended and accepted by reason, even without knowledge of Christ. It is universally true in the world that evildoers, thieves, murderers and the like, are punished in addition to the public disgrace they feel. Similarly, they who do good receive, in addition to the honor of men, all manner of happy reward.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 263–64.

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Proof of Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 24 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

13 Do not wonder, brethren, that the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. 15 Any one who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

1 John 3:13–16, RSV

From Luther

How do we know we have passed from death unto life? Because we love the brethren. When we fully believe in our Saviour’s love, then our hearts respond with perfect love to God and our neighbor. The apostle directed this epistle especially against false Christians; many there are who extol Christ, and fail to bear the fruit of faith. It is not sufficient to boast of having passed from death into life; there must be evidence of the fact. Faith is not an inactive and lifeless thing. When there is faith in the heart, its power will be manifest. Where power is not in evidence, all boasting is false and vain. When the human heart is thrilled with spiritual comfort in its confidence of divine mercy and love, and also warmed into kindness, friendliness, humility, and patience toward the neighbor, envying and despising none, but cheerfully serving all and ministering unto necessity, even to hazarding body and life, then the fruits of faith are manifest.

Such fruits are proof that the believer has truly passed from death into life. Had he not true faith, but doubted God’s grace and love, his heart would not prompt him to manifest love for his neighbor by reason of his love and gratitude to God. This interpretation of God’s Word leaves in its integrity the foundation, justification, or deliverance from death through faith alone. Faith is the first element of Christian doctrine. The next question is whether the faith is real or simulated, being merely a deceptive show and unsupported claim. The clear information imparted by the apostles is that love does not deliver from death, but that deliverance from death and the presence of life become a matter of sight and knowledge in that love has been brought about. With true faith we must have come to the point where we no longer in our pride and conceit despise our neighbor; where we are not filled with envy, hatred, and bitterness; where we desire and promote the interest of our neighbor and do him good to the extent of our power. The reality of the inner life is known by the presence of love, which in turn attests the presence of faith in the heart.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 261–62.

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The Power of the Resurrection http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 23 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” 

John 20:26–29, RSV

From Luther

This happened on the eighth day after the resurrection, when Thomas had maintained his unbelief in the face of the testimony of all the others, and no one had hoped that Christ would show himself in a special manner to Thomas. Just then Christ comes and shows him the same scars and wounds, as fresh as he had shown them to the other disciples eight days before, and tells him to reach hither his finger and hand and place them into the print of the nails and into his side.

Here you see that Christ is not satisfied to stop with the narrative; but he is concerned that Thomas becomes believing and is resurrected from his stubborn unbelief and sin. This is shown in a powerful way in that Thomas says, “My Lord and my God!” There is at once a different man, not the old Thomas as he was before, when he was so cold and stiff and dead in his unbelief. He commenced suddenly to deliver a glorious confession about Christ, the equal of which no apostle to that time had yet made, namely, that the person, the risen one, is true God and man. They are admirable words that he utters: “My Lord and my God!” He is not drunken, he is not jesting, nor mocking; he does not mean a false god; therefore he certainly does not tell a lie. Besides, he is not here chastised by Christ, but his faith is confirmed, and so it must be the truth and sincere.

It is by the power of the resurrection of Christ that Thomas, who was so deep and obdurate in unbelief, was so suddenly changed, became an entirely different man, who publicly and freely confesses that he not only believes that Christ is risen, but is also enlightened by the power of Christ’s resurrection so that he firmly believes and confesses that he, his Lord, is the true God and man; so he will also arise from the dead on the judgment day and live forever with him in indescribable glory and blessedness.

The leading thought for us to learn and retain from this passage is, that we believe that Christ’s resurrection is sure and that he works in us so that we be resurrected from sin and death. “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 260–61.

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The Heavy Heart http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 22 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.” 

John 20:24–25, RSV

From Luther

Here we see what a poor thing the human heart is when it becomes faint, that we cannot strengthen and comfort it again. The other disciples and Thomas did not only hear during the time they were with the Lord that he taught the people with great authority, and later saw how he confirmed his doctrine by the great miracles performed on the blind, lame, lepers and dumb, whom he cured; but also that he raised three persons from the dead, one of whom had been in the grave four days. Such weak characters were the disciples of Christ, and especially Thomas, that they could not believe that the Lord arose from the dead and was alive.

We see in the apostles that we are truly nothing when Christ withdraws his hand and we are left to ourselves. The women had announced it, and now the disciples themselves proclaim that they had seen the risen Lord. Yet Thomas is stubborn and will not believe it; he will not be satisfied even if he see him, unless it be that he sees the print of the nails in his hands and puts his fingers into the print of the nails and his hand into his side. The beloved disciple will thus himself be lost and condemned, in that he will not believe. For there can be no forgiveness of sins, nor salvation, if one believes not. And Thomas would have perished and been condemned in his unbelief, had not Christ rescued him from it by this revelation.

Thus the Holy Spirit illustrates in this example that without faith we are simply blind and completely hardened, as we see everywhere in the Holy Scriptures that the human heart is the hardest thing in the world, harder than steel and adamant. On the other hand, if it be bashful, despondent and soft, there is not water, nor oil so soft as the human heart. So soon had the apostles forgotten all the signs and words they had seen and heard from him, that the Lord had enough to do during the forty days after his resurrection in various appearances and revelations, besides eating and drinking with them — all for the purpose that they might be assured that he is risen.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 259–60.

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Preference http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 21 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

15 When one of those who sat at table with him heard this, he said to him, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!” 16 But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; 17 and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for all is now ready.’ 18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.’

Luke 14:15–18, RSV

From Luther

The many who are bidden are the Jews and all the people of Israel, who from Abraham on, and especially through the prophets, had been invited. To the patriarch Abraham as the father of this people was this supper first announced. After that the prophets carried it further and directed the attention of the people to it, so that nothing was wanting on the part of the Lord our God, but all were diligently invited. When the hour came to go to the table, that is, when the time came for our Lord Christ to be born, to suffer and rise again from the dead, then the servants went out, John the Baptist and the apostles, and said to the people of Israel: Hitherto you have been invited, now is the time to come, now the supper is ready. Your Messiah is already born, has died, and is risen again, do not remain away any longer, come to the table, eat and be happy, that is, accept your promised treasure with joy, who has according to promise delivered you from the curse of sin and condemnation and has saved you.

The Jews excused themselves thus: We cannot accept the doctrine, for it is opposed to the priesthood and to the law, which God himself has given us through Moses. Besides, it also creates divisions in our kingdom which God has confirmed. We must see how to maintain our own affairs. Thus the first one excuses himself with his land, the second with his oxen, and both think they do well; the third does not even excuse himself at all, but simply says he cannot come.

These are the excuses of the Jews as well as our own, which we prefer against the gospel, for we are no better than they were. In the same manner our Papists excuse themselves and say: The doctrine is right of course, but we must still adhere to the Church and her orderly government. We must above all things maintain obedience to the worldly power, so that there be no disturbance and insurrection. But how will it end with them? Just as it did with the Jews. They held so long to their law, priesthood, kingdom and treasures, until they went to destruction and they lost one after the other. They desired not this supper, but preferred their priesthood to the gospel.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 258–59.

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Division http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 20 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you assemble as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and I partly believe it, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you meet together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal, and one is hungry and another is drunk. 

1 Corinthians 11:17–21, RSV

From Luther

Discord is a deplorable offense among Christians, putting them in the worst possible light, and making it impossible for them to steer clear of factions. Divisions are an offense to the world’s wisest and best, who cry out, “If the Christians’ doctrine were true, they would preserve unity among themselves, but as it is, they envy and slander and devour one another.” But we cannot altogether prevent discord in the Church. For wherever the Word of God has a foothold, there the devil will be. By the agency of his factions he will always build his taverns and kitchens by the side of God’s house. So he did at first in Paradise. He entrenched himself in the family of Adam, establishing there his church. Such has been his practice ever since, and doubtless ever will be. He who takes offense at differences in the Church, who when he sees any discord at once concludes there is no Church there, will in the end miss both Church and Christ. You will never find any congregation of such purity that all its members are unanimous on every point of belief and teaching and all live in perfect harmony.

Paul had experience in this matter in the case of the beautiful and famed Church of Corinth, which he himself had planted and taught two years. Soon after his departure they began to disagree about their preachers and to attach themselves to certain ones—some to Paul, some to Peter, some to Apollos. Though they had been unanimous in their doctrine, yet men would cleave to a certain one because he was more gifted than the others, could speak better, or was more attractive in personal appearance. And among the ministers of the Church, if one had a special gift or office, he thought he ought to be a little better and a little greater than the others. Necessarily, from such division and inharmony grew hatred, strife and jealousy, resulting in great injury and disorder to the Church. We must, as far as possible, guard against this fatal evil, though we cannot altogether keep it out of the Church.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 256–57.

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Every Christian http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 19 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” 

John 20:21–23, RSV

From Luther

The first and highest work of love a Christian ought to do when he has become a believer is to bring others also to believe in the way he himself came to believe. Here you notice Christ begins and institutes the office of the ministry of the external Word in every Christian; for he himself came with this office and the external Word. Let us lay hold of this, for we must admit that it was spoken to us. In this way the Lord says: You have now received from me peace and joy and all you should have; you need nothing more for your person. Therefore labor now and follow my example, as I have done, so do ye. My Father sent me into the world only for your sake, that I might serve you, not for my own benefit, but that I might serve you. I have finished the work, have died for you, and have given you all that I am and have; remember that ye do likewise, and henceforth serve and help everybody. By faith ye have enough of everything. Hence I send you into the world as my Father hath sent me; namely, that every Christian should instruct and teach his neighbor, that he may also come to Christ. By this no power is delegated exclusively to popes and bishops, but all Christians are commanded to profess their faith publicly and also to lead others to believe.

By faith you will accomplish this. It will make you righteous before God and save you. But this faith you are to show in love; not that you are to seek to merit anything by your works; for all in heaven and earth is yours beforehand; but that you serve your neighbor thereby. So then I obey the civil government, for I know that Christ was obedient to it, and yet he had no need to be; he did it only for our sakes. Therefore I will also do it for Christ’s sake and in behalf of my neighbor, and for the reason alone that I may prove my faith by my love. If you do not show such proofs of faith, it is certain that your faith is not right. In this manner the apostles also exhort us in their writings to do good works.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 255–56.

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Being Acceptable to God http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 18 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

19 “There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, full of sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table

Luke 16:19–21, RSV

From Luther

We must not judge poor Lazarus in his sores, poverty and anxiety according to his outward appearance. Many persons suffer from affliction and want, and gain nothing from it. Poverty and suffering make no one acceptable to God; but if he is already acceptable to God, his poverty and suffering are precious in God’s eyes. Therefore we must look into the heart of Lazarus to seek the treasure, which make his sores so precious. This must surely have been his faith and love; for without faith it is impossible to please God. His heart must have confessed that even in the midst of poverty and misery he expected all good from God, and comfortably relied upon him, with whose blessings and grace he was so abundantly satisfied, and had such pleasure in them that he would have heartily and willingly suffered even more misery, if the will of his gracious God had so determined. A true and living faith softened his heart by the knowledge of the divine goodness, so that nothing was too heavy or too much to suffer or to do. Thus faith makes the heart clever and skillful, when it experiences the grace of God.

From this faith follows another virtue, namely, love to one’s neighbor, so that he is willing and ready to serve every one; but since Lazarus is poor and in misery himself, he had nothing with which he could serve others; therefore his good will is taken for the deed. But this lack of service in temporal things he abundantly makes good by his service in things spiritual. For even now, long after his death, he serves the whole world with his sores, hunger, and misery. His bodily hunger feeds our spiritual hunger; his bodily nakedness clothes our spiritual nakedness; his bodily sores heal our spiritual sores; by his example he comforts and teaches us how God is pleased with us, when we are not prosperous here on earth, if we believe; and warns us how God is angry with us, even if we are prosperous in our unbelief; just as God had pleasure in Lazarus in his misery, and was displeased with the rich man in his abundance.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 254–55.

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Dead and Alive http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 17 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

6 We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For he who has died is freed from sin. 8 But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. 9 For we know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 The death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 

Romans 6:6–11, RSV

From Luther

Man is here called old, not because of his years; for it is possible for a man to be young and strong and vigorous and yet to be without faith or a religious spirit, to despise God, to be greedy and vainglorious, or to live in pride or the conceit of wisdom and power. But he is called “the old man” because he is unconverted, unchanged from his original condition as a sinful descendant of Adam. The child of a day is included as well as the man of eighty years; we are all thus from our mother’s womb. The more sins a man commits, the older and more unfit he is before God. This old man, says Paul, must be crucified — utterly condemned, executed, put out of the way, even here in this life. For where he still remains in his strength, faith and spirit cannot be; man remains in his sins, drowned under the wrath of God, troubled with an evil conscience which condemns him and keeps him out of God’s kingdom.

The “new man” is one who has turned to God in repentance, who has a new heart and understanding, and who, through the power of the Holy Spirit lives in accordance with the Word and will of God. It begins in baptism or in repentance and conversion. It resists and subdues the old man and its sinful lusts through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Although the “old man” is crucified in those who are new men, yet there remains in them in this life “the body of sin.” By this we understand the remaining lusts of the “old man,” which are still felt to be active in the flesh and blood, and which would fain resist the Spirit. But inasmuch as the head and life of sin are destroyed, these lusts cannot harm the Christian. Still he must take care not to become obedient to them, lest the “old man” come to power again. The new man must keep the upper hand; the remaining lusts must be weakened and subdued. And this body of ours must finally decay and turn to dust, thereby utterly annihilating sin in it.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 253–54.

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Nagging Questions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 16 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

33 O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 

Romans 11:33–34, RSV

From Luther

Paul writes these words against those impudent questions of wise reason, why God punished and rejected the Jews, and allowed the condemned heathen to come into gospel grace; why he so administers justice as to exalt the godless and allow the godly to suffer and be oppressed; why he elected Judas as an apostle and afterwards rejected him; why he accepted a murderer and malefactor. With these words he would command these would-be wise to cease their impertinent strivings after the things of the hidden Majesty, and to confine themselves to the revelation he has given them. All such prying into the secrets of God are in vain and are harmful. If you were to search forever you would nowhere attain the secret purposes of God, but you would only jeopardize the welfare of your own soul.

If you wish to proceed wisely you can do no better than to be interested in God’s Word and works. In them he has revealed himself, and in them he may be comprehended. He presents you his Son on the cross—this is the work for your redemption. In it you may truly apprehend God, and learn that he will condemn you on account of your sins, but give you everlasting life, if you believe.

In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. In this you will have enough to learn and ponder. You will marvel at the wonderful revelation of God, and you will be delighted with him and love him. It is a mine which can never be exhausted in this life, no matter how much we study. Even the angels never tire in its contemplation, but find unceasing joy and pleasure in it.

I say this so that we may be prepared to instruct those we may meet who, assailed and tormented by such thoughts of the devil, are led to tempt God. Such individuals must be reminded of these things, and reproved by them.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 252–53.

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The Comfort of Communion http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 15 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word 

16 But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; 17 and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for all is now ready.’

Luke 14:16–17, RSV

From Luther

The man who prepared this supper is our Lord God himself. He is a great and rich Lord who once prepared a feast in accordance with his glorious majesty and honor. It was a supper called great and glorious not only on account of the host, who is God himself, but on account of the food, which is beyond all measure great and costly, namely, the holy gospel, yea, Christ our Lord himself. He is himself the food, offered unto us through the gospel, in that he made satisfaction by his death for our sins, and has redeemed us from the misery of eternal death, of hell, of the wrath of God, sin and eternal condemnation.
The preaching of Christ is the great and glorious supper, which feeds his guests, satisfies them through holy baptism, and comforts and strengthens them through the sacrament of his body and blood, that nothing may be wanting, a great plenty be on hand, and all become satisfied. Thus it is justly called a great and glorious supper on account of the food so richly prepared, that no tongue can describe it and no heart fully grasp it.

It is an eternal food and drink by partaking of which a man shall never more thirst nor hunger, but be forever satisfied and become joyful. Nor is it only for one man, but for the whole wide world, even if it were ten times wider. It is an inexhaustible food. To believe in Christ our Lord means to eat and drink, from which the people become satisfied, strong and joyful forever.

To this you have been invited, now is the time to come, now the supper is ready. Your Lord Jesus Christ is already born, has died and risen again, therefore do not remain away any longer, accept your promised treasure with joy, come to the table, eat and be happy.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 251–52.

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Scripture and a reading from Luther's sermons and devotional writings http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 14 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For he who has died is freed from sin. 8 But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. 9 For we know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 The death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 

Romans 6:3–11, RSV

From Luther

Christ’s death and resurrection and our baptism are intimately united with, and related to one another. Baptism is not to be regarded a mere empty sign, as the Anabaptists erroneously hold. In it is embodied the power of Christ’s death and resurrection. Through baptism he dedicates us to himself and imparts to us the power of his death and resurrection, to the end that both death and life may follow in us. Hence our sins are crucified through his death and taken away, that they may finally die in us and live no longer.

Being subjected to the water in baptism signifies that we die in Christ. Coming forth from the water teaches and imparts to us a new life in him, as Christ remained not in death, but was raised again to life. Such life should not and cannot be a life of sin, because sin was crucified before in us and we had to die to it. It must be a new life of righteousness and holiness, as through his resurrection Christ finally destroyed sin, on account of which he had to die, and instead he brought to himself the true life of righteousness and imparts it to us. Hence we are said to be planted together with Christ or united with him and become one, so that we have in us the power of his death and resurrection.

The Christian’s death and suffering on earth are not really death and harm, but a planting unto life; being redeemed from death and sin by the resurrection, we shall live eternally. For that which is planted is planted that it may sprout and grow. So Christ was planted through death unto life; for not until he was released from this mortal life and from the sin which rested on him and brought him into death on our account, did he come into his divine glory and power. Since this planting begins in baptism and by faith we possess life in Christ, it is evident that this life must strike root in us and bear fruit. For that which is planted is not planted without purpose; it is to grow and bear fruit. So we must prove by our new conversation and by our fruits that we are planted into Christ unto life.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 250–51.

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The Need of a Savior http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 13 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

13 No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” 

John 3:13–15, RSV

From Luther

It is thus that Christ pictures his own person. He is the promised Saviour come from heaven; he is the true Son of God from eternity. If he is come from heaven he must have been with God from eternity. He descended from heaven again, but he has taken upon himself the nature of man and has dwelt among us on earth. For this reason he here calls himself the Son of man, that is, actual man, having flesh and blood like we have. He divested himself of the form of God, and went about in the form of a servant, enduring suffering and death, until such time as he was delivered from this state and was exalted again and seated at the right hand of God, having now been made Lord over death and hell and all elements of his human nature. All this he has manifested by his visible ascension when he was taken up in the clouds before the eyes of his disciples.

Of these things the Pharisees were in utter ignorance. They could not at all conceive that their Messiah had to be sent from heaven that he might redeem and reconcile all the world and particularly his own Jewish people. Much less did they understand that he had to die on the cross, that he must be crucified and become a sacrifice for their sins and the sins of the world. The reason was because they failed to recognize that the whole nature of man in the sight of God merited only damnation and perdition, and were so bold as to imagine that they could atone for their own sins by their good works and consequently would need no Messiah.

All ability of men, no matter how wise, learned and holy they are, is of no avail. No man can enter heaven as he descended from Adam. There never was a saint who in his own merit could go to heaven, whether Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, John, or any other. Before man can enter the kingdom of heaven and receive eternal life, there must first come One who has eternal righteousness and life, who appeases God’s anger and abolishes sin and death.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 248–49.

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The Overthrow of Nature http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 12 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ 8 The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit.”

John 3:4–8, RSV

From Luther

How a man is born again may easily be told in words. When, however, it is a matter of experience, as it was with Nicodemus, it is a hard matter to understand and it requires effort to attain the experience. To persevere in this, when it becomes a matter of experience and when we are really tested, requires pains and labor.

Now the beginning of this birth is in baptism. The water is baptism, the Spirit is that grace which is given to us in baptism. The result of this birth is clearly seen in the hour of death or in times of test by poverty and temptation. He who is born of the flesh fights to defend himself, looks hither and thither, employs his reason to make his living. But he who is born anew reasons thus: I am in God’s hands who has preserved and nourished me before in a wonderful manner; he will also feed and preserve me in the future and save me from all sorrow and misfortune.

When we are about to die we feel that we must depart and we know not whither; the house of shelter is not ready and we know not whether it will be white or black. Where there is flesh and blood there is still the old Adam, who knows not whither he shall go, nor on what he shall rest his soul. There is anxiety and misery in the nature of a real hell; for the torments of hell are nothing but fear, terror and despair. But if I believe in God and am born anew, I close my eyes and do not grope about. I am willing that the condition of the soul be changed entirely. I think: O God, my soul is in thy hands; thou hast preserved it during my life and I have never known where thou hast put it, neither do I wish to know to which place thou wilt assign it. I only know that it is in thy hands and thou wilt take care of it. Thus we must abandon the life of the flesh and enter into a new life, being dead to the old. There must be a real change and an entire transformation of nature; the state of nature and feeling must be completely overthrown.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 247–48.

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One God, One Mind http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 11 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were heathen, you were led astray to dumb idols, however you may have been moved. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus be cursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 

1 Corinthians 12:1–7, RSV

From Luther

Saint Augustine tells us that the city of Rome alone had more than four hundred gods, and that it erected a church for all the gods of the world — the Pantheon. Paul reminds the Corinthians of their manner of life before they became Christians, for he would have them pause to think that their gifts, past and present, are not of their own procuring, nor are any gifts bestowed upon them because of merit on their part. Recall, he would say, your manner of life before you came to Christ. What were you? Heathen in darkness, having no knowledge of God, but suffering yourselves blindly to be led by any one who would say aught to you of God. All your devotion was but a discordant worship. Each one — the child in the cradle, the infant at the mother’s breast — must have his own idol. These superstitions you accepted as you were taught; you followed after them, praying and sacrificing to them, setting your hearts upon dumb idols which could not teach nor advise you, could not comfort, relieve nor help you.

But now you have turned from that manifold idolatry to the one true worship and have been enlightened by God’s Word. More than that, great and glorious gifts have been bestowed upon you in Christ, as the discerning of the Scriptures, diversity of tongues, power to work miracles — things impossible to the world. It is unmistakably evident that you embrace the true God, who does not, like dumb idols, leave you to wander in the error of your speculations, uncounseled by the Word; a living God, who speaks to you that you may know what to expect from him, and works among you publicly and visibly. Therefore it is not for you to make divisions among yourselves after the manner of the heathen, where one runs to this idol and another to that, each claiming superiority for his own. Knowing that you all embrace the one true God and his Word, you are to hold together in one faith and one mind, not disagreeing as if you had a variety of gods, of faiths, of baptisms, spirits and salvations.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 246–47.

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The Bread of Life http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 10 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh.” 

John 6:48–51, RSV

From Luther

In these words the soul finds a well prepared table, at which it satisfies all hunger; for it knows of a certainty that he who speaks cannot lie. Therefore the soul falls upon the Word, clings to it, trusts in it, and builds its dwelling place in the strength of this well-prepared table. The living bread of which the Lord here speaks, is Christ himself. If in our hearts we lay hold of only a morsel of this bread, we shall have forever enough and can never be separated from God. The partaking of this bread is nothing but faith in Christ our Lord. He who eats of this food lives forever.

Notice that the Lord approaches us so lovingly and graciously, and offers himself to us in such gentle words that it should in all reason move the heart to believe on him; to believe that this bread, his flesh and blood, born of the Virgin Mary, was given because he had to pay the penalty of death and suffer in our stead the torments of hell, and besides suffer the guilt of sins he never committed, as if they were his own. This he did willingly and received us as brethren and sisters. If we believe this we do the will of the heavenly Father, which is nothing else than that we believe on the Son.

Therefore a Christian life is a life of bliss and joy. Christ’s yoke is easy and sweet. If we rightly appropriated the words of Christ, they would be of much greater comfort to us. But these words are not to be misconstrued and made to refer to the sacrament of the altar. There is not a letter of it that refers to the Lord’s Supper. The whole chapter from which the passage is taken speaks of nothing but the spiritual food, namely, faith. The sacrament of the altar is a testament and confirmation of this true supper, with which we should strengthen our faith and be assured that this body and this blood, which we receive in the sacrament, has rescued us from sin and death and all misery. It is now evident that whoever has faith in this bread of heaven, of which he here speaks, has already done the will of God and eaten of the heavenly manna.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 245–46.

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God Forbid! http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 09 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 

Romans 6:14–15, RSV

From Luther

When we preach the forgiveness of sins by pure grace without any merit of man, the perversity of the world claims that we either forbid good works, or else try to draw the conclusion that man may continue to live in sin and follow his own pleasure; the fact is, that people may be induced to do good works by our teaching to the praise, honor and glory of God. Our teaching, rightly apprehended, does not lead to pride and vice, but to humility and obedience.

In matters of temporal government, whether domestic or civil, it is understood that he who asks for pardon confesses himself guilty, acknowledges his error and promises to reform and transgress no more. When the judge extends mercy and pardon to the thief deserving the gallows, the law is canceled by grace. But though the law is indeed canceled for him and grace delivers him from the rope and the sword, life is not granted him that he may continue to steal and murder; he is rather supposed to become honest and virtuous. If he does not, the law will again overtake him and punish him as he deserves.

Every one can readily comprehend this principle in temporal things; no one is so stupid as to tolerate the idea of grace being granted to extend opportunity to do wrong. It is only the gospel doctrine concerning God’s grace and the forgiveness of sin that must suffer the slanderous misrepresentation that makes it abolish good works or give occasion for sin. We are told that God, in his unfathomable grace, has canceled the sentence of eternal death and hell-fire which, according to the law and divine judgment, we deserved, and has given us instead the freedom of life eternal; thus our life is purely of grace. Certainly we are not pardoned that we may live as before when, under condemnation and wrath, we incurred death. We are to conduct ourselves as men made alive and saved, that we fall not from grace and pass again under judgment and the sentence of eternal death.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 244–45.

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True Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 08 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!

Matthew 23:37, RSV

From Luther

The Lord has given us here a lovely picture and parable of what he does for the sake of faith and believers, so that I do not know of a more beautiful passage in all the Scriptures. The Lord here emphasizes his good will and favor to the Jews and says he would gladly be their mother hen, had they wished to be his little chickens. O man! In this picture you will see how you are to conduct yourself towards Christ, and to what end he is to benefit you, how you should make use of him and enjoy him.

It is certain that our souls are the chickens, and Satan and wicked spirits are the buzzards in the air, with only this exception that we are not as wise as the chickens which flee to the hen; while the spirits of Satan are more subtle to rob us of our souls than the buzzards are to steal the chickens. Faith, if it is true faith, is of such a nature that it does not rely upon itself, but holds to Christ, and takes refuge under his righteousness; he lets this righteousness be its shield and protection, just like the little chicken never trusts in its own efforts, but takes refuge under the body and wings of the hen.

It is not sufficient for one who is to stand before the judgment of God to say, I believe and have grace; for all that is within him is not able to protect him; but he proffers to this judgment Christ’s righteousness which he permits to plead for him at the judgment seat of God. Under this righteousness he creeps, crouches and stoops, he confides in it and believes without doubt that he will be sustained by that same faith, not for his sake, nor for the sake of such faith, but for the sake of Christ and his righteousness under which he takes refuge. A faith that does not do this is not true faith. Thus also the Psalmist says, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. He is my refuge and my fortress. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust.”

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 242–43.

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Losing Faith in Self http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 07 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:44, RSV

From Luther

He must surely perish whom the Father does not draw. Thus it is decreed, that whoever does not come to this Son must be condemned forever. The Son is given us only to the end that he may save us; besides him, nothing saves us either in heaven or on earth. If he does not help us, nothing will. If the Father does not come first and draw men, they must forever perish. The Father must lay the first stone of the foundation in us, else we will never do anything. This is accomplished in the following way:

God sends his preachers, whom he has taught to preach to us his will. First he instructs us that our entire lives and characters, however holy and beautiful they may be, are nothing before him; this is called a preaching of the law. Then he offers us grace; he tells us that he will not utterly condemn and reject us, but makes us heirs of his kingdom, lords over all that is in heaven and upon earth. This is called preaching grace, or the gospel. But God is the origin of all; God first sends the preachers and constrains them to preach. Where the pure and plain Word of God goes, it breaks to pieces everything that is exalted of man, it makes valleys of all their mountains, and all their hills it makes low. Every heart that hears this Word must lose faith in itself, else it will not be able to come to Christ. God’s works do nothing but destroy and make alive, condemn and administer salvation.

Hence, a person who is thus smitten in his heart by God to confess that he is one who must be condemned on account of his sins, is like the righteous man whom with the words of this gospel God first wounds, and because of that wound fixes upon him the band of his divine grace, by which he draws him, so that he must seek help and counsel for his soul. Before he could not obtain any help or counsel from God, nor did he ever desire it; but now he finds the first comfort and promise of God. From such promise he will ever continue to gain courage as long as he lives and will ever win greater and greater confidence in God.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 241–42.

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Scripture and a reading from Luther's sermons and devotional writings http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 06 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Cain said to Abel his brother, “Let us go out to the field.” And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him.

Genesis 4:8, RSV

From Luther

Cain is the image and picture of all hypocrites and murderers, who kill under the show of godliness. Cain, possessed by Satan, hides his wrath, waiting the opportunity to slay his brother Abel; meanwhile he converses with him, as a brother beloved, that he might the sooner lay his hands on him unawares. Let us learn to know a Cain and to beware when he speaks kindly as a brother to brother. It is in this way that our adversaries talk with us in our day, while they pretend a desire for concord, and seek to bring about doctrinal harmony.

Our ministry at the present day deserves no blame. We teach, we exhort, we entreat, we rebuke, we turn ourselves every way, that we may recall the multitude from their self-security to the fear of God. But the world, like an untamed beast, goes on and follows not the Word, but its own lusts, which it tries to smooth over with a show of uprightness. The prophets and apostles are before us as examples, and our own experience is also instructive.

Learn then what a hypocrite is, namely, one who lays claim to the worship of God and to charity, and at the same time destroys the worship of God and kills his brother. All this semblance of good will is only intended to bring about better opportunities of doing harm. Light is cast here upon the bondage of Satan by which our nature, entangled in sins, is oppressed. Hence Paul speaks of the “children of wrath” and declares that such are taken captive by Satan. For nature, destitute of the Holy Spirit, is impelled by the same evil spirit which impelled wicked Cain. If, however, there were in any one those ample powers, or that free will, by which a man might defend himself against the assaults of Satan, these gifts would most assuredly have existed in Cain, to whom belonged the birthright and the promise of the blessed seed. All men are in that very same condition; unless our nature be helped by the Spirit of God, it cannot maintain itself.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 240–41.

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Temperance http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 05 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, 20 always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. 

Ephesians 5:15–20 ,RSV

From Luther

God having in his infinite goodness so richly shed upon us in these latter times the gospel of light, we ought in honor and gratitude to him try to reform ourselves in the matter of intemperance. We should fear lest through this evil, besides committing other sins, we draw upon us the wrath and punishment of God. For naught else can result from the pernicious life of intemperance but false security and contempt of God. Individuals continually dead in drunkenness, buried in excesses, living like swine, cannot fear God, cannot be occupied with divine things. Such are the excesses now to be seen in the courts of princes—banqueting and drinking — that one would think they meant to devour the resources of the country in a single hour. Lords, princes, and noblemen — the entire country — are ruined, reduced to beggary, for the reason that God’s gifts are so inhumanly wasted and destroyed.

The evil of drunkenness has, alas, gained such ascendancy as to be past restraint unless the Word of God may exert some controlling influence among the few, the individuals who are still human and who would be Christians. It is my opinion that if God does not sometime check the vice by a special judgment, even women and children will become inebriate, and when the last day arrives no Christian will be found, but all souls will descend drunken into the abyss of hell. Let all who desire to be Christians know that it is incumbent upon them to manifest the virtue of temperance; that drunken sots have no place among Christians, and cannot be saved until they amend their ways, until they reform from their evil habits.

Just as idolatry and adultery are sins excluding from heaven, so drunkenness is a sin which bars from the blessings of baptism, from remission of sins, faith in Christ, and personal salvation. Hence, if you would be a Christian and be saved, you must lead a sober and temperate life.

O God, how shameless and ungrateful we are, we so highly blessed of God in having his Word and in being liberated from the tyranny of the pope, who desired our sweat and blood—how ungrateful in the face of these things not to amend our lives in some measure in honor of the gospel, and in praise and gratitude to God.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 239–40.

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The Two Kingdoms http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 04 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

15 Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how to entangle him in his talk. 16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true, and teach the way of God truthfully, and care for no man; for you do not regard the position of men. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the money for the tax.” And they brought him a coin. 20 And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21 They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Matthew 22:15–21, RSV

From Luther

We must keep this truth before our eyes; it is our rule of conduct toward the two kingdoms, God’s and Caesar’s, so as to give to each the honor due him. In both there are many who abuse the charge and position committed to them, especially toward Christians. We must suffer this, but at the same time we maintain our right to punish them by word of mouth, telling them the truth and hurling back the accusations heaped upon us. In so doing we satisfy justice and fulfil our duty; the rest we commit to God.

The teaching of Christ is the doctrine we insist on, that the two powers, God’s and Caesar’s, or spiritual and temporal kingdoms, must be kept apart, as Christ does here in clear and brief declaration, making not only a distinction, but also finely illustrating how each is to be considered and administered. It is ordained of God that subjects shall give to their rulers what they need; when he commands them to give, it is implied that these may take; and where we are to give what is due, there we infer that we owe them something, so that the language might be “return” rather than simply “render” or “give.” This is something for subjects under civil authority.

On the other hand, there are restrictions placed upon rulers that they govern in the same spirit, and not take from their subjects what is not due them; that they remember to give and do also what they are in duty bound to do by virtue of their presiding over countries and nations, so that they may grow and prosper. That is why rulers are elevated by God to their respective positions of honor, not that they hold their positions as extortioners, doing what they like.

If this were emphasized it would be found that the world is full of real thieves and rogues, rulers as well as subjects, and the number would indeed be small, from the highest to the lowest, who obey and do what is right. Subjects are most generally disposed to cheat their ruler and appropriate to their own use what is his, to say nothing of giving cheerfully. Princes and officeholders wish to have the name of being Christians, yet they do only what suits them and would gladly usurp the places of their superiors.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 237–38.

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The Death of Sin http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 03 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.solapublishing.com/

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 

Romans 6:1–4, RSV

From Luther

The apostle speaks in his own Pauline style concerning the power of baptism, which derives its efficacy from the death of Christ. By his death he has paid for and taken away our sins; his death has been an actual strangling and putting to death of sin; it no longer has dominion over him. Through his death we have obtained forgiveness of sins; that sin may not condemn us, we die unto sin through that power which Christ — because we are baptized into him — imparts to and works in us.

He further declares that we are not only baptized into his death, but, by the same baptism, we are buried with him into death; for in his death he took our sins with him into the grave, burying them completely and leaving them there. To those who through baptism are in Christ, sin is completely destroyed and buried, and shall remain so; but we, through his resurrection — which, by faith, gives us the victory over sin and death and bestows upon us everlasting righteousness and life — should henceforth walk in newness of life.

Having these things through baptism, we dare no longer obey — live unto — the sin which still dwells in our flesh and blood in this life; we must daily strangle it so that it may have no power, nor life in us if we desire to be found in the estate and life of Christ. The fact that Christ himself had to die for sin is evidence of the severe wrath of God against sin. Sin had to be put to death and laid away in the grave in the body of Christ. Thereby God shows us that he will not countenance sin in us, but has given us Christ and baptism for the purpose of putting to death and burying sin in our bodies.

Thus Christ was buried that he might, through forgiveness, cover up and destroy our sin, whether actually committed or inherent in us. He was buried that he might, through the Holy Spirit, mortify this flesh and blood with its inherent sinful lusts; they must no longer have dominion over us, but must be subject to the Spirit until we are utterly free from them.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 236–37.

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Strong Medicine http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 02 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

20 Law came in, to increase the trespass; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Romans 5:20–21, RSV

From Luther

When we preach that grace is bestowed upon us and the forgiveness of sins without any merit on our part, people are disposed to regard themselves as free from obligation and will do no works except those to which their own desires prompt them. This was Paul’s experience when he so strongly commended the grace of Christ and its consolation. The rude crowd cried: Oh, is it true that great grace follows upon great sin? In that case we will cheerfully load ourselves with sin so that we may receive the greater grace.

Such argument Paul refutes. He says: It is not the intention of the gospel to teach sin or to allow it, but the very opposite—how we may escape from sin and from the awful wrath of God which it incurs. Paul does not teach that grace is acquired through sin, nor that sin brings grace, but on the contrary he says: “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.” Escape is not effected by any doings of our own, but by the fact that God, out of pure grace, forgives us our sins for his Son’s sake; for in us God finds nothing but sin and condemnation.

But because the sins of men which are taken away are so grievous and numerous, the grace which drowns and destroys them must be mighty and abundant also. Where there is great thirst, a great draft is needed to quench it. Where there is a mighty conflagration, powerful streams of water are necessary to extinguish it. In cases of severe illness, strong medicine is essential to a cure. But these facts do not give us authority to say: Let us cheerfully drink to satiety that we may become more thirsty for good wine; or, let us injure ourselves and make ourselves ill that medicine may do us more good. Still less does it follow that we may heap up and multiply sins for the purpose of receiving more abundant grace. Grace does not give license to sin, but where there are many and great sins, there also reigns great, abundant and rich grace.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 235–36.

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Blessed Eyes http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 01 Jul 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

21 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will. 22 All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” 23 Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see what you see! 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” 

Luke 10:21–24, RSV

From Luther

This hearing and seeing must be understood as simply external, namely, that they saw Christ, heard his preaching, and witnessed the miracles which he performed. Certainly the Jews also beheld these things with their natural eyes, and some of them indeed experienced them in part at least in their hearts; but in fact they did not recognize him as the Christ, like the apostles and like Peter, who, representing all the others, said, “Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.” Some of the Jews, indeed, like the apostles, recognized him as the Christ, but they were few.

In spirit, however, many prophets and kings saw Christ, as he himself says to the Jews concerning Abraham, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and he saw it, and was glad.” The Jews thought he spoke of natural seeing, but he spoke of spiritual sight, as all pious hearts saw him before he was born, and still see him. If Abraham saw him, doubtless many prophets in whom the Holy Ghost dwells saw him; and though this seeing made the holy fathers and prophets blessed, still they had a heartfelt desire to behold Christ the Lord in the flesh, as is intimated time and again in the prophets.

Therefore the Lord here says to his disciples, who saw both with their natural and spiritual eyes, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see,” as though we would say, This is a blessed time, an acceptable year, a special season of grace. That which is now at hand is so precious that the eyes which see it are truly called blessed. In the past ages the gospel was never preached so publicly and clearly unto all men as at present. The Holy Spirit was not yet publicly poured out, but Christ had begun the work of the Holy Spirit, and afterwards the apostles continued it in great earnestness. Therefore he calls all those blessed who hear and see this grace in Christ.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 234–35.

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Subject to Hope http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 30 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

20 ...for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now; 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Romans 8:20–23, RSV

From Luther

Paul tells us the whole creation groans and travails with us, ungodly; “subject to vanity,” he phrases it. The blessed sun, most glorious of created things, serves the small minority of the godly. Where it shines on one godly man it must shine on thousands of knaves, enemies of God, blasphemers, persecutors, murderers, robbers, thieves, adulterers, with whom the world is filled. To these it must minister in all their ungodliness and wickedness, permitting its pure and glorious rays to benefit the most unworthy, most shameful and abandoned profligates. This subjection is truly painful, and were the sun a rational creature, obeying its own volition rather than the decree of the Lord who has subjected it to vanity against its will, it might deny every one of these wicked wretches even the least ray of light; that it is compelled to minister to them is its cross and pain, by reason of which it sighs and groans.

Paus tells us the whole creation groans and travails with us, as if desiring relief from anguish. The heavenly planets would gladly be free from serving; the earth would readily become unfruitful; all waters would voluntarily sink from sight and deny the wicked world a draught; the sheep would prefer to produce thorns for the ungodly instead of wool; the cow would rather yield them poison than milk. But they must perform their appointed work, Paul says, because of him who has subjected them in hope. God will finally answer the cry of creation; he has already determined that after the six thousand years of its existence now past, the world shall have its evening and end.

Since man has fallen in sin, we all — the whole creation — must suffer the consequence and be subject to vanity. All created things must be under the power of a condemned world, and compelled to serve with all their energies until God shall overthrow the entire world and for the elect's sake purify again and renew the creature.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 233–34.

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Exercising Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 29 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

1 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; 2 but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

John 10:1–4, RSV

From Luther

This leading them out is Christian liberty. They are now free; no longer penned up and captive under anxious constraint and fear of the law and of divine judgment, but happily pastured and nourished in Christ’s sweet kingdom of grace. This liberty does not mean that the sheep, now without a fold and without a keeper, may run from their shepherd unrestrained into error; or that Christians can do whatsover the flesh lusteth. It means that now free from the terror of wolves, thieves, and murderers, they may live with their dear shepherd, in love and pleasure following where he leads and guides them; because they know that he defends and lovingly oversees them so that the law dare no longer accuse and condemn them, even though they are weak as to the flesh and have not perfectly fulfilled the law. For the Lord, God’s Son, is the shepherd, who takes the sheep under his grace, his shelter and protection; he who will accuse or condemn the sheep must first accuse or condemn the Lord himself.

This is the Christian’s life under their shepherd. Christ ever rules, leads and guides them. They remain with him in the liberty of faith, wherein they walk, following his example in obedience and good works. Christ’s kingdom was not instituted that we might indulge the lusts of our flesh; but that we, released from the captivity of the law, under which we could not in sincerity do anything good, follow Christ cheerfully and with a good conscience in our lives and works. Each responds as Christ calls him, a special instrument for Christ’s use.

To follow Christ means that our whole life and all our works be in the faith of Christ — a constant exercise of faith, wherein we are recognized and are assured that because of this dear shepherd we have favor with God. Thus our works and lives, weak and imperfect in obedience as they are, are also under the wings of the mother hen, and are pleasing to God because of the shepherd. In this confidence we now begin to be obedient, to call upon him in our temptations and needs, confess his Word, and serve our neighbors. To this end a Christian constantly needs the Word of Christ; he needs to learn from it and to exercise himself in it.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 231–32.

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The Rest of Conscience http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 28 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

17 For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. 18 He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 

John 3:17–18, RSV

From Luther

With these words one can apprehend God as he is to be apprehended. You do not seek him; he rather seeks you and pictures his Son before you as a Saviour and not as a judge. It is a common practice to represent the gracious Saviour as a judge, and from this practice has sprung a dependence upon the merits of saints, causing us to turn away from Christ and take refuge in the saints. We fancy that the saints are more gracious and more kindly disposed to us than even God himself. Therefore, one says, St. Peter is my apostle; another says, St. Paul is my patron; and so on. But God cannot permit this; the glory must belong to him. My conscience must rest upon the foundation, the eternal, all-knowing truth. God alone is the truth, and the conscience must rest upon him and nothing else.

If I picture Christ as a judge, I shall fear him. The result will be that soon I am constrained before him, grow afraid of him and then hate him, and my heart becomes corrupt and blasphemous. But when I know him as the gospel pictures him, and long for him as the best friend that my heart can choose, then love soon follows. No friend can do as much for us as he has done. I forget father and mother, I have a strong confidence in him. But if one simply fears him, one falls back on his good works and does not recognize Christ as Mediator, thinking to run into the presence of God without him. In this way he works his own ruin.

Learn then from this lesson to know Christ aright and to hold him between yourself and the Father; let him be the sacrifice alone, which shall secure heaven and salvation. When this passage comes to mind in the hour of death, when the test comes, what comfort to meditate on its message — how the Lord came not to condemn the world, but to save it. He who believes cannot be lost, but will be saved, since it is true that naught accomplishes our salvation except Christ alone, who came to be our Saviour. Thus it follows that where faith is, there sin does no harm; for faith makes us Christ’s.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 230–31.

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The Humble Fear of God http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 27 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

5 Likewise you that are younger be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you.

1 Peter 5:5–6, RSV

From Luther

The heart, through knowledge of its sin, becomes terrified in the presence of God’s anger and anxiously seeks grace. Thus a humility is born, not merely external and before men, but of the heart and of God, from fear of God and knowledge of one’s own unworthiness and weakness. He who fears God and trembles at his word will surely not boast against any one. He will even manifest a gentle spirit toward his enemies. Therefore he finds favor with God and men.

The cause of this shall be “the mighty hand of God.” God’s hand is powerful and mighty in a twofold manner. It dashes down and overthrows the proud and self-secure, however hard and iron-like their heads and hearts may be. They must languish in dust and ashes; must lie despondent and desperate in the anguish and torments of hell, if he touch them but a little with the terrors of his anger. These are experiences through which the saints also pass, and concerning whose severity they lament.

In the second place God’s hand is mighty to raise, to comfort and strengthen the humble and fearful, and to exalt them. Those who have been cast down in terror should not despair, or flee before God, but rise again and be comforted in God. God wishes to have it preached and published that he never lays his hand upon us in order that we may perish and be damned. But he must pursue this course to lead us to repentance, else we would never inquire about his Word and will. If we seek his grace, he is ready to help us up again, to grant us forgiveness of sins, the Holy Spirit and eternal life.

So God will also “exalt you in due time.” Though his help be delayed, and the humble and suffering seem to lie oppressed all too long under his hand and to languish, let them hold to the promise Paul has given: God “will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able,” but will hear your cry, and will help at the proper time; and thus let us be comforted. God has already stretched forth his mighty hand, both to cast down the godless and to exalt the humble.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 229–30.

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God's Image in Our Neighbor http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 26 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

5 For your lifeblood I will surely require a reckoning; of every beast I will require it and of man; of every man’s brother I will require the life of man. 6 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for God made man in his own image.

Genesis 9:5–6, RSV

From Luther

When God saw that the world was growing worse and worse, he finally enforced punishment against the wicked world by the flood. Here, however, God bestows a share of his authority upon man, giving him the power of life and death, that thus he may be the avenger of bloodshed. Whosoever takes life without due warrant, him God subjects not only to his own judgment, but also to the sword of man. But men have no authority to slay except where guilt is apparent and crime is proven. Hence courts have been established and a definite method of proceeding instituted for the purpose of investigating and proving the crime before the sentence of death is passed.

The importance of this text and its claim to attention consists in the fact that it records the establishment of civil authority by God with the sword as the sign of power, in order that licence may be curbed and anger and other sins prevented from growing beyond all bounds. God foresaw that wickedness would ever flourish, and established this external remedy to prevent the infinite spread of license. By this safeguard God protects life and property. We find here no less a proof of God’s great love toward man than his promise that the flood shall never rage again.

Man is a noble creature, who, unlike other living beings, has been fashioned according to the image of God. While it is true that he has lost this image through sin, it is capable of being restored through the Word and the Holy Spirit. This image God desires us to revere in each other; he forbids us to shed blood by the exercise of sheer force. But the life of him who refuses to respect this image of God in man, and gives way to anger and provocation, is surrendered to civil authority by God, in that God commands that also his blood shall be shed.

Thus the passage under consideration teaches the establishment of civil authority in the world, which did not exist before the flood, by which they who have the sword are commanded to use it against those who have shed blood. Therefore it is for us to render obedience to the divine order and to endure it, so that we are not disobedient to the will of God at the very point where we derive benefit in so many ways.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 228–29.

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Cain or Abel? http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 25 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

10 By this it may be seen who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not do right is not of God, nor he who does not love his brother. 
11 For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12 and not be like Cain who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous.

1 John 3:10–12, RSV

From Luther

What offense had godly Abel committed against his brother to be so hated? He had regarded that brother as the first-born, had done him all honor and loved him as became a brother. He was easily satisfied, desiring simply the grace of God. He prayed for the future seed, for the salvation and happiness of his parents, his brother and the entire human race. How could Cain be so unmerciful and inhuman to murder his own flesh and blood?

The answer is found in the fact that the devil had filled Cain’s heart with pride and vanity over his birthright. He considered himself a man of distinction, whilst his brother was nothing. His heart is devoid of true brotherly love. He cannot endure God’s manifest favor toward his brother, and will not be moved by the injunction to humble himself and seek God’s grace. Anger and envy possess him so that he cannot tolerate his brother alive. He becomes a murderer, and then goes his way as if he had done right. This is what John means when he says that Cain had no other cause for his crime than that his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.

Similarly that obedient daughter of Saint Cain, the world, hates the Christians; and for no other reason than the latter’s love and goodness of heart. In this man Cain is pictured the world in its true characteristic colors; in him its true spirit stands reflected. On the other hand that poor, abject Abel well represents the obscure little brotherhood, the Church of Christ. She must yield to Cain, the lord, the distinction of being everything before God. He feels important in his imagined dignity and thinks that God cannot but favor and accept his offering rather than that of his brother.

Meanwhile pious Abel goes his way, meekly suffering his brother’s contempt. He yields him the honor and beholds no consolation for himself aside from the pure mercy and goodness of God. He believes in God and in such faith he performs his sacrifice as a confession of his gratitude.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, p. 227.

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The Only and True Light http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 24 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light.

John 1:6–8, RSV

From Luther

O, what necessary repetition! First of all to show that this Light is not simply a man, but God himself; for the evangelist greatly desires to preach the divinity of Christ in all his words. If John, the great saint, be not that Light, but only a witness of it, then this Light must be something far different from everything that is holy, whether it be man or angel. If holiness could make such a light, it would have made one of John. In the second place, such a repetition is necessary to resist wicked preachers, who do not bear witness of Christ, the Light, but of themselves. All who preach the doctrines of men make man the light, lead men away from God to themselves, and set themselves up as the true Light, as the pope and his followers have done. He is, therefore, the Antichrist, that is, he is against Christ, the true Light.

This gospel text desires only to testify of Christ and lead men to him, who is the true Light, which lighteth every man coming into the world. Therefore these words, “He was not the Light,” are truly worthy to be capitalized and to be well remembered against the men who set themselves up as the light and give to men doctrines and laws of their own fabrication. They pretend to enlighten men, but lead them with themselves into the depths of hell; for they do not teach faith and are not willing to teach it. Who does not preach the gospel to you, him reject and refuse to hear. But he preaches the gospel who teaches you to believe and trust in Christ, the eternal Light. Therefore beware of everything told you which does not agree with the gospel, as for example eating and drinking, which are necessary for your body, but by no means to your salvation. For this purpose nothing is necessary or of use to you except this Light.

O, these abominable doctrines of men, which are now so prevalent and which have almost banished this Light! They all wish to be this Light themselves, but not to be witnesses of it. They advocate their own fancies, but are silent about this Light, or teach it in a way so as to preach themselves along with it. This is worse than to be entirely silent.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 225–26.

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Our Rock and Anchor http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 23 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 

John 3:16, RSV

From Luther

With these words Jesus leads us directly into the Father’s heart, that we may see and know that it was the great and wonderful counsel of God, resolved from eternity, that we should receive help through his Son. All had to be fulfilled, that God’s truth might stand, even as he had promised in the Scriptures. It is thus apparent that God does not intend to cast us out, and to condemn us on account of our sins, but that he wills that we should attain to eternal grace and life for the sake of the Saviour and Mediator, if we fear his wrath on account of our sins, and keep in mind this eternal divine life.

The Holy Spirit teaches everywhere that we do not possess the Father except through a mediator, and he will not allow us to approach the Father without one. Let us thank the Father for ordering it as he has and placing between us one who is God and equal with God, and also man, on a level with man; for we are human and he is God. Where God and man oppose each other, man meets with instant destruction, for he cannot stand against God. God has intervened by placing as mediator one who is alike true God and true man. Through him we are to come to the Father; with the price we can pay nothing is accomplished.

If there were another way to heaven, Jesus would doubtless have made it known to us. Therefore let us cling to the words, firmly pilot our hearts along this way and keep within it. If I had the merits of all the saints, the sanctity and purity of all virgins, and the piety of St. Peter besides, still I would not give a fig for all I call my own. I must have another foundation on which to build, namely, the words: God has given his Son, that whosoever believeth in him, whom the Father sent out of love, shall be saved. Let us fearlessly plant ourselves on these words, which neither Satan, hell, nor death can overthrow. Come what will, let us say: Here is God’s Word; that is my rock and anchor; to that I cling and that abides; and where that abides, there I abide also. God cannot lie.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 224–25.

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The Hope of Glory http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 22 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God; 20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now; 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 

Romans 8:19–25, RSV

From Luther

Paul uses forcible language here. Creation is aware, he says, not only of its future deliverance from the bondage of corruption, but of its future grandeur. It hopes for the speedy coming of its glory, and waits with the eagerness of a maiden for the dance. Seeing the splendor reserved for itself, it groans and travails unceasingly. Similarly, we Christians groan and intensely desire to have done at once with the Turks, the Pope and the tyrannical world. Who would not weary of witnessing the present knavery, ungodliness and blasphemy against Christ and his gospel, even as Lot wearied of the ungodliness he beheld in Sodom? Thus Paul says that creation groaneth and travaileth while waiting for the revelation and the glorious liberty of the children of God.

He declares creation to be weary of present conditions of servitude, and as eager for liberation as a mother for deliverance in the hour of anguish. Truly it is with spiritual sight, with apostolic vision, that Paul discerns this fact in regard to creation. He turns away from this world, oblivious to the joys and sufferings of earthly life, and boasts alone of the future, eternal life, unseen and unexperienced. Thus he administers real and effectual comfort to Christians, pointing them to a future life for themselves and all created things after this sinful life shall have an end.

Therefore, believers in Christ are to be confident of eternal glory, and with sighs and groans to implore the Lord God to hasten the blessed day of the realization of their hopes. For so Christ has taught us to pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom come.” Our faith is not to be exercised for the attainment of earthly riches; we are not baptized unto the present life, nor do we receive the gospel as ministering to our temporal good; these things are to point us to yonder eternal life. God grant the speedy coming of the glad day of our redemption, when we shall realize all these blessings, of which we now hear and in which we believe through the Word.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 223–24.

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Christ's Peace http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 21 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 14:27, RSV

From Luther

This is bidding them a friendly good-night. Christ was willing and able to speak with his disciples in the most loving manner. I must away, he says, and cannot speak much more with you; let it be well with you. That is my last farewell. Ye shall suffer no hurt, nor want because of my departure. I will richly repay you, for ye shall have from me the best that you can wish, namely, that in my Father you have a merciful God, whose thoughts toward you are those of a father’s heart and love. In me you shall have a good, faithful Saviour, who will not forsake you in any need and will defend you against the devil, the world, and all wickedness, and will in addition send you the Holy Spirit, who shall so rule your hearts that you find in me true comfort, peace, and joy.

My peace is not given as the world gives peace. The world bases its peace only on transient things, as possessions, power, honor, friendship of men. When these are gone, then peace, confidence, and courage are gone. Though it were in the power of the world to give and preserve all these, yet it has not, nor can it have, true eternal peace, so that a heart enjoys God’s favor and is certain of his grace and of everlasting life. But since this is not the world’s peace, the holy cross is laid upon it; measured by reason and by our feelings, it means no peace, but dissensions, anguish, fear, and trembling. Christ says, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world;” this is to be your peace.

Thus Christ has assured and satisfied his Church with peace that abides in the midst of tribulation and temptation. Therefore, when the heart is oppressed, in anguish and terrified, as if a fugitive before God, this peace must be fixed by faith in the Word of Christ, that it may say: I know that I have God’s pledge and the witness of the Holy Spirit that he wants to be my Father and is not angry with me, but assures me of peace and all good through Christ, his Son.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 222–23.

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If You Love Me http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 20 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you. 

John 14:15–17, RSV

From Luther

Keep his Word or commandment — that is what the soul must do who loves Christ, who understands and appreciates what he gets from Christ. No one is a Christian unless he keeps Christ’s Word; and no one can keep it unless he first loves God. Where this love is not, all amounts to nothing, do as we will. If one were to take all the swords in the world in his hands, he would not bring a single heretic to the faith. The people may appear to accept the Word, but in their hearts there is no faith. Hence, he who wishes to be a true bishop arranges all his administrations to the end that he may win souls and develop a delight in God’s Word and a love for it.

How does one acquire love? The human heart is so false that it cannot love unless it first sees the benefit of loving. No man can bring this love into the heart. Therefore God gave us his Son, graciously poured out his greatest treasures and sunk and drowned all our sins and filth in the great ocean of his love, so that this great love and blessing must draw man to love and be ready to fulfil the divine commandments with a willing heart. In no other way can the heart love or have any love; it must be assured that it was first loved. Now man cannot do this; therefore Christ comes and takes the heart captive and says: Learn to know me. I am Christ, who placed myself in your misery to drown your sins in my righteousness. This knowledge softens your heart, so that you must turn to him.

This loyalty to Christ’s kingdom is now considered a simple thing by the presumptuous and inexperienced spirits who deem themselves so holy and so strong in the faith as to be able easily to do what they hear, and who think that the Word of God is something that is obeyed as soon as it is heard. But experience teaches how difficult it is to keep this Word, for the holy cross has been laid upon it. The Church upon earth must strive and contend with weakness, poverty, misery, fear, death, shame and disgrace, and our flesh and old nature prefer that which is easy and agreeable. But the Christian will love Christ, his Word and his kingdom more than all things of the earth.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 220–21.

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Leave http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 19 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Genesis 2:24, RSV

From Luther

This sentence of Adam is prophetic. For as yet there was no father or mother; nor consequently were there any children. Through the Holy Spirit Adam prophesies of that married life, which should be in the world, and predictively describes the separate dwelling of man and wife, and the separate domestic authorities and governments of the several families in all ages; that each family should have its own habitation, authority, and rule. Even heathen nations have discovered that there is nothing more appropriate for man, nor beneficial for kingdoms, than this oneness of the life of married persons.

Christ applies these words of Adam as a common rule or law for our marriages since the loss of original innocence. If Adam had remained in his original innocency, the children born to him would have married and, leaving the table and dwelling-place of their parents, would have had their own trees under which they would have lived separate from their parents. They would have come from time to time to their father Adam, sung a hymn, spoken gloriously of God, called upon him, and then returned to their own homes.

Though all other things are now changed, yet this close bond between married persons still remains firm; so that a man would leave his father and mother much sooner than he would leave his wife. Where we find the contrary, for married persons are found to leave and forsake each other, all this is not only contrary to the present divine command by the mouth of Adam, but such things are awful signs of that horrible corruption, which has come upon man through sin.

This “leaving father and mother,” however, is not to be understood as a command that the children of Adam, when married, should have nothing more to do with their parents. It only enjoins the children when married to have their own home. We often find that children are compelled to support their parents, when worn down with age. Had paradise and all its innocency continued, the state of life would have been inconceivably more exalted and blessed than our present fallen and sinful condition. Yet even then this same command would have been obeyed. The husband, through love of his wife, would have chosen his homestead with her, and would have left his father and mother for that purpose.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 219–20.

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Woman http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 18 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

21 So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh; 22 and the rib which the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” 

Genesis 2:21–23, RSV

From Luther

This name which Adam gives to the woman contains in it a wonderful and sweet description of marriage, in which, as the lawyers express it, “The woman shines in the rays of her husband.” For whatever the husband possesses, is possessed and held by the wife also. Not only is all their wealth possessed by them in common, but their children also, their food, their bed and their habitation. Their wishes are also equal. So that the husband differs from the wife in no other thing than in sex. In every other respect, the woman is really a man. In a word the woman, as Paul remarks in his instructions to Timothy, is man-formed and man-made by her very origin; for Paul says to Timothy, Adam was first formed, then Eve from the man, and not the man from the woman.

Of this communion of all things in marriage we still possess some feeble remnants, though miserable indeed they be when compared with what they were in their original state. For even now the wife, if she be but an honorable, modest, and godly woman, participates in all the cares, wishes, desires, purposes, duties, and actions of her husband. And it was for this end indeed that she was created in the beginning, and for this end was called “woman,” that she might differ in sex only from the father of the family, since she was taken from man.

Although this name can apply in its strictest and fullest sense only to Eve, who, alone of all women, was created thus out of man, yet our Lord applies the whole sentence of Adam to all wives when he says that man and wife are one flesh. Although, therefore, the wife be not made of thy flesh and thy bones, yet, because she is thy wife, she is as much the mistress of the house, as thou art the master thereof, except that by the law of God, which was brought in after the fall, the woman is made subject to the man. That is the woman’s punishment, as are many other troubles also which come short of the glories of paradise. Had the innocency continued, the government of the man and the woman would have been equal and the same. Now the sweat of the brow rests upon the man; and the wife is commanded to be subject to her husband.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 218–19.

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Bless http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 17 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

8 Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind. 9 Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing.

1 Peter 3:8–9, RSV

From Luther

Wonderful and glorious fact, that God has decreed and appropriated to you this blessing whereby all the riches of his grace and everything good are yours! And that he will abundantly give you his Spirit to remain with you, blessing body and soul, if only you hold fast his grace and do not allow yourselves to be deprived of it. What price would you not gladly pay for this blessing, were it purchasable, instead of being freely given, without any merit, and were you privileged to buy the assurance of heart which would say, “I know I am a child of God, who has received me into his grace, and I live in the sure hope that I will be eternally blessed and saved.” Think, what a vast difference God makes between you and others because you are a Christian. He has appointed you to be an heir of everlasting grace and blessing and of eternal life. But they who are not Christians — what have they but a terrible sentence like a weight about their necks? The sentence pronouncing them children of the curse and of eternal condemnation.

If men would take this to heart, it would be easy by teaching and persuasion to win them to friendship and kindness toward their fellow men; to induce them not to return evil or reviling from a motive of revenge, but when their own privileges and protection and the punishment of evil cannot be obtained, quietly and peaceably to suffer injury rather than lose their eternal comfort and joy. Christians have excellent reason and a powerful motive for being patient and not revengeful or bitter in the fact that they are so richly blessed of God and given that great glory whereof they cannot be deprived, nor suffer its loss, if only they abide in it. Only see that you keep a quiet conscience and a loving heart, not allowing yourself, on account of the devil and wicked men, to be disturbed and deprived of your good conscience, your peaceful heart and your God-given blessing.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 217–18.

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The Dawn of Glory http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 16 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God

Romans 8:18–19, RSV

From Luther

Just as we Christians endure many kinds of injustice and consequently sigh for and implore help and deliverance in the Lord’s prayer, so do the creatures sigh. Although they have not human utterance, yet they have speech intelligible to God and the Holy Spirit, who mark the creatures’ sighs over their unjust abuse by the ungodly.

Nowhere else in the Holy Scriptures do we find anything like Paul’s declaration here concerning the earnest expectation and waiting of the creatures for the revelation or manifestation of the children of God; which waiting the apostle characterizes as a sighing in eager desire for man’s redemption. The sun, the moon, the stars, the heavens and earth, the bread we eat, the water or wine we drink, the cattle and sheep, in short, all things that minister to our comfort, cry out in accusation against the world, because they are subject to vanity and must suffer with Christ and his brethren. The accusing cry is beyond human power to express, for God’s created things are innumerable. Rightly was it said from the pulpit in former times that on the last day all creatures will utter an accusing cry against the ungodly who have shown them abuse here on earth, and will call them tyrants to whom they were unjustly subjected.

Paul presents this example of the creatures for the comfort of Christians. You are not alone in your tribulation and your complaint of injustice; the whole creation suffers with you and cries out against its subjection to the wicked world. This is the explanation of Paul’s wonderful declaration concerning the “earnest expectation of the creature.” The creature continually regards the end of service, and freedom from slavery to the ungodly. This will not take place before the revealing of the sons of God. Therefore the whole creation cries: “Oh, for a speedy end of this calamity, and the dawning of glory for the children of God!”

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 216–17.

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Delusions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 15 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

O men, how long shall my honor suffer shame? How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? 

Psalm 4:2

From Luther

To have vanity is not the greatest of evils, for every man is vain, and there is nothing new under the sun, and though it be an evil, it is bearable. For there is not one saint that does not hope, trust, desire, fear, love and hate, more or less, in a way and manner that he ought not. But this body of sin and death, these laws of sin, these vanities, he ought to hate, not to love, nor take pleasure in them. To use the comfort and help of a creature is not sin, nor wrong; but to love them and rest in them alone, and from a love of them, not to trust in God, is an ungodly sin.

Hence, nothing more pestilential and destructive can be taught a Christian than moral philosophy and the decrees of men, if they be so set before him as to make him believe that he can walk in and by them so as to please God. For by such instruction it will come to pass that, relying on this wisdom, he will judge, condemn, and persecute whatever he sees is against him, and will thereby reject the cross of Christ and utterly despise the way of God, which is in its best and most prosperous state when we are following, as through a desert and wilderness, Christ in a pillar of fire.

But all these things are better understood by experience in time of suffering and adversity than they can possibly be described in words, or imagined by the heart. If the affections and thoughts of men are without faith in God, they are without the Word of God; if they are without the Word of God, they are without truth. Thus all things which are without faith are vanities and lies; for faith is truth by the Word of truth in which it believes and to which it cleaves by believing. The true meaning of this verse then is, that all are ungodly idolaters and polluters of the glory of God who under any tribulation draw back from faith, hope and love, to a confidence and comfort in created things.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 214–15.

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Just Passing Through http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 14 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

11 Beloved, I beseech you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against your soul. 12 Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that in case they speak against you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

1 Peter 2:11–12, RSV

From Luther

Peter admonishes Christians to Christlike lives and works in view of the fact that they are called to great glory, having become through Christ a royal priesthood, a people of God and citizens of heaven. He would have them occupy this temporal world as guests, striving after another and eternal kingdom; that is, to abstain from all carnal lusts and maintain a blameless walk, a life of good works. The apostle assigns two reasons for such self-denial: first, that we may not, through carnal, lustful habits, lose the spiritual and eternal; second, that God’s name and the glory we have in Christ may not be slandered among our heathen adversaries, but rather, because of our good works, be honored.

When Peter admonishes to “abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul,” he implies that if we do not resist carnal inclinations, we shall lose our priceless eternal inheritance. To be a stranger on earth, striving after another and better life, is inconsistent with living in fleshly lusts as if one’s sole intent were to remain in the world forever. If you would have the things of one life, Peter says, you must forsake the things of the other. If you forget your fatherland and lie drunken in this carnal life, as does the heathen world in living in unbelief and without hope of eternal life, you will never reach yonder existence. It is necessary to strive if we are to withstand the lusts of the flesh; for these war against the soul—against faith and the good conscience of man. If lust triumphs, our hold on the Spirit and on faith is lost. If you would not be defeated, you must valiantly contend against carnal inclinations and maintain your spiritual, eternal good. Our own welfare demands the conquest.

But God’s honor also calls for it. God’s honor is affected by our manner of life here on earth. We are to avoid giving occasion for our enemies to open their mouths in calumniation of God’s name and his Word. Rather must we magnify the name of God by our confession and general conduct, and thus win others, who shall with us confess and honor him. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 213–14.

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A Revelation http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 13 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

20 The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper fit for him. 21 So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh; 22 and the rib which the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” 24 Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh. 

Genesis 2:20–24, RSV

From Luther

As Adam was pure and holy the words of Adam may rightly be said to be divine words or the voice of God, for God spoke through him. All the words and the works of Adam in that state of innocency are divine, and therefore may truly be said to be the words and works of God. Eve is presented to Adam by God himself. And just in the same manner as the will of God is prepared to institute marriage, so Adam is prepared to receive Eve with all pleasure and holiness when brought unto him. So even now the affection of the intended husband toward his betrothed spouse is of a particular and elevated kind.

It is worthy of our greatest wonder and admiration that Adam, the moment he cast his eye on Eve, knew her to be a creature formed out of himself. He immediately said, “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh.” These are not the words of an ignorant one, nor of one who was a sinner; nor of one who was ignorant of the works and creation of God. They are the words of one righteous, wise and full of the Holy Spirit; of that Holy Spirit who reveals to the world, before ignorant of such high and holy wisdom, that God is the efficient cause of marriage and that the final cause of marriage is that the wife might be unto her husband a civil, moral and domestic habitation and cohabitation. This knowledge comes not from the five senses and reason merely. It is a revelation of the Holy Spirit.

That word “now” in this sentence most beautifully expresses the glad surprise and exulting joy of a noble spirit which had been seeking this delightful companion of life; a companionship full, not only of love, but of holiness. As if Adam had said, This woman is at length what and all I want. With her I desire to live, and with her to obey the will of God in the propagation of posterity.

Now, however, this true purity, innocence and holiness are lost. There still remains, indeed, a feeling of joy and affection in the intended husband toward his spouse; but it is impure and corrupt on account of sin. The affection of Adam, however, was most pure, most holy and grateful to God.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 212–13.

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Prayer in Love http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 12 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. 

Philippians 1:8–11, RSV

From Luther

Paul says he thanks God for the fellowship of the Philippians in the gospel, and offers prayer in their behalf. It should be the joy of a Christian heart to see multitudes accept the offer of mercy, and praise and thank God with him. This desire for the participation of others in the gospel promotes the spirit of prayer. The Christian cannot be a misanthrope, wholly unconcerned whether his fellows believe or not. He should be interested in all men and unceasingly long and pray for their salvation; for the sanctification of God’s name, the coming of his kingdom, the fulfilment of his will; and for the exposure everywhere of the devil’s deceptions, the suppression of his murderous power over poor souls and the restraint of his authority.

This prayer should be the sincere, earnest outflow of the true Christian’s heart. Paul’s words indicate that his praise and prayer were inspired by a fervent spirit. He speaks in a way worthy of an apostle. He renders praise and prayer with keenest pleasure. He rejoices in his heart that he has somewhere a little band of Christians who love the gospel and with whom he may rejoice; that he may thank God for them and pray in their behalf. Was there not much more reason that all who had heard the gospel should rejoice and thank Paul in heart and expression for it, praying God in his behalf, should rejoice that they became worthy of the apostle’s favor, were delivered from their blindness and had now received from him the light transferring them from sin and death into the grace of God and eternal life?

But Paul does not wait for them to take the initiative, as they ought to have done to declare their joy and their gratitude to him. In his first utterance he pours out the joy of his heart, fervently thanking God for them. Well might they have blushed, and reproached themselves, when they received the epistle beginning with these words. Well might they have said: “We should not have permitted him to speak in this way; it was our place first to show him gratitude and joy.”

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 211–12.

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Journey on in Joy http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 11 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 55:12, RSV

From Luther

Let not your burden rest upon yourselves; for ye cannot bear it, and must finally perish beneath its weight. Confident and full of joy, cast it upon God, and say: Heavenly Father, thou art my Lord and God, who didst create me and hast redeemed me through thy Son. Now, thou hast committed to me and laid upon me this office or work; things do not go as well as I would like. There is so much to oppress and worry, that I can find neither counsel nor help. Therefore I commend everything to thee. Do thou supply counsel and help, and be thou, thyself, everything in these things. Such prayer is pleasing to God, as he tells us to throw upon him all anxiety as to the issue and what we shall accomplish.

No heathen, philosopher or jurist, if he have not God’s Word, can throw his care and complaint upon God. When trouble arises, he begins to murmur and argue against God and his government, as though God’s rule merited criticism. But such men receive their deserts when God permits their calculations and hopes to fail and lets the reverse prevail. They spend their lives in many vain, useless cares and projects and in the course of their experience must learn and confess that many a time the very opposite of their judgment is the truth.

The Christian has the rare faculty, above all other people on earth, of knowing where to place his cares. He commits his troubles to God and proceeds with vigor against all that opposes. In time of danger and in the hour of death, when, with all his worrying, he cannot discover where he is or whither he is journeying, he must, with eyes, senses and thoughts closed to the world, surrender himself in faith and confidence to God and cast himself upon his hand and protection, and say: God has permitted me to live until this hour without my solicitude. He has given me his beloved Son as a treasure and sure pledge of eternal life. Therefore, my dear soul, journey on in joy. Thou hast a faithful Father and Saviour, who has taken thee into his own hand, and will preserve thee.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 209–10.

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Open Ears http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 10 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

10 For “He that would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile; 11 let him turn away from evil and do right; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those that do evil.” 

1 Peter 3:10–12, RSV

From Luther

Inscribe this verse upon your heart in firm faith and see if it does not bring you peace and blessings. Try to believe that God sits above, sleepless and with his vigilant eye ever upon you. With watchful vision he beholds the righteous as they suffer violence and wrong. Why will you complain and become discouraged by reason of the harm and grief you experience, when the gracious eyes of God, the true Judge, are upon you with the intent to help you? All the wealth of the world would I give, if I could, to purchase that watchful care, or rather obtain the requisite faith; for surely the lack is not in God’s regarding, but in our faith.

More than this, God’s ears are open to the prayers of the righteous. As he looks upon you with gracious winning eyes, so also are his ears alert even to the faintest sound. He hears your complaint, your sighing and prayer, and hears them willingly and with pleasure; as soon as you open your mouth, your prayer is heard and answered.

But the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. God’s eyes are upon the righteous, but he sees also the others. In this case he beholds not with a friendly look or gracious countenance, but with a displeased and wrathful face. When a man is angry the forehead frowns, the nostrils dilate and the eyes flash. Such a manifestation of anger we are to understand when the Scripture here refers to “the face of the Lord.” On the contrary it illustrates the pleased and gracious aspect of God by “the eyes of the Lord.”

What is the effect of “the face of the Lord” upon evildoers? According to the words of the Psalm, it is “to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.” This is a terrible sentence before which a heart may well be prostrate as from a thunderbolt. Ungodly hearts would be appalled were they not so hardened in despising God’s Word. Verily it is no jest with God. In contrast, the righteous, because they have feared God and abode in their piety, shall, even here upon earth, live to see blessing and prosperity upon their children’s children.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 208–09.

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Christ in You http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 09 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

3 Beloved, being very eager to write to you of our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For admission has been secretly gained by some who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly persons who pervert the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Jude 3–4, RSV

From Luther

The reason I wish to write unto you, says Jude, is that you may continue in the faith which you have heard. There are already preachers at hand which advocate other doctrines than that faith; by these the people are gently and unsuspectingly led astray from the true way. Upon these false teachers the sentence of judgment, he says, has already been pronounced long ago, namely, that they are condemned.

We now understand this quite well, since we have learned that no one can become righteous or be justified (before God) by his own works, but through faith in Christ alone; that he must rely upon the work of Christ as the chief good and only support. Then after faith is present, whatever man does should be done for the benefit of his neighbor. The grace of God, which holds Christ before us, that is offered and given unto us through the gospel with all that he has, these men use only for leading impure lives. They call themselves Christians, praise the gospel, but live in wantonness, in eating and drinking. They boast that they are not in a secular, but in a spiritual state, and on that account claim all good, honor and luxury.

The denying of the Lord God is not with the mouth, for they confess that God is Lord; but they deny Christ in their deeds and works, considering him not as their Lord, but being their own lords unto themselves. For when they preach that fasts, pilgrimages, church institutions (ceremonies), chastity (celibacy), obedience (to the rules of ecclesiastical orders) poverty and the like are the way to salvation, they lead people astray. They say nothing about Christ, as though he were not needed and his work of redemption of no value. Thus they deny Christ, who has bought them with his own blood. They know not that our salvation is founded upon faith and love. They are offended when we reject their works and preach that Christ alone must help us with his works.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 207–08.

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Spirit Fall http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 08 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

44 While Peter was still saying this, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can any one forbid water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. 

Acts 10:44–48, RSV

From Luther

From this we should learn what is the office of the Holy Spirit in the Church, and how or by what means he is received in the heart and works there. It is through preaching Jesus Christ the Lord. The gospel is the message which God would have preached world-wide, declaring to every individual that since no man can be made righteous through the law, but must rather become more unrighteous, God sent his own beloved Son to shed his blood and die for our sins, from which we could not be released by our own effort. It is not enough simply that Christ be preached; the Word must be believed. Therefore, God sends the Holy Spirit to impress the preaching upon the heart, to make it inhere and live therein. Without doubt Christ accomplished all, enabling us to become, through him, lords over all things. But the treasure lies in a heap; it is not everywhere distributed and applied. Before we can enjoy it, the Holy Spirit comes and communicates it to the heart, enabling us to believe and say, “I too am one who shall have the blessing.” Now, with the belief that God has come to our rescue and given us his priceless blessing, inevitably the human heart must be filled with joy and gratitude to God, and exultingly cry: “Dear Father, since it is thy will to manifest inexpressible love and fidelity toward me, I will love thee sincerely, and willingly do what is pleasing to thee.”

But in one sense know that all is not accomplished when the Holy Spirit is received. The possessor of the Spirit is not made entirely perfect and pure in all respects at once. We do not preach the doctrine that the Spirit’s office is one of complete accomplishment, but rather that it is progressive. The Christian must, in some measure, still feel sin in his heart and experience the terrors of death; he is affected by whatever affects other sinners. But he is supported by the Holy Spirit, who consoles and strengthens him till the work is fully accomplished. As long as we live in the flesh, we cannot attain such a degree of perfection as to be wholly free from weakness and faults. The pious Christian is still flesh and blood, but he strives to resist evil lusts and all other sins.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 206–07.

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The Precondition of Kindness http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 07 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was attested as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Hebrews 11:5–6, RSV

From Luther

It is the nature of faith to expect all good from God, and to rely only on him. From this faith man knows God, how good and gracious he is, and by reason of such knowledge his heart becomes so tender and merciful that he wishes cheerfully to do to every one what he has experienced from God. Therefore he goes forth in acts of love and serves his neighbor with his whole heart, with his body and soul, with his means and honor, with his life and spirit, and makes him partake of all he has, just as God did to him. Therefore he does not look after the healthy, the high, the strong, the rich, the noble, the holy persons who do not need his care; but he looks after the sick, the weak, the poor, the despised, the sinful, to whom he can be of benefit, and among whom he can exercise his tender heart, and do to them as God has done to him.

But the nature of unbelief is that it does not expect any good from God. The heart is blinded so that it neither feels nor knows how good and gracious God is. Out of this blindness follows further that the heart becomes so hard, obdurate and unmerciful that the man has no desire to do any kindness to his fellow man. As he is insensible to the goodness of God, he takes no pleasure in doing good to his neighbor. Consequently it follows that he does not look after the sick, poor and despised, to whom he could and should be helpful and profitable; he sees only the high, rich and influential, from whom he himself may receive advantage, gain, pleasure and honor. Where unbelief reigns man is absorbed by vanities, seeks them and does not rest until he has acquired them, and after he possesses them he feeds and fattens on them as the swine, and finds his sole happiness in them. He never inquires how his heart stands with his God and what he possesses in God and may expect from him; his belly is his God; if he cannot get what he wants he thinks things are all going wrong. From this then follows the other sin, that he forgets to exercise love toward his neighbor. Thus we see that it is impossible to love, where no faith exists, and impossible to believe, where there is no love. Both must go together.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 204–05.

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The Inner Person http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 06 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

19 “There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, full of sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ 27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.’ ” 

Luke 16:19–31, RSV

From Luther

We must not view the rich man according to his outward conduct; for he is in sheep’s clothing, his life glitters and shines beautifully, while he tactfully conceals the wolf. The text does not accuse him of adultery, of murder or robbery, or of anything that the world would censure. He had been as honorable and respectful in his life as that Pharisee who fasted twice a week and was not as other men. Had he committed glaring sins, the gospel would have mentioned them, since it examines him so minutely as to describe even the purple robe he wore and the food he ate, which are only external matters, and God does not judge according to them. Hence he must have led an outwardly exemplary life.

But we must look into his heart and judge his spirit. The gospel has penetrating eyes and looks deep into the secret recesses of the soul, reproves the works which reason cannot reprove and looks not at the sheep’s clothing, but at the true fruit of the tree to learn whether it is good or not. If we judge this rich man according to the fruits of faith, we will find a heart of unbelief. The gospel chastises him because he fares sumptuously every day and clothes himself so richly. He is not punished because he indulged in sumptuous fare and fine clothes; many saints, kings and queens in ancient times wore costly apparel; but because his heart was attached to them, sought them, trusted in them, and found in them all his joy and pleasure. He made them in fact his idols.

Where faith is, there is no anxiety for fine clothing and sumptuous living; there is no longing for riches, honor, pleasure and all that is not God himself. But there is a seeking and striving for God, the highest good. It is the same to the man of faith whether his food be dainty or plain, whether his clothing be fine or homespun. Though they even do wear costly clothes, possess great influence and honor, they esteem none of these things, but are forced to them, or come to them by accident, or they are compelled to use them in the service of others.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 203–04.

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Beware http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 05 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

As we have said before, so now I say again, If any one is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed

Galatians 1:9, RSV

From Luther

God often in this life lays hold upon leaders of sects who blaspheme and slander him with their false doctrines. He inflicts upon them unusual punishments for the sake of warning others. All men must admit that God can have no pleasure in their doctrine, since he visits them with special marks of his displeasure, destroying them with severer punishment than ordinary befalls offenders.

History records that John the evangelist had as contemporary a heretic named Cerinthus, who first arose in opposition to the apostolic doctrine and in blasphemy against the Lord Jesus with the claim that Jesus is not God. This blasphemy spread to such an extent that John saw himself compelled to supplement the work of the other evangelists with this gospel, whose distinct purpose it is to defend and maintain the deity of Christ against Cerinthus and his rabble. Having on a certain occasion gone to a public bath with some of his disciples, John became aware that Cerinthus and his rabble were also there. Without hesitation he told his disciples to be up and away, and not abide among the blasphemers. The disciples followed his advice and departed. Immediately after their departure the building collapsed, and Cerinthus and his followers perished.

We also read concerning the heretic Arius, the chief foe of his time to the dogma of the deity of Christ. The injury done to the cause of Christ by this man occupied the Church for four centuries after his death; and to-day his heresy has not been entirely rooted out. With an oath Arius had impressed the emperor and his counsellors with the righteousness of his doctrine. The emperor commanded Alexander, the bishop, to restore him to the priestly office. The bishop resolved to seek help from God, where alone it is found in all things relating to God’s honor. He prayed all night long that God should preserve his name and honor, and Christendom against the heretics. In a pompous procession the following day Arius suddenly became ill, withdrew, and died. Thus we see that God has preserved this doctrine against the devil and his blasphemers, and he shall preserve it in the future, that we may believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 202–03.

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Harmony http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 04 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited.

Romans 12:16, RSV

From Luther

Harmony is the imperative virtue for the Christian Church. Before other virtues can be manifest, there must first be concord and unity of heart among all. It is impossible that outward circumstances of human life be always the same; much dissimilarity in person, station, and occupation is inevitable. To this very unlikeness and to the natural depravity of flesh and blood is due the discord and disagreement of men in this world. Let one become conscious of personal superiority in point of uprightness, learning, skill or natural ability, or let him become aware of his loftier station in life, and he immediately grows self-complacent, thinks himself better than his fellows, demands honor and recognition from all men, is unwilling to yield or to serve an inferior and thinks himself entitled to such right and privilege because of his superiority and virtue.

This matter of harmony is the first and most necessary commandment enjoined by the doctrine of faith; this virtue is the first fruit which faith is to effect among Christians, who are called in one faith and one baptism. It is to be the beginning of their Christian love. For true faith necessarily creates in all believers the spirit that reasons: “We are all called by one Word, one baptism and Holy Spirit, to the same salvation; we are alike heirs of the grace and blessings of God. Although one has more and greater gifts than another, he is not on that account better before God. By grace alone, without any merit of ours, we are pleasing to God. Before him none can boast of himself.”

When one imagines himself better than his fellows, desiring to exalt and glorify himself above others, he is really no longer a Christian, because he is no longer in that unity of mind and faith essential to Christians. Christ with his grace is always the same, and cannot be divided or apportioned within himself. So long as unity of faith and oneness of mind survive, the true Church of God abides, notwithstanding there may be some weakness in other points. Of this fact the devil is well aware; hence his hostility to Christian unity. Christians should, therefore, be all the more careful to cherish the virtue of harmony, both in the Church and in secular government.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 201–02.

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Anger Management http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 03 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

For “He that would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile."

1 Peter 3:10, RSV

From Luther

This injunction really applies to doctrine, meaning that we are to abide by the true Word of God and not to allow ourselves to be seduced by false teaching. On account of the faith and confession for which men are called Christians, they must suffer much; they are endangered, hated, persecuted, oppressed, and harrassed by the whole world. Christians might easily believe that they have cause to return evil, and being mortals of flesh and blood, they are inevitably moved to be angry and to curse, or to deny their confession and doctrine and with unbelievers to join the false church with its idolatrous teaching. According to the nature of flesh and blood they fret because they are compelled to witness the prosperity of the world in its ungodly life and wickedness, how it despises and persecutes them with pride and indolence. But they are not to allow themselves to be easily provoked; they should strive to keep wrong, displeasure, vexations and worry outside their inner life.

When one is prompted to anger and to complain about injury and wrong, in his impatience and irritation he cannot speak fairly concerning the matter of offense, but invariably exaggerates. The individual that suffers a single adverse word immediately proceeds to abuse and slander his opponent. An angry heart knows no moderation, but makes of a splinter, or even a mote, a great beam, or fans a tiny spark into a volcano of flame, by retaliating with reviling and cursing. If possible, he would even murder the offender and commit a greater wrong than he has suffered.

Thus Peter admonishes you to restrain your tongues, to curb them, lest they suddenly get beyond your control and you sin in wicked words, doing twice as much injury as you have received. Guard your lips that you utter no guile or falsehood through your anger, and that it may not calumniate, abuse and slander your neighbor in violation of the eighth commandment. Such conduct is, before God and man, unbecoming a Christian and leads to that most disgraceful vice of slander, which God supremely hates. Therefore be all the more diligent to do good, that your heart may retain its honor and joy.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 199–200.

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Like God http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 02 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every one who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 

1 John 3:1–3, RSV

From Luther

When our Lord Jesus Christ comes with his beloved angels and we are drawn up into the clouds to meet him in the air, he will bring to God’s children a glory consistent with their name. They will be far more splendidly arrayed than were the children of the world in their lifetime, who went about in purple and velvet and ornaments of gold, as the rich man, in silk. Then shall they wear their own livery and shine as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Such is the wonderful glory of the revelation, that the radiant beauty of poor Lazarus, who had lain in wretchedness at the rich man’s gate, surpasses all expectation.

The hope of this wonderful glory is ours, and that of all creation with us, for creation is to be purified and renewed for our sakes. Then will we be impressed with the grandeur of the sun, the majesty of the trees, and the beauty of the flowers. Having so much in prospect, we should, in the buoyancy of our hope, attach little importance to the slight suffering that may be our earthly lot. What is it compared with the glory to be revealed in us? Doubtless in yonder life we shall reproach ourselves with the thought: “How foolish I was! I am unworthy to be called the child of God, for I esteemed myself all too highly on earth and placed too little value upon this surpassing glory and happiness. Were I still in the world and with the knowledge I now have of the heavenly glory, I would, were it possible, suffer a thousand years of imprisonment, or endure illness, persecution or other misfortunes. Now I am truly convinced that all the sufferings of the world are nothing, measured by the glory to be manifested in the children of God.”

Here on earth men as a rule are dishonorable and wicked and obey not the will of the Lord God as it is done in heaven; but the day will come when only righteousness and holiness shall dwell on the earth — none but godly, righteous souls.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 198–99.

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Suffering http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 01 Jun 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us

Romans 8:18, RSV

From Luther

Notice how Paul turns his back to the world and his face to the future revelation, as if seeing no suffering anywhere, but all joy. “Even if it does go ill with us,” he would argue, “what indeed is our suffering in comparison with the unspeakable joy and glory to be revealed in us? It is too insignificant to be compared and unworthy to be called suffering.” We fail to realize the truth of these words because we do not see with our bodily eyes the supreme glory awaiting us, because we fail to grasp fully the fact that we shall never die, but shall have a body that cannot suffer, nor be ill. If one could conceive the nature of this reward, he would be compelled to say: “Were it possible for me to suffer ten deaths, by fire or flood, that would be nothing in comparison with the future life of glory.” What is temporal suffering, however protracted, contrasted with eternal life? It is not worthy to be called suffering or to be esteemed meritorious.

In this light Paul regards suffering, and he admonishes Christians to look upon it in a similar manner. Then shall they find the infinite beyond all comparison with the finite. The suffering of the world is always to be counted as nothing, measured by the glorious and eternal possessions yet to be ours. If you essay to be a joint heir with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not suffer with him, to be his brother and are not like unto him, Christ certainly will not at the last day acknowledge you as a brother and fellow-heir. Rather he will ask where are your crown of thorns, your cross, the nails and scourge; whether you have been, as he and his followers ever have from the beginning of time, an abomination to the world. If you cannot qualify in this respect, he cannot regard you as his brother. In short, we must all suffer with the Son of God and be made like unto him, or we shall not be exalted with him in glory.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 197–98.

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The Importance of Sanity http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 31 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

The end of all things is at hand; therefore keep sane and sober for your prayers.

1 Peter 4:7, RSV

From Luther

We have in the holy Scriptures and in the Creed sufficient information concerning the Holy Trinity, and all that is necessary for the instruction of ordinary Christians. That the simple Christian may recognize that there is but one divine essence and one God, who is tri-personal, a special work, peculiar to himself, is ascribed to each person. To the Father we ascribe the work of creation; to the Son the work of redemption; to the Holy Spirit the power to forgive sins, to gladden, to strengthen, to transport from death to life eternal.

The thought is not that the Father alone is Creator, the Son alone Redeemer, and the Holy Ghost alone Sanctifier. The creation and preservation of the universe, atonement for sin and its forgiveness, resurrection from the dead, and the gift of eternal life — all these are operations of the one Divine Majesty as such. Yet the Father is especially emphasized in the work of creation, which proceeds originally from him as the first person; the Son is emphasized in the redemption he has accomplished in his own person; and the Holy Spirit in the special work of sanctification, which is both his mission and revelation. Such distinction is made for the purpose of affording Christians the unqualified assurance that there is but one God and yet three persons in one divine essence — truths which the sainted fathers have faithfully gathered from the writings of Moses, the prophets, and the apostles, and which they have maintained against all heretics.

This faith has descended to us by inheritance, and by his power God has maintained it in the Church, against sects and adversaries, unto the present time. So we must abide by it in its simplicity and not attempt to be wise. Such articles of faith appear utterly foolish to reason. Paul aptly calls the gospel foolish preaching wherewith God saves such souls as do not depend on their own wisdom, but simply believe in the Word. Those who will follow reason in the things dealt with in these articles, and will reject the Word, shall be defeated and destroyed in their wisdom.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 195–96.

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One Divine Majesty http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 30 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” 

Matthew 28:19–20, RSV

From Luther

We have in the holy Scriptures and in the Creed sufficient information concerning the Holy Trinity, and all that is necessary for the instruction of ordinary Christians. That the simple Christian may recognize that there is but one divine essence and one God, who is tri-personal, a special work, peculiar to himself, is ascribed to each person. To the Father we ascribe the work of creation; to the Son the work of redemption; to the Holy Spirit the power to forgive sins, to gladden, to strengthen, to transport from death to life eternal.

The thought is not that the Father alone is Creator, the Son alone Redeemer, and the Holy Ghost alone Sanctifier. The creation and preservation of the universe, atonement for sin and its forgiveness, resurrection from the dead, and the gift of eternal life — all these are operations of the one Divine Majesty as such. Yet the Father is especially emphasized in the work of creation, which proceeds originally from him as the first person; the Son is emphasized in the redemption he has accomplished in his own person; and the Holy Spirit in the special work of sanctification, which is both his mission and revelation. Such distinction is made for the purpose of affording Christians the unqualified assurance that there is but one God and yet three persons in one divine essence — truths which the sainted fathers have faithfully gathered from the writings of Moses, the prophets, and the apostles, and which they have maintained against all heretics.

This faith has descended to us by inheritance, and by his power God has maintained it in the Church, against sects and adversaries, unto the present time. So we must abide by it in its simplicity and not attempt to be wise. Such articles of faith appear utterly foolish to reason. Paul aptly calls the gospel foolish preaching wherewith God saves such souls as do not depend on their own wisdom, but simply believe in the Word. Those who will follow reason in the things dealt with in these articles, and will reject the Word, shall be defeated and destroyed in their wisdom.

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Be Watchful http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 29 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour.

1 Peter 5:8, RSV

From Luther

Since you are a people called to contend with this powerful spirit, which is more intent on seizing your souls than is the wolf of seizing the sheep, it is essential that you should take thought how to withstand him. Resistance is effected only through faith and prayer. But soberness and vigilance are necessary to enable one to pray. With gormandizers and drunkards reason is dethroned and they are rendered incapable of respecting anything, or of performing any good work. The ability to pray and call upon God has been taken from them, and the devil overcomes and devours them at his will.

The diligence in prayer which characterized Christians of the primitive Church, even while undergoing great persecution, is apparent to us. They were more than willing to assemble daily for prayer, not only morning and evening, but also at certain other appointed hours; and frequently they watched and prayed entire nights. Their habit of devotion morning, evening and at all times is commendable. With the cessation of this practice in the congregations, there succeeded the wretched order of monks, who pretended to do the praying for others. We still retain from the ancient custom the observance of morning and evening prayers in schools for children. But the same practice should obtain in every Christian family. Every father is under obligation to train up his children to pray at least at the beginning and the close of day, commending to God every exigency of this earthly life, that God’s wrath may be averted, and deserved punishment withheld.

Under such conditions, we would be properly instructed and not have to be subjected to intolerable oppression and to prohibitions relative to eating, drinking, and dressing, being guided by nature’s demands and our own honor and pleasure. Yet we would not be inordinate and brutish in these things, nor shamefully dethrone reason. Drunkenness is a sin and a shame to any man, and would be even were there neither God, nor commandment; much less can it be tolerated among Christians. There is more virtue in this respect among the heathen and Turks. Our characters ought to be so noble as to give no chance of offense at our conduct, that the name of God be not defamed, but glorified.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 193–94.

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The Spirit's Work http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 28 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

Acts 2:1–4, RSV

From Luther

When God was about to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, he permitted them to celebrate the Feast of the Passover on the night of their departure, and commanded them on every annual recurrence of the season to observe the same feast in commemoration of their liberation from bondage and their departure from Egypt. Fifty days later, in their journey through the wilderness, they arrived at Mount Sinai. There God gave them the law through Moses, and there they were commanded to observe annually, in commemoration of that giving of the law, the fiftieth day after the Feast of the Passover. Hence the name “Feast of Pentecost,” the word “Pentecost” coming from the Greek “Pentecoste,” or fiftieth day. So when the day of Pentecost was now “fully come”—when the Jews had properly commemorated the giving of the law of God on Mount Sinai—the Holy Spirit came, in accordance with Christ’s promise, and gave them a new law. We now celebrate this feast, not because of the old historical event, but because of the new one—the sending of the Holy Spirit.

The occasion of the Jewish observance was the giving of the literal law; but it is ours to celebrate the giving of the spiritual law. There is the written law, commanded of God and composed of written words. It is called “written” or “literal” because it goes no farther and does not enter the heart. With dead hearts men could not sincerely observe the commandments of God. Were every individual left to do as he pleased, uninfluenced by fear, not one would be found choosing to be controlled by the law. As long as the law consists merely of written words, it can make no one righteous, can enter no heart.

The spiritual law is not written with pen and ink, nor uttered by lips as Moses read from the tables of stone. We learn that the Holy Spirit descended from heaven and filled all the assembled multitude, and there appeared on each of them parting, fiery tongues and they preached so unlike they were wont to do that all men were filled with amazement. The Spirit came pouring into their hearts, making them different beings, making them creatures who loved and willingly obeyed God. This change was simply the manifestation of the Spirit himself, his work in the heart.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 192–93.

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The Guide http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 27 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

John 16:13, RSV

From Luther

When the Holy Spirit comes he will enlighten your hearts, so that you will understand the truth, and will call to remembrance all things. But our doctors and highly learned men have made use of these words in a most frivolous manner and said that it was necessary to have something more than the Scriptures, that one ought also to hear what the councils and the pope decree. They endeavor to prove in this way that Christ says: Because he has not told them all things, it follows that he told them to the councils, popes, and bishops.

Now look at these fools, what they say. To whom does Christ speak? Without doubt to the apostles. Therefore, if Christ is not to lie, his Word must have been fulfilled at the time that the Holy Spirit came. The Holy Spirit must have said everything to the apostles and accomplished everything that the Lord here refers to, and, of course, led them into all the truth. Christ gives to understand that soon the Holy Spirit would tell and explain to them all things, and that afterwards the apostles should carry out everything, and through them should be made known to the world what they have learned from the Holy Spirit. But according to the councils and popes it depends upon what they say, teach, and command, even to the end of the world.

If what the councils teach be the truth, that one is to wear the tonsure, and the cap, and live a life of celibacy, then the apostles never came to the truth, since none of them ever entered a cloister, nor kept any of those foolish laws. Christ must have indeed betrayed us in this, when he said the Holy Spirit should guide us into all truth, when in reality he wished to teach us how we were to become priests and monks and not to eat meat on certain days, and like foolish things. To hear such things is exasperating and it should grieve our hearts to see how shamefully the people act against the precious Word of God, and that they make the Holy Spirit a liar. Should not this single passage be powerful enough against the pope and the councils, even if we had no other in the Scriptures?

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 191–92.

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The Freed Heart http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 26 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.

John 14:1, RSV

From Luther

I notice, says Jesus, that my departure [spoken of in the preceding chapter] makes you sad and causes anxiety. But there is no need of fear, I shall come again; before that time, however, you will see many things happen to me, at which you will be grieved. They will crucify and miserably misuse me; but let it not disturb you, there will soon be a change for the better. So is the Father’s will.

Here you can see how affectionately and faithfully the Lord Jesus deals with his dear disciples. He does not leave them comfortless, although he will be separated from them that very night and leave them in great danger, fear and terror. For the first misfortune experienced in tribulation is that not only is the body affected, but the heart is frightened and grieved. Since it is impossible to change flesh and blood, the Lord is especially eager that the heart be free and unmolested. He who in times of distress has a good conscience and a joyful heart is already more than half relieved of his troubles. Consequently Christ says: Be careful, that such suffering remain in the body, and by no means allow it to affect the heart.

As Christians, he would say, you are not like those who do not know God’s Word and who do not believe. You are much affected on account of my death, but what ye believe of God, ye ought also believe of me. None of you fear that God will die, or that he will be cast down from his throne. Why then should you fear on my account? Let death, the world, and the devil be as angry as they please, they will find nothing in me; for I am God. This believe and your hearts will be quieted and even find comfort in my death. For when death and I grapple with one another, death will be overcome; this shall be to your benefit. At present here on earth I am regarded as a poor, miserable, powerless man; but after I shall be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me. But just as the disciples could not understand such comfort, so we do not understand it, when grief comes over us. We are immediately seized with fear, impatience, and despair, and no one can persuade us that our sadness shall be turned to joy.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 189–90.

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The Schoolmaster http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 25 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

25 “These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

John 14:25–26, RSV

From Luther

Note well this text, how Christ here binds the Holy Spirit to his Word, and fixes his limit and measure, so that the Spirit may not go further than his Word. He shall remind you of everything which I have said, publishing it further through you. Thereby he shows that in the future nothing else shall be taught in all Christendom through the Holy Spirit than what the apostles had heard from Christ, but which they did not understand until the Holy Spirit had taught them. So the teaching may always proceed from the mouth of Christ, then be transmitted from one mouth to another, and yet always remain the Word of Christ. The Holy Spirit is thus the schoolmaster who teaches these things and brings them to remembrance.

It is shown here that this Word precedes, or must be spoken beforehand, and afterwards the Holy Spirit works through the Word. One must not reverse the order and dream of a Holy Spirit who works without the Word and before the Word, but one who comes with and through the Word and goes no further than the Word goes. The example of the apostles shows also how Christ rules his Church in her weakness; the Holy Spirit does not dwell in Christians at all times, nor so soon as they have heard the Word does he come with such power and effectiveness as to enable them to believe it all and rightly to understand and grasp it. Although the apostles are so far advanced as to hear Christ’s Word willingly and to have begun to believe, yet even they cannot take these words of comfort to heart until the Holy Spirit teaches them after the departure of Christ.

So it is at present. We hear God’s Word, which is in fact the preaching of the Holy Spirit, who is at all times present with it, but it does not always reach the heart at once and is accepted by faith; even in those who are moved by the Holy Spirit and gladly receive the Word, it does not at once bear fruit. Therefore it must come to this: in need and danger we look about and sigh for comfort; then the Holy Spirit can perform his office of teaching the heart and bringing to remembrance the Word preached.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 188–89.

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The House Companion http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 24 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

1 Corinthians 3:16, RSV

From Luther

What a glorious, noble, loving, and precious guest and house companion man receives, God the Father and the Son and certainly with them also the Holy Spirit. This is certainly a sublime, beautiful promise, and one of the precious and exceeding great promises granted unto us poor, miserable sinners, that we through them should become partakers of the divine nature, and should be so highly honored as not only to be loved of God through Christ Jesus and to enjoy his favor and grace, but should even have the Lord himself dwelling completely in us.

Where else should God dwell? Those self-constituted saints, in their own estimation excellent, high and great, are much too proud, much too high, wise and holy. They have passed up through and far above heaven, so that they could not be his habitation upon earth, although they boast of being the only Church and people of God. Though they appear in all the pomp and glory and ornament of their self-made holiness, yet God does not do them the honor to look at them. He is found in the humble huts of the poor and despised, who fear and believe the Word of Christ and would gladly become Christians, but who feel that they are very unholy and unworthy sinners. “They are a temple of the living God.”

These things are accomplished in this way: in addition to the grace by which a man begins to believe and to hold fast to the Word, God also rules in man through his divine power and agency, so that he constantly grows more and more enlightened, becomes richer and stronger in spiritual understanding and wisdom, and better fitted to understand all matters of doctrine and practice. He further makes daily progress in life and good works, becomes eventually a kind, gentle, patient man, ready to serve every one with doctrine, advice, comfort, and gifts; is useful to God and man; through him and because of him men and countries are benefited; in short, he is a man through whom God speaks, in whom he lives and works. His tongue is God’s tongue, his hand is God’s hand, and his word is God’s Word. His doctrine and confession as a Christian are not of men, but of Christ, whose Word he has and holds.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 187–88.

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Where God Dwells http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 23 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Jesus answered him, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

John 14:23, RSV

From Luther

What mockery it must have been to the ears of the Jewish saints and priests and Pharisees when they heard the words that declare how God will make his habitation only with those who hear the words of this man! They were only a little handful of timid, poor, despised people. As if God did not have a better and more glorious habitation, becoming his majesty, in the saints and superior persons who were the bright lights and the eminent ones among God’s people, in the holy city of Jerusalem! And the glorious temple and divine worship—did not the Scriptures call them the holy city and dwelling place of God, the chosen place where he would rest and that forever? Of this they boasted very haughtily, and claimed that their kingdom, their priesthood and divine worship, should never fail.

But here Christ ignores all these things as if he were totally indifferent to them, and utters the remarkable saying that the place of his own and his Father’s abode—their habitation and their Church—is where a Christian is found, who keeps his Word. Thus he discards the old habitation of Judaism and the temple of Jerusalem and builds a new, holy, glorious Church and house of God, which is not Jerusalem or Judaism, but is spread abroad throughout the whole world, without distinction of person, place, or custom. Jews, Gentiles, priests or laymen — it matters not. This house of God is not of stone or wood, made by the hand of man, but newly created of God himself, namely a people that love Christ and keep his Word. Christ binds the Church to his Word and makes the distinguishing mark by which must be measured the teaching, the preaching, and rule of conduct. You have the warrant that God dwells therein and speaks and acts through that Church.

Observe now what a worthy being that man is who is a Christian, or who, as Christ says, keeps Christ’s Word. A wonderful man is he upon earth, who is of more value in the eyes of God than heaven and earth; he is a light and saviour of the world, in whom God is all in all, and who in God is able to do all things. But to the world he is hidden and unknown.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 186–87.

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Do Not Despair http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 22 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

“I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you."

John 14:18, RSV

From Luther

We see many pious hearts that are always sad and downcast, tormenting and alarming themselves with their own thoughts, and being on the verge of despair because of the temptations of the devil. Where, say the world and our own flesh, do you find under these circumstances the Holy Spirit whom you Christians laud so much? A Christian should be wise here and not judge things according to his own thoughts and feelings; he should keep to the Word and the comfort of the preaching which the Holy Spirit gives to all poor and distressed hearts and consciences. God does not desire you to be sad or alarmed, but joyful and comforted with the certain promise of his grace, which the Holy Spirit offers you.

Of this promise and comfort to allay our feelings and fears, Christ assures us in the words, “I will not leave you comfortless.” The word translated “comfortless” literally means “orphans.” By the use of the word Christ would intimate the condition of the Church. In the eyes of the world, and even in our own estimation, she has not the appearance of a prosperous and well-ordered organization; rather she is a scattered group of poor, miserable orphans without leader, protection or help upon earth. Misery and fears grow upon one under the influence of the devil’s power, when he pierces the heart with his bitter, poisonous, and murderous thrusts. Then the heart feels that it is not only forsaken by all men, but also by God himself. So it altogether loses Christ and sees no end to its misery. To be left thus, to feel that all things have conspired to leave us comfortless and helpless, is to be left orphans indeed.

As Christ has told his Christians beforehand of suffering, so also does he wish to give them this comfort and consolation beforehand, and desires to teach us not to despair because of suffering, but only to hold to his Word, even if it does seem that help is being too long delayed. He reminds us of the promise that he will not leave us in misery, but will come to us, and desires that we should accord him the highest honor due to God, by holding him to be true and faithful.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 184–85.

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Teaching Our Hearts to Believe http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 21 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

But when the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me

John 15:26, RSV

From Luther

We have often heard that the gospel is the proclamation that no man can become just by means of the law; that God has sent his dear Son to shed his blood and die, since men cannot by their own power and works cancel their sins and get rid of them. But though I hear this preaching, I do not at once believe it. Therefore God adds his Holy Spirit, who impresses this preaching upon the heart, so that it abides there and lives. It is a faithful saying that Christ has accomplished everything, has removed sin and overcome every enemy, so that through him we are lords over all things. But the treasure lies in one pile; it is not yet distributed, nor invested. The Holy Spirit must come and teach our hearts to believe. When we feel that God has thus helped us and given us the treasure, everything goes well, and man’s heart rejoices in God. When the Holy Spirit has impressed upon the heart that God is kind and gracious toward it, it believes that God can no more be angry, and it grows so happy and so bold that, for God’s sake, it performs and suffers all things possible.

In this way you are to become acquainted with the Holy Spirit. You know to what purpose he is given and what his office is, namely, to invest the treasure — Christ and all he has; the Holy Spirit will enfold him in your heart so that he may be your own. But in all this we ought to exercise sense and understanding that a man receiving the Holy Spirit is not at once perfect, insensible to sin and pure in all respects. We do not preach that the Holy Spirit has completed and finished his work, but that he has only begun it and is now constantly engaged in it. Consequently you will not find a man who is without sin and sorrow, and full of righteousness and joy, and who serves everybody freely. The Scriptures indeed tell us that the office of the Holy Spirit is to redeem from sin and fear; but that does not say that this is altogether accomplished. The Christian at times feels his sin and the fear of death, but he has a helper, the Holy Spirit, who comforts and strengthens him.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 183–84.

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The True Church of Christ http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 20 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 “I have said all this to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do this because they have not known the Father, nor me. 

John 16:1–4, RSV

From Luther

Christ tells what moves those who oppose the gospel to such hatred and persecution of Christians as to excommunicate them and even attempt to kill them. It is because they preach concerning Christ, whom they themselves do not know. That they do not know Christ is true without a doubt. Their own deeds prove it. They are blind and without the true knowledge of God and of Christ, opposing God and his Son with their acts of ban and murder under the very appearance and with the boast of thereby serving God. But Christ strengthens and comforts his own people that they fear not harsh judgment, nor are intimidated from preaching and confession, but say to their adversaries: “We must obey God rather than man.”

Here Christ also fixes the standard of judgment and points out the difference between the true and the false Church. The Church is not to be judged by name and external appearance. Human reason cannot furnish the necessary qualifications for the true Church. The actual test is in ascertaining who have the real knowledge of Christ and who have not. What does it mean to know Christ and the Father? The papists boast of such a knowledge, as the Jews boasted of being able to recognize the Messiah. But an intellectual knowledge of God is not sufficient. He who wishes to know God truly must know him in the Word and promises which the Scriptures set forth about Christ, that Christ is the Son of God, sent by the Father as a sacrifice and ransom for the sins of the world; that he might appease the wrath of God and effect reconciliation for us, redeeming us from sin and death and securing for us righteousness and everlasting life. Whenever, therefore, we have the knowledge of Christ, we must cease boasting and trusting in self-righteousness and in works. If Christ alone shall bear my sins I cannot at the same time atone for them by my own works and by my own pretended worthiness. This teaching points out the true Christ and the real knowledge of him. He who thus knows Christ, knows the Father also. This knowledge is the article of faith by which we become Christians, and is the foundation of our salvation.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 182–83.

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Suffering http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 19 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 

John 16:20, RSV

From Luther

This is said to all Christians, for every Christian must have temptations, trials, anxieties, adversities, sorrows, come what may. Therefore Christ mentions here no particular sorrow, nor trial, he simply says they shall weep, lament and be sorrowful, for the Christian has many persecutions. Some suffer loss of goods; there are others whose character suffers ignominy and scorn; some are drowned, others are burned; one perishes in this manner and another in that; it is the lot of the Christian constantly to suffer misfortune and adversity. This is the rod with which they are chastised. This is their court color by which the Christian is recognized, and if he wants to be a Christian, he dare not be ashamed of his livery.

No one need lay his cross upon himself, as some foolish persons have done and are still doing. They even court prison and death, saying: Since Christ of his own free will entered death, I will follow him in his example, as he commanded us to do. Such people do not understand divine things, they think they will suddenly enter death with Christ, whom they have never learned to know except in words. Thus was Peter also disposed, but he stood before Christ like a rabbit before one beating a drum. The old Adam lacks courage under the cross. The new man, however, can persevere through grace. Pious persons have no aim of their own in suffering, but if it be God’s will they bear good fruit like a tree planted by the streams of water. This is pleasing to God, since all presumption and show are condemned. He who battles heroically will receive joy for his suffering, the eternal in place of the temporal.

But why does God permit his own to be persecuted and hounded? In order to subdue the free will, that it may not seek an expedient in works; all serves to the end that we should accustom ourselves to build alone upon Christ, and to depend upon no other work, upon no other creature, whether in heaven or upon earth. But on this account we must suffer much. We must not only suffer shame and persecution, but the world rejoices at our great misfortunes. But this comfort we have that their joy shall not last long, and our sorrow shall be turned into eternal joy.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 181–82.

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The Implanted Word http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 18 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Therefore put away all filthiness and rank growth of wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls

James 1:21, RSV

From Luther

By filthiness, James means the impure life of the world—indulgence, voluptuousness, and knavery of every sort. These things, he says, should be far from you Christians who enjoy blessings so great and glorious. Could you rightly recognize and appreciate these blessings, you would regard all worldly pursuits and pleasures mere filth in comparison. Nor is this overdrawn; they are such when contrasted with the good and perfect heavenly gifts and treasures. You have the Word, says James, a Word which is yours, not by your own fancy or effort, but which God gave you and implanted in you by grace. It has free course, is preached, read and sung among you. It is of the utmost importance to receive it, to make profitable use of it, to handle it with meekness that we may hold it fast and not allow it to be effaced by anger under persecution or by the allurements of worldly lusts.

Meekness and patience are necessary to enable us to triumph over the devil and the world. Without them we shall not be able to hold fast the Word in our strife against those evil forces. We must fight and contend against sin, but if we essay to cool our wrath by grasping the devil and his followers by the hair and wreaking vengeance upon them, we will accomplish nothing and may thereby lose our treasure, the beloved Word. Therefore lay hold of the Word planted or grafted within you, that you may be able to retain it and have it bring forth its fruits in yourself. You have the Word; it is able to save you if you but steadfastly cling to it. Why then need you take any account of the world, and anything it may do? What injury can it render, what help even can it offer, as long as you hold the treasure of the Word?

The Word is implanted within you in a way to give you the certain comfort and sure hope of your salvation. Be careful not to permit yourselves to be wrested from it by the wrath or the filth of the world. Take heed to accept in purity and to maintain with patience the Word so graciously and richly given you by God without effort or merit on your part. Those, who are without the Word in their endeavor to attain heaven, accomplish nothing.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 179–80.

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The Spirit of a Lifetime http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 17 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Then the LORD said, “My spirit shall not abide in man for ever, for he is flesh, but his days shall be a hundred and twenty years.” 

Genesis 6:3, RSV

From Luther

These are the words of a father who disinherits his son, for God simply fixes a hundred and twenty years as the time in which opportunity is granted for repentance. He threatens, should it not be improved, that his Spirit shall no longer reprove and strive, which means that henceforth he will not give his Word to men, since all teaching is in vain. This word pertains properly to the office of the ministry. For every preacher or servant of the Word is a man of strife and judgment, and is constrained, by reason of his office, to chide whatever is vicious, without considering the person or office of his hearer. When Jeremiah does this zealously, he incurs not only hate, but also the gravest dangers. For this reason Elijah is called by Ahab the godless king of Israel, the disturber of Israel.

When Noah, whom Peter calls a “preacher of righteousness,” and his ancestors had preached nearly a thousand years, and yet the world continued to degenerate more and more, they announced God’s decision to an ungrateful world and disclosed this as his thought: Why should I preach forever and permit my heralds to cry in vain? The more messengers I send, the longer I defer my wrath,—the worse they become. It is therefore necessary for preaching to cease, and for retribution to begin. I shall not permit my Spirit, that is, my Word, to bear witness forever. I am constrained to punish their sins. Man is flesh and is opposed to me. He continues in his carnal state, mocks at the Word, persecutes and hates my Spirit in the patriarchs, and the story is told to deaf ears.

This proclamation contains a public complaint, made by the Spirit through the patriarchs; but the flesh remained true to its nature. They despised faithful exhortation in their presumption and carnal security. God shows that he is displeased with the perversity of men, nevertheless, as a father would spare his son, but is compelled by his wickedness to be severe, so the Lord says, I do not gladly destroy the human race. I shall grant them one hundred and twenty years in which they may come to themselves, and during which I shall exercise mercy.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 178–79.

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The Witness http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 16 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

And the Spirit is the witness, because the Spirit is the truth.

1 John 5:7, RSV

From Luther

John employs the word “witness” in connection with the thought of preaching; it is a word which he frequently uses. In the beginning of his gospel, where he speaks of John the Baptist, he says, “The same came for a witness, that he might bear witness of the light.” So in the use of the words “witness” or “bearing witness,” we are to understand simply the public preaching of God’s Word. Christ says, that the Holy Spirit shall bear witness of him; that is, it shall publicly fill the ministerial office. This is God’s own witness to his Son.

This witness, Christ himself ordains, shall ever go forth, and remain in the Church. To this end Christ himself called and gave the Holy Spirit to the apostles and their successors, ministers, preachers, and teachers. For the sake of the uninstructed masses and the constantly rising young who, as yet in ignorance of the Word, need admonition — for the sake of these, the Spirit must bear public witness or administer the preaching office that they, too, may learn to know the grace of God manifest and given us through Christ, and that God’s wondrous works may be publicly recognized and extolled by us in opposition to the devil and the world.

Wherever such witness is borne, there certainly will be some fruit; the witness never fails of effect. Some surely will be reached; some will accept and believe it. Since it is the witness of the Holy Spirit, he will be effective, producing in us that to which John refers when he says we are the children of God, and have the victory and eternal life. The Word and faith are vitally related. They are inseparable. Without faith, preaching will be fruitless; and faith has origin in the Word alone. Therefore, we should gladly handle and hear the Word. Where it is, there is also the Holy Spirit; and where the Spirit is, there must be at least some believers. If you have already heard the Word and obtained faith, it will always continue to strengthen you as you hear it. For the Spirit, as Christ says, breathes where he will, and touches hearts when and where he knows them to be receptive.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 177–78.

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Asking Properly http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 15 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.

John 16:23, RSV

From Luther

The Lord points out five things necessary to constitute true prayer. The first is God’s promise, which is the chief thing and is the foundation and power of all prayers. He promises that it shall be given if we ask. He promises that we may be sure of being heard in prayer; he even censures the disciples for being lazy and not having prayed. It is truly a great shame to us Christians that God should upbraid us for our slothfulness in prayer.

The second requisite in true prayer is faith. We must believe that the promise is true, and must not doubt that God will give what he promises. The words of promise require faith — a firm, undoubting confidence that God’s promise is true. Such faith and definite assurance the Holy Spirit must impart; without the Holy Spirit surely no prayer will be offered.

The third requisite of true prayer is that one must name something definitely for which he prays, as for strong faith, love, peace, and for the comfort of his neighbor. One must actually set forth petitions as in the Lord’s Prayer.

The fourth element in prayer is, that we must earnestly desire that the petition be granted, which is nothing but asking. It is an intercession of the Spirit that cannot be uttered. When Zacchaeus sought to see the Lord, he did not feel how strongly his heart wished that Christ might speak with him and come into his house.

The fifth requisite of prayer is that we ask in the name of Christ. This is nothing more than that we come before God in the faith of Christ and comfort ourselves with the sure confidence that he is our Mediator, through whom all things are given to us and without whom we merit nothing but wrath and disgrace. We pray aright in Christ’s name, when we thus trust in him that we will be received and heard for his sake and not for our own.
All these five requisites may be complied with in the heart without any utterance of the mouth. But oral prayer is necessary to kindle and encourage prayer inwardly in the heart. We must not specify to God the time, place, person, and measure, but leave all that to his own free will and cling only to asking.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 176–77.

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The Offense of the Gospel http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 14 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.

John 16:2, RSV

From Luther

Christ pointed out clearly enough what would happen to his disciples as a result of their preaching. He mentions two sources of opposition to the gospel, than which none could be stronger: one that the preacher should be excommunicated and put to death; the other that the persecutors would regard this as rendering a service to God. He said that the Holy Spirit should testify of him and that they also should bear witness; and he assures them that their testimony shall not be effaced by this rage and persecution of the world. He gives them this assurance beforehand for the purpose that they may know and be prepared against these same abuses.

It is strange and almost incredible to hear that not only the world shall oppose, with its bitter hatred and rage, Christ, the Son of God and its Saviour, but that also the apostles themselves must be offended at such judgment of the world. Who could ever conceive that Christ and his gospel should be received in this manner among his own people, to whom he had been promised by God, and from whom they were to expect nothing but that which is good, which they also received from him? But here we are told that the gospel is a teaching which, according to human judgment, gives nothing but offense,—a thing unworthy to be heard or tolerated.

The kingdom of Christ on earth shall so come that it must be apparent to all that it is not an earthly kingdom after the manner of men. But the world shall refuse to recognize its nature. It shall not be called the kingdom of Christ or of God, but a destruction and subversion of all good government, both spiritual and temporal. It is well-nigh inconceivable that the Son of God should be so received by those who are called the people of God. For Christ speaks here not of open, malicious, wicked knaves and godless men, but of those who are regarded as the most eminent, the wisest, the most holy, even the servants of God. Who would ever think that God would introduce Christ’s kingdom upon earth in this way, establish his Word in all places and gather his Church.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 174–75.

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The Sign of a Christian http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 13 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” 

Mark 16:17–18, RSV

From Luther

How shall we proceed here that we may preserve the truth of this passage? The Lord says all these signs shall accompany them. Now we know that the apostles did not present all the signs, and if the passage shall stand literally, then few believers will be cleared and few saints be entitled to heaven; for these signs, one and all, have not accompanied them, though they have had power to work signs, and have exhibited some of them. These words, therefore, do not refer to the Church as a whole, but to persons separately. If there is a Christian who has faith, he shall have power to do these accompanying miracles, and they shall follow him. Christ says, “He that believeth on me, the works that I shall do, shall he do also.” The Lord has given Christians power also against the unclean spirits. There was once a patriarch in the wilderness, who, when he met a serpent, took it in both hands and tore it in two, saying, What a fine thing it is to have a clear and guiltless conscience. So, where there is a Christian, there is still the power to work these signs if it is necessary.

But no one should attempt to exercise this power if it is not necessary. The apostles did not always exercise it, but only made use of it to prove the Word of God, to confirm it by miracles. “They went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following.” Since the gospel has now been spread abroad, and made known to all the world, there is no need of working miracles as in the apostles’ time. Then let no one without pressing need undertake to work wonders. I know not what I shall say about those who venture to do signs where they are not necessary. I know that it is a dangerous undertaking. The devil, indeed, lets himself be driven out, but he does not intend to suffer for it; he allows it only that he may strengthen the sign-worker in such error. I would not like to trust him. But wherever a Christian dies in Christ with cheerful heart, Satan has been truly cast out and deprived of his power and kingdom.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 173–74.

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The Mission of Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 12 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.

Mark 16:15, RSV

From Luther

He that would preach the gospel must cast aside all works supposed to make one just, and allow nothing to remain but faith; I must believe that God, without any merit of mine and regardless of all works, has granted me his grace and eternal life. Therefore we must preach in a way that the glory and praise will be given to God and not to ourselves. Now there is no greater glory and praise that we can give to God than to confess that out of pure grace and mercy he takes away from us sin, death and hell, and that he gives his beloved Son and all his treasures to us.

Faith compels no one to accept the gospel, but leaves its acceptance free to every one and makes it a personal matter. Thus you see that the pope errs and does the people injustice when he ventures to drive them to faith by force. The Lord commanded the disciples to do nothing more than preach the gospel. This the disciples also did; they preached the gospel and left its acceptance to those who would take it. They did not say: Believe, or I will put you to death.

A question arises as to the words, “Go ye into all the world,” how it is to be understood, since the apostles certainly did not visit all the world? Their preaching went out into all the world, although it has not yet come into all the world. This going out has been begun and continues, although it is not yet completed; the gospel will be preached farther and wider until the judgment day. When this preaching shall have reached all parts of the world, and shall have been everywhere heard, then will the message be complete and its mission accomplished; then will the last day also be at hand.

The preaching of this message may be likened to a stone thrown into the water, producing ripples which circle outward from it, the waves rolling on and on, one driving the other, till they come to shore. The preaching was begun by the apostles, and it constantly goes forward, is pushed on farther and farther by the preachers, driven hither and thither into the world, always being made known by those who never heard it before, although it be arrested in the midst of its course and is condemned as heresy.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 172–73.

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Knowing Christ http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 11 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 

2 Peter 3:18, RSV

From Luther

What is it to know Christ but to look upon him as a gift and as an example? A gift given by God that becomes your own; so that when you see and hear him suffering or doing anything, you may not doubt that Christ himself in such suffering and works is yours, upon which you may depend as though you yourself had done them, and as though you yourself were Christ. This is what it means to know Christ aright: that he with all he has, out of pure divine goodness has been given unto us, that he has rendered satisfaction, obtained salvation and eternal life for us, and that all this is through him and for his sake, bestowed upon us without our merit.

If in this way you have Christ as the foundation and chief treasure of your salvation, then follows the other part of laying hold of him as your example, that you give yourself to the service of your neighbor as he has given himself for you. Then faith and love will be exercised, God’s commandment will be fulfilled, and man becomes happy and fearless to do and to suffer any and everything. Christ as a gift nourishes your faith and makes you a Christian; but Christ as an example moves you to do good works; these do not make you a Christian, but they go forth from you who have already become Christians. The pope, however, has changed this entirely; for he commands: If you would be saved, you must pray the rosary, fast, become a Carthusian, buy indulgences, build churches, and do innumerable things, not one of which Christ ever commanded. The worst of all is that when they have practiced such works, which benefit neither God, nor the world, for a time, they boast of them and say: I have fasted so many Fridays with bread and water, I have spent so many years in the cloister, I hope God will not leave me unrewarded for such service, but will on that account give me heaven. That certainly is denying Christ, and a terrible blasphemy of the great and unsurpassable grace of God manifested toward us in his Son, Jesus Christ. The true knowledge of Christ is to know why he came, and how we may appropriate him to ourselves.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 171–72.

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Two Kingdoms http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 10 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

Romans 13:1–2, RSV

From Luther

We must understand that we have two kinds of authority: the secular that punishes with the sword, and the spiritual that exercises its office with the Word and by means of preaching. The secular power is ordained of God, as Paul clearly and beautifully declares to the Romans. Since there are few who heed the gospel, and most people remain rogues and knaves, they use the gospel for their own licentious liberty and wantonness; hence it is necessary to have a civil government, which we would not need if all men were Christian and evangelical. God has ordained and designed it, in order that the godly may live in peace; he has established the secular sword to the end that the public peace may be preserved, the wicked punished, and the just protected. On this account we must pay to the government rent and taxes and revenue by which it may be supported and administer its office.

In the gospel we find an entirely different, a spiritual government, one that exists alone in the Word, by which sinners are convicted and the gospel proclaimed to the terrified and alarmed consciences. When the bishops and their officials want to put one under the ban the transgression is published to the whole congregation, otherwise their ban would not be noticed, and the messengers would be shown the door. The secular government should see to it, whenever the clerical authority overreaches its sphere to the injury of souls, that it be restrained, and bishops and their officials be not permitted to excommunicate from the Church any one without his knowledge and will, whenever it pleases them.

It does not concern God very much as to how the secular government uses its power, for he is concerned only about the soul, and with this the secular power has nothing to do. It has received power to rule over the body and over property. Whether we govern well or not does not determine our salvation. But it were a matter of great concern if the spiritual authority were to say, Do this, and thou shalt be saved; omit this, and thou shalt be eternally lost, as though at certain times we must not eat eggs and meat and butter, but oil and fish. With Peter we must obey God rather than men.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 169–70.

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Hidden Strength http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 09 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. 

Romans 14:1, RSV

From Luther

Some are found who know the gospel, but are offended at their own manner of life. They have a desire to walk in godliness, but they feel that they make no progress. They begin to despair and think that with them all is lost because they do not feel the strength they ought to have. They also earnestly desire Christ to be strong in them and manifest himself in mighty deeds. But in this God designs to humble us, that we may see and feel what feeble creatures we are, what wretched, lost, and condemned men, if Christ had not come and helped us.

But thereby we have no furlough to continue for all time in weakness, for we do not preach that any should be weak, but that we should know the weakness of Christians and bear with it. Christ did not hang upon the cross that he might appear as a murderer and evildoer, but that we might learn how deeply strength lies hidden under weakness, and might learn to know God’s strength in weakness. Thus our weakness is not to be praised, as though we should abide in it, but rather must we learn not to think that those who are weak are not Christians, nor yet despair when we feel our own weakness. Therefore it behooves us to know our own weaknesses and ever to seek to wax stronger, for Christ must not suffer always, nor remain in the grave, but must come forth again and live.

Hence, let no one say that to remain in ignorance is the true course and condition. It is only a beginning, out of which we must grow day by day, giving heed only that we turn not away and despair when we are weak, as though all were lost. Rather must we continue to exercise ourselves till we wax stronger and stronger, and endure and bear the weakness until God helps and takes it away. Hence, even though you see your neighbor so weak that he stumbles, think not that he is beyond hope. God will not have one judge another and be pleased with himself, in as much as we are all sinners, but that one bear the infirmity of the other. Christ also pleased not himself, hence we are to do as he did.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 168–69.

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Christians by Birth http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 08 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. 

James 1:18, RSV

From Luther

The best thing Christ has sent us from on high is sonship. He brought us forth, made us his children, or heirs. We are truly called children born of God. But how are we born? Through “the word of truth,” or the true Word. By this statement James makes a far-reaching thrust at all factions and sects. They also have a word and boast much of their doctrine, but theirs is not the Word of truth whereby men are made children of God. But we have a Word whereby, as we are assured, God makes us his beloved children and justifies us, if we believe in that Word. He justifies us not through works or laws. The Christian must derive his sonship from his birth. The disciples of Moses, and all work-mongers, would effect it by commandments, extorting a work here and a work there, effecting nothing.

The children of God, John tells us, are they who believe on the name of Christ; who sincerely cling to the Word. They are children who cleave to the message that through Christ God forgives their sins and receives them into his favor; who adhere to this promise in all temptations, afflictions, and trouble. The Word here on earth is the jewel which secures sonship. Since God has so greatly blessed you as to make you his own begotten children, shall he not also give you every other good?

Whence do we derive sonship? Not from your own will, not from your own powers or efforts. Were it so, I and other monks surely should have obtained it, independently of the Word; it would have been ours through the numerous works we performed in our monastic life. It is secured, says James, “of his will.” It never entered into the thought of man that we should in this way be made children of God. The idea did not grow in our gardens; it did not spring up in our wells. It came down from above, “from the Father of lights,” by Word and Spirit revealed to us and given into our hearts through the agency of the apostles and their successors, by whom the Word has been transmitted to us. Hence we did not secure it by our efforts or merits. Of his fatherly will and good pleasure was it conferred upon us; of pure grace and mercy he gave it.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 167–68.

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Resurrection Blessings http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 07 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 

James 1:17, RSV

From Luther

We shall designate the “good gifts” the blessings we enjoy here in this life; the “perfect gifts” those awaiting us in the life to come. In the words “good gifts” and “perfect gifts,” the apostle comprehends all our blessings, those we have already received in the present life and those to be ours in the life to come. I will not now speak particularly of earthly, transient, and changeable blessings, such as temporal goods, honor, a healthy body, and others. There are many individuals who would give thousands of dollars to have the sight of both eyes. So much do they prize the blessing of sight, they would willingly suffer a year’s illness or endure other great inconveniences to obtain it.

But we shall speak now particularly of the blessings we have in Christ’s resurrection, a subject appropriate to this Paschal season. God has begun the work of edifying us, of building us up, and will constitute us his own children, his heirs. The great, glorious gifts of the resurrection are these: the gospel, holy Baptism, the power of the Holy Spirit, and comfort in all adversity. What is a slight injury or the loss of some temporal blessing in comparison with these? What reason has any man to murmur and to rage when such divine blessings are his, even here in this life, blessings which none can take away or abridge? If you are called on to renounce money, possessions, honor, and men’s favor, remember you have a treasure more precious than all the honors and all the possessions of the world. When you see one living in great splendor, in pleasure and presumption, following his own inclinations, think: I have divine grace enabling me to know God’s will and the work he would have me do, and all in heaven and earth is mine.

But these do not represent the consummation of resurrection blessings. We must yet await the real, the perfect gifts. God has only commenced to work in us; he will not leave us in this state. If we continue in faith, God will bring us to the real, the eternal blessings, called “perfect gifts,” the possession of which excludes error, stumbling, anger, and any sin whatever. Look to this future life, when assailed by the world and enticed to anger or evil lust.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 165–67.

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Clinging Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 06 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

1 John 5:4, RSV

From Luther

It is, indeed, saying very much for the Christian faith to attribute to it such power over the devil and the world — a power transcending all human ability. It requires an agency greater and higher than human strength to triumph over the devil, especially in the perplexing conflicts of conscience, when he vexes and tortures the heart with terror of God’s wrath in the attempt to drive us to despair. At such times all our works must immediately sink out of sight, leaving no help or victory except the faith that clings to the word of Christ the Lord, believing that, for the sake of his beloved Son, God will be merciful and will not condemn us for our sins and unworthiness, if we believe in him. Such faith as this stands fast and gains the victory; neither the devil, nor the gates of hell can prevail against it.

The same is true in all temptations. Before we can resist and overcome, we must have faith to believe that through Christ we have remission of sins and the favor of God; that God gives us help and strength to enable us to stand in the conflict and successfully resist the devil, the world, the flesh, and death; that we obtain the victory by the divine power of the Holy Spirit, lacking whose help we all would be far too weak to win. Without faith, we are under the power of the devil and sin, being subject to them by natural birth. We can be liberated in no other way than through faith in Christ.

The faith which believes Jesus is the Son of God is the true, triumphant sort. It is an invincible power wrought in the hearts of Christians by the Holy Spirit. It is a sure knowledge, that does not gaze and vacillate hither and thither according to its own thoughts. It apprehends God in Christ the Son sent from heaven, through whom God reveals his will and his love and transfers us from sin to grace, from death to a new, eternal life; a refuge and trust that relies, not upon its own merit and worthiness, but upon Christ the Son of God, and in his might and power battles against the world and the devil. It is a living, active power, ever followed by victories and other appropriate fruits.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 164–65.

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Election http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 05 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

Romans 11:33, RSV

From Luther

These words show Christians that these sublime and divine mysteries — God’s actual divine essence and his will, administration and works — are absolutely beyond all human thought, human understanding or wisdom; that they are and ever will be incomprehensible, inscrutable, and altogether hidden to human reason. When reason presumptuously undertakes to solve, to teach and explain these matters, the result is worthless, yea, utter darkness and deception. If anything is to be ascertained, it must be through revelation alone; that is, the Word of God, which was sent from heaven.

We do not apply these words of Paul to the question of divine predestination—who will be saved and who will not. For into these things God would not have us curiously inquire. He has not given us any special revelation in regard to them, but refers all men here to the words of the gospel. By them they are to be guided. He would have them hear and learn the gospel, and believing in it they shall be saved. Therein have all the saints found comfort and assurance in regard to their election to eternal life; not in any special revelation in regard to their predestination, but in faith in Christ.

Paul speaks here of the marvelous ruling of God in the Church, according to which they who have the name and honor of being the people of God — the people of Israel — are rejected on account of their unbelief. On the other hand, those who formerly were not God’s people, but were unbelieving, are now become the true Church in the sight of God and are saved, since they have received the gospel and believe in Christ. Consequently it was on account of their own unbelief that the former were rejected. Such are God’s unsearchable judgments and ways past finding out. By “judgments” is meant that which is right or wrong, what pleases and what does not please him. By “his ways” is meant that which he will manifest unto men and how he will deal with them. These things men cannot and would not search out by their own intellect, and therefore should never oppose their judgments or speculations to God. It is not for them to say what is right or wrong, whether an act or ruling is divine.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 163–64.

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Apprehended through Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 04 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

33 O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory for ever. Amen. 

Romans 11:33–36, RSV

From Luther

Sublime are the thoughts and counsel of God, transcending by far the mind and comprehension of man, yea, of all creatures, when he so richly pours forth his goodness, and out of pure grace and mercy elects, as beneficiaries of that goodness, the poor, and wretched, and unworthy, who are concluded under sin — that is, those who acknowledge themselves guilty before God and deserving of everlasting wrath and perdition; when he does all this that they might know him in his real divine essence, and the sentiment of his heart — that through his Son he will give all who believe everlasting life. And, again, that they might know how he will reject those who, in pride and security, boast of their own gifts, that they are called the people of God in preference to all other nations; who boast that they have special promises; who think that God will acknowledge no nation on earth but themselves as his people and his Church. He will reject them on account of their unbelief, in which they are fettered by the pride and imagination of their own wisdom and holiness.

This is that rich, inexpressible, divine wisdom and knowledge which they possess who believe in Christ, and by which they are enabled to look into the depths and see what the purposes and thoughts of the divine heart are. True, in their weakness they cannot fully reach it; they can only apprehend it in the revealed Word by faith, as in a glass or image. It cannot be apprehended or comprehended otherwise.

Though the world will not do it, we will firmly believe that God is a true God and Lord, wise, just, gracious, whose riches and depth are ineffable. We will glorify him with our whole heart, as he ought justly to be praised and glorified by every creature, for the wonderful government of his Church, through his Word and revelation. He is to be glorified because he manifests such unutterable goodness to all who are in sin and under God’s wrath that he translates them, though they are unworthy, from the power of death and hell into the kingdom of eternal grace and life, if they will only seek grace and believe on Christ, his Son.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 162–63.

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The Poor Man http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 03 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

But there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man.

Ecclesiastes 9:15, RSV

From Luther

Wherever we turn our eyes we see, in all conditions of life, a flood of terrible examples of ingratitude for the precious gospel. We see how kings, princes and lords quarrel and fight, envy and hate one another, oppressing their own people and destroying their own countries; they tax themselves with not so much as a single Christian thought about ameliorating the wretchedness of Germany. The noblemen rake and rend, robbing whom they can, prince or otherwise, and especially the poor Church. Townsmen and farmers are extremely avaricious, extortionate and treacherous; they fearlessly perpetrate every sort of insolence and wickedness, and without shame and punishment. The earth cries to heaven, unable longer to tolerate its oppression.

But why multiply words? It is in vain so far as the world is concerned; no admonition will avail. The world remains the devil’s own. Notwithstanding the world’s refusal to be influenced by the recognition of God’s goodness, and in spite of the fact that we are obliged daily to see, hear and suffer the world’s increasing ungratefulness the longer it stands, we must not allow ourselves to be led into error; for we will be unable to change it. We must preach against the evil of ingratitude wherever possible, severely censuring it, and faithfully admonish all men to guard against it. Although compelled to live among the ungrateful, we are not for that reason to fall into error, nor to cease from doing good.

But if your good works are wrought with the object of securing the thanks and applause of the world, your reward will justly be that of him who crushes with his teeth the hollow nut only to defile his mouth. If, when you meet with ingratitude, you angrily wish to pull down mountains, and resolve to give up doing good, you are no longer a Christian. You injure yourself and accomplish nothing. Let the God-fearing Christians give evidence of their willingness to hear the Word of God. Let them show by their lives a consciousness of the great blessing conferred by those from whom they received the gospel. Let their hearts and lips ever be ready with the happy declaration: “God be praised.” Such manifestation of gratitude assuredly must result when we comprehend what God has given us.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 160–62.

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The Shepherd Calls http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 02 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 10:11, RSV

From Luther

“The good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep.” In this one virtue the Lord comprehends and exemplifies all others in the beautiful parable of the sheep. The sheep has this trait above all other animals, that it soon recognizes the shepherd’s voice and will follow no one but him. Though it cannot help and keep and heal itself, nor guard against the wolf, yet it always knows enough to keep close to the shepherd and look to him for help. Christ uses this trait of the animal as an illustration in explaining that he is the good Shepherd. In this manner he shows plainly what his kingdom is and in what it consists. It is to protect the sheep, that is, poor, needy, wretched men who realize that there is no other help or counsel for them. The kingdom of Christ is to be concerned about the weak, the sick, the broken, who need to be helped. This is a comforting declaration.

“A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench.” The bruised reeds are the poor, tender consciences, which are easily distracted. But God deals gently with them. The smoking flax (dimly burning wick) he does not wholly quench, but lights it and trims it again and again. When a Christian is not only weak and infirm, but when he falls into such great temptations as to deny the gospel, as Peter when he denied Christ, even then you are not to cast him away, as though he no longer belonged to this kingdom. You must not rob Christ of this characteristic, that in his kingdom abounding grace and mercy alone prevail, and that his kingdom is wholly one of consolation, and that he is a comforting, friendly shepherd, who tenderly invites, and would induce all men to come unto him. All this is effected through the gospel alone, by means of which we are to strengthen the weak and heal the sick. It will give full consolation to all, so that no one, no matter how great a sinner he has been, need despair.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 159–60.

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Sure Hope http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 01 May 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith.

Galatians 3:24, RSV

From Luther

There are two divine proclamations which came from heaven. One is, “Thou shalt not kill, commit adultery, steal” and the like, and adds the threat that all who transgress these commandments shall die. Though they may compel a man outwardly to appear godly before men, inwardly the heart is left at enmity with the law. The other proclamation is that of the gospel. It tells us how we may meet the demands of the law. It does not drive nor threaten, but kindly invites us, Come, I will show you where you may find what you need to make you godly. Here is the Lord Jesus; he will give it you.

The two proclamations are as opposite to one another as taking and giving, and this distinction must ever be observed. With these two God has ever ruled the world, and still rules it. The law must be declared to coarse and rude persons, who are not influenced by the gospel, until they are driven to acknowledge their imperfections and are humbled. When this has been accomplished, the gospel is to be applied. There are other proclamations besides these two, which have been invented to frighten men’s consciences, but they are not from heaven and are mere human prattle. The proclamations of law and gospel are not of men, but of Christ, who sent them forth and put them into the heart of the apostles and their successors so that they understood them, and then into their mouths so that they spake and declared them.

If you believe that Christ died to save you from all evil, and you hold fast to that Word, you will find it so certain and sure that no creature can overthrow it. It is the power of God, and can and will save all who believe it. You will find refuge in the Word and attain everlasting, peace, joy and life. You will be a participant in all the power that is in the Word, which is so deeply hidden that none but they who believe realize that it is so effective and that it accomplishes such great things.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 158–59.

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The Risen Life http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 30 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

1 If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. 3 For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory. 5 Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;

Colossians 3:1–5, RSV

From Luther

Here is comfort for Christians in this earthly life, where their resurrection seems untrue to the world and to their own perceptions, though they receive the doctrine of Christ and apprehend him by faith; where they must contend with sin and infirmities and besides are subject to much affliction and adversity; and where consequently they are extremely sensible of death and terror when they should experience joy and life. In this verse Paul comforts them, showing where to seek and surely apprehend their life. Be of good cheer, he would say, for ye are dead to the worldly life. This life ye must renounce, but in so doing ye make a precious exchange. Dying unto the world is a blessed experience, for which ye will obtain a life far more glorious. Ye are now through Christ’s death redeemed from sin and from death eternal and are made imperishable. Upon you is conferred everlasting glory. But this risen life ye cannot yet perceive in yourselves; ye have it in Christ through faith.

Christ is spoken of as “our life.” This life is certain, though still unrevealed to you, insured to you beyond the power of any one to deprive you of it. By faith in Christ’s life, are ye to be preserved and to obtain victory over the terrors and torments of sin, death and the devil, until that life shall be revealed in you and made manifest to men. In Christ ye surely possess eternal life. Nothing is lacking to a perfect realization except that the veil whereby it is hidden as long as we are in mortal flesh and blood is yet to be removed. Then will eternal life be revealed. Then all worldly, terrestrial things, all sin and death, will be abolished. In every Christian shall be manifest only glory. Christians, believing in Christ and knowing him risen, should comfort themselves with the expectation of living with him in eternal glory.

Saints must, therefore, by a vigorous and unceasing warfare subdue their sinful lusts if they would not lose God’s grace and their faith. To retain the Spirit and the incipient divine life, the Christian must contend with himself. Positive mortification is necessary. And this is the way to mortify sin: it must be perceived with serious displeasure and repented of; and through faith Christ’s forgiveness must be sought and found.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 157–58.

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Faith Is the Victory http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 29 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 

1 John 5:4–5, RSV

From Luther

He who is born of God overcomes the world, John declares. Verily, this is a significant and forcible assertion which the Holy Spirit makes. It represents a tremendous power, a great work. The child of God must attempt and accomplish great things. The birth effected through the Word and faith makes men true sovereigns, above all earthly rulers. It gives them power even to overcome the world, something impossible to any Roman or Turkish potentate. They effect not their victory by physical force or temporal power, but by the spiritual birth through faith.

In order to understand the nature of the spiritual victory and how it is effected, we must know what John means by the term “world.” The reference is not to dominion over territory, to property, or money. He implies the existence of two kingdoms. By the heavenly kingdom we must understand not only spiritual life and godly people, but the Lord and Regent of that kingdom — Christ with his angels, and his saints, both living and dead. The kingdom of the world represents not only the earthly life with its worldly interests, but particularly its lord and regent — the devil and his angels, all unchristian, godless, wicked people on earth. So John means by “world” the devil and his whole earthly dominion.

The workings of these two kingdoms are plainly evident, though the leaders are not visible to mortal eyes. Christ rules effectually in his own power through the Word and the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers, through the angels who guard his followers, and through his people themselves who exercise authority over one another in loving service, each teaching, comforting and admonishing a noble band of godly, obedient, chaste, benevolent souls. The nature of the devil’s kingdom is easily apparent. This kingdom is simply a huge booth filled with faithless, shameless, wicked individuals, impelled by their god to every sort of disobedience and contempt of God and his Word; to false doctrine, the practice of wantonness, vice, and wickedness.

These two kingdoms are opposed. Christians are brought into the conflict to hold the field against God’s enemies, whose rule is one of falsehood and murder; they must contend with the enemy’s servants, factions, spirits, and wicked individuals, in an effort to restrain evil and promote good. Christians must know how to meet and successfully resist the enemy, how to carry the field unto victory and hold it.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 155–57.

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Fellowship with the Weak http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 28 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

For many are called, but few are chosen.

Matthew 22:14, RSV

From Luther

Note what took place in Jerusalem, when the gospel was first heard. It is said, there were in the city at the feast of the Passover eleven hundred thousand men. How many were converted? When Peter stood up and preached, they made a mockery of it and considered the apostles drunken fools. After the apostles had preached the gospel a long time, they gathered together three thousand men and women. But what were they among so many? No one could discern that the gosped had accomplished anything. No change was seen, and scarcely any one knew that there were Christians there. Hence the gospel must not be measured by the multitude that hear, but by the small company that receive it. They appear as nothing, they are despised and persecuted, and yet God secretly works in them.

There is another thing that hinders the free movement of the gospel, namely, the infirmities of the believers. Thus Peter was filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, yet he stumbled and fell — he and all that were with him — when he walked not according to the gospel, so that Paul had to reprove him openly. Mark had journeyed with Paul, but afterward fell away and withdrew from him. Again, Paul and Barnabas strove together, and there arose a sharp contention between them. And before this, we read in the Gospels how often the apostles erred in weigthy matters, though they were the best of Christians.

These infirmities of Christians darken the gospel most of all, so that men who deem themselves wise and learned stumble and are offended in them. Few there are who can well reconcile these things so as to take no offense. It was thus even with the disciples. At first when Christ wrought great and excellent works, and gained great honors, they remained steadfast. The common people clung to him, because they saw that with great power he wrought such excellent works, and walked so as to be irreproachable. But when his sufferings began, they all turned away and forsook him. Why was this? Because they considered him not the strong, but a weak Christ. Therefore to bear with the weak Christ is the highest wisdom on earth, which is known to very few men.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 154–55.

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The Gentle Rebuke of the Greatest Sin http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 27 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. 12 After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. 14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 

Mark 16:9–14, RSV

From Luther

Christ upbraids the disciples with their unbelief and hardness of heart. He does not reject them, nor deal too severely with them, but reproves them. It is not an insignificant matter that the Lord rebuked his disciples; for unbelief is the greatest sin that can be named. Christ tells them the cause of their unbelief when he says that their hearts are hardened, still he deals mildly and gently with them. This is told us for our comfort, lest we despair, when, lacking in faith, we doubt, stumble and fall. It is to help us to rise again, to strengthen our faith and lift up our hearts to God, that we may grasp and hold fast the confidence of God, who does not deal severely with us, but can indeed bear with us and overlook much. If we believe him to be a merciful God, he will be found merciful and thus shows himself to us; but a bad conscience and an unbelieving heart have no such trust in God, but flee from him. So should we also deal with our neighbor. If we see him fall from the faith, or err and sin, we should not strengthen him in his wickedness, nor justify his cause, but admonish him and in meekness reprove his faults, yet not hold enmity, nor turn our love from him.

But let no one think that the apostles were altogether unbelieving; they believed what was written in the law and the prophets. There was a faith there, but they did not yet believe all things. Faith is a thing that always grows. Therefore the Lord shows wherein they lacked in faith; it was that they did not believe the resurrection of Christ from the dead. I hold that they believed that they had a gracious God, but this was not enough; they must believe also the resurrection of Christ. Thus the Lord upbraided them with their unbelief and said that in spite of all they had seen, they were not believing, they still lacked a certain article of faith, that on the resurrection. We should therefore expose and reprove what is wrong, but exercise truth and love toward everybody. We see that even the apostles were lacking in the chief things, yet they were corner stones, the foundation and the very best part of Christendom.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 153–54.

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Known by the Shepherd http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 26 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

 I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me

John 10:14, RSV

From Luther

Christ here gives us the criterion by which we are to distinguish the true Church, or people of God, from that which has the name and reputation, but in truth is not the Church. The Church neither is, nor ought to be a society which must be organized with an external government, like the Jewish people under the law of Moses. It is not governed and preserved by outward human power; much less is it bound to a succession or government of bishops, as the papacy claims. It is a spiritual assembly, which hears the shepherd and believes in him, and is governed by him through the Holy Spirit. It is outwardly recognized by this alone, that it has his Word, the preaching of the gospel, and his sacraments. Inwardly it is known to him alone, as in turn it also knows him by faith and clings to him when it hears his Word, regardless of the fact that it may neither maintain, nor even know anything of that outward Jewish or papistical government, and may be scattered here and there in the world without any organized external government, as it was in the time of Christ and the apostles, who, apart from and in opposition to the regular power of the whole priesthood, believed in Christ and confessed him.

If you really wish to know what a Christian is you must not look to the law of Moses, the government of the pope, nor the life and sanctity of any man, however holy. A Christian is not one who leads a strict, severe, hermit life; nothing that is in us or can be done by us, makes a Christian. This alone, that one knows this Man, regards him and trusts him as he wishes to be considered, namely, the good Shepherd, who lays down his life for the sheep and knows them. This knowledge is nothing else than faith, which arises from the ministry of the Word, which consists not of our own thoughts, nor does it come from men, but it was brought from heaven and was revealed by Christ himself. In this way and in no other does a man become a Christian. The Word and our faith must always come together. Here we have this comfort, that if any one knows Christ in this way, he is already known by him and certainly is one of his.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 152–53.

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Believing through the Spirit http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 25 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

Every one who believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God, and every one who loves the parent loves the child.

1 John 5:1, RSV

From Luther

Though John’s language is plain and simple, yet in the ears of men generally it is unusual and unintelligible. What, according to the world’s construction, is implied by the statement, “born of God?” To the world there is no birth but physical. Hence such doctrine as our text sets forth will ever be strange, unintelligible, incomprehensible, to all but Christians. But these speak with new tongues, as Christ says they shall, for they are taught and enlightened by the Holy Spirit.

When the Scriptures speak of being born of God, it is not in a human sense; the reference is not to the conditions of our temporal lives, but to those exalted ones of a future existence. To say we must be born of God is equivalent to saying that if a man is to be redeemed from sin and eternal death, to enter into the kingdom of God and into happiness, his physical birth will not suffice; all that nature, reason, free will and human endeavor may afford is inadequate. Physical, indeed, answers for everything in the way of temporal possession and achievement, every desirable and exalted thing of earth; but all such possession and achievement serves only the physical existence; it is swept away by death, to which event it is ever subject.

Hence there becomes necessary a new and different birth. The demand is for a divine birth, a birth in which parentage is wholly of God; a birth signifying the operation of God’s divine power in man, a power achieving something beyond the attainment of his natural capacities and effecting in him new understanding and a new heart. The process is this: when the individual hears the gospel message of Christ — a message revealed and proclaimed, not by the wisdom and will of man, but through the Holy Spirit — and sincerely believes it, he is justly recognized as conceived and born of God. Through that faith, for the sake of his Son, God accepts us as his children, pleasing to him and heirs of eternal life; and the Holy Spirit will be sent into our hearts.

This doctrine condemns those arrogant teachers who presumptuously expect to be justified before God by their own merits and works. The Scriptures clearly teach the very reverse. It is sheer human effort, and not being born of God.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 150–51.

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Raised to New Life http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 24 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 

Colossians 3:1–4, RSV

From Luther

How is a dead man profited, however much life may be preached to him, if that preaching does not make him alive? Of what use is it to preach righteousness to a sinner, if he remain in sin? or to an erring, factious individual, if he forsake not his error and his darkness? Even so, it is not only useless but detrimental, even pernicious in effect, to listen to the glorious, comforting and saving doctrine of the resurrection, if the heart has no experience of its truth; if it means naught but a sound in the ears, a transitory word upon the tongue, with no more effect upon the hearer than if he had never heard.

According to the text, this nobly wrought and precious resurrection of Christ must essentially be, not an idle tale of fancy, futile as a dead hewn stone, or a painted paper image, but a powerful energy working in us a resurrection through faith — an experience which he calls being risen with Christ; in other words, it is dying unto sin, being snatched from the power of death and hell and having life and happiness in Christ. If ye, Paul says, have apprehended by faith the resurrection of Christ and have received its power and consolation, and so are risen with him, that resurrection will surely be manifest in you; you will feel its power, will be conscious of its working within you. The doctrine will be something more than words; it will be truth and life. For those who do not thus apprehend the resurrection, Christ is not yet risen, although his rising is none the less a fact; for there is not within them the power represented by the words “being risen with Christ,” the power which renders them truly dead and risen men.

The apostle, then, in this text is not referring to the future resurrection of the body, but to the spiritual rising which entails the former. He regards as one fact the resurrection of the Lord Christ, who brought his body again from the grave and entered into life eternal, and the resurrection of ourselves, who, by virtue of his rising, shall likewise be raised: the soul, from a trivial and guilty life shall rise into a true, divine and happy existence; from this sinful and mortal body shall rise out of the grave an immortal, glorious one.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 149–50.

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An Everlasting Covenant http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 23 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. 

Isaiah 55:3, RSV

From Luther

The prophet has reference to the promise made to David in the seventh chapter of second Samuel. In the preceding verses of the chapter, Isaiah most tenderly entreats and invites the whole world to receive the promises of salvation, for thereby shall the poor, the wretched and the afflicted obtain the great treasures of joy and salvation. Immediately following the verse quoted, he speaks of the Messiah, the promised seed of David, as given to the Levites for a “witness,” — a preacher sent by God — and for a “leader and commander to the people.” The thought is of a king and ruler differing from Moses and his priests and exponents of the law; a ruler differing from every other lord and king, from David and all worldly rulers whatever, subjecting everything to himself. Not that this leader should set up a new temporal government, or extend Jewish authority among the Gentiles, but that Jews and Gentiles should receive him and believe in him, and obtain the fulfilment of that promise he here terms a covenant of the sure mercies of David. This covenant God enters into and keeps, a divine, sure covenant; through Christ shall be given whatever blessings God’s mercy shall bestow, with remission of sins, redemption from death, and life eternal.

Now, if the Christ of this covenant is true man, and, as the promise to David is, of David’s flesh and blood; and if he is to bring eternal mercy, he must likewise be God, such gift being in the province and power of God alone. This being true, he cannot remain in death, although he may suffer death by reason of his human nature; he must of his own power rise from the dead. Only so can he raise others and give them everlasting life; only so can he truly be called eternal King of grace, righteousness and life, according to the sure promise of God. Whenever the Scriptures speak of Christ’s eternal kingdom, and of everlasting grace, they point out this article of the resurrection of Christ. God has promised to give us Christ, him who was to sit at his right hand — that is, to have the omnipotent, divine power possible only to an eternal Lord and King — and at the same time to have his kingdom on earth.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 148–49.

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Believing the Judgment http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 22 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

8 And when he comes, he will convince the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 

John 16:8–11, RSV

From Luther

The word “judgment” means the decision between two parties at variance to decide which is right or wrong. It embraces two elements, aid and punishment, that the innocent party be acquitted and helped to his rights; that the guilty be condemned and punished. The word, however, is generally used for the latter element, the legal sentence of condemnation and its consequence. In this sense Christ uses it here and he intends to indicate that when the Holy Spirit shall pursue the two themes of his preaching and shall reprove the world of sin and righteousness, it will not receive it, nor be willing to be reproved, nor be moved to allow the righteousness of Christ to be offered to it. It will set itself against this teaching and reproving of the Holy Spirit, and condemn and persecute it. Then arises the conflict, and one judgment runs contrary to the other.

But Christ says that the Holy Spirit shall retain the superior judgment and shall prevail in his reproving of the world until the last day. In consequence of this Christians get into straits, the cross and persecution begin. Because the kingdom of Christ is not of this world, but spiritual and invisible, the power and might which the world has are directed against the Church by condemning, persecuting and torturing with sword and fire and other means. The world is also incited by the bitter hatred of the devil against Christ, who seeks to blot out and exterminate the Church. Against this hatred of judgment Christ gives comfort. The devil is already judged and the sentence of condemnation has already been pronounced upon him; the only thing wanting is its execution, that the punishment be inflicted upon him in eternal fire.

This judgment proceeds by power and might of the Lord Christ, sitting at the right hand of the Father; it is publicly proclaimed by the office of preaching, that the prince of the world with all his adherents is already under final condemnation and shall accomplish nothing against Christ. He must let him remain the Lord, under whose feet he shall eternally lie and suffer his head to be trodden upon. Christ makes his enemies his footstool. No one believes this except Christians, who take the Lord’s Word for truth and know his power and kingdom.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 146–48.

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The Righteousness of Christians http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 21 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

8 And when he comes, he will convince the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more.

John 16:8–10, RSV

From Luther

The world is reproved not only because it has sin, but also because it does not know what righteousness is, and how to become pious. The righteousness of which he speaks here does not consist in observing civil or imperial laws and in doing what reason teaches, but the righteousness which is valid before God, or which he regards as righteousness. He says, “Because I go to the Father, and ye see me no more.” To the world this is strange and ridiculous language. “Because I go to the Father,” embraces the whole work of our redemption and salvation, for which God’s Son was sent from heaven, and which he performed for us and still performs until the end, namely, his passion, death and resurrection, and his whole reign in the Church. This going to the Father signifies nothing else than that he offers himself as a sacrifice by the shedding of his blood and by his death to pay for sin; afterwards he triumphs in his resurrection and brings sin, death and hell into subjection to himself, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, where he reigns invisibly over all things in heaven and earth, and gathers and extends his Church by the preaching of the gospel; as an external mediator and high priest he intercedes with the Father for those who believe, because they still have weaknesses and sins remaining in them, and gives the power and strength of the Holy Spirit to overcome sin, the devil and death.

This is the righteousness of Christians before God, that Christ goes to the Father, that is, suffers and rises for us, and thereby reconciles us to the Father, so that for his sake we have forgiveness of sin, and grace. This is the righteousness of another, for which we have done nothing and have merited nothing, freely given and appropriated to us to be our righteousness, whereby we please God and are his dear children and heirs. This freely bestowed righteousness comes by faith alone. It cannot be apprehended otherwise than with the heart, which clings to the departure of Christ and firmly believes that for his sake it has forgiveness and redemption from sin and death. This righteousness is not an external thing, but a hidden treasure, not seen with eyes nor comprehended by our senses.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 145–46.

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Contending for the Sheep http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 20 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord GOD: Ho, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep?

Ezekiel 34:1–2, RSV

From Luther

To be a shepherd is not to exercise great pomp and glory; but it is a service one is wont to render another, as a servant in a household, who does all in his power to please his master freely and without restraint, and is in all other respects faithful. Thus Christ did all in harmony with his office and his name. When he was here on earth he carefully tended his sheep and provided them with everything needful for body and soul, with good and honest teaching and deeds of mercy. Good shepherds are like the good Shepherd Christ, who tends the sheep, goes before them, cares for those who are sick; who does not flee when the wolves come, but “who giveth his life for the sheep.”

It is not enough that we preach correctly, which the hireling can also do; but we must watch over the sheep, that the wolves, the false teachers, may not break in, and we must contend for the sheep against the wolves with the Word of God, even to the sacrifice of our lives. Such are good shepherds, of whom few are found. They are the righteous apostles and preachers, who are but the mouthpieces of Christ, through whom Christ preaches. The hirelings do not care for the sheep, receive temporal wages, riches and honor and feed themselves. They are good to a certain extent, and Christ also preaches through them, but they are not true to the sheep. This may be seen in our shepherds to-day who almost entirely subvert their office. In times past the princes gave the bishops and priests great treasures, besides land and people, so that pious bishops did not want to accept the office, they even fled from it; but that is entirely changed at present and there is a running and racing after the best bishoprics. The greatest rush is for the offices which afford the best livings. They seek their own, not the things of Christ. This is a lamentable and miserable state of things. Thus Paul also warns the elders at Ephesus: Take heed unto yourselves and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers. I know, after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 144–45.

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Be Certain http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 19 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

10 As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who utters oracles of God; whoever renders service, as one who renders it by the strength which God supplies; in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 

1 Peter 4:10–11, RSV

From Luther

It is necessary that both preachers and hearers take heed to doctrine and have clear, unmistakable evidence that what they embrace is really the true Word of God revealed from heaven; the doctrine given to the holy and primitive fathers, prophets and apostles; the doctrine Christ himself confirmed and commanded to be taught. We are not permitted to employ the teachings dictated by any man’s pleasure or fancy. We are not allowed to adapt the Word to mere human knowledge and reason. We are not to trifle with the Scriptures, to juggle with the Word of God, as if it would admit of being explained to suit the people; of being twisted, distended and patched to effect peace and agreement among men. There would then be no sure, permanent foundation whereon the conscience might rely.

Still it is not enough that the office and commandment be God-appointed. We ministers should be conscious—and the people should be taught—that efficacy of office is not of human effort, but is God’s power and work. That which the office was designed to accomplish is not effective by virtue of our speech or action, but by virtue of God’s commandment and appointment. He it is who orders; and himself will effectively operate through that office which is obedient to his command. In baptism, the Lord’s Supper and absolution we are not to be concerned about the person administering the sacraments or pronouncing absolution,—who he is, how righteous, how holy, how worthy. Worthiness or unworthiness of either administering or receiving hand effects nothing; all the virtue lies in God’s command and ordinance.

The motive for all Christian effort is named in the words, “that in all things God may be glorified.” No one may seek or ascribe to himself power and honor because of his office or gifts. Power and glory belongs only to God. God himself calls his Church, rules, sanctifies and preserves it through his Word and his Spirit. To this end he bestows on us his gifts. All is done purely of grace, wholly for the sake of his beloved Son, Christ the Lord. Therefore, in return for the favor and ineffable goodness bestowed upon us regardless of our merits, we ought to thank and praise God, directing all our efforts to the recognition and glory of his name.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 143–44.

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No Trifling Matter http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 18 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

As they were saying this, Jesus himself stood among them.

Luke 24:36, RSV

From Luther

The disciples are gathered together in seclusion. They are afraid of the Jews and are in danger of their lives; they are fearful and faint-hearted and afraid of sin and death. Had they been strong and courageous, they would not have thus crept into a corner; later, when the Holy Spirit came, strengthened and comforted them, they were made so courageous that they stepped forth and preached publicly without fear. This is written for us, that we might learn that the gospel of Christ’s resurrection comforts only the faint-hearted. They are the poor, conscience-stricken ones, whose sins lie heavily upon them, who feel faint at heart, are loth to die and are well-nigh startled by the sound of a rustling leaf. To these contrite, poor, and needy souls the gospel offers comfort, to them it is a sweet savor.

This is also learned from the nature of the gospel, for the gospel is a message and a testimony, which declares how the Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead, that he might remove sin, death and all evil from all who believe in him. If I recognize him as such a Saviour, I have heard the gospel aright, and he has in truth revealed himself to me. If now the gospel teaches naught but that Christ has overcome sin and death by his resurrection, then we must indeed confess that it can be of service to none save those who feel sin and death. They who do not feel their sin, and are not dismayed, nor see their infirmities, profit not a whit by it, nor do they delight in it. Though they hear the gospel, it has no effect upon them, except that they learn the words, and speak of what they have heard. They do not treasure them in their hearts, and receive neither comfort nor joy from them.

It were well, if the gospel could be preached only where faint-hearted and conscience-stricken ones are found. But this cannot be, and for this reason it bears so little fruit. The fault is not in the gospel, but in the hearers. They hear it, but they do not feel their own affliction and misery, nor have they ever tried to feel it.

Hence none need marvel if the gospel does not everywhere bring forth fruit.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 141–42.

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The Mind of Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 17 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 

Luke 24:26–27, RSV

From Luther

The Evangelist states that their heart burned within them while he opened to them the Scriptures, and the gospel following says that Christ opened their minds to understand the Scripture. Here is the point: Moses certainly writes concerning Christ, and Christ is found in the books of Moses; but it is necessary not only to read, but also to understand what is said. Therefore the Bible is a book that must not only be read and preached, but it also requires the true interpreter, that is, the revelation of the Holy Spirit. Not a single article of faith has ever been preached that was not more than once attacked and denied by heretics, though they read the same Scriptures that we have.

This revelation, therefore, requires pupils of the right kind, who are willing to learn and to be instructed, like these pious and simple-minded disciples, not wise and puffed up minds and self-made masters who reach beyond the very heavens with their knowledge. This is a doctrine that makes our wisdom foolishness and blinds our reason, before it can be believed and understood; for it is not born of man’s reason, like other sciences and arts, which have sprung from reason and can be grasped by means of reason. All heresies from the beginning have had their origin here; both Jews and Gentiles, and the Turks at present, grow foolishly violent in regard to our doctrine, because it does not agree with reason and human wisdom. Only pious, simple-minded people can grasp and understand it—they who say: “God hath said it, therefore I believe it.” Christ himself thanks the Father with a joyful heart that he hides these things from the wise and understanding and reveals them unto babes.

Thus poor, ignorant women came to the sepulcher without considering that the tomb was covered with a heavy stone; yet these foolish persons are the first to whom Christ reveals his resurrection and calls to be his preachers and witnesses. So he gives these disciples a knowledge of the Scriptures which all the learned scribes did not possess, so that now they view Moses with different eyes, and are forced to confess: I have read and heard this before, but never understood it.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 140–41.

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Dear Brothers http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 16 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Jesus said to her, “Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” 

John 20:17, RSV

From Luther

The apostles were crouching behind barred doors, discouraged and cowed, as sheep without a shepherd, and troubled in conscience. Peter had denied his Lord with an oath, and the others had all fled and proved themselves disloyal. That was, indeed, a fall so deep and terrible that they might well think they would never be forgiven for denying the Son of God, and so shamefully forsaking their dear Lord and faithful Saviour. How could it ever enter their hearts that Christ would send such an affectionate greeting and such a kind good morning to them, and would not only forgive everything, but also call them dear brethren?

Consider what these words contain and offer. Go, my dear sister, and tell the denying and disloyal disciples that they are called and shall be my dear brethren. Is not this placing us with Christ into the complete tenure and inheritance of heaven and of everything Christ has? Rich and blessed indeed must be the brethren and sisters who can boast of this Brother, not now hanging on the cross, nor lying in the grave under the power of death, but a mighty Lord over sin, death, hell and the devil.

But who is he that has instituted this brotherhood? The only Son of God and almighty Lord of all creatures, so that on his own account he did not need to endure suffering and death. I have done all this, he tells us, for your sake as your dear Brother, who could not bear to see you eternally separated from God by the devil, sin and death, and miserably perish; hence I stepped into your place and took your misery upon myself, gave my body and life for you that you might be delivered; I have now risen again to proclaim and impart to you this victory and deliverance, and to receive you into my brotherhood, that you might possess and enjoy with me all that I have and hold. Thus you see, it is not enough for Christ that the historical fact has occurred, and that on his part everything is accomplished; he infuses it into us and creates a brotherhood from it, so that it may become the common possession of us all. He has done this not for himself and his own sake, but as our brother and for our good alone.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 139–40.

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Peace http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 15 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

John 20:19, RSV

From Luther

Jesus finds his disciples sitting in fear and terror both from without because of the Jews and from within because of their consciences. They were slow of heart to believe what they had heard from the women and from some of the disciples, that he had risen from the dead. While they were talking about it with sad hearts, Christ appears and hails them with his friendly greeting, “Peace be unto you,” which means a wish for everything that is good.

The peace of Christ is hidden from our eyes and senses and is different from that which the world seeks. It is not a visible or tangible peace, consisting of bodily feeling, but an inner and spiritual peace, consisting of faith, which grasps and holds to nothing save what it hears in our text, namely, the gracious words of Christ, which he speaks to all frightened and troubled souls. A Christian, therefore, is contented and satisfied with having Christ as his friend and in him a gracious God who desires his constant welfare, even though, materially speaking, he has no peace in the world, but constant strife and contention. At another place Jesus says, “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye might have peace. In the world ye have tribulation.”

The disciples were not troubled by any one, yet their hearts were all aflutter, and were neither at rest nor at peace. While they are thus in fear and terror, the Lord brings them peace, not by removing any danger, but by quieting their hearts. The wickedness of the Jews is neither removed nor changed; they are as full of hatred and rage as before. Without there is no change whatever, but the disciples are changed within; they have become courageous and bold, and the hatred of the Jews is now of little concern to them. This is the true peace which is able to calm the heart even in the midst of trouble. It is well called a peace “which passeth all understanding;” it is abiding and invincible as long as the heart clings to Christ; for thereby it is certain that it has a merciful God and the forgiveness of sins.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 138–39.

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My Father and Your Father http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 14 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rab-boni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”

John 20:16–17, RSV

From Luther

There are two things concerning the Lord’s resurrection that we ought to know and understand. First, the history which relates the events as they occurred, together with the different circumstances under which he revealed himself alive in various manifestations; so that we might have a sure record and testimony of everything as a foundation and support of our faith, inasmuch as this article of faith on the resurrection is the chief one upon which our salvation is finally based, and without which all others would be useless and entirely fruitless.

The second point, that is the more important and necessary, on account of which the narrative has been recorded and preached, is the power, benefit and comfort of the joyous resurrection of the Lord. Concerning this Paul and all the apostles and the entire Scriptures teach and preach richly and gloriously; but most gloriously of all did Christ the Lord himself preach, when he manifested himself first of all to the women. This is the first sermon our Lord delivered after his resurrection, and without doubt also the most comforting one. It was spoken first of all to his beloved Mary Magdalene, and through her also to his disciples after their deep woe, grief and sorrow caused by his departure and death, that he might comfort and gladden them by his resurrection.

But her joy is no higher than the mere bodily pleasure of having her Lord alive again as she had him before; she clung only to the fact of his return and thought that he would again be with them, eat and drink with them, preach and do miracles as he had done before. He does not permit himself to be touched, however, because he wants her to stand still and listen and learn what she does not know, namely: I am not risen to walk and remain with you bodily and temporally, but that I may ascend to my Father. It is not here that I intend to dwell and abide; but I would have you believe that I go to the Father, where I will rule and reign with him eternally, and whither I will also bring you out of your death and sorrow. There you shall have me tangibly, and you shall rejoice forever in eternal communion with me and the Father.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 136–37.

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On the Third Day http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 13 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures

1 Corinthians 15:3–4, RSV

From Luther

Here we must remember the custom of the Hebrews, for according to the Jewish reckoning the day began in the evening and lasted until the evening of the next day, as the first chapter of Genesis says: “And there was evening and there was morning, one day,” “a second day,” “a third day,” and so forth. Thus the first and greatest Sabbath began on the evening of the day when Christ was crucified, that is to say, at the time of sunset on Friday. In addition to this the Jews had seven full days which they celebrated, and all of which they called sabbaths. On these days they ate only wafers and unleavened bread, for which reason they are called the days of unleavened bread. Christ rose before sunrise.

How can we say then that he rose on the third day, since he lay in the grave only one day and two nights? According to the Jewish calculation it was only a day and one half; how shall we then persist in believing there were three days? To this we reply that he was in the state of death for at least a part of three days. For he died at about three o’clock on Friday and consequently was dead for about three hours on the first day. After that night he lay in the grave all day, which is the true Sabbath. On the third day, which we commemorate now, he rose from the dead and so remained in the state of death a part of this day, just as when we say that something occurred on Easter day, although it happens in the evening, only a portion of the day. In this sense Paul and the Evangelists say that he rose on the third day.

For this period and no longer Christ was to lie in the grave, so that we might suppose that his body remained naturally uncorrupted and that decomposition had not yet set in. He came forth from the grave so soon that we might presume that corruption had not yet taken place according to the course of nature; for a corpse can lie no longer than three days before it begins to decompose. Therefore Christ was to rise on the third day, before he saw corruption.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 135–36.

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Mercy, Not Merit http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 12 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” 

Matthew 28:10, RSV

From Luther

These are the first words they heard from Christ after his resurrection from the dead, by which he confirmed all the former utterances and loving deeds he showed them, namely, that his resurrection avails in our behalf who believe, so that he anticipates and calls Christians his brethren, who believe it, and yet they do not, like the apostles, witness his resurrection. The risen Christ does not wait until we ask or call on him to become his brethren. Can we here speak of merit, by which we deserve anything? What did the apostles merit? Peter denied his Lord three times; the other disciples fled from him; they tarried with him like a rabbit does with her young. He should have called them deserters, betrayers, reprobates, anything but brethren. Therefore this word is sent to them through the women out of pure grace and mercy, as the apostles at the time keenly experienced, and we experience also when we are mired in our sins, temptations and condemnation.

These are words full of comfort that Christ receives desperate villains, as you and I are, and calls us his brethren. Is Christ really our brother, then indeed what more do we need? Brothers according to the flesh enjoy the same possessions, have the same father, the one inheritance; so we enjoy with Christ the same possessions, have in common one Father and one inheritance. He who has a part of this spiritual inheritance has it all.

If I believe on Christ, I become partaker with him of all his possessions. I obtain eternal righteousness, eternal wisdom, eternal strength, and become a lord and reign over all. The stomach will no longer hunger, sins will not oppress, I will no more fear death, nor be terror-stricken by Satan, but will be like Christ the Lord himself. The title of being Christ’s brethren is so high that the heart of man cannot understand it. The Holy Spirit must bestow this grace.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 134–35.

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Freedom through Word and Sacraments http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 11 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we should not be judged. 

1 Corinthians 11:27–31, RSV

From Luther

Let me say in regard to the Lord’s Supper that when we have received it we ought to give heed to love, and in this way assure ourselves that we have received the sacrament profitably, and at the same time furnish evidence to others; we should not always continue to come and still be unchanged. Therefore we must turn from our devotions and thoughts to our conduct toward our neighbor, and examine ourselves in this mirror with all seriousness. The sacrament is to act upon us so that we may be transformed and become different people. For God’s word and work do not intend to be idle, but are bound to produce great things, to wit, to set us free from sin, death and the devil, and every kind of fear, and make us servants even of the least among men on earth, and this without the slightest complaint on our part, rejoicing rather to find some one in need of our help, and fearing only lest after receiving so much we may not apply it at all.

When the Lord’s Supper fails to produce this result there is reason to fear it has wrought injury. Nevertheless, even if the result is not great, we are not to reject those who are imperfect and weak, but those that are indolent and insolent, who imagine that they have done enough when they have partaken of the sacrament. A change must take place in you, and there must be evidence of it, then you will be able to perceive through the symbol that God is with you, and your faith will grow sure and strong. For you can easily feel whether you have grown more joyous and bold than you were before. Formerly the world seemed too narrow for us when we heard of death and thought of sin. If you feel different it is not because of your own strength, for in the past you could not do it. Thus you can discover whether the Lord’s Supper is producing any fruit in your own life. If you experience nothing, go to God and tell him of your shortcomings and troubles; we must all do the same thing as long as we live, for not one of us is perfect.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 133–34.

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The Word of Salvation http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 10 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

1 Corinthians 10:16–17, RSV

From Luther

While we live on earth we must bear with one another, as Christ also bore with us, seeing that none of us are perfect. Christ has shown this to us not only by his own example and by his Word, but he has also pictured it to us in the form of the Sacrament of the Altar, namely, by means of the bread and the wine. We believe that the true body and blood of Christ is under the bread and wine. Here we see one thing and believe another, which describes faith. For when we hear the Word and receive the Lord’s Supper we have merely a word and an act, yet by it we embrace life and every treasure, even God himself. Likewise love is pictured in these signs and elements. First of all in the bread. As long as the grains of wheat are in a pile before they are ground, each is a body separate for itself, and is not mingled with the others; but when they are ground they all become one body. The same thing takes place with the wine. As long as the berries are not crushed each retains its own form, but when they are crushed they all flow together and become one drink. You cannot say, this is the flour from this grain, or this is a drop from that berry; for each has entered the form of the other, and thus was formed one bread and one drink.

We receive the Lord by the faith of the Word which the soul consumes and enjoys. In this way my neighbor receives me; I give him my goods, body, and life and all that I have, and let him consume and use it in his want. Likewise, I also need my neighbor; I too am poor and afflicted, and suffer him to help and serve me in turn. Thus we are woven one into another, helping one another even as Christ helps us. Therefore when you have received the Lord’s Supper, you must be diligent to increase love, aid your neighbor in distress, and lend him a helping hand when he suffers affliction and requires assistance. When you fail to do this, you are not a Christian, or at best only a very weak one.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 130–31.

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Bread for Your Neighbor http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 09 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

1 Corinthians 10:16–17, RSV

From Luther

While we live on earth we must bear with one another, as Christ also bore with us, seeing that none of us are perfect. Christ has shown this to us not only by his own example and by his Word, but he has also pictured it to us in the form of the Sacrament of the Altar, namely, by means of the bread and the wine. We believe that the true body and blood of Christ is under the bread and wine. Here we see one thing and believe another, which describes faith. For when we hear the Word and receive the Lord’s Supper we have merely a word and an act, yet by it we embrace life and every treasure, even God himself. Likewise love is pictured in these signs and elements. First of all in the bread. As long as the grains of wheat are in a pile before they are ground, each is a body separate for itself, and is not mingled with the others; but when they are ground they all become one body. The same thing takes place with the wine. As long as the berries are not crushed each retains its own form, but when they are crushed they all flow together and become one drink. You cannot say, this is the flour from this grain, or this is a drop from that berry; for each has entered the form of the other, and thus was formed one bread and one drink.

We receive the Lord by the faith of the Word which the soul consumes and enjoys. In this way my neighbor receives me; I give him my goods, body, and life and all that I have, and let him consume and use it in his want. Likewise, I also need my neighbor; I too am poor and afflicted, and suffer him to help and serve me in turn. Thus we are woven one into another, helping one another even as Christ helps us. Therefore when you have received the Lord’s Supper, you must be diligent to increase love, aid your neighbor in distress, and lend him a helping hand when he suffers affliction and requires assistance. When you fail to do this, you are not a Christian, or at best only a very weak one.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 130–31.

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Enduring Witness http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 08 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

20 For what credit is it, if when you do wrong and are beaten for it you take it patiently? But if when you do right and suffer for it you take it patiently, you have God’s approval. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

1 Peter 2:20–21, RSV

From Luther

When the individual accepts Christ and begins to profess his faith in words and life, invariably the world, that eternal enemy of Christ and faithfully obedient servant of the devil, will be dissatisfied. The world regards it contemptible, disgraceful, to live any life but one pleasing to itself, to do and speak aught but as it desires. Its rage is excited toward the Christian and it proceeds to persecute, to torture, even to murder him when possible. We often hear the wiseacres and scoffers say that Christ could have enjoyed peace had he so desired. The same may be said of Christians; they could have peace and pleasure if they would but take advice and conform to the world.

What are we to do? It is a fact that to maintain and obey the truth is to stir up wrath and hatred. Even the heathen assert as much. But the fault lies not with the advocate of truth but with its rejecters. Is the truth not to be preached at all? Must we be silent and permit all mankind to go direct to hell? Who could or would heap upon himself the guilt of such negligence? The godly Christian, who looks for eternal life after the present one and who aims to help others to the same happy goal, assuredly must act the part he professes, must assert his belief and show the world how it travels the broad road to hell and eternal death. But to do so is to antagonize the world and incur the displeasure of the devil.

Since there is no escaping the fact that he who would confess Christ and make the world better must in return for his service and benefactions heap upon himself the enmity of the devil and his adherents, we must remember that it is incumbent upon us to have patience when the world manifests its bitterest, most hateful enmity toward our doctrine and toward our very lives; when it reviles and slanders and persecutes us to the utmost for our principles. Peter here admonishes and persuades Christians unto patience under these circumstances, and at the same time seeks to comfort them with tender and impressive words. If you would be a Christian, then be not so terribly alarmed and so extremely impatient at the torments of the world and the devil.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 129–30.

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A Testimony http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 07 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

1 Corinthians 11:23–25, RSV (cf: Matthew 26:26–28; Mark. 14:22–24; Luke 22:19, 20)

From Luther

These are the words which neither our opponents, nor Satan are able to deny; on them we must stand. Let them make whatever comments they please; we have the clear Word of God, saying, the bread is Christ’s body given for us; and the cup is his blood shed for us. This he bids us do in remembrance of him; but the pope commands that it be not done. They say, we are only erring laymen, we do not understand, nor are we able to explain the words. But we reply, It is for us to explain just as much as it is for them; for we are commanded to believe in Christ, to confess our faith, and to keep all the commandments of God, just as well as they are. How then are we to believe without knowing and understanding the Word? I must know the words if I am to believe; for how can I believe without words?

This is how you can stop their mouths and bring them to silence. My faith must be as good as yours, therefore I must have and must know the Word as well as you. These words are certainly clear enough; and there is no one so stupid that he cannot understand what is meant by, “Take, drink ye all of it; this cup is the New Testament in my blood.” Unless they prove to us that drinking here signifies something different from what all the world understands by the term, we shall adhere to the interpretation that we are all to drink of the cup. Let them bring forward what they please, customs or councils, we reply, God is older and greater than all things.

Thus you see how we are to understand the words of the institution of the Lord’s Supper, and firmly hold to them. In them all the virtue is centered, we all must know them, understand them, and cling to them in faith. When you wish to go to the Lord’s Supper listen to the words spoken and be assured that they contain the whole treasure on which you are to rely. They are really spoken to you. My body is given, my blood is shed, Christ declares. Why? For the remission of sins. This is what strikes you, that your sins may be forgiven.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 128–29.

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A Fresh Lump http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 06 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and of a kind that is not found even among pagans; for a man is living with his father’s wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. 3 For though absent in body I am present in spirit, and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment 4 in the name of the Lord Jesus on the man who has done such a thing. When you are assembled, and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed.

1 Corinthians 5:1–7, RSV

From Luther

Leaven is a common figure with the apostle, one he uses frequently, almost proverbially. Christ also gives us a Scripture parable of the leaven. It is the nature of leaven that a small quantity mixed with a lump of dough will pervade and fill the whole lump until its own acid nature has been imparted to it. This Paul makes a figure of spiritual things in doctrine and life. In the Epistle to the Galatians, he makes it more especially typify false doctrine. For the introduction of an error in an article of faith will soon work injury to the whole and result in the loss of Christ. Such innovation will pursue its course with destructive sweep until even the uncontaminated part becomes worthless; the once pure mass is wholly corrupted.

But in this text he has reference more particularly to an erroneous idea concerning life and conduct. Here it is likewise true that, once the flesh be allowed any license, and liberty be abused, and that under the name of the gospel, there is introduced a leaven which will speedily corrupt faith and conscience, and continue its work until Christ and the gospel are lost. Such would have been the fate of the Corinthians had not Paul saved them from it by this epistle, admonishing and urging them to purge out the leaven of license; for they had begun to practice great wantonness, and had given rise to sects and factions which tended to subvert the one gospel and the one faith.

Nor may we in our works and in our daily life tolerate the yielding to the wantonness of the flesh and at the same time boast the gospel of Christ, as did the Corinthians, who stirred up among themselves divisions and disorder, even to the extent of one marrying his stepmother. In such matters as these, Paul says, a little leaven leavens and ruins the whole lump—the entire Christian life. These two things are not consistent with each other: to hold to the Christian faith and to live after the wantonness of the flesh in sins and vices condemned by conscience. Paul elsewhere warns, “Be not deceived, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor drunkards, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 126–27.

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Drinking the Word http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 05 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 I want you to know, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same supernatural food 4 and all drank the same supernatural drink. For they drank from the supernatural Rock which followed them, and the Rock was Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:1–4, RSV

From Luther

Among us one element (bread) alone is not to be offered to the communicant; he who wants the Lord’s Supper should receive the whole of it. We have preached and practiced this long enough and cannot assume that there should be any one unable to understand it; yet if there be one so dense, or claiming to be so weak that he cannot grasp the true meaning of it, we will excuse him; it is just as well that he remain away. For any one to hear God’s Word so long, to have himself coddled like a child, and after all to continue saying, I do not understand, is not a good sign. For it is impossible for you to hear so long and still be unenlightened; since then you remain blind it is better for you not to receive the Lord’s Supper. If you cannot grasp the Word that is plain, clear and certain, you can not grasp the sacrament; for the sacrament would be nothing, if there were no Word.

Moreover this Word has now resounded again and again throughout the world, so that even they who oppose it know it. These, however, are not weak but obdurate and hardened; they set their heads against the doctrine which they hear us prove from the Scriptures with such clearness that they are unable to reply or establish the contrary. Therefore it is out of the question for us any longer to yield or to endure them, since they defy us and maintain as their right what they teach and practice. We wish to receive both elements in the Lord’s Supper, just because they wish to prevent us from having them. The thought of causing offense no longer applies to them. The Roman bishops have forbidden both elements as contrary to God’s ordinance and command. If now we wish to confess Christ we must receive both elements, so that the people may know that we are Christians and abide by the Word of God. When we go to the Lord’s Supper people can see who they are that have heard the gospel; they can observe whether we lead Christian lives. So this is a distinct mark whereby we are recognized, whereby we also confess the name of God and show that we are not ashamed of his Word.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 125–26.

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Expatriates http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 04 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

20 But our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power which enables him even to subject all things to himself. 

Philippians 3:20–21, RSV

From Luther

We who are baptized and believe in Christ do not base our works and our hope on the righteousness of this temporal life. Through faith in Christ, we have a righteousness that holds in heaven. It abides in Christ alone; otherwise it would avail naught before God. Our whole concern is to be eternally in Christ; to have our earthly existence culminate in yonder life when Christ shall come and change this life into another, altogether new, pure, holy and like unto his own. Therefore we are no longer citizens on earth. The baptized Christian is born a citizen of heaven through baptism. We should be mindful of this fact and walk here as if native there. We are to console ourselves with the fact that God thus accepts us and will transplant us there. Meanwhile we must await the coming again of the Saviour, who is to bring from heaven to us eternal righteousness, life, honor and glory.

With the believers in Christ, who have their righteousness in him, there should follow in this life on earth the fruits of upright living in obedience to God. These fruits constitute the good works acceptable to God, which being works of faith and wrought in Christ will be rewarded in the life to come. While we walk in the faith of his righteousness, God has patience with the poor, frail righteousness of this earthly life. He honors our human holiness by supporting and protecting it during the time we live on earth; just as we honor our corrupt, filthy bodies, adorning them with beautiful, costly garments and golden ornaments. Because God would confer eternal life upon man, he patiently endures the filthy righteousness of this life until the last day, and until the number is complete. When the time shall be fulfilled, the number completed, God will suddenly bring the world with its governments and conditions of life to an end; he will utterly abolish earthly righteousness, destroying physical appetites and all else. Yet for the sake of Christians, to whom eternal life is appointed, all these must be perpetuated until the last saint is born and has attained life everlasting. For God regards not the world nor has need of it, except for the sake of his Christians.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 124–25.

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Call on Him http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 03 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

6 “Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; 7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 

Isaiah 55:6–7, RSV

From Luther

Think not that you will find the Lord when he has once gone, though you traverse the world. But while he is near, you may seek and find him. For many years, while still in my cloister, I experienced the meaning of such disappointment. I sought God with great toil and with severe mortification of the body, fasting, watching, singing and praying. In this way I shamefully wasted my time and found not the Lord. No, God does not permit us to find him thus.

To find him, go to the Creed and the Ten Commandments. They will tell you. Regulate your life by them. Be helped by the Lord’s Prayer. Begin with yourself; then pray for the Church. Let it be your desire that God’s name be everywhere sanctified and that your life conform to his will. For the study and practice of these precepts will leave you no opportunity to do evil. God’s Word will soon teach you to sanctify his name, to extend his kingdom, to do your neighbor no injury in mind, body, or estate. Surely we ought supremely to thank God for the great blessings of his nearness to us. We have his presence in our homes. He is with us at our board, by our couch—anywhere we desire him. He offers us all assistance and grants all we may ask. So gracious a guest should indeed receive our high esteem.

There is too much slumbering everywhere in Germany. We cannot perceive how it is possible to preserve the gospel and fill the pulpits for ten years longer. No one for a moment thinks how God has signally, richly and graciously blessed us; how we are in possession of actual paradise, if we only recognized the fact. Yet we shamefully, ungratefully and unreasonably reject the kingdom; as if it were not enough for us to overstep the ten commandments in our disobedience, but must even trample under foot the mercy God offers in the gospel. Then why should we be surprised if he send down wrath upon us? Jerusalem and in fact the entire Jewish nation sinned unceasingly against all God’s commandments, and when he proclaimed grace and offered forgiveness of sins, they trampled upon his mercy. Should Christ not revenge himself when they shamed and mocked his precious blood?

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 123–24.

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Believing the Unbelievable http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 02 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God had taken him.

Hebrews 11:5, RSV

From Luther

As among us we find many to whom such things are considered absurd, and not sufficiently worthy of faith, so there is no doubt that this account was deemed ridiculous by most people. For that reason these things have by divine authority been committed to writing and recorded for the saints and the faithful, that they might read, understand, believe and heed them. They present to our sight a manifest triumph over death and sin, and afford us a sure comfort in Enoch’s victory over the law, and the wrath and judgment of God. To the godly nothing can yield more grace and joy than these antediluvian records. What facts could inspire more wonder and admiration than that a man, born of flesh and blood, as we are, and defiled as we are by sin and corruption, so obtained the victory over death as not to die at all! Christ himself is a man, and righteous, yet our sins caused him to suffer the bitterest of all deaths; but he is delivered on the third day, and lifts himself unto life eternal. In Enoch is the singular fact that he died not at all, but was caught up, without death intervening, to the life spiritual and eternal.

This fact makes the narrative under consideration so memorable that God intended to use it for the purpose of setting before the old, primeval world the hope of a better life. Likewise, to the second world, which had the law, God gave the example of Elijah, who also was taken up into heaven and translated by the Lord before the very eyes of his own servant Elisha. We are now in the New Covenant, in a third world, as it were. We have Christ himself, our great deliverer, as our glorious example, who ascended into the heavens, taking with him many of his saints.

It was God’s will to establish in every age a testimonial of the resurrection of the dead, that he might allure our minds from this corrupt and in many ways wretched life, in which we gladly serve God as long as it shall please him by the faithful performance of all public and private duties, and especially by instructing others in holiness and in the knowledge of God. Here we have “no certain dwelling place.” Christ has gone to prepare a place for us.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 121–22.

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Taken Up http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 01 Apr 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

From the Word

Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.

Genesis 5:24, RSV

From Luther

For a man to walk with God is not to flee into a desert, or to conceal himself in some corner, but to go forth in his vocation, and to set himself against the iniquity and malice of Satan and the world, and to confess the seed of the woman; to condemn the religion and pursuits of the world, and to preach, through Christ, another life after this. This is the manner of life led for three hundred years by the greatest prophet and high priest of his generation. Moses, therefore, deservedly extols Enoch as a disciple of greatest eminence, taught and trained by many patriarchal masters, and so equipped with the Holy Spirit that he was the prophet of prophets and the saint of saints in that primeval world.

It was the will of God that he should be an example to the whole world in verifying and showing the comfort of the faith in the future life. He is to preach the life beyond this present life; to teach concerning the seed to come, concerning the serpent’s head that is to be bruised and the kingdom of Satan that is to be destroyed. Such was the preaching of Enoch, who was, nevertheless, a husband and the father of a family; who had a wife and children, who governed his household, and procured his subsistence by the labor of his own hands. This godly man lived, after the birth of Methuselah, 300 years in the truest religion, in faith, in patience, and in the midst of a thousand crosses, all of which he endured and overcame by faith in the blessed seed.

Enoch’s walking with God signifies that he was in this life a faithful witness of eternal life to be gained after this life through the promised seed. Inasmuch as Enoch constantly preached this doctrine, God verified and fulfilled this preaching in the patriarch himself, that we might fully and surely believe it; in that Enoch, a man like ourselves, born of flesh and blood, as we also are, of the seed of Adam, was taken up into heaven by God, and now lives the life of God, that is, an eternal life.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 120–21.

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The Rock http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 31 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 I want you to know, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same supernatural food 4 and all drank the same supernatural drink. For they drank from the supernatural Rock which followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 

1 Corinthians 10:1–4, RSV

From Luther

Christ has been typified by various signs and objects in the Old Testament, and the rock is one of them. Note first, that the material rock spoken of had a place independently of man’s labors and far from man’s domain, in the wilderness. So Christ is a truly insignificant object in the world, disregarded and unnoticed, nor is he indebted to human labor. Water flowing from the rock is contrary to nature; it is purely miraculous. The water typifies the quickening spirit of God, who proceeds from the condemned, crucified and dead Christ. Thus life is drawn from death, and this by the power of God. Christ’s death is our life, and if we would live we must die with him.

Moses strikes the rock at the command of God and points to it, thus prefiguring the ministerial office which by word of mouth strikes from the spiritual rock the Spirit. For God will give his Spirit to none without the instrumentality of the Word and the ministerial office instituted by him for this purpose, adding the command that nothing be preached but Christ. Had not Moses obeyed the command of God to smite the rock with his rod, no water would ever have flowed from it. His rod represents the rod of the mouth of which Isaiah speaks: “He shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.”

By this statement about the rock the apostle makes all the figures and signs granted to the people of Israel by the Word of God refer to Christ; for where the Word of God is, there Christ is. All the words and promises of God are concerning Christ. Christ himself makes the serpent of Moses refer to himself. We may truly say that the Israelites looked upon the same serpent we behold, for they saw the spiritual serpent that followed them, or Christ on the cross. The beholding was believing in the Word of God, with the serpent for a sign, even as their spiritual drinking was believing in the Word of God with the rock for a sign. We may say the same concerning the cloud. The children of Israel walked under the same cloud that shadows us; they walked under the spiritual cloud that followed them—Christ.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 119–20.

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Our Boast http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 30 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

21b But whatever any one dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.

2 Corinthians 11:21b–22, RSV

From Luther

In whatever the false apostles can boast, Paul says, I can likewise glory. Here we are shown what is the ground of the false apostles’ boasting; their outward respectability — being of Abraham’s seed, children of Israel, Christ’s preachers. In these they think far to excel the Corinthians, claiming their doctrine and works to be of greater weight because they have Moses and the prophets for their teachers. But they failed to perceive that their boast is in mere externals, that render no one righteous or better before God. Names are of no consequence; they only make a fine show and serve to seduce the simple-minded. Paul boasts of his origin and yet derides his boasting, calling it fool’s work. His object is to destroy the boasting of the false prophets, that the people might not be deceived. Note how, even in Paul’s time, great men erred concerning the true sense of the gospel, and many noble preachers would have estimated Christian life by a merely external appearance and name. The true spiritual preachers must have been few. Should it be strange, then, that in our time sincere preachers are not numerous, and that the majority of ministers riot in what they themselves seem and do? It cannot and will not be otherwise. The thievish drones, which are prone to riot, let them riot! We will resist to the utmost of our power, commending the matter to God, who doubtless will grant us sufficient honor and profit, both temporal and eternal, though we must labor gratuitously, receiving injury and derision as our reward. Our adversaries will not long continue their persecutions, for, as Paul says just preceding our text, they will eventually receive their deserts.

Paul boasts of certain temporal afflictions in which he excels the false apostles, who suffer nothing for the sake either of the Word or of souls, but only boast of name and person. Among the afflictions he names having been a night and a day in the deep. Of other afflictions affecting not his own person, but distressing others, he mentions two: he is weak, if another is weak, and burns, if another is offended. Thereby he plainly portrays the ardor of his heart — the defects and sorrows of others pain him as his own.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 117–18.

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Faithful Dependence http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 29 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

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From the Word

42 And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that he is the one ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that every one who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” 

Acts 10:42–43, RSV

From Luther

This verse constitutes the principal theme of one of Peter’s sermons. It is one of the greatest in the writings of the apostles. It contains the vital element of the gospel message, teaching how we may appropriate its blessings, how obtain what it offers, namely, by faith; faith lays hold of what is offered us in the gospel. The message is preached that we may receive and retain it. Through the Word the blessing is pronounced our own—it is offered or given us; but by faith we receive it, make it our own, permit it to work in us.

This power and work in us is called by Peter “remission of sins.” This is the blessing conferred through the preaching of the doctrine of Christ, or articles of faith, particularly the article of the resurrection. The meaning of the new message of comfort, the new declaration, is that Christ, through his resurrection, has in himself conquered our sin and death, has turned away the wrath of God and procured grace and salvation; that he has commanded forgiveness to be preached unto us, desiring us to believe that he gives it and confidently to receive it through faith.

Faith must be of such a character as to apprehend and hold fast the truth Peter declares in this verse. It must say, “In his name.” That is, it must ascribe to Christ alone the entire agency, merit and power responsible for remission of sins; must believe we have forgiveness, not through our own worthiness, but for Christ’s sake alone; must believe that by virtue of Christ’s resurrection we obtain remission of sins, every namable element not from Christ being completely excluded, and the honor given to him alone. The efficacy of Christ’s death and blood alone God would have preached in all the world and accepted by mankind. Therein he rejects the boasting of the Jews and of all aspirers to holiness through their own works, teaching them that they cannot obtain his favor through the law, or by their own efforts. In Christ’s name alone is remission of sins received, and that through faith. We ought to be ashamed to doubt or question the fact of forgiveness of sins and justification before God through Christ alone, to which all Scripture testifies.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 116–17.

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Just Condemnation http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 28 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

8 And when he comes, he will convince the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me.

John 16:8–9, RSV

From Luther

This is the sin of the world that it does not believe in Christ. Not that there is no sin of the world besides this; but that this is the real chief sin, which condemns the whole world though it could be charged with no other sin. Thus this preaching of conviction is to begin if people are to be brought to a right knowledge and to salvation. The first thing shall be this, that it makes all men sinners, because they do not believe in Christ. Hence God’s wrath is declared and the judgment of eternal death is pronounced upon those who in the sight of the world are irreproachable, who even strive with earnestness to live according to the law, or the ten commandments. How is this? Is it sin to live according to the ten commandments? Surely not; but these are not kept. The world recognizes only public, external sins, such as murder, adultery, robbery and what the jurists call and punish as crime. But God’s law demands not merely outward form and compliance; it goes to the heart and demands its perfect obedience. Therefore it also judges man not only by his outward walk and conduct, but by the depths of his heart. The world does not know nor see the true offenses, such as contempt of God, impurity of the heart, and disobedience to God’s will, which things are and remain in all men who are not sanctified by Christ.

Because no man fulfils the commandments and can be without sin before God, God resolved to send his Son into the world that he might become a sacrifice for us and make satisfaction for our sins by the shedding of his blood in death, and take away from us the wrath of God, which no creature could reconcile, bring forgiveness of sins and bestow upon us the Holy Spirit, so that we might obtain all this, begin to become new men, and come out of sin and death to righteousness and eternal life. This God has now done and has commanded us to preach it through the gospel. He demands of all men repentance and faith. He that believes this preaching has by this faith forgiveness of sins and is in the grace of God. But if they will not accept this Saviour by faith, they are justly condemned in their sins.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 115–16.

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Hold Fast http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 27 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

“A little while, and you will see me no more; again a little while, and you will see me.” 

John 16:16, RSV

From Luther

“A little while,” Christ says, “and ye shall not see me,” for I shall be taken prisoner and they shall deliver me to death. But it will not last long, and during this short time ye shall be sorrowful, but only remain steadfast in me and follow me. Three days I will be in the grave; the world will rejoice as though it had gained a victory, and ye shall be sorrowful and shall weep and lament. Again a little while, and ye shall se me,” that is, on the third day I will rise again; then ye shall rejoice and your joy no man shall take from you; this will not be a joy of only three days, like the joy of the world, but an eternal joy.

An example is here given us which we should diligently take to heart; in suffering, anxiety and distress, we should also remember to be strong and to rejoice because Christ will rise again. We know that this has come to pass; but the disciples did not know what he meant by the resurrection, hence they were so sad and sorrowful. They heard, indeed, that they should see him, but they did not understand what it was, nor how it should come to pass. To such an extent had sadness and sorrow overcome them that they quite despaired.

But since they were unable to understand it, why does Christ relate it or why is it written? In order that we should not despair but hold fast to the Word, assured that it is indeed thus, and not otherwise, even though it seems to be different. We should take to heart and firmly hold fast to these words and keep them in mind when in sorrow and distress; it will not last long, and then we shall also have more constant joy, for as Christ and his elect had their “little while,” so you and I and every one will have his “little while.” Pilate and Herod will not crucify you, but in the same manner as the devil used them, so he will also use your persecutors. When your trials come, you must not immediately think how you are to be delivered out of them. God will help you in due time. Only wait. It is only for a little while, he will not delay long.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 113–14.

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Confess and Believe http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 26 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

8 But what does it say? The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preach); 9 because, if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved.

Romans 10:8–10, RSV

From Luther

Let it be said concerning confession that everything ought to be free, so that each person attends without restraint, of his own accord. But what ought one to confess? Here is where our preachers in the past have pounded a great deal into us by means of the five senses, the seven deadly sins, the ten commandments and the like, thereby perplexing our consciences. But it should be that you first of all feel that which weighs you down, and the sins that pain you most and burden your conscience. These you ought to declare and confess to your brother. You need not search long nor seek all kinds of sins; just take the ones that come to your mind, and say, This is how frail I am and how I have fallen; this is where I crave consolation and counsel. For confession ought to be brief. If you recall something that you have forgotten, it is not to trouble you; for you made confession, not as a good work, nor because you were compelled, but in order to be comforted by the word of absolution. Moreover, you can easily confess to God in secret what was forgotten, or you can hear the absolution for it during the communion service.

We are therefore not to worry, even if sins have been forgotten; though forgotten they are still forgiven; for God looks not to the excellence or completeness of your confession, but to his Word and how you believe it. So also the absolution does not state that some sins are forgiven and others not; it is a free proclamation declaring that God is merciful to you. But if God is merciful to you all your sins must be blotted out. Therefore hold fast to the absolution alone and not to your confession; whether or not you have forgotten anything makes no difference; to the extent that you believe you are forgiven. Therefore confession and absolution must be carefully distinguished, that you give attention chiefly to the absolution, and that you attend confession not to do a good work, thinking that because of this good work your sins are forgiven. We are to go only because we there hear God’s Word and by it receive consolation. This is confessing in the right way.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 112–13.

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Good for the Soul http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 25 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 When I declared not my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. 5 I acknowledged my sin to thee, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”; then thou didst forgive the guilt of my sin.

Psalm 32:1–5, RSV

From Luther

The first kind of confession is that which is made to God and teaches us that we are all alike wicked sinners. If any one have special grace, let him thank God and refrain from boasting. Has any one fallen into sin, it is because of his flesh and blood, nor has any fallen so low but that another who now stands may fall even lower. This kind of confession is so highly necessary that it dare not cease for a moment, but must constitute the entire life of a Christian, so that without ceasing he praises the grace of God and reproaches his own life in his presence.

The second confession is that made to our neighbor, and is called the confession springing from love, as the former is called confession springing from faith. Of this confession we read, “Confess your faults one to another.” This kind of confession like the former is necessary and commanded; for God will be merciful to no one, nor forgive his sins, unless he also forgive his neighbor. Besides, faith cannot be true unless it produces this fruit, that you forgive your neighbor, and that you ask for forgiveness; otherwise a man dare not appear before God. If this fruit is absent, faith and the first kind of confession are not honest.

The third kind of confession is that ordered by the pope, which is privately spoken into the ears of the priest when sins are enumerated. This confession is not commanded of God; the pope has forced the people to it and consciences have been troubled and tortured in a manner that is pitiful and distressing. Hence we say of private confession, that no one is compelled to observe it. Still it is a commendable and good thing. When you go to private confession do not give heed so much to what you do, as to what the minister says, that in God’s stead he proclaims to you the forgiveness of sins. The word which he speaks is not his, but God’s Word; and God will keep it as surely as if he had spoken it himself. This is the way God has placed his Word into every corner of the world. Therefore you ought not to despise it, but receive it with heartfelt desire in true faith.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 111–12.

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Consider Him http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 24 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. 

Galatians 5:22–26, RSV

Frpm Luther

When your heart is established in Christ, and you are an enemy of sin, out of love and not out of fear of punishment, Christ’s suffering should be an example for your whole life, and you should meditate on the same in this way. If a day of sorrow or sickness weighs you down, think how trifling that is compared with the thorns and nails of Christ. If you must do or leave undone what is distasteful to you, think how Christ was led hither and thither, bound a captive. Does pride attack you, think how your Lord was mocked and disgraced with murderers. Do unchastity and lust thrust themselves against you, think how bitter it was for Christ to have his tender flesh torn, pierced and beaten again and again. Do hatred and envy war against you, or do you seek vengeance, remember how Christ, who had more reason to seek revenge, prayed for you and all his enemies with tears and cries. If trouble or whatever adversity of body or soul afflict you, strengthen your heart and say: Ah, why should I not also suffer a little, since my Lord sweat blood in the garden because of anxiety and grief? That would be a lazy, disgraceful servant who would wish to lie in his bed while his lord was compelled to battle with the pangs of death.

One can thus find in Christ strength and comfort against all vice and bad habits. This is the right observance of Christ’s passion and the fruit of his suffering, and he who exercises himself thus in the same does better than by hearing the whole Passion or reading all masses. They are called true Christians who incorporate the life and name of Christ into their own life. For Christ’s passion must be dealt with not in words and a show, but in our lives and in truth. Paul admonishes: “Consider him who endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” And Peter says: “Forasmuch as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.”

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 110–11.

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Faith over Feelings http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 23 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

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21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. 

1 Peter 2:21–22, RSV

From Luther

The atonement is the chief, the most exalted article of Christian doctrine. Faith alone apprehends it as the highest good, the greatest blessing of our salvation, and recognizes that we cannot, by our works or our sufferings, do or merit anything to atone for sin. The manner in which this subject is Scripturally presented prohibits us from adding to it anything of human origin. But so the accursed popedom has done in the teaching of its pillars and supporters, the monks, who regard the sufferings of Christ merely as an example for us. This is a doctrine not found in the Word of God, but is one of their own trivial, self-selected, self-devised, and false human teachings.

They have carried their untruthful, worthless inventions to the extent of claiming for the saints not only sufficient acquired merit for their own salvation, but a large accumulated surplus available for others, which they have bequeathed to the pope, thus furnishing him with an abundant treasury. Through indulgences the pope is to distribute this excess, these superfluous merits, as he feels disposed, at the same time dipping out for himself and his own fat swine the riches of the world; indeed, the ecclesiasts distribute their own merits and works. Oh, shameful abomination, that in the temple of God and in the Christian Church must be taught things which make wholly insignificant the sufferings and death of Christ! Gracious God! what can be said for human merit, for superfluity of human merit, when not one saint on earth has, with all his pains, suffered enough to cancel his own obligations, much less to be entitled to the honor of making his sufferings avail anything before God’s judgment seat, by way of remuneration or satisfaction for the mortal sins of others in the face of divine wrath?

The theme of Christ’s passion must far outrank every other. His sufferings are like pure and precious gold, compared to which ours is nothing. No one but Christ has suffered for the sins of another. The saint ought to be ashamed to boast of his sufferings in comparison with those of Christ, and ought to rejoice in the privilege of being partaker of the divine plan, of sharing as far as he can, and thus be found in the footsteps of Christ.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 107–08.

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For You http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 22 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. 

1 Peter 2:21–22, RSV

From Luther

The atonement is the chief, the most exalted article of Christian doctrine. Faith alone apprehends it as the highest good, the greatest blessing of our salvation, and recognizes that we cannot, by our works or our sufferings, do or merit anything to atone for sin. The manner in which this subject is Scripturally presented prohibits us from adding to it anything of human origin. But so the accursed popedom has done in the teaching of its pillars and supporters, the monks, who regard the sufferings of Christ merely as an example for us. This is a doctrine not found in the Word of God, but is one of their own trivial, self-selected, self-devised, and false human teachings.

They have carried their untruthful, worthless inventions to the extent of claiming for the saints not only sufficient acquired merit for their own salvation, but a large accumulated surplus available for others, which they have bequeathed to the pope, thus furnishing him with an abundant treasury. Through indulgences the pope is to distribute this excess, these superfluous merits, as he feels disposed, at the same time dipping out for himself and his own fat swine the riches of the world; indeed, the ecclesiasts distribute their own merits and works. Oh, shameful abomination, that in the temple of God and in the Christian Church must be taught things which make wholly insignificant the sufferings and death of Christ! Gracious God! what can be said for human merit, for superfluity of human merit, when not one saint on earth has, with all his pains, suffered enough to cancel his own obligations, much less to be entitled to the honor of making his sufferings avail anything before God’s judgment seat, by way of remuneration or satisfaction for the mortal sins of others in the face of divine wrath?

The theme of Christ’s passion must far outrank every other. His sufferings are like pure and precious gold, compared to which ours is nothing. No one but Christ has suffered for the sins of another. The saint ought to be ashamed to boast of his sufferings in comparison with those of Christ, and ought to rejoice in the privilege of being partaker of the divine plan, of sharing as far as he can, and thus be found in the footsteps of Christ.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 107–08.

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The Light of Men http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 21 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God; 3 all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

John 1:1–4, RSV

From Luther

Just as we interpret the words of Christ, when he says, “I am the life,” so also should we interpret these words, and say nothing philosophically of the life of the creatures in God; on the contrary, we should consider how God lives in us and makes us partakers of his life, so that we live through him, of him, and in him. For it cannot be denied that through him natural life also exists, which even unbelievers have from him. Natural life is a part of eternal life, its beginning, but on account of death it has an end, because it does not acknowledge and honor him from whom it comes; sin cuts it off so that it must die forever. On the other hand, those who believe in him, and acknowledge him from whom they have their being, shall never die; but this natural life of theirs will be extended into eternal life, so that they will never taste death. “He that believeth in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” These and similar passages are well understood when we rightly learn to know Christ, how he overcame death and has brought us to life.

When the evangelist says, “In him was life,” and not, “In him is life,” as though he spoke of things past, the words must not be taken to mean the time before creation, or the time of the beginning; but they must be referred to the time of Christ’s life or sojourn upon earth, when the Word of God appeared to men and among men; for the evangelist proposes to write about Christ and that life in which he accomplished all things necessary for our life.

The words of the evangelist therefore simply refer to the sojourn of Christ on earth. Whoever will disregard the life and sojourn of Christ on earth, and will wish to find him in some other way than as he now sits in heaven, will always fail. He must look for him as he was and sojourned on earth, and he will then find life. Here Christ was made our life, light, and salvation. “In him was life,” not that he is not our life now, but that he does not now do that which he then did.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 106–07.

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A Thorn in the Flesh http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 20 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

7 And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; 9 but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 

2 Corinthians 12:7–10, RSV

From Luther

And must this mighty apostle, O merciful God, be subject to trials lest he exalt himself because of his great revelations? Then how should others, how should such infirm beings as we, be free from self-exaltation? The thorn stands for something painful and afflicting. In “a thorn of the flesh” the thought is not of an instrumentality whereby the flesh stings, but of something that stings the flesh. The Greek text impels us to think of a thorn for the flesh. We may imagine Paul as saying: “As a clog to a dog’s neck, as a ring in a bear’s nose, a bit in a horse’s mouth, or a gag in the mouth of a swine, so is my thorn a clog to my body lest I exalt myself.”

Paul himself explains the nature of the clog, or thorn. He calls it “a messenger of Satan,” a devil, to “buffet” him, or to jog him. Hence a spiritual trial cannot be meant. The explanation appeals to me that the persecutions and sufferings, which the apostle recounts, constitute the devil’s flaying. Thus his meaning would be: I have received great revelations, for which reason the clog is bound to the dog; that is, the many dangers and misfortunes with which the angel of the devil buffets and humiliates my body will make me forget to exalt myself. They are the thorn in my flesh, or upon my body; for God will not permit it to come upon my soul.

The text seems to imply some peculiar work of the devil upon Paul’s body, for it says, the thorn, or clog, is the messenger which Satan employs to beat his body; also that the apostle thrice, diligently but unavailingly, besought the Lord to remove it. I do not imagine him praying for the cessation of persecutions in a spirit of unwillingness to suffer them. But since he does not specify the affliction, we must let it remain a secret, a distress only known to himself. It is enough for us to know that while God had given him great revelations, revelations beyond human ken, he also bound the clog to him — gave him a thorn for his body — to prevent the exaltation of himself; and the knowledge of the buffetings and flaying caused by this clog, or devil, are likewise beyond human ken.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 105–06.

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You Crucified Him http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 19 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. 

Isaiah 53:4–7, RSV

From Luther

Some reflect upon the sufferings of Christ in such way as to become angry at the Jews, sing and lament about poor Judas, and are then satisfied. Such is not a meditation on the sufferings of Christ, but on the wickedness of Judas and the Jews. Others have pointed out the different fruits springing from a consideration of Christ’s passion. The saying is ascribed to Albertus, that to think once, and that only superficially, of the sufferings of Christ is better than to fast a whole year or to pray the Psalter every day. Some people thus blindly follow him and act contrary to the true fruits of Christ’s passion; for they seek therein their own selfish interests. A third class so sympathize with Christ as to weep and lament for him because he was so innocent, like the women who followed Christ from Jerusalem, whom he rebuked, telling them they had better weep for themselves and their children.

They meditate aright on the passion of Christ, who so view Christ as to become terror-stricken in heart at the sight, and their conscience at once sinks in despair. This terror-stricken feeling should spring forth, so that you see the severe wrath and the unchangeable earnestness of God in regard to sin and sinners, in that he was unwilling that his only and dearly beloved Son should set sinners free unless he paid this costly ransom for them. There must be an earnestness here that is inexpressible and unbearable, that a person so immeasureably great goes to meet, and suffers and dies for it. If you reflect that God’s Son, the eternal wisdom of the Father, himself suffers, you will indeed be terror-stricken; and the more you reflect, the deeper will be the impression. You must really believe and never doubt in the least that you are the one who thus martyred Christ. For your sins most surely did it. Thus Peter struck and terrified the Jews, when he said to them all in common, “Him have ye crucified,” so that three thousand were terror-stricken the same day and trembling cried to the apostles: “O beloved brethren, what shall we do?” Where man does not come to this point, the sufferings of Christ have become of no true benefit to him.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 104–05.

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Holding Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 18 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Truly, truly, I say to you, if any one keeps my word, he will never see death.

John 8:51, RSV

From Luther

By these words Christ breaks entirely with the Jews in that he ascribes such virtue to his teaching that it becomes a powerful emperor over Satan, death, and sin, to give and sustain eternal life. Here see, how divine wisdom and human reason are in conflict with one another. How can a human being grasp the thought, that a corporeal, an oral word should redeem forever from death? But let blindness run its course. Christ is speaking here not of the word of the law, but of the gospel, which is a discourse about Christ, who died for our sins. For God did not wish to impart Christ to the world in any other way; he had to embody him in the Word and thus distribute him, and present him to everybody; otherwise Christ would have existed for himself alone and remained unknown to us; he would have thus died for himself. But when the Word places Christ before us, it places us before one who has triumphed over death, sin, and Satan. Therefore he who grasps and retains Christ has eternal deliverance from death. Consequently it is a Word of life, and it is true that whosoever keeps the Word shall never see death.

From this we may well understand what Christ meant by the word “keep;” it is not such keeping as one keeps the law by good works; for this word of Christ must be kept in the heart by faith and not by good works. The Jews rage fearfully against Christ, that Abraham and the prophets are dead; they know nothing of what it is to “keep,” to “die,” or to “live.” And to “keep” is not said in vain; for there is a conflict and battle when sin bites, death presses and hell faces us; then we are to be in earnest in holding firmly to the Word and let nothing separate us from it. Thus you see how Christ answers the Jews and praises his own teachings. You say, my Word is of the devil, and wish to sink it to the bottom of perdition; on the contrary I say to you that it has divine power in it, and I exalt it higher than the heaven of heavens, and above all creatures.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 103–04.

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Our Only Hope http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 17 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” 

John 6:40, RSV

From Luther

With these words Christ declares the Father’s will, namely, that we come to Christ, see him and believe in him, that we may not be cast out and lost. It is the Father’s will that we attain unto eternal life. Therefore the will of the Father is that all who are given to Christ should be saved through Christ in eternity. These are significant words, since faith in Christ is sufficient for the attainment of eternal life. He does not say, Thou shalt fast and pray and do this and that, but, If thou wilt believe in the Son, thou shalt be saved; and this is the Father’s will.

But are we not to do any good works? Yes, they are to follow faith, for faith must have good works; but eternal life is not attained by good works, since it is impossible to keep the law. No saint was ever found on earth who has loved God with his whole heart and his fellow man as himself. Therefore God has not said, I should be the one to give life to myself or keep myself. To give life and keep it depends on two things, namely, seeing and believing. These words are easily said, but no one knows what faith means. It is a grand art and doctrine from which no saint has ever graduated or was able to fathom, unless he was steeped in despair, or cast into throes of external danger and death. The power and effect of faith are especially seen in temptations, when sin, death, devil, and hell are overcome. Nor are these weak enemies; they bring out perspiration, weaken our limbs, and make heaven and earth cramped. When the devil and death come, no one can help except only the person who has said, I am he who shall sustain thee. Under such conditions we learn what faith is.

He adds, “and I will raise him up at the last day,” to refute the foolish understanding of the flesh. That the carnal sense may not here be applied, as though eternal life would be given without physical death, he tells us before that they will indeed die, but will not lose eternal life, as they shall be raised again at the last day.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 101–02.

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Imitators of God http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 16 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 

Ephesians 5:1–2, RSV

From Luther

Paul admonishes us to be followers of the Father, as beloved children. He employs the most endearing terms — “dear children” — to persuade us with the Father’s love to love even as we are loved. What manner of love has God manifested toward us? Not simply that love in which he gives temporal support to us unworthy beings in common with all the wicked on earth; that he permits his sun to rise on the just and the unjust and sends rain on the grateful and the ungrateful. Not only thus did God love us; but he has given his Son for us. In addition to showering upon us both temporal and eternal blessings he has given his own self with all he is, with all he has, with all he does. He who despises such glow of love, which fills all heaven and earth and is beyond all power to comprehend; he who does not permit this love to kindle and incite in him love for his neighbor, whether enemy or friend, is not likely ever to become godly or loving by such measures as laws or commandments, instruction, constraint, or compulsion.

“Walk in love,” the apostle counsels. He would have our external life all love. But not the world’s love is to be our pattern, which seeks only its own advantage, and loves only so long as it is the gainer thereby; we must love even as Christ loved, who sought neither pleasure, nor gain from us, but gave himself for us — gave himself as a sacrifice and offering to reconcile God unto ourselves, so that he should be our God and we his children. Thus are we to give, or even surrender our goods, whether friends claim them or enemies. We are to be ready to give our lives for both friends and enemies and must be occupied with the thought how we may serve others, and how life and property can be made to minister to them in this life, and this because we know that Christ is ours and has given us all things. All sacrifices are powerless but that of Christ himself; he is the sweet-smelling savor. This sacrifice is pleasing to God. He gladly accepts it and would have us believe that it is an acceptable offering in our stead.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 100–01.

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All Things http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 15 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

[God] he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven other persons, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly

2 Peter 2:5, RSV

From Luther

It is appalling that the whole human race except eight persons is destroyed, in view of the fact that this was truly the golden age; for succeeding ages do not equal the old world in glory, greatness, and majesty. And if God visited with destruction his own perfect creation and the very glory of the human race, we have just cause for fear. In inflicting this punishment, God followed his own peculiar way. Whatever is most exalted he particularly overthrows and humiliates. He did not spare the sublimest creatures—the angels—, nor the kings ruling his people, nor the first-born of all times. But the more highly they were blessed with gifts, the more sternly he punished them when they began to misuse his gifts.

As God, who is by nature most kind, cannot refrain from gracing and showering us with various gifts, so we cannot refrain from priding ourselves upon these gifts and flaunting them. Wretched is our life when we lack the gifts of God, but twice wretched is it when we have them; for they tend to make us doubly wicked. Such is the corruption of original sin, though all but believers are either unaware of its existence or regard it a trivial thing. How property inflates pride, though it occupies relatively the lowest place among blessings! The rich, be they noblemen or peasants, deem other people as flies. To an even greater extent are the higher gifts abused—wisdom and righteousness. This was the sin of the primeval world. Among Cain’s descendants were good and wise men, who, nevertheless, were wicked before God, for they prided themselves upon their gifts and despised God, the author.

The old world was guilty, not only of sin against the second table of the commandments, but most of all of sin against the first by making a fine, but deceptive and false show of wisdom, godliness, and religion. As a result of the ungodliness in opposition to the first table there followed that moral corruption of which Moses speaks, that people polluted themselves with all sorts of lusts and afterward filled the world with oppression and bloodshed. Because the ungodly world had trampled both tables under foot, God came to judge it, who is a consuming fire and a jealous God.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 99–100.

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Another Son http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 14 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0400

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another child instead of Abel, for Cain slew him.”

Genesis 4:25, RSV

From Luther

Seth is derived from a Hebrew verb which signifies, “he placed,” or “he established,” and was intended to show that this son would be the foundation on which the promise concerning Christ would rest, even though many other sons should be born unto the parents. Eve does not give him an exalted name, such as “Cain,” but one signifying that the posterity of Seth should never be suppressed or destroyed. The Cainites are left under a curse without any promise whatever, and they have only so much mercy as they receive from the generation of the righteous as beggars, not as heirs.

Eve is highly to be praised as a most holy woman, full of faith and charity, because in the person of her son Seth she so nobly lauds the true Church, paying no regard whatever to the generation of the Cainites. She does not say, I have gotten another son in the place of Cain. She prefers the slain Abel to Cain, though Cain was the first-born. Praise is due not only to her faith but to her eminent obedience; for she is not only not offended at the judgment of God concerning righteous Abel, but she also changes her own judgment concerning God. When Abel was born she despised him, and magnified Cain as the first-born, and as the possessor, as she thought, of the promise. Now she acts quite to the contrary. As if she had said: After God’s acceptance of him and of his offering, I had placed all my hopes on my son Abel, because he was righteous; but his wicked brother slew him. But now God hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel. She does not indulge her maternal affection for Cain. She does not excuse or lessen his sin; but she herself excommunicates him, already excommunicated of God.

In Seth, then, we have a new generation, which arises from and comes to pass in accordance with the great original promise, that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent’s head. Appropriately the name Seth is bestowed, so that Eve may felicitate herself upon the fact that this seed is established, and safe from overthrow.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 98–99.

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Who Do You Trust? http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 13 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

23 Lamech said to his wives: “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, hearken to what I say: I have slain a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. 24 If Cain is avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy-sevenfold.” 

Genesis 4:23–24, RSV

From Luther

Here Lamech sets himself above his father Cain, making it appear that he had a more righteous cause for the murder he had committed, and fortifying himself against those inclined to avenge the murder perpetrated by him. For the words of the text are not the words of the Lord, but the words of Lamech himself. It is very probable that the patriarch Adam died about this time; and there is no doubt that Lamech seized this opportunity of transferring the whole government of the world at that time to himself, that he might have all things under his own rule.

Lamech is, therefore, an example of this world, and Moses points to him to show what kind of a heart, will, and wisdom the children of this world have. They gather riches, follow their pleasures, increase their power, and then abuse all these things by their tyranny, making use of them against the true Church, whose members they persecute and slay. In the midst of all these mighty sins, they fear not, but are proud and secure, saying, “What can the righteous do?” “Our lips are our own: who is lord over us?” Thus the true Church has ever Satan as its great enemy, as Christ also says, “that the devil was a murderer from the beginning.” The Scriptures declare throughout concerning the true Church, that the wicked are ever shedding its blood.

In this manner the Church was vexed with the cross and persecutions from the very beginning of the world until God, compelled by the wickedness of man, destroyed the whole world by the flood. So also, when the measure of Pharaoh’s malice was full, he was drowned with all his host in the Red Sea. So also, when the malice of the Gentile nations was full, they were all uprooted and destroyed by Moses and Joshua. In the same manner later when the Jews raged against the gospel, they were so utterly destroyed that not one stone was left upon another in Jerusalem. Thus also Christ expressly testifies against them “that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, son of Barachias.”

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 96–97.

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East of Eden http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 12 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

Genesis 4:16, RSV

From Luther

Moses leaves it to the thoughtful reader to reflect how miserable and full of tears this departure of Cain from his father’s house must have been. His godly parents had already lost their son Abel; and now, at the command of God, the other son departs from them into banishment, loaded with divine curses, on account of his sin—the very son whom his parents had hoped to be the only heir of the promise. But they obey the command of God and cast out their son.

Adam and Eve had learned by their own experience in paradise that it was no light sin to depart from the command of God; therefore they thought: Our sin in paradise has been punished with death, and with an infinite number of other calamities into which we have been thrown since we were driven out of paradise. Now that our son has committed so atrocious a sin, it behooves us not to resist the will of God and his righteous judgment, however bitter we feel them to be.

This departure from his home was, I have no doubt, most bitter also to Cain himself. For he was compelled to leave, not only the common home, his dear parents and their protection, but his hereditary right of primogeniture, the prerogative of the kingdom and of the priesthood, and the communion of the Church. Hence we have the expression in the text, that Cain went out from the presence of the Lord. “The presence” or “face of the Lord” are all those things and means by which the Lord makes himself known to us. Thus the face of the Lord, under the Old Testament, was the pillar of fire, the cloud, the mercy seat and the like. Under the New Testament, the face of the Lord is baptism, the Lord’s Supper, the ministry of the Word. For by these things, as by visible signs, the Lord makes himself known to us, and shows that he is with us, that he cares for us and favors us. Cain “went out” to where there was no “face of God,” no visible sign by which he could derive the consolation that God was present with his favor. A wretched departure full of tears.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 95–96.

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Uncovenanted Mercy http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 11 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the WOrd

15 Then the LORD said to him, “Not so! If any one slays Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who came upon him should kill him.

Genesis 4:15, RSV

From Luther

God deprives Cain of all the divine blessings, both spiritual and civil. He mitigates that sentence by commanding that no one shall slay Cain. But he does not promise that all men shall surely obey his command. Therefore Cain, though possessing this promise in reference to his body, is still a fugitive and wanderer. God left him in a life of uncertainty, doubt and restless wandering, and did no more than protect his life by a command and threat which might restrain the wicked from killing him, on account of the certain awful punishment which would follow such destruction of the murderer. But a promise that he should not be murdered was withheld. The Scriptures are quite silent concerning the number of the years of Cain, and say nothing about the day of his birth or the day of his death. He perished, together with his whole generation. Only a few of his generation are excepted, who were saved by the uncovenanted mercy of God.

The question is here usually asked, to what persons could the words of Cain possibly apply, when he says, “Every one that findeth me shall slay me,” when it is evident that besides Adam and Eve and their few daughters, no human beings were in existence. I would reply that they bear witness to the fact that we see the wicked “flee when no man pursueth.” They imagine various perils where none really exist. Just as we see it in the case of murderers at the present, who are filled with fears where all is safe, who can remain quiet nowhere, and who imagine death to be present everywhere.

The words of the text cannot be referred exclusively to the fears within Cain, for he had sisters, and perhaps he greatly dreaded that sister whom he married, lest she should take vengeance on him for the murder of her brother. Moreover, Cain had perhaps a vague apprehension of a long life, and he saw that many more sons were born of Adam. He therefore feared the whole posterity of Adam. It greatly increased these fears that Adam had left him nothing more than his stray mercy.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 94–95.

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Unthwarted http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 10 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

10 And the LORD said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. 11 And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.

Genesis 4:10–11, RSV

From Luther

We should mark as particularly worthy of note the discrimination exercised by the Holy Spirit. When the penalty for his sin was inflicted upon Adam, a curse was placed, not upon the person of Adam, but only upon the earth; and even this curse was not absolute, but qualified. The expression is: “Cursed is the ground for thy sake;” and in Rom. 8:20 we read: “The creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly.” The earth, inasmuch as it bore guilty man, became involved in the curse as his instrument, just as the sword, gold and other objects are cursed for the reason that men make them the instrument of sin. The Holy Spirit discriminates between the earth and Adam. He diverts the curse to the earth, but saves the person.

In this instance the Holy Spirit curses the person of Cain. Why is this? Is it because the sin of Cain, as a murderer, was greater than the sin of Adam and Eve? Not so. But because Adam was the root from whose flesh and loins Christ, that blessed seed, should be born. It is this seed that was spared. For the sake of this seed, the fruit of the loins of Adam, the curse is transferred from the person of Adam to the earth. Thus, Adam bears the curse of the earth, but his person is not cursed; from his posterity Christ was to be born.

Cain, since he fell by his sin, must suffer the curse being inflicted upon his person. He hears it said to him, “Cursed art thou,” that we might understand that he was cut off from the glory of the promised seed, and condemned never to have in his posterity that seed through which the blessing should come. Thus Cain was cast out from the stupendous glory of the promised seed. Abel was slain; therefore there could be no posterity from him. But Adam was ordained to serve God by further procreation. In Adam alone, after Cain’s rejection, the hope of the blessed seed rested until Seth was born unto him.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 93–94.

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A Proper Response http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 09 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

8 Cain said to Abel his brother, “Let us go out to the field.” And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him. 9 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” 

Genesis 4:8–9, RSV

From Luther

Cain thinks he has made an effectual excuse for himself by saying that he is not his brother’s keeper. But does he not confess by the very word “brother,” which he takes upon his lips, that he ought to be his keeper? Is not that equal to accusing himself, and will not the fact that Abel is nowhere in evidence arouse the suspicion in the minds of his parents that he has been murdered? Just so also Adam excuses himself in paradise, and lays the blame on Eve. But the excuse of Cain is far more stupid; for while he excuses his sin he doubles it, whereas the frank confession of sin finds mercy and appeases wrath. All liars and hypocrites imitate Cain their father by either denying their sin or excusing it. Hence they cannot find pardon for their sins.

But let us survey the order in which sins follow each other and increase. First Cain sins by presumption and unbelief, priding himself on the privilege of his birthright. He takes it for granted that he shall be accepted of God on the ground of his own merit. Upon the pride and self-glorification follow envy and hatred of his brother, whom he sees preferred to himself by an unmistakable sign from heaven. Upon this envy and hatred follow hypocrisy and lying. Though he designs to murder his brother, he accosts him in a friendly manner and thereby throws him off his guard. Hypocrisy is followed by murder. Murder is followed by the excusing of his sin. And the last stage is despair, which is the fall from heaven to hell.

Moses took special pains in the preparation of this account to serve as a witness against all hypocrites, and as a chronicle containing a graphic description of their character and ire aroused by Satan against God, his Word and his Church. It was not enough of this murderer that he killed his brother, but he added the further sin of becoming indignant and wrathful when God inquired of him concerning his brother. He is indignant that he should be called to an account concerning the matter at all. His reply is the language of one who resists and hates God.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 92–93.

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The Blessed Dead http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 08 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

8 Cain said to Abel his brother, “Let us go out to the field.” And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him. 9 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 And the LORD said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.

Genesis 4:8–10, RSV

From Luther

There is clearly pointed out to us here the truth of the resurrection of the dead. This element of doctrine and of hope is found in the fact that the Lord inquires concerning the dead Abel. God thereby declares himself to be the God of Abel, although now dead. Upon this passage we may establish the incontrovertible principle that, if there were no one to care for us after this life, Abel would not have been inquired for after he was slain. But God inquires after Abel even when he had been taken from this life; he has no desire to forget him; he retains the remembrance of him; God, therefore, is the God of the dead. My meaning is that even the dead, as we see here, still live in the memory of God who cares for them, and saves them in another life beyond and different from this corporal life in which saints suffer affliction.

This passage, therefore, is most worthy of our attention. A towering fact this, that Abel, though dead, was living and canonized in another life, more effectually and truly than those whom the pope ever canonized. The death of Abel was indeed horrible; he did not suffer death without excruciating torment, nor without many tears. Yet it was a blessed death, for now he lives a more blessed life than he did before. This bodily life of ours is lived in sin, and is ever in danger of death. But that other life is eternal and perfectly free from trials and troubles, both of the body and of the soul.

God inquires not after the sheep and oxen that are slain, but he does inquire after the men that are slain. Therefore men possess the hope of a resurrection. They have a God who brings them back from the death of the body unto eternal life, a God who inquires after their blood as a most precious thing. This is the glory of the human race obtained for it by the seed of the woman, which bruised the serpent’s head. For God, in answer to Abel’s faith in the promised seed, required the blood of the dead, and proved thereby to be his God still.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 90–91.

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The Acceptable Time http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 07 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

1 Working together with him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says, "At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation.” Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 6:1–2, RSV

From Luther

These words portray the riches of salvation, wherever the gospel abounds; nothing but grace and help; no wrath, no punishment. Indeed, the apostle here employs words of unutterable meaning. He tells us that it is an acceptable time, as the Hebrew expresses it. Our way of putting it would be: This is a gracious time, a time when God turns away his wrath and is moved only by love and benevolence toward us and is pleased to do us good. All our sins are forgotten; he takes no notice of the sins of the past, nor of those of the present. We are in a realm of mercy, where are only forgiveness and reconciliation. The heavens are now open. This is the golden year when man is denied nothing. Whatsoever thou shalt desire and ask for, thou shalt surely receive. Be not neglectful: ask while the acceptable time continues.

Paul also declares that it is a day of blessing, “a day of salvation.” It is a day of help, wherein we are not only acceptable and assured of God’s favor and good will toward us, but we experience, even as we have been assured, that God really does help us. He verifies his assurance, for his beneficence gives testimony that our prayers are heard. We call it a happy day, a blessed day, a day of abundance; for these two truths are inseparably related, namely, that God is favorable toward us, and that his kindness is proof of his favor. God’s favor toward us is revealed in the first clause, which speaks of an acceptable time; that he extends help to us is revealed in the second clause, telling of a blessed day of succor. Both these facts are to be apprehended by faith and in good conscience; for a superficial judgment would lead to the view that this period of blessing is rather an accursed period of wrath and disfavor. Words like these, of a spiritual meaning, must be understood in the light of the Holy Spirit; thus shall we find that these two glorious, beautiful expressions refer to the gospel dispensation and are intended to magnify all the treasures and the riches of the kingdom of Christ. May we take heed and accept the gospel with fear and gratitude.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 89–90.

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The Office of Disgrace http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 06 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

48 The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I have not a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me.

John 8:48–49, RSV

From Luther

“Thou art a Samaritan” sounds worse among the Jews than any crime. In these words Christ teaches us the fate that awaits us Christians and his Word; both our life and doctrine must be condemned and reviled, and that by the foremost, wisest and greatest of earth. Thus one learns to know the corrupt tree by its fruits, as under the pretense of being good, they are so bitter, angry, impatient, cruel and mad as to condemn and pass sentence, when one touches them at their tender spot and rejects their ideas and ways.

Christ here abandons his life to shame and dishonor, is silent and suffers them to call him a Samaritan, while he takes pains to defend his doctrine. For the doctrine is not ours, but God’s. I should stake all I have and suffer all they do, that the honor of God and of his Word may not be injured. For if I perish, no great harm is done; but if I let God’s Word perish, and remain silent, I do harm to God and the whole world. Although I cannot close their mouths, nor prevent their wickedness, nevertheless I shall not keep silent, nor act as if they were right. Although they do me injustice, yet it remains right before God. Christ says, “I have not a devil,” that is, my doctrine is not the devil’s lies; but “I honor my Father,” that is, I preach in my doctrine the grace of God, through which he is to be praised, loved and honored by believers. For the evangelical office of the ministry is nothing but glorifying God.

When Christ says, “Ye dishonor me,” he implies that the Father’s and his honor are the same, as he and the Father are one God. Yet along with this he would also teach that if the office of the ministry, which God honors, is to be duly praised, then it must suffer disgrace. Thus we will do to our princes and priests; when they attack our manner of life, we should suffer it and show love for hatred, good for evil; but when they attack our doctrine, God’s honor is attacked, then love and patience should cease and we should not keep silent. Although the whole world reviles and dishonors us, we are assured that God will honor us, and will punish and judge the world.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 88–89.

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The Pious Pastor http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 05 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

45 But, because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 He who is of God hears the words of God; the reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” 

John 8:45–47, RSV

From Luther

This gospel teaches how persons become more hardened and furious, the more one teaches them, and lovingly urges them to do their duty. Christ asks them here in a very loving way for a reason why they still disbelieve, since they can find fault neither with his life, nor with his teaching. His life is blameless; for he challenges them with the words, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” His teaching is also blameless; for he adds, “If I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?” Thus Christ lives as he teaches.

Every preacher should prove that he possesses, first, a blameless life, by which he can defy his enemies and no one may have occasion to slander his teachings; secondly, that he possesses the pure doctrine, so that he may not mislead those who follow him. Thus he will be right and firm on both sides; with his good life against his enemies, who look much more at his life than at his doctrine, and despise the doctrine for the sake of the life; with his doctrine among his friends, who have much more respect for his doctrine than for the kind of life he leads, and will bear with his life for the sake of his teaching.

It is indeed true that no one lives so perfect a life as to be without sin before God. Therefore it is sufficient that we be blameless in the eyes of the people. But his doctrine must be so good and pure as to stand, not only before man, but also before God. Therefore every pious pastor may well ask, Who among you can find fault with my life? Among you, I say, who are men, but before God I am a sinner. Thus Moses boasts that he took nothing from the people and did them no injustice. Thus Samuel, Jeremiah, and Hezekiah rightly boasted of their blameless life before the people to stop the mouths of blasphemers. But Christ does not thus speak of his doctrine, but says, “If I tell you the truth.” For one must be assured that his doctrine is right before God and that it is the truth, and accordingly care not how it is judged by the people. The Jews have no ground for their unbelief; therefore Christ pronounces judgment upon them.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 87–88.

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All the More Reason http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 04 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But fornication and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is fitting among saints. 

Ephesians 5:1–3, RSV

From Luther

In naming uncleanness in addition to fornication, the reference is to all sensual affections in distinction from wedded love. They are too unsavory for Paul to mention, though in the first chapter of Romans he finds it expedient to speak of them without disguise. However, also wedded love must be characterized by moderation among Christians. While there is a conjugal duty to be required by necessity, it is for the very purpose of avoiding unchastity and uncleanness. The ideal and perfect condition would be cohabitation with the sole view to procreation; however, that is too high for attainment by all.

Paul declares that the sin which he indicates should not even be named of the Ephesians. Unquestionably among Christians there will always be some infirm one to fall; but we must labor diligently, correcting, amending, and restraining. We must not allow the offense to go unchallenged, but curtail and remedy it. An occasional fall among Christians must be borne with as long as right prevails in general and such things are neither tolerated nor taught, but reproved and amended. Paul counsels the Galatians that the brethren restore the fallen in a spirit of meekness; and he blames the Corinthians for not reproving those who sin. I make this point for the sake of those who, as soon as they observe that all Christians are not perfectly holy, imagine there is no such thing as a Christian and think the gospel is impotent and fruitless.

The writer of the epistle assigns the reason why it does not sound well to hear such things about Christians,—because they are saints and it behooves saints to be chaste and moderate, to practice and teach these virtues. He calls Christians “saints” notwithstanding that in this life they are clothed with sinful flesh and blood. Doubtless the term is not applied in consequence of their good works, but because of the holy blood of Christ. For Paul says, “But ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.” Being holy, we should manifest our holiness by our deeds. Though we are still weak, yet we ought duly to strive to become chaste and free from covetousness, to the glory and honor of God and the edifying of unbelievers.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 85–86.

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The Strong Man http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 03 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Now he was casting out a demon that was dumb; when the demon had gone out, the dumb man spoke, and the people marveled.

Luke 11:14, RSV

From Luther

The dumb, deaf, blind, and demon-possessed man represents all the children of Adam, who through the flesh are possessed of Satan in original sin, so that they must be his slaves and do according to his will. Hence they are also blind, that is, they do not see God. They are deaf, for they do not hear God’s Word, and are not obedient or submissive to it. They are also dumb, for they do not give him one word of thanks or praise, nor do they preach and proclaim Christ and the grace of God. But they are all too talkative about the teachings of the devil and the opinions of men. In these things they see only too well and are wiser than the children of light in their undertakings, opinions, and desires. In these things they hear with both ears and readily accept the suggestions of flesh and blood. Therefore whatever we do, in word and deed, as to body and soul, is of the devil, whether it be externally good or bad, and must be redeemed through the work of God. When we are in his kingdom, we acknowledge him, see, hear and follow him, praise and proclaim his name. All this takes place through the Spirit of God in his Word, which casts out the devil and his kingdom.

But when the stronger man, the Gospel, comes, peace flees, and he rages like a madman, for he resents being condemned, unmasked, punished and publicly branded. He gathers up his armor, the powerful, wise, rich and holy people, and sets them all to attacking God’s Word, as we see in the persecution of the teachers of the gospel. Such rage and persecution signify that the devil retires very unwillingly and raves in his whole body; as he acts in the body and its members when he must depart, so he also behaves in the whole world, resisting with all his power when he is to give place to the gospel; but it is all in vain, he must be expelled. A stronger one, that is, Christ, comes and overpowers him and takes away his whole armor, that is, he converts some of those same persecutors, and to that extent makes him weaker and his own kingdom stronger. He divides the spoil, too, by using for various offices, graces, and works in Christendom those whom he converts.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 84–85.

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Suffering Fools http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 02 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

19 For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! 20 For you bear it if a man makes slaves of you, or preys upon you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face.

2 Corinthians 11:19–20, RSV

From Luther

Paul delivers a masterly stroke when with the same words he praises and rebukes the Corinthians. His commendation of their patience is in reality reproof. He means to say: I have preached the gospel to you at my own expense and jeopardy. By my labor you have attained to its blessing. You have done nothing for me in return, I have been no tax upon you. Now, upon my departure, others come and captivate you, and seek honor and profit from my labor. They boast as though the accomplishments were all theirs. Of these you become the disciples and pupils. Their preaching you accept, while mine becomes odious. My case is that of the bee which labors to gather honey and then come the idle drones and earthworms and consume the sweet which they have not gathered.

You can suffer these false prophets though they be fools and teach you foolishness. In this you display wisdom and patience. But you do not suffer me, who taught you true wisdom. You can permit them to make servants of you, to be your lords and to order you to do their bidding. But I, who have made myself your servant, served you without profit to myself, that you might be lords with Christ, must now be ignored and all my labors lost. You suffer yourselves to be devoured; for you abundantly bestow your property upon them. But I have never enjoyed aught of yours. All my service has been without recompense, that ye might become rich in Christ.

You suffer the false teachers to take from you beyond your consent, to exalt themselves above you, to esteem themselves better than you and me, and to exercise their arrogance over you. But you deal not so with me, who have sacrificed my own substance, and have taken from others, that I might bring the gospel to you. They reproach you publicly, smite you in the face, put you to shame and abuse you with insolent words. But my patience with you, my parental tenderness, is remembered no more.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 83–84.

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The Cleansed Conscience http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 01 Mar 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

13 For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Hebrews 9:13–14, RSV

From Luther

Christ sacrificed not goats, nor calves, nor birds; not bread, nor blood, nor flesh, as did Aaron and his descendants. He offered his own body and blood, and the manner of the sacrifice was spiritual, for it was offered through the Holy Spirit. Though the body and blood of Christ were visible like any other material object, the fact that he offered them as a sacrifice was not apparent. It was not a visible sacrifice as in the case of those offered at the hands of Aaron. Christ offered himself in heart before God. His sacrifice was perceptible to no mortal. Therefore, his bodily flesh and blood became a spiritual sacrifice.

In the new order, the tabernacle or house is spiritual; for it is heaven, or the presence of God. Christ hung upon a cross; he was not offered in a temple. He was offered before the eyes of God, and there he still abides. The cross is an altar in a spiritual sense. The material cross was indeed visible, but none knew it as Christ’s altar. His prayer, his sprinkled blood, were all spiritual, for it was all wrought through his spirit.

The fruit and blessing of his office and sacrifice, the forgiveness of sins and our justification, are likewise spiritual. In the Old Covenant, the priest with his sacrifices and sprinklings of blood effected merely an external absolution, or pardon. It rendered no one inwardly holy and just before God. Something more than that was necessary to secure real forgiveness. With the priesthood of Christ there is true spiritual remission, sanctification and absolution. These avail before God, whether we be outwardly excommunicated or not. Christ’s blood has obtained for us pardon forever acceptable to God. He will forgive us our sins for the sake of that blood as long as its power shall last and its intercession for grace in our behalf shall continue, which is forever.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 82–83.

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Don't Neglect It http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 28 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 6:1 Working together with him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain.

2 Corinthians 5:20–6:1, RSV

From Luther 

The apostle’s purpose in beseeching his co-laborers is to prevent them from despising the external Word as something inessential or sufficiently well known to them. Though God is able to effect everything without the instrumentality of the external Word, working inwardly by his Spirit, this is not his way of doing. He uses preachers and co-workers to accomplish his purpose through the Word when and where he pleases. Since preachers, therefore, have the office, name and honor of fellow-workers with God, no one must consider himself too learned or too holy to ignore or despise the most inferior preaching, especially as he knows not when the hour may come wherein God will perform his work in him through preachers.

Paul wishes also to show the danger of neglecting the grace of God. He boldly declares here that the preaching of the gospel is not an eternal, continuous and permanent mode of instruction, but rather a passing shower, which hastens on. What it strikes, it strikes; what it misses, it misses. It does not return, nor does it stand still. The sun and heat follow and dry it up. Experience shows that in no part of the world has the gospel remained pure beyond the length of a man’s memory. When its pioneers were gone, the light disappeared; factions, spirits, and false teachers immediately followed.

Moses announced that the children of Israel would corrupt themselves after his death, and the book of Judges sufficiently testifies that such was really the case. King Joash did right as long as the high priest Jehoiada lived, but after the latter’s death, it was soon ended. Soon after the time of Christ and his apostles the world was filled with seditious preachers and false teachers. Therefore to receive the grace of God in vain is nothing less than to hear the pure Word of God, and yet remain listless and irresponsive. Ungrateful for the Word and unappreciative of it, we merit its loss. Such were the guests bidden to the supper, but who refused to come, and, going about their own business, provoked the master’s anger until he swore they should not taste his supper.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 79–80.

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More and More http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 27 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Finally, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God, just as you are doing, you do so more and more.

1 Thessalonians 4:1, RSV

From Luther

This text is an earnest admonition enjoining upon us an increasing degree of perfection in the doctrines we have received. It is incumbent upon every evangelical teacher to give this exhortation, and all Christians should render a willing and not a compulsory service. Obedience is due from those who have received the Spirit; but those who are not inclined to render a willing service, we must leave to themselves.

Paul places much value upon the gift of knowing how “to walk and to please God.” In the world this gift is as rare as it is great. Though it has been offered to the whole world and has been proclaimed, still there is need of further exhortation with reference to it, and Paul is diligent in administering it. The trouble with us is that we are in danger of becoming indolent and negligent, forgetful and ungrateful.

It was a fact reflecting much credit on the Thessalonians in contrast to the Corinthians and the Galatians that they continued upright in doctrine and true in the knowledge of faith, but they seemed to be deficient in two important features in Christian life, namely, chastity and honesty. Unchastity is a sin against oneself and is destructive of the fruits of faith. Fraud in business is a sin against our neighbor and is likewise destructive of faith and charity.

Though these sins are less pernicious than the gross offenses in error of doctrine and faith, yet God will certainly punish them, if they are not repented of and renounced. Paul threatens such sins with the wrath of God lest any one imagine the kingdom of Christ one which will tolerate such offenses with impunity. These sins do not come within the limits of Christian liberty and privilege, nor does God treat the offender with indulgence. He will more vigorously punish these sins among Christians than among the heathen. Those who sin through infirmity, suffer themselves to be reproved, and repent at once, the kingdom of Christ treats with pity and forbearance. While God bears with the sinner, he would have us perceive our errors, strive to mend our lives and abound more and more in righteousness.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 78–79.

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The Beginning of Salvation http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 26 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21 And when the LORD smelled the pleasing odor, the LORD said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I ever again destroy every living creature as I have done. 22 While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” 

Genesis 8:20–22, RSV

From Luther

Man without the Holy Spirit and without grace can do nothing but sin, and thus unhaltingly he goes forward from sin to sin. When in addition he will not endure sound doctrine but rejects the word of salvation and resists the Holy Spirit, he becomes an enemy of God, blasphemes the Holy Spirit and simply follows the evil desires of his heart. Witnesses of this are the examples of the prophets, Christ and the apostles, the primeval world under Noah as teacher, and also the examples of our adversaries to-day, who cannot be convinced by anything that they are in error, that they sin, that their worship is ungodly.

But we must distinguish between the theological and the civil standpoints. God approves also the rule of the ungodly; he honors and rewards virtue also among the ungodly, but only in regard to the things of this life and things grasped by a reason which is upright from the civil standpoint; whereas the future life is not embraced in such reward. His approval is not with regard to the future life. We believe that man without the Holy Spirit is altogether corrupt before God, though he may stand adorned with all heathen virtues, as moderation, liberality, love of country, parents and children, courage and humanity. The declarations of the Holy Scriptures prove the same thing. The statement in the fourteenth Psalm is sweeping enough when it says, “The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy; there is none that doeth good; no, not one. Paul says, “God hath concluded them all in unbelief.” Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing.”

We are therefore to hold fast the doctrine which lays before us our sin and condemnation. This knowledge of our sin is the beginning of salvation; we must absolutely despair of ourselves and give glory for righteousness to God alone. When this has been fixed in our hearts, the foundation of our salvation is largely laid, inasmuch as subsequently clear testimonies are given that God will not cast away the sinner, that is, one who recognizes his sin and desires to come to his senses and thirsts after righteousness and the remission of sin through Christ.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 77–78.

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The Unbelieving Heart http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 25 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

24 “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest; and finding none he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 And when he comes he finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then he goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.” 

Luke 11:24–26, RSV

From Luther

This means as much as to say, “The devil never takes a vacation,” and “The devil never sleeps,” for he is seeking how he may devour man. Dry places are not the hearts of the ungodly, for in such he rests and dwells like a mighty tyrant; but there are dry and waste places here and there in the country where no people live, as forests and wildernesses. To these he flees in wicked rage because he is driven out. You will remember that the devil found Christ in the wilderness. In Judæa there is not much water, hence we read that it contains many arid wastes. In other countries as our own, which are well watered, the devils stay in rivers and lakes, and there sometimes drowns those who bathe or sail upon them.

That he comes again and finds the house swept and garnished signifies that the man is sanctified and adorned with beautiful spiritual gifts, and that the evil spirit clearly sees that he can do nothing there with his familiar tricks, for he is too well known. Thus when the worship of idols was driven from the heathen, he never attacked the world with that device again. What did he do then? He tried something else, went out, took with him seven spirits, more evil than himself, and entered in with them and dwelt there, and the last state of that man was worse than the first. When Christ had become known in the world and the devil’s former kingdom with its idol worship had been destroyed, he adopted another plan and attacked us with heresy and introduced and established the papacy, in which Christ was entirely forgotten, and men became worse heathen under the name of Christ than before he was preached. Such also was the lot of the Jews after the destruction of Jerusalem, and of the Greeks under the Turks. And so all will fare who at first hear the Word of God and afterwards become secure and weary of it. Therefore it is necessary to watch, as the apostle admonishes: “Be sober, be watchful; your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” Wherever he overthrows faith, he easily restores again all former vices.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 75–76.

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Crumbs of Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 24 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

21 And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” 23 But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 And he answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. 

Matthew 15:21–28, RSV

From Luther

The woman follows Christ into the home. There she received her last mortal blow. Christ presents her in a bad light; she is a condemned and outcast person, who is not to be reckoned among God’s chosen ones. That is an eternally unanswerable reply, to which no one can give a satisfactory answer. Yet she does not despair, but concedes that she is a dog and desires no more than a dog is entitled to, namely, that she may eat the crumbs that fall from the table of the Lord. Is not that a masterly stroke as a reply? She catches Christ with his own words. Where will Christ now take refuge? He is caught. Therefore Christ now completely opens his heart to her and yields to her will, so that she is now no more a dog, but even a child of Israel.

All this is written for our comfort and instruction, that we may know how deeply God conceals his grace before our face, and that we may not estimate him according to our feelings and thinking, but strictly according to his Word. All his answers indeed sound like no, but they are not no, they remain undecided and pending. For he does not say, I will not hear thee, but is silent and passive, and says neither yes nor no. He does not say she is not of the house of Israel; but he is sent only to the house of Israel. He does not say, Thou art a dog, one should not give thee of the children’s bread; but it is not meet to take the children’s bread and cast it to the dogs, leaving it undecided whether she is a dog or not. Yet all those trials of her faith sounded more like no than yes; but there was more yea in them than nay; ay, there is only yes in them, but it is very deep and very concealed, while there appears to be nothing but no. Whoever understands the actions of this poor woman and catches God in his own judgment, says, Lord, it is true I am a sinner and not worthy of thy grace; but still thou hast promised sinners forgiveness, and thou art not come to call the righteous, but “to save sinners.” Surely, then must God according to his own judgment have mercy upon us.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 74–75.

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The Same Submission http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 22 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Galatians 5:13–14, RSV

From Luther

How can love for our neighbor be the fulfilment of the law when we are required to love God supremely, even above our neighbor? Christ answers the question when he tells us that the second commandment is like unto the first. He makes love to God and love to our neighbor the same love. The reason for this is, first: God, having no need of our works and benefactions for himself, bids us to do for our neighbor what we would do for God. He asks for himself only our faith and our recognition of him as God. The object of proclaiming his honor and rendering him praise and thanks here on earth is that our neighbor may be converted and brought into fellowship with God. Such service is called the love of God, and is performed out of love to God; but it is exercised for the benefit of our neighbor only.

The second reason why God makes love to our neighbor an obligation equal to love to himself is: God has made worldly wisdom foolish, desiring henceforth to be loved amid crosses and afflictions. Paul says: “Seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” Therefore he submitted himself unto death and misery upon the cross, and imposed the same submission upon all his disciples. They who refused to love him before when he bestowed upon them food and drink, blessing and honor, must now love him in hunger and sorrow, in adversity and disgrace. All works of love, then, must be directed to our wretched needy neighbors. In these lowly ones we are to find and love God, in them we are to serve and honor him, and thus only can we do it. The commandment to love God is wholly merged in that to love our neighbors. Christ laid aside his divinity and took upon himself the form of a servant for the very purpose of bringing down and centering upon our neighbor the love we extend to himself. Yet we leave the Lord to lie here in his humiliation while we gaze open-mouthed into heaven and make great pretentions to love and serve God.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 72–73.

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Our Promise http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 21 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will give his angels charge of you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’”

Matthew 4:5–7, RSV

From Luther

Here Satan held before Christ want and need where there was neither, but where there were already good means by which to descend from the temple without such a newly devised and unnecessary way of descending. Satan here quotes from the Psalter that God commanded the angels to protect the children of God and to carry them on their hands. But Satan like a rogue and cheat fails to quote what follows. The Psalm reads: “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” The protection of the angels does not reach farther, according to the command of God, than the ways in which God has commanded us to walk. When we walk in these ways of God, his angels take care of us. But the devil omits to quote “the ways of God” and interprets and applies the protection of the angels to all things, also to that which God has not commanded; then we tempt God. That this temptation was for the purpose of tempting and trying God, the answer of Christ clearly proves, when he says, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

We find many foolhardy people, who risk and endanger the body and life, their property and honor, without any need of doing so, as those who wilfully enter into battle or jump into the water, or gamble for money, or in other ways venture into danger. Good swimmers are likely to drown and good climbers likely to fall. In spiritual matters this temptation is powerful when one has to do with the nourishment, not of the body, but of the soul. Here God holds before us the person and the way, by which the soul can be forever nourished in the richest manner possible, namely, by Christ, the Saviour. But everybody seeks another way to help his soul. The real guilty ones are those who would be saved through their own work; these the devil sets conspicuously on the top of the temple. He persuades them through the Scriptures to believe that the angels will protect them in their way and that their works and faith are pleasing to God. They do not care how falsely they explain the Scriptures.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 70–71.

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Spiritual Sustenance http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 20 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And he fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” 

Matthew 4:1–4, RSV

From Luther

The tempter attacked Christ with the cares of food for the body and with unbelief in the goodness of God, as if he would say: Trust in God and wait patiently until a roasted fowl flies into your mouth; do you now say that you have a God who cares for you; where is now your heavenly Father, who has charge of you? It seems to me he leaves you in a fine condition; eat now and drink from your faith, let us see how you will satisfy your hunger, when you have stones for bread. What a fine Son of God you are! How fatherly he is disposed toward you in that he fails to send you a slice of bread and permits you to be so poor and needy; do you now continue to believe that you are his son and that he is your father? With like thoughts he truly attacks all the children of God. And Christ surely felt this temptation, for he was no stock, nor stone, although he was and remained pure and without sin, as we cannot.

That Satan attacks with the cares for daily food or with unbelief and avarice, Christ’s answer proves in that he says, “Man shall not live by bread alone.” As if he said, Thou wilt direct me to bread alone and dost treat me as though I thought of nothing but the sustenance of the body. This temptation is very common also among pious people, and they especially feel it keenly who have children and a family, and have nothing to eat. Here we should consider Christ’s work and example, who suffered want forty days and forty nights, and finally was not forsaken, but was ministered to by angels.

Behold how Christ resists this temptation of bread. He sees nothing but stones and what is uneatable, then he clings to the Word of God, strengthens himself by it and strikes the devil to the ground with it. All Christians should lay hold of this saying when they see that there is lack and want, and courage fails. What if the whole world were full of bread; man does not live by bread alone; more than that is needed for life, namely, the Word of God.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 69–70.

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Ask http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 19 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.”

Luke 18:35–42, RSV

From Luther

The blind man hears that Christ was passing by; he had also heard of him before, that Jesus of Nazareth was a kind man, and that he helped every one who called on him. His faith and confidence in Christ grew out of his hearing, so he did not doubt but that Christ would help him. But such faith he could not have possessed had he not heard and known of Christ; for faith does not come except by hearing.

We see here how Christ encourages us, both by his works and words. First by his works in that he sympathizes so strongly with the blind man and makes it clear how pleasing faith is to him, so that Christ is at once absorbed with interest in the man, stops and does what the blind man desires in his faith. In the second place, Christ praises faith in words, and says: “Thy faith hath made thee whole;” he casts the honor of the miracle from himself and attributes it to the faith of the blind man. Thus faith is granted what it asks and is besides our great honor before God.

This blind man represents the spiritually blind, the state of every man born of Adam, who neither sees, nor knows the kingdom of God; but it is of grace that he feels and knows his blindness and would gladly be delivered from it. They are saintly sinners who feel their faults and sigh for grace. He sits among the teachers of the law and desires help. The people pass him by and let him sit, that is, the people of the law make a great noise and are heard among the teachers of good works; they go before Christ and Christ follows them. But when he heard Christ, that is, when a heart hears the gospel in faith, it calls and cries, and has no rest until it comes to Christ. Those who would silence and scold him are the teachers of works, who wish to quiet the doctrine and cry of faith; but they stir the heart the more. After he received his sight, all his work and life are only honor and praise to God; he follows Christ with joy, so that the whole world wonders and is thereby made better.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 68–69.

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A Patient Lent http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 18 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly. 

1 Peter 2:21–23, RSV

From Luther

“Did not Christ revile when he called the scribes and Pharisees hypocrites, murderers, serpents, a generation of vipers?” Oh yes, in this we would gladly follow Christ’s example. It is much easier than to be patient. We would need no master to help us in this. But a distinction must be made here. Reviling, or pronouncing execrations and threats, is of two kinds. In one case it is official and pronounced by God; in the other without authority and comes from man. It was one of the duties of Christ’s office on earth, and one now incumbent upon those called to bear that office after him, to assert the truth and censure the evil. Such a course is essential to the honor of God and the salvation of souls. Official chastisement is a work of divine, Christian love. It is a parental duty imposed of God, who has implanted in the parent nature intense love for the child; at the same time, if parents are godly and have proper affection for their children, they will not connive at, nor let pass unpunished their disobedience. So every one may and should reprove when official duty or his neighbor’s case requires; it serves to reform the subject. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

It was love and sincerity of heart which prompted Christ in his office to censure and reprove. His motive was to turn the transgressors from their blindness and malice, and to rescue them from perdition. But having fulfilled his official duties, and the hour of his suffering having arrived, he suffered patiently, permitting his enemies to heap upon him all possible evil in return for his manifested love and blessing. Instead of angrily reviling and execrating while suspended from the cross, he prayed, “Father, forgive them.” It was, indeed, a heart of unfathomable love that, in the midst of extreme suffering, had compassion on its persecutors and blessed them in greater measure than parent can bless child, or one individual bless another. We have here a perfect and inimitable example of patience of the most exalted kind. In it we may behold as in a glass what we have yet to learn of calm endurance.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 67–68.

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Fasting http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 17 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

16 And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; 17 and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Matthew 3:16–4:1, RSV

From Luther

Jesus was led up of the Spirit into the wilderness, that he might there fast and be tempted; but no one should imitate Christ’s example of his own choice and make it a selfish and arbitrary fasting; but instead wait for the Spirit, who will send him enough fastings and temptations. For whoever, without being led by the Spirit, wantonly resorts to the danger of hunger or any other temptation, when it is truly a blessing of God that he can eat and drink and have other comforts, tempts God. We should not seek want and temptation, they will surely come of themselves; we ought to act honestly, and always do our best. The text reads: Jesus was led up of the Spirit into the wilderness; and not: Jesus himself chose to go up into the wilderness. “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.” God gives his blessings that we may use them with thanksgiving, and not that we let them lie idle, and thus tempt him; for he wishes us to fast by the Spirit or by a need which we cannot avoid.

This narrative is written both for our instruction and admonition. For instruction that we should know how Christ has served and helped us by his fasting, hunger, temptation, and victory; also that whosoever believes on Christ shall never suffer need, and that temptation shall never harm him, but that we shall have enough in the midst of want and be safe in the midst of temptation; because his Lord and Head triumphed over all these in his behalf, and of this he is assured. “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

This is written for our admonition, that we may in the light of his example also cheerfully suffer want and temptation for the service of God and the good of our neighbor, like Christ did for us, as often as necessity requires it, which is surely accomplished if we learn and confess God’s Word. But we have practiced fasting as a good work, not to bring our flesh into subjection, but as a meritorious work before God to atone for sins and obtain grace. This has made our fasting a stench, a blasphemy, and a disgrace.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 65–66.

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The Mystery Revealed http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 16 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

31 And taking the twelve, he said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written of the Son of man by the prophets will be accomplished. 32 For he will be delivered to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon; 33 they will scourge him and kill him, and on the third day he will rise.” 34 But they understood none of these things; this saying was hid from them, and they did not grasp what was said. 

Luke 18:31–34, RSV

From Luther

The disciples “understood none of these things.” That is as much as to say: Reason, flesh and blood, cannot understand, nor grasp that the Scriptures should say how the Son of man must be crucified; much less does reason understand that this is Christ’s will and that he does it cheerfully; for it does not believe that it is necessary for him to suffer for us; it will deal directly with God through its own good works. God must reveal it in their hearts by his Spirit more than is proclaimed by words into their ears. Even those to whom the Spirit reveals it in their hearts believe it with difficulty and must struggle with it. Such a great and wonderful thing it is that the Son of man died the death of the cross willingly and cheerfully to fulfil the Scriptures for our welfare; it is a mystery and remains a mystery.

From this it follows how foolish they act who teach that the people should patiently bear their sufferings and death to atone for their sins and obtain grace, and pretend that if they suffer willingly all their sins will be forgiven them. Such persons only mislead the people, for they bury out of sight Christ and his death, upon whom our comfort is founded, and bring the people to a false confidence in their own suffering and death. This is the worst of all things a man can experience at the end of his life, and by it he is led direct into perdition. But learn to say: Whose death! Whose patience! My death is nothing. Christ’s suffering is my consolation, upon it I rely for the forgiveness of my sins; but my own death I will suffer to the praise and honor of my God freely and gratuitously, and for the advantage and profit of my neighbor, and in no way whatever depend upon it to avail anything in my own behalf before God.

As Christ now offered himself for us, we should also follow the example of love, and offer ourselves for the welfare of our neighbor, with all we have. We have spoken sufficiently on other occasions that Christ is to be preached in these two ways; but it is talk that no one desires to understand, for “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit.”

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 64–65.

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Owe Your Neighbor http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 15 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:8, RSV

From Luther

Innumerable are the books and doctrines produced for the direction of man’s conduct. There is still no limit to the making of books and laws. These laws and doctrines would be tolerated and received with more favor, if they were founded upon and administered according to the great law of love. Of love’s higher authority we find many illustrations in the Scriptures. Christ makes particular mention of this matter when he refers to David and his companions eating the holy show-bread. Though a certain law prohibited all but the priests from partaking of this holy food, Love was empress here, and free. Love was over the Law, subjecting it to herself. The Law had to yield for the time being, had to become invalid, when David suffered hunger.

Had the priest been disposed to refuse David the holy bread, had he blindly insisted on honoring the prohibition of the Law and failed to perceive the authority of Love, had he denied this food to him who hungered, what would have been the result? So far as the priest’s assistance went, David would have had to perish with hunger, and the priest would have been guilty of murder for the sake of the Law. Here, indeed, the most strenuous right would have been the most strenuous wrong. Moreover, on examining the heart of the priest, you would find the abomination of making sin where there is no sin, and a matter of conscience where there is no occasion for it. In connection with this same incident, Christ teaches that we are to do good to our neighbor on the Sabbath, to administer as necessity demands, whatever the Sabbath restrictions of the Law. For when a brother’s need calls, Love is authority and the Law of the Sabbath is void.

Were laws conceived and administered in love, the number of laws would matter little. Though one might not know all of them, he would learn from the one or two, of which he had knowledge, the principle of love taught in all; and though he were to know all laws, he might not discover the principle of love any more readily than he would in one. No greater wrong, calamity and wretchedness is possible on earth than the teaching and enforcing of laws without love. “Love is the fulfilling of the Law.”

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 63–64.

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The Love of Neighbor http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 14 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this sentence, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Romans 13:9, RSV

From Luther

Love being the chief element of all law, it comprehends all commandments. Its one concern is to be useful and not harmful to man. Love is the chief virtue, the fountain of all virtues. Love gives food and drink; it clothes, comforts, persuades, relieves and rescues. What shall we say of it, for behold, he who loves gives himself, body and soul, property and honor, all his powers internal and external, for his needy neighbor’s benefit, whether it be friend or enemy; he withholds nothing wherewith he may serve another. There is no virtue like love; there can be no special work assigned it as in the case of limited virtues, such as chastity, mercy, patience, meekness and the like. Love does all things. It will suffer in life and in death, in every condition, and that even for its enemies. Paul may well say that all other commandments are briefly comprehended in this saying, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

This commandment presents the standard by which we are to measure our love. It is an excellent model and holds up a truly living example, “thyself.” It is a better model than any example the saints have set. The saints are dead and their deeds are past, but this example ever lives. Every one must admit a consciousness of his own love for himself; of the careful nourishment of his body with food, raiment and all good things; of his fleeing from death and avoiding evil. This is self-love; something we are conscious of in ourselves. What, then, is the teaching of the commandment? To do to another as you do to yourself; to value his body and his life equally with your own body and life. How could God have pointed you to an example dearer, more pleasing, and more to the purpose than this example—the deep instinct of your own nature? The depth of your character is measured by the writing of this commandment in your heart. How will you fare with God if you do not love your neighbor? With this commandment written within your heart, your conscience will condemn you. Your whole conduct will be an example witnessing against you.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 62–63.

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Clang http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 13 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal... 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 

1 Corinthians 13:1, 7, RSV

From Luther

Observe how small the word “love” and how easily uttered! Who would have thought to find so much precious virtue and power ascribed by Paul to this one excellence as counterpart of so much that is evil? This is, I imagine, magnifying love, painting love. It is a better discourse on virtue and vice than are the heathen writings. The model the apostle presents should justly shame the false teachers, who talk much of love but in whom not one of the virtues he mentions is found.

Every quality of love mentioned by him means false teachers buffeted and assaulted. Whenever he signifies love and characterizes her powers, he invariably makes a thrust at the same time at those who are deficient in any of them. We may well, then, as he describes the several features, add the comment, “But you do very differently.” It is passing strange that the teachers devoid of love should possess such love as Paul mentions here, namely, speaking with tongues, prophesying, understanding mysteries; that they should have faith, should bestow their goods and suffer themselves to be burned. For we have seen what abominations ensue where love is lacking; such individuals are proud, envious, impatient, false, suspicious, malicious, disinclined to service, selfish, ambitious. How can it consistently be claimed that people of this stamp can through faith remove mountains, give their bodies to be burned, prophesy and the like? It is precisely as I have stated. Paul presents an impossible proposition, implying that since they are devoid of love, they do not really possess those gifts, but merely assume the name and appearance. And in order to divest them of those he admits for the sake of argument that they are what in reality they are not.

Paul’s purpose is to silence and humble haughty Christians, especially teachers and preachers. The gospel gives much knowledge of God and of Christ, and conveys many wonderful gifts. Some have the gift of speaking, some of teaching, some of Scripture exposition, some of ruling, and so on. But there are to be found few indeed who make the right use of such gifts and knowledge, who humble themselves to serve others, according to the dictates of love.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 60–61.

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Entrusting http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 12 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly. 

1 Peter 2:21–23, RSV

From Luther

The apostle had just been saying that Christ reviled not, nor thought of revenge, but rather manifested love and good will toward his virulent enemies. How could Christ approve such malice? Truly he could not endorse it. Nor could he commend his enemies for putting him to death upon the cross without a cause. If I suffer innocently and am unjustly treated, I am not to justify the ill treatment and strengthen the enemy in his sins; for, so doing, I would approve his conduct and assume the guilt attributed. I must not cease to confess the truth and maintain my innocence, both in heart and with my lips. But if men will not accept my word, my heart must tell me I have suffered injustice. Rather should I endure ten deaths, could my enemies inflict them, than to condemn myself in violation of conscience.

But what are we to do? If we do not justify our enemies when they make us suffer, they will even do worse things to us; for they desire the name and the credit, in the eyes of the world, of having done right by us; they would have it thought that they do God great service by murdering us. Now, who is to judge and decide the question? Peter declares that Christ committed the matter to him who judges righteously. How should he do otherwise? There was for him no judge on earth. He was compelled to commit the matter to that righteous judge, his heavenly Father. Well he knew that such sins and blasphemies could not go unpunished. The sentence was already passed, the sword sharpened, the angels given orders for the overthrow of Jerusalem. Previous to his sufferings, on his way to Jerusalem, as he beheld the city, he announced its coming doom and wept over it.

As Christ did, so should we conduct ourselves in our sufferings; not approving or assenting to whatever may be heaped upon us, but yet not seeking revenge. We are to commit the matter to God who will judge aright. We cannot maintain our rights before the world; therefore we must commit our cause to God, who judges righteously and who will not allow calumniation of his Word and persecution of believers to pass unpunished. Why, then, should I be impatient or desire revenge?

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 59–60.

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The Purge http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 11 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed. 

1 Corinthians 5:6–7, RSV

From Luther

If we are to be a new, sweet lump, we must purge out the old leaven. A nature renewed by faith and Christianity will not admit of our living as we did when devoid of faith and in sin, under the influence of an evil conscience. Note the apostle’s peculiar words. He enjoins purging out the old leaven, assigning as a reason, that ye are a new and unleavened lump. By a new unleavened lump he means that faith which clings to Christ and believes in the forgiveness of sin through him; but how shall we explain the fact that he bids them purge out the old leaven that they may be a new lump, when at the same time he admits them to be unleavened and a new lump? How can these Christians be unleavened, when they have yet to purge out the old leaven?

This is an instance of the Pauline and apostolic way of speaking concerning Christians and the kingdom of Christ; it tells us what the condition really is. It is a discipline wherein a new, Christian life is entered upon through faith in Christ, the true Passover; hence, Easter is celebrated with sweet, unleavened bread. But at the same time something of the old life remains, which must be swept out, or purged away. However, this latter is not imputed, because faith and Christ are there, constantly toiling and striving thoroughly to purge out whatever uncleanness remains. Through faith we have Christ and his purity perfectly conferred upon ourselves, and we are thus regarded pure; yet in our own personal nature we are not immediately and wholly pure, without sin and weakness. Much of the old leaven still remains, but it will be forgiven, not be imputed to us, if only we continue in faith and are occupied with purging out that remaining impurity.

This is Christ’s thought when he says to his disciples, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you,” and in the same connection he declares that the branches in him must be purged that they may bring forth fruit. To Peter he says, “He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit; and ye are clean, but not all.” By faith a Christian lays hold of the purity of Christ; it brings the Holy Spirit, who enables man to withstand and subdue sin.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 58–59.

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You Must http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 10 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Colossians 3:12–13, RSV

From Luther

Observe the tender and sacred style of the apostle’s admonition. He does not drive us with the law, but persuades by reminding us of the ineffable grace of God. He calls us the “elect of God,” “holy,” and “beloved.” He desires to call forth in us the fruits of faith, wishing to have them yielded in a willing, cheerful and happy spirit. The individual who truly believes that he is beloved, holy and elect before God, will consider how he may sustain his honor and titles, and how he must conduct himself to be worthy of them. He will love God with a fervor that will enable him to do or omit, or suffer all things, and will ever think that he is not doing enough.
Paul here speaks of that sincere and whole-souled mercy, characteristic of a father or mother who witness the distress of their child for which they would readily expose their lives or give up all their possessions. The Christian heart and mind is constantly devoted to merciful deeds with an ardor so intense as to make him unaware that he is doing good and compassionate acts.

Paul condemns also the works and arbitrary rules of hypocritical saints, whose severity will not permit them to associate with sinners, and who exercise no mercy, but administer perpetual reproach, censure, criticism, blame and bluster. They are unable to endure imperfections in any, though they themselves are sinners and many are infirm. Christians reject none, and will bear with all. They are as sincerely interested in sinners as they are in themselves. They pray for them, teach, admonish, persuade, do all in their power to reclaim them. The virtues mentioned in the text become us better in the sight of God than pearls, precious stones, silk and gold become us in the eyes of the world. So Christ dealt with the adulteress, brought her to repentance and with gracious words suffered her to depart. So God in Christ has dealt with us and ever deals.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 56–57.

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The Faith of Another http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 09 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

10 When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. 11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.”13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; be it done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.

Matthew 8:10–13, RSV

From Luther

This heathen is so fully satisfied with Christ’s word, that he does not even desire his presence nor deem himself worthy of it. Therefore also his servant was healed in that hour by the power of his faith. Since the occasion is offered, we must say a little about alien faith and its power. Many are interested in this subject on account of the little children who are baptized and are saved not by their own, but by the faith of others; just as this servant was healed not by his own, but by the faith of his master.

First we must let the foundation stand firm and sure that nobody will be saved by the faith or righteousness of another, but only by his own; neither will anybody be condemned for the unbelief and sins of another, but for his own. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” What then becomes of the young children, seeing they have not reason and are not able to believe for themselves.

We conclude and declare that in baptism the children themselves believe and have their own faith, which God effects in them through the sponsors, when in the faith of the Christian Church they intercede for them and bring them to baptism. This is what we call the power of alien faith, not that anybody can be saved by it, but that through it as an intercession and aid he can obtain from God his own faith, by which he is saved. If I am to live, I myself must be born, and nobody can be born for me to enable me to live; but mother and midwife can by their life aid me in birth and enable me to live. Nobody can go to heaven for me; but he can assist me, can teach, preach, govern, pray and obtain faith from God for me, through which I can go to heaven. The centurion was not healed of the palsy of his servant, but he brought it about that his servant was restored to health. So children are not baptized in the faith of the sponsors or the Church, but the faith of the sponsors gains faith for them, in which they are baptized and believe for themselves.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 55–56.

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Noticing the Heart of Jesus http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 08 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

And taking the twelve, he said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written of the Son of man by the prophets will be accomplished.

Luke 18:31, RSV

From Luther

Christ spoke these words on his way to Jerusalem at the time of the Easter festivities before he finished his passion, when his disciples least expected to witness his sufferings, but instead anticipated a joyful occasion at the Feast of the Passover. He spoke them that his disciples might later grow stronger in their faith, when they recalled the fact that he had told them before, that he had voluntarily offered himself as a sacrifice, and that he was not crucified by the power or strategy of his enemies, the Jews. Long before this Isaiah had prophesied that Christ would voluntarily and cheerfully give himself as a sacrifice. The angel also on Easter morning admonishes the women to call to mind what he here says, in order that they might be assured and the more firmly believe that he suffered willingly on our behalf.

The true foundation of a thorough understanding of Christ’s passion is when we not only consider his sufferings, but also his heart and will in those sufferings; for all they who view his sufferings so as not to see his will and heart in them are more terrified than they rejoice on account of them. Where one sees Christ’s will and heart in his passion, it brings true comfort, assurance and pleasure in Christ. Thus the psalmist praises this will of God and of Christ, when he says: “I delight to do thy will, O my God.” The apostle in the Epistle to the Hebrews says: “By which will we have been sanctified.” It does not say, Through the suffering and blood of Christ, which is also true; but through the will of God and of Christ. They were both of one will to sanctify us through the blood of Christ.

In this gospel he shows us this will to suffer, when he first announced that he would go up to Jerusalem and allow them to crucify him; as if he had said, Look into my heart and see that I do all willingly, freely and cheerfully, in order that it may not terrify nor shock you, when you shall see it, and think that I do it reluctantly, and must do it; that I am forsaken and the power of the Jews forces me to it.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 54–55.

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Whatever http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 07 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

Colossians 3:16–17, RSV

From Luther

The works of Christians are not circumscribed by name, time, or place. Whatever Christians do is good; whenever done it is timely; wherever wrought it is appropriate. So Paul names no work. He makes no distinction, but concludes all works to be good, whether it be eating or drinking, speaking or keeping silence, waking or sleeping, going or staying, being idle or otherwise. All acts are eminently worthy because done in the name of the Lord Jesus. Such is Paul’s teaching here. And our works are wrought in the name of the Lord Jesus when we by faith hold fast the fact that Christ is in us and we in him, in the sense that we no longer labor, but he lives and works in us.

The expression “in the name of God” or “Lord Jesus” is frequently uttered falsely and in sheer hypocrisy. Teachers of false doctrine habitually offer their commodities in the name of God. They even come in the name of Christ, as he himself foretells. To speak and work sincerely and earnestly in Jesus’ name, the heart must necessarily accord with the utterance of the mouth. As the lips declare in the name of God, so must the heart confidently, with firm faith, hold that God directs and performs the work. No Christian should undertake to do any deed in his own ability and directed by his own judgment. Rather let him be assured that God works with him and through him.

Such an attitude will result in praise and thanks to God as one to whom are due all honor and praise for every good thing. Thus Paul teaches and also Peter. Immediately after declaring that we are to work according to the ability which God gives, Peter adds that “in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” He who undertakes anything in his own ability, however much he may glorify God with his lips, lies and deceives. Thankfulness is the only duty we can perform unto God; and this is not to be rendered of ourselves, but through our Mediator, Jesus. Without him none can come to the Father and none will be accepted.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 53–54.

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A Mystery http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 06 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

9 And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, 10 he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.

Luke 8:9–10, RSV

From Luther

A “mystery” is a hidden secret that is not known; and the “mysteries of the kingdom of God” are the things in the kingdom of God, as for example Christ with all his grace, which he manifests to us. He who knows Christ aright understands what God’s kingdom is and what is in it. It is called a mystery because it is spiritual and secret, and it remains so where the spirit does not reveal it. For although there are many who see and hear it, yet they do not understand it. There are many who preach and hear Christ, how he offered himself for us; but all that is only upon their tongue and not in their heart; for they themselves do not believe it; they do not experience it.

Therefore Christ says: “Unto you it is given;” the Spirit gives it to you that you not only hear and see it, but acknowledge and hear it with your heart. It is no longer a mystery to you. But others, who hear it as well as you and have no faith in their heart, see and understand it not. To them it is a mystery and will continue to be unknown to them, and all that they hear is only like one hearing a parable or a dark saying. Christ therefore spake to the people in parables, that they might understand each according to his ability. He spake to them in parables because they did not understand. The parables served to interest and get a hold on coarse and rough people. Although they do not understand them, yet later they may be taught and learn to know. Parables are naturally pleasing to the common people, and they easily remember them, since they are taken from common, everyday affairs, in the midst of which the people live.

But these parables are of the nature that no one can understand them, they may grasp and hear them as often as they will, unless the Spirit makes them known and reveals them. Not that they shall preach that we shall not understand them, but it naturally follows that whenever the Spirit does not reveal them, no one understands them. God conceals and reveals to whom he will and whom he had in mind from eternity.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Augustana Book Concern, 1915, pp. 51–52.

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Equality of Believers http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 05 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body which seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and those parts of the body which we think less honorable we invest with the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior part, 25 that there may be no discord in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.

1 Corinthians 12:20–25, RSV

From Luther

Thus we see that hand and eye, regardless of their superior office, labor carefully to clothe and adorn the less honorable members. They make the best use of their own distinction to remove the dishonor and shame of the inferior members. However unequal the capacities and distinction of the individual members of the body, they are equal in that they are all parts of the same body. The eye cannot claim any better place in the body than the least distinguished member has. Nor can it boast greater authority over the body than any other member enjoys. And this it does not essay to do. It grants all members equal participation in the body. Likewise, all Christians, whether strong in faith or weak, perfect or defective, share equally in Christ and are equal in Christendom. Each may appropriate the whole Christ to himself. I may boast as much in Christ as Peter. Nor do I envy Peter because he is a more distinguished member of the Christian Church than I. On the other hand, he does not despise me for being a less honored member. I am a part of the same body to which he belongs, and I possess Christ as well as he does.

The self-righteous are unable to concede this equality. They must stir up sects and distinctions among Christians. Priests aspire to be better than laymen; monks better than priests; virgins than wives. The diligent in praying and fasting would be better than the laborer; and they who lead austere lives, more righteous than they of ordinary life. This is the work of the devil, and productive of every form of evil. Under such conditions faith and love are subverted. The unlearned are deluded, and led away from faith to works and orders. Inequality is everywhere. The ecclesiasts desire to sit in high places, to receive all honor, to have their feet kissed, and will honor and respect none but themselves. All this is opposed to Christ’s doctrine in our text. In the members we daily bear about with us, God has described the law of love in a forcible manner. The Christian should act in a way to profit not himself but others, and have a sincere interest in them.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. 1915. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern.

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No Doubt http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 04 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

14 Take what belongs to you, and go; I choose to give to this last as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.” 

Matthew 20:14–16, RSV

From Luther

The two words “last” and “first” must be considered from two viewpoints. The first before men are the last before God, and the last in the eyes of men are first in the eyes of God. On the contrary, the first before God are the last before men; and those whom God esteems as the last are considered by men to be the first. This gospel does not speak of first and last in a common, ordinary sense; but it means those who imagine they are the first or the last in the eyes of God; the words ascend very high and apply to the better classes of people; they terrify the greatest of saints. Behold, how Saul fell! How God permitted David to fall! How Peter had to fall! Why is it that so many sects have arisen? No doubt, because they were self-secure and without fear, considering themselves the first. Hence they must become the last.

The substance of this gospel is that no mortal is so high, nor will ever ascend so high, as to have no occasion to fear that he may become the very lowest. On the other hand, no mortal lies so low as not to have the hope extended him that he may become the highest; because here all human merit is abolished and God’s goodness alone is praised, and it is decreed as on a festive occasion that the first shall be last and the last first. In that he says, “the first shall be the last,” he strips thee of all thy presumption and forbids thee to exalt thyself above the lowest outcast, even if thou wert like Abraham, David, Peter or Paul. On the other hand, in that he says, “the last shall be first,” he checks thee against all doubting, and forbids thee to humble thyself below any saint, even if thou wert Pilate, Herod, Sodom and Gomorrah. For just as we have no reason to be presumptuous, so we have no cause to doubt; but the golden mean is here confirmed and fortified by this gospel, so that we look not upon the penny but the goodness of the householder, who is the same and alike to high and low, to the first and the last, to saints and sinners, and no one can boast nor comfort himself nor presume more than another.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. 1915. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern.

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The Greatest http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 03 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood. 13 So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 

1 Corinthians 13:12–13, RSV

From Luther

Paul’s statement that love is greater than faith and hope is intended as an expression of the permanence, or eternal duration of love. Faith, being limited as to time in comparison with love, ranks beneath it for the reason of this temporary duration. With the same right I might say that the kingdom of Christ is greater upon earth than was Christ. Thereby I do not mean that the Church in itself is better and of higher rank than Christ, but merely that it covers a greater part of the earth than he compassed; for he was here but three years, and those he spent in a limited sphere, whereas his kingdom has been from the beginning and is coextensive with the earth. In this sense, love is longer and broader than either faith or hope. Faith deals with God merely in the heart and in this life, whereas the relations of love both to God and the whole world are eternal. Nevertheless, as Christ is immeasurably better and higher and more precious than the Christian Church, although we behold him moving within smaller limits and as a mere individual, so is faith better, higher and more precious than love, though its duration is limited and it has God alone for its object.

Paul’s purpose in thus extolling love is to deal a blow to false teachers and to bring to naught their boasts about faith and other gifts when love is lacking. He means to say: If ye possess not love (charity), which abides forever, all else of which you boast being perishable, ye will perish with it. While the Word of God and spiritual gifts are eternal, yet the external office and proclamation of the Word, and likewise the employment of gifts in their variety, shall have an end, and thus your glory and pride shall become as ashes. So then faith justifies through the Word and produces love. But while both Word and faith shall pass away, righteousness and love, which they effect, abide forever; just as a building erected by the aid of scaffolding remains after the scaffolding has been removed. Love gives and blesses the neighbor, as a result of faith, and it shall never be done away.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. 1915. I. Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern.

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True Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 02 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Matthew 8:1–3, RSV

From Luther

This leper would not have been so bold as to come to the Lord and ask to be cleansed, if he had not trusted and expected with his whole heart that Christ would be kind and gracious, and would cleanse him. Because he was a leper, he had reason to be timid. Moreover the law forbids lepers to mingle with the people. Nevertheless he approaches, regardless of law and people, and of the purity and holiness of Christ.

Here behold the attitude of faith toward Christ: it sets before itself absolutely nothing but the pure goodness and free grace of Christ, without seeking and bringing any merit. Here it certainly cannot be said that the leper merited by his purity to approach Christ, to speak to him and to invoke his help. Nay, just because he feels his impurity and unworthiness, he approaches all the more and looks only upon the goodness of Christ. This is true faith, a living confidence in the goodness of God. The heart that does this has true faith; the heart that does it not has not true faith, as they do who do not keep in sight the goodness of God and that alone, but first look around for their own works, in order to be worthy of God’s grace and to merit it. These never make bold to call upon God earnestly or draw near to him.

This confidence of faith, or knowledge of the goodness of Christ, would never have originated in this leper by virtue of his own reason, if he had not first heard a good report about Christ, how kind, gracious and merciful he is, ready to help, comfort and counsel every one that comes to him. Such a report must undoubtedly have come to his ears, and from this fame he derived courage, and interpreted the report to his own advantage; he applied this goodness to his own need. His faith therefore did not grow out of his reason, but out of the report he heard of Christ, as Paul says: “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” This is the gospel that is the beginning, middle, and end of everything good and of all salvation.

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. 1915. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern.

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Run to Win http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 01 Feb 22 00:00:00 -0500

Photo: Tim Hipps, U.S. Army IMCOM Public Affairs

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; 27 but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 

1 Corinthians 9:23–27, RSV

From Luther

Paul here presents a forcible simile in the running of a race, or the strife for the prize. Many run without obtaining the object of their pursuit. But we should not run in vain. To follow Christ faithfully does not simply mean to run. We must run to some purpose. To believe that we are running in Christ’s course will not suffice; we must lay hold of eternal life. “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”Running is hindered in two

ways. First, by insolence. When our faith is not exercised and we are indolent in good works, our progress is hindered and the prize is not attained. While men sleep the enemy sows tares. Secondly, when individuals pursue their aim at full speed, but are deluded by phantoms, they miss their aim and rush to ruin, or run up against fearful obstacles. Hence the race is hindered when a false goal is set up, or the true one removed.

The goal is removed when the Word of God is falsified and creations of the human mind are preached under the name of God’s Word. These things come about when we are not careful to keep the unity of the spirit, and when each one follows his own ideas because he prefers his own conceit. Paul calls love the unity of the spirit, and admonishes to keep the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace.

He who in the Christian contest seeks his own glory and profit, who finds in the Word and Spirit of God occasion for his own praise and advantage, cannot expect to win. He is wholly entangled, and bound hand and foot. Under such conditions false and indolent Christians run indeed a merry race; but God’s Word and ways are merely a pretense, because they subserve their own interests and glory. They never make a serious attempt, nor do they ever hit the mark. So run, that ye may obtain

Luther, Martin, and John Sander. 1915. Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year. Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern.

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Look There http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 31 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

49 And he said to them, “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. 

Luke 2:49–50, RSV

From Luther

This should close the mouths of vain babblers who exalt the holy Virgin Mary and other saints, as if these knew everything and could not err; for you can see here how they do err and falter, not only in this that they seek Christ and know not where to find him until they accidentally come to the temple, but also that they could not understand these words with which he censured their ignorance, when he was compelled to say to them: “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” The evangelist has pointed this out with great diligence, in order that men should not give evidence to such falsehoods as ignorant, inexperienced and conceited teachers of work-righteousness present in exalting the saints, even setting them up as idols.

Examples like this are useful and necessary to show us that even the saints, who are the children of God, and highly favored above others, still have weaknesses so that they frequently err and blunder, yea, retain many faults, at times even commit great sins; yet, not intentionally and willfully, but from weakness and ignorance, as we see again and again in the lives of the apostles. This happens in order that we may learn not to trust nor depend on any man, but to cling to the Word of God only; and in order that we may find comfort in such examples and not be led to despair, although we may be weak and ignorant.

In this gospel you have a strong example with which to overthrow the common cry both of the false saints and of the great critics, which they still keep up, and by which, contrary to the Word of God, they continue to reproach us with the writings and teachings of the fathers and the decrees of the Church and the councils. In this they desire to mislead us concerning the Scriptures and the true place to which Christ himself points and where he can surely be found; in order that what happened to Mary and Joseph may happen also to us, namely, that we seek Christ everywhere and yet find him nowhere except where he is to be found, namely, in the Scriptures.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 44–45.

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Freely Given Gifts http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 30 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

5 As he entered Caperna-um, a centurion came forward to him, beseeching him 6 and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, in terrible distress.” 7 And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion answered him, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.

Matthew 8:5–10, RSV

From Luther

This saying of Christ has been discussed with solicitude, lest it should imply that Christ did not speak truly, or that the mother of God and the apostles were inferior to this centurion. Although I might say that Christ is speaking of the people of Israel, among whom he had preached and to whom he had come, and therefore his mother and his disciples were excluded, because they traveled with him and came with him to the people of Israel in his preaching, nevertheless I will abide by the words of the Lord and take them as they stand.

First, it is against no article of belief that this faith of the centurion was without a parallel among the apostles or the mother of God. When no article of faith openly contradicts the words of Christ, they are to be taken literally, are not to be adapted and bent by our interpretation, neither for the sake of any saint or angel, nor of God himself. For his Word is the truth above all saints and angels. Such interpretation and adaptation spring from a carnal mind to estimate the saints of God not according to God’s grace, but according to their person, and greatness, which is contrary to God, who estimates quite differently, according to his gifts alone. God frequently does through inferior saints what he does not do through great saints. He concealed himself from his mother, when he was twelve years old, and suffered her to be in ignorance and error. On Easter Sunday he showed himself to Mary Magdalene, before he showed himself to his mother and the apostles. He spoke to the Samaritan woman, and to the woman taken in adultery, more kindly than he spoke to his mother. When Peter fell and denied him, the thief on the cross stood firm in his faith.

By these and similar wonders he shows that he will not have his Spirit in his saints limited by us, and that we are not to judge according to the person. He wills to bestow his gifts freely, according to his pleasure, not to our opinion. The purpose of all this is to prevent men from being presumptuous toward others and from elevating one saint above another, thus creating divisions. All are to be equal in the grace of God, however unequal they are in gifts.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 43–44.

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Proud of the Gospel http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 29 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

21 To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever any one dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.

2 Corinthians 11:21–23, RSV

From Luther

Paul acknowledges that he had to become a fool, something for which he had no desire, by reason of the necessity laid upon him to praise himself. The false apostles, as false spirits habitually do, delivered great, fine, splendid speeches to the multitudes in their vainglorious attempt to raise themselves above Paul, and to make him and his doctrine contemptible and insignificant. Paul was little concerned that he should personally be lightly esteemed and the false apostles highly honored, but he could not bear to have the gospel perish in that way and his Corinthian converts seduced. Therefore he exerts himself to the utmost, at the risk of becoming a fool by his boasting. But in his strong spiritual wisdom, he glories in a masterly way, and skillfully puts to shame the boasts of the false apostles. He shows them that he can glory in the very things in which they glory, and even more. At the same time he declares himself a fool for glorying. He wears the foolscap, that those coarse fools might have a mirror to behold themselves. This is wisely making foolishness minister to the good of the neighbor and to the honor of the gospel. To the just, even folly is wisdom, just as all things are pure and holy unto him.

Paul deals the false apostles a strong blow when he shows them to be ignorant of the grounds in which a true Christian seeks his glory. He teaches them that a Christian glories in the things of which other men are ashamed — in the cross and in his sufferings. The main point of the lesson is that in a preacher or a teacher no vice is more injurious and venomous than vainglory. The ministry is ordained to have as its aim the glory of God and its promotion, and the ministers must, for God’s glory, suffer reproach and shame. The world will not endure the Word. For him who seeks his own honor in preaching, it is impossible to remain in the right path and preach the pure gospel. Consequently he avoids striving for God’s honor; he must preach what pleases the people, what brings honor to himself and magnifies his skill and wisdom.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 42–43.

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Favor the Lowly http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 28 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited.

Romans 12:14–16, RSV

From Luther

Paul speaks of the temporal affairs of men, teaching mutual appreciation of one another’s calling and character, offices and works, and that none is to esteem himself better than another because of these. The shoemaker’s apprentice has the same Christ as the prince or the king; the woman, the same as the man. While there are various occupations and external distinctions among men, there is but one faith and one Spirit.

But this doctrine of Paul has long been dishonored. Princes, nobles, the rich and the powerful, reflect themselves in themselves, thinking they are the only men on earth. Even among their own ranks one aspires to be more exalted, more noble and upright, than another. Their notions and opinions are almost as diverse as the clouds of heaven. They are not of the same mind in external distinctions. One does not esteem another’s condition and occupation as significant and as honorable as his own. True, there must be the various earthly stations, characters and employments; but it is heathenish, unchristian and worldly for one to entertain the absurd idea that God regards a certain individual a better Christian than another upon the contemptible grounds of his temporal station, and not to perceive that in God’s sight these conditions make no difference. God treats men alike. He gives his Word and his Spirit to the lowly as well as to the high. “High things” have their place and they are not pernicious. But to “mind” them, to be absorbed in them with the whole heart, to be puffed up with conceit because of our relation to them, enjoying them to the disadvantage of the less favored—that is heathenish.

Where would the wealthy and the powerful be if there were no poor and humble? As the feet support the body, so the low support the high. The higher class, then, should conduct themselves toward the lowly as the body holds itself with relation to the feet; not “minding” or regarding their lofty station, but conforming to and recognizing with favor the station of the lowly. Christ conducted himself with humility. He did not deny his own exaltation, but neither was he haughty toward us by reason of it. He did not despise us, but stooped to our wretched condition and raised us by means of his own exalted condition.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 40–41.

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The Marriage Will http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 27 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 On the third day there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; 2 Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with his disciples.

John 2:1–2, RSV

From Luther

It is indeed a high honor paid to married life for Christ himself to attend this marriage, together with his mother and his disciples. His mother is present as the one arranging the wedding, the parties married being apparently her poor relatives or neighbors, and she being compelled to act as the bride’s mother; so, of course, it was nothing more than a wedding, and in no way a display.

The second honor is his giving good wine for the humble marriage by means of a great miracle, making himself the bride’s chief cup-bearer; it may be too that he had no money or jewel to give as a wedding present. He never did such honor to the life or doings of the Pharisees; for by this miracle he confirms marriage as the work and institution of God. No matter how common or how lowly it appears in the eyes of men, God none the less acknowledges his own work and loves it.

Since then marriage has the foundation and consolation that it is instituted by God and that God loves it, and that Christ himself so honors and comforts it, every one ought to prize and esteem it; the heart ought to be glad that it is surely the state which God loves, and cheerfully endure every burden in it, even though the burdens be ten times heavier than they are. For this reason there is so much care and unpleasantness in married life to the outward man, because everything that is God’s word and work, if it is to be blessed at all, must be distasteful, bitter and burdensome to the outward man.

Marriage is a state that cultivates and exercises faith in God and love to our neighbor by means of manifold cares, labors, unpleasantness, crosses and all kinds of adversities that are to follow everything that is God’s word and work.

Christ also shows that he is not displeased with a marriage feast, nor with the things which belong to a wedding, such as adornments, cheerfulness, eating and drinking, according to the usage and custom of the country. God is not concerned about such external things, if it be in moderation, and faith and love reign.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 39–40.

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Love Your Neighbor http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 26 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

Matthew 5:43–46, RSV

From Luther

You may say, shall evil go unpunished? What would be the result were all evil to be tolerated and covered up? Would it not encourage the wicked in their wickedness until life would not be safe to any one? It is truly the office of civil government and also of the father of every family to show anger against every evil, and to punish and restrain it. Every pastor and preacher, yes, every good Christian, is commissioned to admonish and censure when he sees a neighbor committing sin, just as one brother in a family should admonish another. But to be angry with evil and to inflict official punishment is a different thing from being filled with hatred and revenge, or holding ill will and be unforgiving.

Is it not inconsistent with the character of love to be angry and to reprove a neighbor when he is observed to sin; much rather love desires his improvement. Parents correct with a rod a disobedient and obstinate child, but do not cast it out and become enemies to it because of that disobedience. Their object is only to reform the child. So you may censure your brother when he sins, and manifest your displeasure and indignation, that he may perceive and confess his wrongdoing, but his obstinacy does not justify you in becoming his enemy, or in entertaining ill will toward him. He who truly loves will be distressed at a beloved neighbor wickedly trespassing against God and himself, but will not turn pale with hatred and revenge. True, when fervor and admonition fail to effect any reform, the sincere-hearted Christian must separate himself from his obstinate neighbor and regard him as a heathen; but he must not become his neighbor’s enemy, nor wish him evil.

Anger and censure prompted by sincere love are very different from the wrath, hatred and revengefulness of the world, which seeks only its own interests and is unwilling to tolerate any opposition to its pleasure. True love is moved to anger when a neighbor’s good demands it. Though not insensible to evil and not approving of it, it is yet able to tolerate, to forgive and cover all wrongs against itself, and it leaves untried no expedient that may make a neighbor better. Sincere love makes a distinction between the evil and the person; it is unfriendly to the former, but kind to the latter.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 38–39.

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Wheat and Weeds http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 25 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No; lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’ ” 

Matthew 13:26–30, RSV

From Luther

We should not marvel nor be terrified if there spring up among us many different false teachings and false faiths. Satan is constantly among the children of God. These words teach us how we should conduct ourselves toward these heretics and false teachers. We are not to uproot nor destroy them. The servants who are able to distinguish the tares from the wheat must indeed be very spiritual, but even then he says publicly, “Let both grow together.” We have to do here with God’s Word alone; for in this matter he who errs to-day may find the truth to-morrow. Who knows when the Word of God may touch his heart? But if he be burned at the stake, or otherwise destroyed, it is assured that he can never find the truth; the Word of God is snatched from him and he must be lost, who otherwise might have been saved. Hence the Lord says, the wheat will also be uprooted if we weed out the tares, which is something awful in the eyes of God and never to be justified.

From this observe what furious and raging people we have been these many years, in that we desired to force others to believe; the Turks with the sword, heretics with fire, the Jews with death, and thus root out the tares by our own power, as if we were the ones who could reign over hearts and spirits, and make them pious and right, which God’s Word alone must do. By such murder we separate the people from the Word, so that it cannot possibly work upon them, and we thus bring with one stroke a double murder upon ourselves, in that we murder the body for time and the soul for eternity, and afterwards say we did God a service by our actions, and wish to merit something special in heaven.

Therefore this passage should in all reason terrify the grand inquisitors and murderers of the people, even where they are brazen-faced, and should have to deal with true heretics. But at present they burn the true saints and are themselves heretics. What is that but rooting up the wheat, and pretending to exterminate the tares, like insane people? But it is apparent that they are themselves tares and evil seed, having fallen from the faith and trusting in their works.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 36–37.

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Many Functions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 24 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

3 For by the grace given to me I bid every one among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith which God has assigned him. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Romans 12:3–5, RSV

From Luther

This apt and beautiful simile clearly teaches the equality of all Christians; that one common faith should satisfy all; that gifts are not to be regarded as making one better, happier and more righteous than another, in the eyes of God. All the members perform certain functions of the body because they are members of it; and no member has its place through its own efforts or its own merits. It was born a member, before the exercise of office was possible. It acts by virtue of being a member; it does not become a member by virtue of its action. It derives its existence and all its powers from the body, regardless of its own exertions. The body, however, exercises its members as occasion requires. The eye has not attained its place because of its power of seeing—not because it has merited its office as an organ of sight for the body. In the very beginning it derived its very existence and its peculiar functions of sight from the body. It cannot therefore boast in the slightest degree that by its independent power of seeing it has deserved its place as an eye. It has the honor and right of its position solely through its birth, not because of any effort on its part.

Similarly, no Christian can boast that his own efforts have made him a member of Christ, with other Christians, in the common faith. Nor can he by any work constitute himself a Christian. He performs good works by virtue of having become a Christian, in the new birth, through faith, regardless of any merit of his own. It is evident, then, that good works do not make a Christian, but Christians bring forth good works. The fruit does not make the tree, but the tree produces the fruit. Effect does not produce cause, but cause produces effect. Now, if good works do not make a Christian, do not secure the grace of God and blot out our sins, they do not merit heaven. One cannot secure it by his works, but by being a member of Christ; an experience effected through faith in the Word of God. None but a Christian can enjoy heaven.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 35–36.

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Failure http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 23 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; 43 and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the company they went a day’s journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; 47 and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously.” 49 And he said to them, “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

Luke 2:41–49, RSV

From Luther

All things belong to the Father. He gave us the creatures to use in our earthly life according to our best understanding. One thing he reserved for himself, which is called holy and God’s own, and which we are to receive from him in a special manner. This is his holy Word, through which he rules the hearts and consciences, and makes holy and saves us. Hence Christ is in his Father’s business, when he speaks to us through his Word and by means of it leads us to the Father.

He reproves his parents because they had erred and had sought him among earthly and human affairs, among friends and acquaintances. He will not permit himself to be found in anything outside of his Word. He does not wish to be worldly, nor in that which is worldly, but in that which is his Father’s, as he always manifested from his birth through his entire life. He was in the world, but he did not conform to the world. To Pilate he said: “My kingdom is not of this world.” He waits alone on that which is his Father’s, i. e., the Word. Faith has no other foundation to stand on. Hence, the wisdom, thoughts and hopes of the mother of Christ and of Joseph must fail while they were seeking him in other places. For they did not seek him as they ought, but as flesh and blood do, which always gropes after other comfort than that of the Word; for it always wants what it can see and feel, and acquire by meditation and reason.

God permits them to fail in order that they may learn that all comfort not based on the Word, but on flesh and blood, on men and all other creatures, must inevitably fail. Here everything must be abandoned: friends, acquaintances, the whole city of Jerusalem, and everything belonging to these and to men; for all this neither gives, nor aids comfort, until the Lord is sought in the temple, since he is in that which is his Father’s. There he can truly be found and the heart is made to rejoice, otherwise it would have to remain without the least comfort.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 34–35.

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Prophecy http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 22 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. 

Romans 12:6–8, RSV

From Luther

Prophecy is of two kinds: one is the foretelling of future events, a gift or power possessed by all the prophets under the Old Testament dispensation, and by the apostles; the other is the explanation of the Scriptures. Now, the gospel being the last prophetic message to be delivered previous to the time of judgment, and to predict the events of that period, I presume Paul had reference here simply to that form of prophecy which is the explanation of the Scriptures. This form is common, ever prevails, and is profitable to Christians; the other form is rare. When he says prophecy must be according to the proportion of faith, it is plain enough that he does not refer to the foretelling of future events.

Paul does not attach so much importance to the prediction of future events. Such predictions, though they may gratify the curiosity of men concerning the fate of kings, princes and others of prominence in the world, are unnecessary prophecies under the New Testament dispensation. They neither teach the Christian faith, nor contribute to its strength. Hence this form of prophecy may be regarded among the least of God’s gifts. Nay, it sometimes proceeds from the devil. But the ability to explain the Scriptures is the noblest, the best prophetic gift. The Old Testament prophets derived their title to the name chiefly from leading the people of their day in the way of faith by explaining the divine Word. These things had much more to do with their title than the fact of their making occasional predictions concerning earthly kings and temporal affairs. The faith whereto their prophecies conformed is perpetual.

It is of much significance that Paul recognizes faith as the controlling judge and rule in all matters of doctrine and prophecy. To faith everything must bow. By faith must all doctrines be judged and held. You see whom Paul would make doctors of the Scriptures—men of faith and no others. These should be the judges of all doctrines. Faith is and must be lord over all teachers. Popes, councils and all the world, with their doctrines, must yield authority to the most insignificant Christian with faith, and his decision of their doctrines and laws is to be accepted. It is inconsistent to reject the judgment of him whom God himself teaches.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 33–34.

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Content with the Gospel http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 21 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man. 

Luke 2:50–52, RSV

From Luther

Some inquisitive people who are not satisfied with the information given in the Scriptures have desired to know what Christ did in his childhood, and have received their reward for their curiosity. Some fool or knave has fabricated a legendary book on the childhood of Christ, and has not been afraid to write down his lies and frauds, relating how Christ went to school and a great deal of absurd and blasphemous tomfoolery. Thus with his lies he jests at the expense of the Lord, whom all the angels adore and fear, and before whom all creatures tremble, so that this rascal would have deserved to have a millstone hanged about his neck and to have been sunk in the depths of the sea, because he did not esteem the Lord of all more than to make him an object of his buffoonery.

Christ never went to school, for no schools like ours existed at that time. He did not even have an elementary education. The Jews marveled, saying: “How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?” Yet they were astonished at his wisdom. They thought it strange that a layman and the son of a carpenter should have such great knowledge, having never studied. Therefore they were offended in him and thought that he must be possessed of an evil spirit. Let us then be satisfied with the narrative of the gospel, which tells us enough of his childhood. Luke writes that he “increased in wisdom and stature.” Later on he writes that he was subject to his parents. What else should he have related? He was brought up like other children, with the exception that, as some children excel others in ability, Christ was an extraordinary, clever child. Thus no more could be written concerning him than is recorded by Luke. The time for performing miracles had not yet come.

Some are perplexed by the words of Luke according to which Christ, although he was God, “increased in wisdom and stature.” We must understand the words of Luke as applying simply to the human nature of Christ, which was an instrument and temple of the Godhead. As he grew in stature his reason developed, and with the development of his reason he became stronger in the Spirit and filled with wisdom before God, in himself and before men.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 31–32.

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Love Is Not Vengeful http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 20 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. Proverbs 10:12, RSV

From Luther

Where hatred and enmity dwell in the heart, they must inevitably stir up strife and bring misfortune. Animosity cannot restrain itself. It either bursts out in pernicious language, clandestinely uttered against the object of enmity, or it openly demeans itself in a manner indicating its ill will. Hence follow reveling, cursing, quarreling and fighting, and, when wholly unrestrained, cruelty and murder. Hatred has but one desire, namely, that every one be an enemy to his neighbor and speak the worst about him, and if he hears aught in his neighbor’s favor, he puts upon it the very worst construction with the result that the other is embittered and in turn comes to hate, curse and revile. Thus the fire burns until only discord and mischief can obtain.

On the other hand love is virtue pure and precious. It neither utters, nor thinks any evil of its neighbor. It rather covers sin; not one sin, nor two, but a “multitude of sins.” Love has no desire to reflect itself in a neighbor’s sins and maliciously rejoice in them. It conducts itself as having neither seen, nor heard them. If they cannot be overlooked, it readily forgives, and as far as possible mends matters. Where nothing else can be done, it endures the sins of a neighbor without stirring up strife and making a bad matter worse. Where people dwell together there will be mutual transgressions; it cannot be otherwise. No one will always do what is pleasing to others, and each is liable to commit open wrong. Since men must live together in their respective stations of life, he who would live peaceably must so control himself as to be able to bear with others, to overlook their imperfections, to cover their transgressions and thus avert further resulting evil.

Now if you would live as a Christian and enjoy peace in the world, you must make every effort to restrain your anger and not to give way to revenge. You must suppress these passions, subduing your hatred by love, and be able to overlook and bear, even though you have to suffer great pain and injustice. So doing you will develop a noble character fitted to accomplish much good through patience and humility, to allay and abolish enmity and strife, and thereby to reform and convert others.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 30–31.

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Worship for Christ's Sake http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 19 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanu-el, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 

Luke 2:36–38, RSV

From Luther

Anna lived with a husband seven years, and at this time was a widow of eighty-four years. The number seven is commonly taken to signify our temporal life, because all time is measured by the seven days of the week, which is the first and best standard for the measurement of time. God first created days and appointed seven of them as a definite period of time. Of weeks were made months, and of months years, into which our whole life is divided. These seven years therefore signify the whole course of the temporal life and conduct of the saints of old.

Paul explains that a husband signifies the law. As a woman is bound to her husband while he liveth, so all are bound to the law who live under it. Now the law has been given to no people on earth except this Anna, the Jewish people, who were entrusted with the oracles of God. Therefore Anna, who lived seven years with her husband, signifies the people of Israel under the law, in their outward conduct and temporal life.

According to Luke the Holy Spirit shows that this saintly Anna, the holy people of old, was not simply under the law and a bond-servant; she also walked in the freedom of faith and the Spirit. This is signified by the many years of her widowhood, meaning the spiritual life of faith led by the saints of old. For the widowhood signifies freedom from the law. Thus the life under the law and the life of faith existed side by side. As to their souls, the believers of old were justified without the works of the law, alone by faith, and in this respect they were truly widows; but as to their bodies and external conduct, they were subject to the law. They did not believe that they were justified by works, but having been justified by faith, they kept the law voluntarily, cheerfully and to the glory of God. He who lives in this manner may also do the works of the law, for Christ and the apostles also have kept the law. These are the people who at the same time live seven years with a husband and about four score years without a husband, who at the same time are free from the law and yet under the law.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 29–30.

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Dealing with Trouble http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 18 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; 43 and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the company they went a day’s journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him.

Luke 2:41–45, RSV

From Luther

Here you see what Mary experienced. Although she is the mother of a child in whom she might have gloried before all mothers, yet you perceive how God deprived her of all happiness. She had reason to fear that God was angry with her and would no longer have her to be the mother of his Son. Only those who have passed through similar experiences will understand what she suffered. Therefore we should apply this example to ourselves, for it was not recorded for her sake, but for our benefit. We should profit by her example and be prepared to bear our sorrow, should a like affliction of losing Christ befall us.

When God vouchsafes to us a strong faith and a firm trust in him, so that we are assured that he is our gracious God and we can depend upon him, then we are in paradise. But when God permits our hearts to be discouraged and we believe he takes from us Christ our Lord; when our conscience feels that we have lost him and amidst trembling and despair our confidence is gone, then we are truly in misery and distress. Even if we are not conscious of any special sin, yet in such a condition we tremble and doubt whether God still cares for us; just as Mary here doubts and knows not whether God still deems her worthy to be the mother of his Son. Only strong minds can endure such temptations, and there are not many people whom God tests to this degree.

God does this especially to guard his children against a twofold danger. First, being strong in their own mind and arrogant, they might ultimately depend upon themselves and believe they are able to accomplish everything in their own strength and become presumptuous and overconfident. Secondly, he wants to give us an example. For if we had no examples of saints who passed through the same experiences we should be unable to bear our trials and would imagine that we alone are thus afflicted. But when we see that Mary and other saints have also suffered we are comforted; for their example shows us that we should patiently wait until God strengthens us.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 27–28.

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The Offense of Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 17 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; 34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.” 

Luke 2:33–35, RSV

From Luther

Why does not Simeon say this to the father also? Because Jesus was her own child, and all that happened to him naturally happened also to her and caused her real pain. Simeon perhaps also addressed Mary alone for the reason that Joseph was not to live until the time of the suffering of Christ, which the mother would experience alone; and in addition to all this sorrow she was to be a poor and lonely widow, and Christ was to suffer as a poor orphan. Mary lived in all the three states of virginity, of matrimony, and of widowhood, the latter being the most pitiable, without any protection or aid. A virgin has her parents, a wife her husband, but the widow is alone.

Simeon declares that Christ is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel. Christ, however, is not the cause of the fall, but the presumption of the Jews is the cause. Christ came to be a light and Saviour of all the world, so that all might be justified and saved by faith in him. If this is to be brought about, all other righteousness in ourselves, sought outside of Christ with works, must be rejected. The Jews would not hear of this. Thus they take offense at faith, fall deeper into unbelief and become hardened in their own righteousness, so that they even persecuted with all their might all who believed. All who would be saved by their own righteousness do the same thing. They depend upon their works, and when faith in Christ is demanded they stumble and fall.

Christ had been promised only to the people of Israel by the prophets; and these had announced that many among that people would fall away on account of their self-righteousness. This is indeed a terrible example to us Gentiles, to whom nothing has been promised, but out of pure grace we have unexpectedly been brought into the Kingdom and have risen through Christ. The example of Israel’s fall should touch our hearts, that we may not also fall, or perhaps fall more grievously than the Jews and Turks, being seduced by Antichrist and bearing the name of Christ to the dishonor of God and to our own injury.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 26–27.

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Sober Judgment http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 16 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

1 I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I bid every one among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith which God has assigned him.

Romans 12:1–3, RSV

From Luther

We must be careful to follow neither the customs of the world nor our own reason or plausible theories. We must constantly subdue our disposition and control our will, not obeying the dictates of reason and desire. We are always to conduct ourselves in a manner unlike the way of the world. Thus we shall be daily changed or renewed in our minds. That is, we come each day to place greater value on the things condemned by the world. The mind of the world is altogether unlike the Christian’s mind. It not only continues unchanged and unrenewed in its old disposition, but is obdurate and extremely stubborn.

God’s will is ever good and perfect, ever gracious; but it is not at all times so regarded of men. Indeed, human reason imagines it to be evil, unfriendly, abominable, because what reason esteems highest, best and holiest, God’s will regards as nothing, as worthy of death. Therefore, Christian experience must come to the rescue and decide. It must feel and prove, must test and ascertain, whether he is prompted by a sincere and gracious will. He who perseveres and learns to know himself in this way will go forward in his experience, finding God’s will so gracious and pleasing that he would not exchange it for all the world’s wealth. He will discover that acceptance of God’s will affords him more happiness, even in poverty, disgrace and adversity, than is the lot of any worldling in the midst of earthly honors and pleasures. He will finally arrive at a degree of perfection making him inclined to exchange life for death, and with Paul to desire to depart that sin may no more live in him, and that the will of God may be done perfectly in himself in every relation. Paul, however, does not consider the Christian absolutely free from sin. Where transformation and renewal are necessary, something of the old and sinful nature ever remains. This is not imputed to Christians, because they daily endeavor to effect transformation and renovation.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 25–26.

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Appearances http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 15 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; 34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.” 

Luke 2:33–35, RSV

From Luther

This blessing means nothing except that he wished them happiness and joy, honor and all prosperity. This blessing seems to be a useless and trivial matter, for people generally do this and wish each other all that is good. But to bless Christ and his parents is a great and exceptional deed, for the reason that Christ and our nature are entirely opposed to each other. Christ condemns all that the world elects, gives us the cross to bear and to suffer all evil, deprives the world of its pleasures, possessions and honors, and teaches that men deal in those things which are altogether foolish and sinful. Then they begin to blaspheme and persecute Christ and his disciples; the whole world is full of those who curse him and wish him all evil, disgrace and misfortune, and there are only a few who really bless him.

There are indeed some who praise him, because he does what they desire and leaves them as they are. When, however, he begins to be Christ to them and they are required to forsake their works and to let him alone dwell within them, they flee and blaspheme. There are also some who believe that, if they were to see the infant Christ with his mother before them, as did Simeon, they would also joyously bless him. But they would certainly stumble at his childhood, poverty and contemptible appearance. They prove it by disregarding, hating and persecuting such poverty and humble appearance in Christ’s members, although they might still find Christ, their head, among them daily. If they then shun the cross and hate its contemptible appearance, they would certainly do the same thing if they were to see him with their eyes. But Simeon was of a different mind. Outward appearance did not cause him to stumble, and therefore he does not bless Christ alone, but also his father and mother.

Thus, in blessing the child, Simeon as a preacher and lover of the cross and an enemy of the world, gives a remarkable example of exalting and honoring Christ, who was then despised, cursed and rejected in his own person. He is even now treated in the same manner in his members, who for his sake endure poverty, disgrace, death and ignominy; yet no one will come to their relief, receive and bless them.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 24–25.

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Acceptable Sacrifice http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 14 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

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From the Word

2 Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation; 3 for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. 4 Come to him, to that living stone, rejected by men but in God’s sight chosen and precious; 5 and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:2–5, RSV

From Luther

The whole world regards the priest’s office—his service and his dignity—as representing the acme of nobility and exaltation; and so it truly is. If any one would be a priest and exalted before God, let him set about the work of offering up his body to God; in other words, let him be humble, let him be nothing in the eyes of the world.

I will let every man decide for himself the difference between the outward priesthood of dazzling character and the internal, spiritual priesthood. The first is confined to a very few individuals; the second Christians commonly share. One was ordained of men, independently of the Word of God; the other was established through the Word, irrespective of human devices. In that, the skin is besmeared with material oil; in this, the heart is internally anointed with the Holy Spirit. That applauds and extols its works; this proclaims and magnifies the grace of God, and his glory. In fact, the two priesthoods accord about as well as Christ and Barabbas, as light and darkness, as God and the world. The Christian priesthood will not admit of appointment. The priest is not made. He must be born a priest and inherit his office. I refer to the new birth—the birth of water and the spirit. Thus all Christians become priests, children of God and co-heirs with Christ the Most High Priest.

Men generally consider the title of priest glorious and honorable; but the duties and the sacrifices of the office are rarely acceptable. The Christian priesthood costs life, property, honor, friends and all worldly things; all this is to be endured, not for the profit of oneself, but for the benefit of his neighbor and for the honor and glory of God. For so Christ offered up his body. This priesthood is glorious. The suffering and work of Christ is to be viewed as grace bestowed on us, a blessing conferred, requiring the exercise of faith and our acceptance of the salvation offered; then also, as an example for us to follow. We are to offer up ourselves for our neighbor’s benefit and for the honor of God. He who so does is a Christian. This is what Peter calls offering sacrifices acceptable to God by Christ.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 22–23.

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Faith in His Word http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 13 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; 30 for mine eyes have seen thy salvation 31 which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel.” 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him

Luke 2:25–33, RSV

From Luther

What are the marvelous things spoken of him? They are the things of which Simeon had spoken immediately before, when in the temple he took the child Jesus upon his arms, saying: “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” They marveled that this aged and holy man stood there before them in the temple, took the child in his arms and spoke of him so exultingly, calling him the light of the world, a Saviour of all nations, a glory of all the people of Israel.

It must indeed excite wonder that such things were proclaimed openly by Simeon in that public and sacred place with reference to that poor and insignificant child, whose mother was so humble and lowly and whose father Joseph was not wealthy. How could such a child be considered the Saviour of all men, the light of the Gentiles, and the glory and honor of all Israel? At present, after we have had so many proofs of Christ’s greatness, these words no longer seem so wonderful; but then, when nothing as yet was known of Jesus, they were indeed marvelous. Joseph and Mary believed them nevertheless, and on that very account they marveled. If they had not believed them, the words of Simeon would have appeared insignificant to them and not at all wonderful.

If Joseph and Mary had judged according to the outward appearances, they would have considered Christ no more than any other poor child. But they disregard the outward appearance and cling to the words of Simeon with a firm faith, therefore they marvel at his speech. Thus we must also disregard all the senses when contemplating the works of God, and only cling to his words, that our eyes and our senses may not offend us. The fact that they marveled at the words of Simeon is also to teach us that the Word of God is never preached in vain. The Word of God must produce results, even if there are only a few who believe it. There are always some who receive it with joy and admiration.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 21–22.

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Bless http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 12 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 No, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 

Romans 12:14–21, RSV

From Luther

The apostle reminds us that we are to conduct ourselves in a Christian manner toward our persecutors, who, to a great extent, are to blame for the distress of the saints. It is well to observe that we are not merely advised, but commanded, to love our enemies, to do them good and to speak well of them; such is the fruit of the Spirit. To “bless” our persecutors means to desire only good for them in body and soul. It is inconsistent for a Christian to curse even his most bitter enemy or an evildoer; for he is commanded to bear the gospel upon his lips. The dove did not bring a poisonous branch or a thistle sprig to Noah in the ark; she brought an olive leaf in her mouth. So the gospel is simply a gracious, blessed, glad and healing word. It brings only blessing and grace to the whole world. No curse, only pure lips of blessing and not of cursing. If they curse they are not the lips of a Christian.

It is necessary, however, to distinguish between cursing and censuring or reproving. Reproof and punishment greatly differ from cursing and malediction. To curse means to invoke evil, while censuring carries the thought of displeasure at existing evil, and an effort to remove it. In fact, cursing and censuring are opposed to each other. Christ himself censured, or reproved. He called the Jews a generation of vipers, children of the devil, hypocrites, blind dolts, liars and the like. He did not curse them to perpetuate their evils; he rather desired the evils removed.

But the strong argument is urged that the saints of the Scriptures not only censured, but cursed. Jacob cursed his sons, Reuben, Simon and Levi. A great part of the Law of Moses is made up of curses. What shall we say to these things? We answer: Without the Spirit’s direction, no one can rightly understand and imitate such examples of cursing. When the devil, through his followers, resists and obstructs the Word of God—the channel of blessing—the blessing is impeded, and in God’s sight a curse rests upon the blessing. Then it is the office of faith to come out with a curse, desiring the removal of the obstruction that God’s blessing may be unhindered.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 20–21.

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Kept in Humble Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 11 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; 43 and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the company they went a day’s journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; 47 and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously.” 49 And he said to them, “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man. 

Luke 2:41–52, RSV

From Luther

The holy Virgin was a real martyr for three days, and these days were harder for her than was the external pain of martyrdom to other saints. She had had such anxiety on her Son’s account that she could not have suffered any more bitter pain. For that is the greatest torture and woe, when the heart is attacked and tortured. That is only half-suffering when the body alone is afflicted, but when the heart is compelled to endure suffering, only great and noble spirits, with special grace and strength, are able to endure it. But why does God permit these afflictions to come upon his loved ones?

First, that he may guard his own against presumption; that great saints, who have received special grace and gifts from God, may not presume to depend upon themselves. For if they should at all times be strong in spirit and experience only joy and pleasure, they might finally fall into the fatal pride of the devil, which despises God and trusts in self. Thus God keeps them in humility, so that they do not become proud and carnally secure in regard to their faith and holiness, as Peter did, when he boasted his willingness to lay down his life for Christ.

Secondly, God permits his saints to suffer these trials as an example to others, to alarm the carnally secure and to comfort the timid and alarmed. The wicked and impenitent may learn from this how to amend their ways, keep themselves from sin, since they can see that God deals even with the saints in a way to produce anxiety. Such examples are intended to serve as a means of comfort to alarmed and anxious consciences, when they see that God has not only attacked them, but also the most exalted saints and permitted them to suffer the same trials and anxieties.

Thirdly, God does this that he may teach his saints to prepare themselves to find Christ and keep him. Mary and Joseph sought the child Jesus for three days without finding him either in Jerusalem or among their friends and acquaintances, until they came to the temple where he sat among the teachers and where the Scriptures and God’s Word are studied.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 18–19.

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Living Sacrifice http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 10 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 

Romans 12:1–2, RSV

From Luther

Paul is preaching to those Christians already godly by faith, who are not to be restrained by commandment, but to be admonished. The object is to secure voluntary renunciation of their sinful nature. A preacher of grace persuades and incites by calling attention to the goodness and mercy of God. The latter does not desire works prompted by an unwilling spirit, nor service that is not the expression of a cheerful heart. He desires that a joyous and willing spirit shall incite to his service.

Paul makes use of three words, “living,” “holy,” “acceptable,” to teach that the sacrifices of the Old Testament are repealed. They consisted of bullocks, sheep and goats. The life of these was not spared. They were slain, burned and consumed. But the New Testament sacrifice is a wonderful offering. Though slain, it still lives.
The word “living” has reference to spiritual and not to temporal life. He who keeps his body in subjection and mortifies its lusts does not live to the world; he does not lead the life of the world. The Christian is bodily in the world, but he does not live after the flesh. Such a life is, before God, eternal and a true, living sacrifice. None of the Old Testament sacrifices were “holy,” except in an external and temporal sense, but the living sacrifice is holy before God, is designed for the service of God and employed in his honor. They who render this living, holy sacrifice are happy and assured of their acceptance with God.

This our reasonable service is rightly called a spiritual service of the heart, performed in the faith and knowledge of God. Paul rejects all service not performed in faith as entirely unreasonable, even if it has the appearance of spiritual life and of great holiness.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 17–18.

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Indebted to Love http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 09 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 

Romans 13:8, RSV

Legal obligations make us debtors to men, as, for example, when one individual has a claim upon another for debt. The duties and tribute, the obedience and honor we owe to political government are also of this legal character. Though personally these things are not essential to the Christian—they do not justify him or make him righteous—yet, because he must live here on earth, he is under obligation, so far as outward conduct is concerned, to put himself on a level with other men in these things, and generally help maintain temporal order and peace. Christ paid tribute money as a debt, notwithstanding he had told Peter he was under no obligation to do so.

Another obligation is love, when a Christian voluntarily makes himself a servant of all men. Paul says: “Though I was free from all men, I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.” This is not a requirement of human laws; no one who fails in this duty is censured or punished for neglect of the obligation to submit to and serve a fellow man. This fact is very apparent. Let one have wealth, and as long as he refrains from appropriating his neighbor’s goods, sullying his honor or injuring his person, he is, in the eyes of the law, righteous. Laws made for restraint of the outward conduct are directed only against evil works, which they prohibit and punish. Good works are left to voluntary performance. Civil law does not extort them by threats and punishments, but commends and rewards them, as does the Law of Moses.

Paul would teach Christians so to conduct themselves toward men and civil authority as to give no occasion for complaint. He would not have them fail to satisfy the claims of legal obligation, but rather to go beyond its requirements, making themselves debtors voluntarily to those who have no claim on them.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 16–17.

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Evidence of Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 08 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this sentence, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 

Romans 13:8–10, RSV

From Luther

We must properly distinguish between faith and love. Faith deals with the heart and love with works. Faith removes our sins, renders us acceptable, justifies us. Being accepted and justified in person, we have love imparted to us by the Holy Spirit, and we delight in doing good. It is the nature of the law to attack our person and demand good works; and it will not cease its demands until it gains its purpose. We cannot do good works without the spirit of love. The law constrains us to know our imperfections, and to recognize the necessity of becoming altogether different individuals, so that we may satisfy the law. The law does not exact so much of the heart as it does of works; in fact, it demands nothing but works and ignores the heart. It causes the individual to see that he must become an entirely different person. But faith, when it comes, creates a nature capable of accomplishing the works which the law demands.

It cannot in every case be said that faith fulfils the law. It, however, prepares the way and enables us to fulfil its demands. The law constrains us—teaches us that we must be changed before we can accomplish its works; it makes us conscious of our inability to fulfil it. On the other hand, love and works do not change or justify us. Our love and our works are evidence of justification and of a change, since these are impossible until the individual is free from sin and made righteous.

This explanation is given to enable us to perceive the true nature of the law, of faith and of love; to ascribe to each its own mission; and rightly to understand the Scripture declarations in their harmonious relations, namely, that while faith justifies, it does not fulfil the law, and that while love does not justify, it does fulfil the law.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 15–16.

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The Twofold Effect of the Gospel http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 07 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 

Isaiah 60:1, RSV

From Luther

We learn from our text what the gospel is, and what is its message. It is the coming of light, the rising of divine glory. It speaks only of divine glory, divine honor and fame. It exalts only the work of God—his goodness and grace toward us. It teaches the necessity of our receiving God’s work for us, his grace and goodness, even God himself, if we would secure salvation. The gospel produces in us a twofold effect. First, it rejects our natural reason, our human light. Had we within ourselves light instead of darkness, it would not be necessary for God to send the light to rise upon us. This text forcibly expels and severely condemns all natural wisdom, all human reason; these are absolute darkness, therefore it is necessary for the light to come. So we should guard against all human doctrines and the conceits of reason as darkness, rejected and condemned of God; we should awake and arise to behold this light, and follow it alone.

The gospel casts down all the glory and pride of our own works. We cannot draw comfort nor derive honor from them. If there were in us anything worthy of honor and glory, the divine honor and glory would rise in us to no purpose. Men may, it is true, have their own nature and their self-righteousness, and from these derive temporal honor, praise and glory before their fellows as though they were no sinners. But before God they are sinful, destitute of glory and unable to boast of possessing him and his blessings.

No one can be saved unless he have within himself the glory of God and be able to comfort himself solely with God and his blessings and to glory in these. So the gospel condemns all our efforts and exalts only the goodness and the grace of God, and therefore God himself. It permits us to console ourselves only with him and to glory in no other.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 14–15.

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To Know Christ http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 06 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.’ ” 

Matthew 2:1–6, RSV

From Luther

How these wise men could see in this star a sign that unmistakably signified a new-born king, I do not know. Perhaps they read in their histories and chronicles that aforetime the birth of other kings had been signified in the heavens by a star. They knew very well that the Jews were the chosen people of God, who were and had been especially favored of God above all other people. As this was such a beautiful star they likely thought that God had given this people a new king. Perhaps they knew all by divine revelation.

At first these wise men did not regard this king as God, but took him for a temporal king. They came to Jerusalem, the capital city, hoping to find him amid the splendor of the king’s palace. For the star, which they saw over the country of the Jews at their home in the east, must have disappeared as they did not see it on their journey until they proceeded from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. So they also worshiped him after the manner of those eastern countries and not as though they considered him God. They did not concern themselves about what this king would be in the future, or what would happen to him. They only ask where he is to be found.

But, my dear hearer, it does not matter much whether you know all about the arts of nature and the wisdom of the world. Be satisfied with what your experience and common sense teach you. It is enough for you to know that in the summer other work must be done than in the winter; that you know how to attend to your farm, stock, home and children. Beyond this think only how you may know Christ. He will teach you how you may know yourself, who you are, and what power lieth in you. Then you will know God and yourself, which the masters of the arts of nature and the wisdom of this world do not learn.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 13–14.

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The Rising of the Light http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 05 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. 3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. (Isaiah 60:1–3, RSV)

From Luther

We have frequently spoken of the little word glory. It means honor, brightness, splendor. The gospel is simply a grand report, a message, having its origin in a glorious reality; it is not a mere empty proclamation. A glorious being is to be compared to a sun or a light. The sun is a fountain of light, and its luster is its glory, the diffusion, the distinction of that light.

The gospel is God’s glory and our light. It is our light in that it is the medium whereby his work is proclaimed, extolled, recognized and honored throughout the whole world. The gospel is not the actual brightness of the light, nor is it the light itself. It is the rising of the brightness, the approaching of the light. It is simply a manifestation of the light and brightness which existed from eternity. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” The light did not arise, nor was it openly manifested, except through the gospel. Therefore the gospel is an expression of divine brightness and glory.

It is called gospel—good message—because it reveals and proclaims divine blessings, divine glory, and divine honor or brightness. What is the brightness but the great and glorious riches of his goodness and grace poured out upon us? How has grace appeared? Through the preaching of the gospel. The light and the glory are God himself. Christ says, “I am the light.” It is plain that Isaiah is not here speaking of the rising of Christ in the sense of his coming birth. He refers to the rising of the gospel after Christ’s ascension. Through the gospel Christ is spiritually risen and glorified in the hearts of believers, bringing them salvation.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 12–13.

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Through Faith http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 04 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

23 Now before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. 24 So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. 

Galatians 3:23–29, RSV

From Luther

He who is under the law and works unwillingly is a servant. But whosoever has faith and works cheerfully is a child; for he has received the Spirit of God through Christ. Now, the apostle names Christ, referring to the faith that believes and abides in Jesus Christ. No other faith is effective, no other faith is the right faith, let one believe in God as one will. Some there are, particularly among our modern high schoolmen, who say: Forgiveness of sins and justification depend altogether on the divine imputation of grace; God’s imputation is sufficient. He to whom God does not reckon sin, is justified; he to whom God reckons sin, is not justified.

Were their theory true the entire New Testament would be of no significance. Christ would have labored foolishly and to no purpose in suffering for sin. God would have unnecessarily wrought mere mockery and deception; for he might easily without Christ’s suffering have forgiven sins. Then, too, a faith other than faith in Christ might have justified and saved—a faith relying on God’s gracious mercy not to impute sin. In contrast to this deplorable theory and abominable error, it is the apostles practice to speak always of faith in Jesus Christ, and he makes mention of Jesus Christ with a frequency surprising to one unacquainted with the important doctrine of faith in him. Hence our learned university doctors no longer know Christ. They do not recognize the need of him and his benefits, nor understand the character of the gospel and the New Testament. They imagine Christ to be a mere Moses—a teacher who institutes laws and commandments showing how men may be righteous and lead a faultless life. Then they proceed with free will and the workings of human nature, designing thereby to fit themselves for grace, and basely storm heaven.

Let us guard against the hellish poison of this false doctrine and not lose Christ, the consoling Saviour. Grace is given us gratuitously—without cost to ourselves—and yet the gift to us did cost another much and was obtained with a priceless, an infinite treasure—the Son of God himself. It is supremely essential to possess him who has accomplished the purchase for us. Nor is it possible to obtain grace otherwise than through him.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 10–12.

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He Is Written http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 03 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature, upholding the universe by his word of power. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has obtained is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to what angel did God ever say, “Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee”? 

Hebrews 1:1–5, RSV

From Luther

These words are a quotation from the second Psalm. We see that the reference here is plainly to Christ, against whom the Jews raged with Pilate, Herod and the chief priests. To Christ God says, “Thou art my Son.” The Jews endeavor to evade this passage of the apostle. Unable to deny that the Psalm refers to a coming king and an anointed one, they assert that the allusion is to David, who was also a Christ. For they designate all kings “Messiahs” or “Christs,” that is, anointed ones. But their interpretation will not hold. David never inherited the heathen, nor did the kingdom extend to the uttermost parts of the earth, as recorded of the king mentioned in the Psalm. To no man is it anywhere said in the Scriptures, “Thou art my Son.”

Even when the Jews admit that the allusion of the Psalm is to the Messiah, they resort to two evasions. They maintain that he is yet to come, that Jesus Christ is not the Messiah; and that although called the son of God, he is not God. How shall we reply to them? In the first place we have the testimony of experience that Jesus is he of whom the Psalm speaks; in Christ the prophecy is fulfilled and has become history. He was persecuted by kings and rulers. They sought to destroy him and only brought derision upon themselves in the attempt. They were themselves destroyed, as the Psalm says. Throughout the world Christ is recognized as Lord. No king, before or since, has ruled or can rule in equal extent. The apostle’s reasoning, based on the fact that nowhere is it said to any angel, much less to any man, “Thou art my Son,” sufficiently proves that Christ is God. He must be particularly God’s Son, having a relation not shared by men and angels. That God does not include him among other sons but especially distinguishes him, indicates his superiority. He cannot be superior to angels without being true God, for angels are the highest order of beings. The apostle lays so much stress upon Scriptural authority that we are under no obligations to accept anything the Bible does not assert. Be certain you have full Scripture authority for all you accept. In all things not found in the Scriptures, ask as does the apostle here, “When did God ever assert it?”

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 9–10.

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The Gift of God http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 02 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

1 And you he made alive, when you were dead through the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among these we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of body and mind, and so we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God— 9 not because of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 

Ephesians 2:1-10, RSV

From Luther

God does not condemn or save any individual on account of his works. This is not the fault of our works, but of our nature. The person, nature and entire existence are corrupt in us because of Adam’s fall. Therefore no work can be good in us, until our nature and personal life is changed and renewed. The tree is not good, therefore the fruits are bad. No one can become righteous by works or laws; all works and efforts to become righteous and be saved are in vain as long as the nature and the person are not renewed. God will have us clearly understand that the fault lies entirely in the state of our nature, that its birth and origin are corrupt and sinful. This is original sin, or the sin of the nature, or the sin of the person, the real, chief sin. If this sin did not exist there would be no actual sin. This sin is not committed like other sins; but it exists, lives, and commits all other sins, it is the essential sin, that sins not for an hour or a season, but wherever the person is and as long as he lives.

God looks at this sin of the nature alone. This can be eradicated by no law, by no punishment; the grace of God alone, which makes the nature pure and new, must purge it away. The law only makes it manifest and teaches how to recognize it, but does not save from it; the law only restrains the hand or member, it cannot restrain the person and nature from being sinful. Just as little as it lies in one’s power to be born and to receive natural existence, so little does it lie in his power to be without sin or to escape from it. He who created us must take it away. Therefore he first gives the law, by which man recognizes this sin and thirsts for grace; then he also gives the gospel and saves him.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 8–9.

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The Mark of God http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 01 Jan 22 00:00:00 -0500

Today's online Scripture jigsaw

From the Word

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; 18 and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 

Luke 2:15–21, RSV

From Luther

Circumcision was an external mark of God’s people, by which they were distinguished from other nations. God has never left his people without a mark or a sign, by which the world may know where his people are to be found. The Jews were known by circumcision, that was their divine mark. Our mark is baptism and the body of Christ. Where there is baptism, there are Christians, be they where they will in the world.

All this is immeasurably above and contrary to reason. If Abraham had followed reason he would not have believed that it was God who demanded circumcision. To our (natural) eyes it is such a foolish thing that there can scarcely be anything more absurd. The Jews had to endure great infamy and disgrace on account of it. But such are all God’s works and commandments, in order that haughty reason, which would be clever and wise, may be put to shame, may surrender its self-conceit and submit to God, and believe that whatver he appoints is most useful, honorable and wise. Thus we have baptism in the New Testament in order that we should cling to it in faith and believe that we are thereby cleansed from sin and saved. So the works and words of God are contrary to reason, and this, in turn, is contrary to God and recoils at the signs that are spoken against. In all this God seeks to bring man’s reason into captivity and make it subject to divine truth.

It was customary to give the child its name in circumcision, as we see here and in the case of John the Baptist. His name is rightly called Jesus, that is, Saviour; “for he shall save his people from their sins.” This comes to pass through faith, so that the naming of children signifies that by faith they have a name and are known to God. We are called Christians from him, are God’s children and have the superabundant riches of his goodness, that our hearts may be free, joyous, peaceable and unterrified.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 7–8.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 31 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500

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Ephesians 2:19-21

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

We are not dreaming of a Platonic state, as some maliciously assert, but we teach that this Church does exist, comprised of truly believing and righteous people scattered throughout the whole world. And we add the marks: the pure doctrine of the gospel and the sacraments. This Church is properly the pillar of the truth (1 Tim 3:15) because it retains the pure gospel and what Paul calls the “foundation” (1 Cor 3:11), the true knowledge of Christ and faith. There are obviously many weak persons in the Church who build upon the foundation with stubble that will perish, that is, with useless opinions. Nevertheless, because they do not overthrow the foundation, they are both forgiven and also corrected. 

Pulling It Together

You will find the Church wherever two or more are gathered in the name of Jesus (Matt 18:20), that is with faith in him, teaching the gospel, and administering the sacraments. Christ is the cornerstone of the Church, and the teachings of the prophets and the apostles are its foundation (Eph 2:20). The sign in front of the building is not proof, nor are its articles of incorporation. The Holy Scriptures are its charter and constitution. Faithful people are its structure. This holy temple, the Church, is the work of God’s Spirit. Therefore, the Church is primarily spiritual and theological, not physical, organizational, or historical. It is a living temple and all people with faith in Christ are its living stones (1 Pet 2:5).

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for making me a member of your household, through your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Introduce young students to the Church through this five-week series titled Welcome to Church. There are no student books necessary; all print resources needed to prepare and run a class session are included and are copy-ready. Each lesson includes background information for the teacher on the session theme and Bible lesson, as well as a step-by-step class session plan, ideas for welcome, prayers, Bible rhymes, activities and projects, as well as reproducible coloring pages and worksheets. The price of the book includes permission to reproduce pages for local use.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 30 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500

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Matthew 13:47-50

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church – part 12

The parables of Christ clearly agree. “The good seed means the sons of the kingdom; the weeds are the sons of the evil one” (Matt 13:38). The field, he says, is the world, not the Church. Thus John speaks concerning the whole race of the Jews, and says that it will come to pass that the true Church will be separated from that people. Therefore, this passage is more against the adversaries than in their favor as it shows that the true and spiritual people will be separated from the physical people. Christ also speaks of the outward appearance of the Church when he says, “the kingdom of heaven is like a net” (Matt 13:47) or like “ten maidens” (Matt 25:1). He teaches that the Church has been obscured by a multitude of evils, so that this stumbling-block will not offend the faithful, and so that they may know that the Word and Sacraments are efficacious even when administered by ungodly people. Though these godless people have the fellowship of outward signs, he teaches that they are nevertheless not the true kingdom of Christ or members of Christ, since they are members of the kingdom of the devil.

Pulling It Together: Many kinds of people are drawn to the Church, but not all are members of the Church. Some have an outward appearance of belonging, yet that does not make them true members of the spiritual kingdom of Christ. They may hold office, being on a committee or even being a pastor or a bishop. Still, these offices do not determine who is of the true kingdom.

It is easy to become discouraged by such people, and to even wonder if their ministry achieves a good and holy outcome. We should remember a few things when we are receiving Word and Sacrament from such unholy ministers. First, Jesus and his apostles warned us that there would be weeds mixed within the wheat until the harvest (Matt 13:24-30). Second, God is able to speak through simpletons and open the mouths of asses (Num 22:28). Third, it is not the holiness of the person that makes a Sacrament effective; it is God’s word and promise that brings about the desired result. 

Prayer: Help me, Lord Jesus, to be faithful even if there are faithless people in your Church. Amen.

The Sacraments is one of four books in the Sola Confirmation Series and serves as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Each book in the series may be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

Leader's Guide

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 29 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500

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John 18:33-37

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

But why is there need for more words about a matter that is quite clear? If the Church, which is truly the kingdom of Christ, is distinguished from the kingdom of the devil, it follows necessarily that the wicked are not the Church since they are in the kingdom of the devil. Yet they are mingled with the Church, and hold offices in the Church in this life because the kingdom of Christ has not yet been revealed. Just because the revelation has not yet arrived does not make the wicked the kingdom of Christ. For that which he quickens by his Spirit is always the kingdom, whether it is revealed or is hidden beneath the cross, just as Christ is the same Christ now that he has been glorified as when he was afflicted.

Pulling It Together

Jesus was clear on this matter when he was brought before Pilate. His kingdom is not of this world. It is not temporal but instead, spiritual. So we should expect that while his spiritual kingdom also exists physically and organizationally on this side of eternity, that there will be people associated with the Church who hold office in it, who even do good in the name of Christ (Matt 7:21-23), yet who are not members of the true Church. The real Church, the spiritual kingdom of Christ, is comprised of those who listen to the voice of Christ, and thus, believe in him. These are the people of faith, who do not rely upon great works of devotion and service. Instead, they trust in Christ alone for their citizenship in his kingdom. 

Prayer: Lord, do not allow my service for the Church to get in the way of my faith in you. Amen.

Some of the best-known instances of Jesus' teaching come in what we know as his parables. Through these teaching-stories, Jesus describes the experience of faith in the kingdom of God. The Wise & The Foolish is a Bible study that focuses entirely on Jesus' "people parables"—or what might better be described as Discipleship Parables. These are the character stories that focus on the nature of discipleship and what it means to be a wise and faithful follower of Jesus.

This nine-session Bible study is intended for use by women's and men's groups, or for other small group fellowships gathering around the Word of God.

Click HERE to see the table of contents and a sample session of this study.

To view the Leader Guide click HERE.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 28 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500

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1 John 3:2-7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

According to the gospel, therefore, only those who receive this promise of the Spirit are the people. Besides, the Church is the kingdom of Christ, distinguished from the kingdom of the devil. Furthermore, it is certain that the wicked are in the power of the devil, and members of the kingdom of the devil, as Paul teaches, when he says that the devil “is now at work in the sons of disobedience” (Eph 2:2). The Pharisees certainly had outward fellowship with the Church, that is with the saints among the people of the law, since they held office, sacrificed, and taught. Christ says to them, “You are of your father the devil” (John 8:44). Therefore, the Church, which is truly the kingdom of Christ is, properly speaking, the congregation of the saints. The wicked are ruled by the devil, and are his captives; they are not ruled by the Spirit of Christ.

Pulling It Together

As worshipers come forward for Holy Communion, many pause at the baptismal font, place their fingers in the water, and make the sign of the cross on their forehead. They are physically remembering that they are baptized into Christ. In their journey to the altar to receive God’s grace, they remind themselves that, though they are sinners in need of forgiveness, they are also the saints of God in Christ. They are sorry for their sins, and desire to receive both pardon and the power of righteousness. They are making a clean break from sin, trusting in Christ for a reconciled God. These people do not make a practice of sin, yet admit that they are still sinners who need God’s grace. There is more to righteousness than doing holy things. True righteousness is absolute dependence upon Christ alone for holiness through justification to God. This is the holy catholic Church: those who hope in Christ for the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Prayer: Take away my sin, Lord, and fortify my faith in you. Amen.

Interactive PDF Certificates for Baptism, Rite of Confirmation, and First Communion. You get all three for one price. Simply download the files, choose the certificate you want to use, type in the name, date, and church information, then print on your color printer. Save files to your desktop and re-use over and over again. 

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 27 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500

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Galatians 3:24-29

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Likewise, what difference will there be between the people of the law and the Church if the Church is an outward organization? Paul distinguishes the Church from the people of the law in that the Church is a spiritual people. It has not been distinguished from the heathen by civil rites, but that it is the true people of God, regenerated by the Holy Spirit. The people of the law, born of the flesh, had promises concerning physical things, government, etc, in addition to the promise of Christ. Because of these promises, even the wicked among them were called the people of God, because God had separated their offspring from other nations by certain outward ordinances and promises. Nevertheless, these wicked people did not please God. But the Gospel does not bring a mere shadow of eternal things; it brings the eternal things themselves: the Holy Spirit and righteousness, by which we are righteous before God.

Pulling It Together

All those who by nature were born Jews, or Abraham’s seed, were given the law so that they might be an example to the nations of how God would have people live. Sinners were to be restrained by the law through civil discipline, penalties, teachings, and ceremonies. So it is plain to see that the law was a moral guardian and instructor, used by God until the Messiah came. Christ came so that people would be justified by faith in him, not through law keeping. All nations may be children of God through faith, so there is no longer a difference between Jews and other people. Indeed, all believers are spiritual Jews. Since Christ’s kingdom is a spiritual kingdom, if people are Christ’s, they are Abraham’s offspring. As such, every true Christian is a partaker of eternal blessings, even while here on earth. They enjoy eternal peace, eternal life, and the Holy Spirit because they have received a righteousness from God that is now their guardian until being completely saved in the world to come.

Prayer: Help me remember, Holy Spirit, that I am baptized into Christ. Amen.

Your support of Sola Publishing enables Sola to benefit future generations of Lutherans by continuing to produce resources that reflect the integrity of the Scriptures as the Word of God, from the perspective of the historical Lutheran Confessions.

Click the "Donate" button above to make a secure, one-time or recurring donation. Or mail checks made out to "Sola Publishing" to:

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 26 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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1 Corinthians 12:4-11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Jerome says, “The sinner, therefore, who has been soiled with any blotch cannot be called a member of the Church of Christ, neither can he be said to be subject to Christ.” Although hypocrites and wicked people are members of this true Church according to outward religious ceremony, it is necessary to define the Church according that which is the living body of Christ, that which is in name and in fact the Church. And for this there are many reasons.

It is necessary to understand the main thing that makes us members, that is, living members of the Church. If we define the Church as only an outward organization of both the godly and wicked, people will not understand that the kingdom of Christ is righteousness of heart and the gift of the Holy Spirit. They will suppose that it is only the outward observance of certain forms of worship and ceremonies.

Pulling It Together

The Body of Christ is not an organization that merely goes through the motions of ceremonies. The Church has gifts in the heart, namely, the Holy Spirit and faith. The kingdom of Christ is not only physical and organizational, it is chiefly spiritual. Therefore Christ rules inwardly, strengthening and comforting hearts, and imparting the Holy Spirit and various spiritual gifts. These gifts are given for the common good of the fellowship of the Church. All true members of this blessed communion of saints are ministers and priests (1 Pet 2:9). So God has given each of them gifts of the Spirit, to each member according to God’s will, so that the whole Body of Christ serves and is being served. Members of the kingdom of Christ do not go through the motions; they serve with the entire variety of gifts as God empowers them.

Prayer: Invest in me of your Spirit, Lord, so that I might serve you in your Church. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) includes a hundreds of selections of music for use in worship, drawing primarily upon texts and music in the public domain, along with biblical texts set to familiar tunes. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 25 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500

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Proverbs 12:5-7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church

It says “the Church catholic” so that we will not understand the Church to be an outward government of certain nations, but rather, people scattered throughout the whole world who agree concerning the gospel, and have the same Christ, the same Holy Spirit, and the same Sacraments, whether or not they have the same human traditions. The gloss in the Decrees says, “The Church in its wide sense includes both the godly and the wicked, yet the wicked are in the Church only in name, not in fact. But the godly are in the Church both in fact and in name.” The Fathers write to this effect in many passages.

Pulling It Together

The “house of the righteous,” the Church, is infiltrated by the wicked. Sometimes, they seem petty, though they are aggravating and ungodly. They bring their counsel, imagining that they are dropping pearls of wisdom on the Council table. Their intentions may be fine, but their counsel is far from the Word of God. Others hope to ensnare the righteous in evil schemes. Everyone involved in their congregation has known such people. We wonder why they really come to church. God’s will is that such people may be among us for the time being so that it will become plain who demonstrates genuine faith (1 Cor 11:19). The time is coming, however, when the ungodly will no longer stand with the faithful. Only the house of the righteous will stand before God on that glorious Day.

Prayer: Purify my thoughts, Lord, and cleanse my deeds with your righteousness. Amen.

Your support of Sola Publishing enables Sola to benefit future generations of Lutherans by continuing to produce resources that reflect the integrity of the Scriptures as the Word of God, from the perspective of the historical Lutheran Confessions.

Click the "Donate" button above to make a secure, one-time or recurring donation. Or mail checks made out to "Sola Publishing" to:

Sola Publishing
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Questions? Please call toll free: 888-887-9840.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 24 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Ephesians 5:25–27

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church – part 6

This article has been presented for a necessary reason. We see the infinite dangers which threaten the destruction of the Church. Within herself is an infinite multitude of the wicked who oppress the Church. Therefore, in order that we may not despair, the Creed provides us with certain consolations in this article. The Church will remain, however great the multitude of the wicked may be. And Christ will continue to supply those gifts that he has promised to the Church: forgiveness of sins, answer to prayer, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Pulling It Together

The article of the catholic or universal Church is comforting and necessary. When we perceive the threat to the Church—a threat that exists both from within and without—we can be led to despair of her continued existence. Yet we confess that Christ has established his Church and will present her in glorious splendor on that Day. In the meanwhile, the Church will continue to enjoy the other promises that we confess and hope for in the Creed: the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and everlasting life. 

Prayer: Though all the world should threaten your Church, Lord, I trust in your promises. Amen.

Luther's Small Cat Discovers: The Seasons of the Church Year is written for 4th grade level students. This book takes students through the church year, accompanied by Luther’s Small Cat — a character who is just as inquisitive and precocious as the students. May your journey through the church year bring you closer to Christ, who walks through each moment of life alongside you.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 23 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Philippians 2:12-16a

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

The Church is also defined by the article in the Creed that teaches us to believe that there is “one holy catholic Church.” The wicked indeed are not a holy Church. “The communion of saints” that follows, seems to be added in order to explain what “church” signifies, namely, the congregation of saints who share the fellowship of the same gospel or doctrine, and of the same Holy Spirit who renews, sanctifies, and governs their hearts.

Pulling It Together: We believe in the Church. This is the congregation of those who believe in Christ. They are spread throughout the ages—past, present, and future. As such, the Church is also here now. It is that fellowship of souls whom God’s Spirit is regenerating and sanctifying. There are wolves among the flock of Christ (Matt 7:15, 10:16) but they are not in the flock. They are not sheep but are only masquerading among the sheep. They are not the people of God’s pasture (Psa 95:7) because they do not believe. The true Church holds fast to the word of life, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and as such, is being led by the Holy Spirit through this present wilderness of sin and death, always back to faith and life in Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Bring me always, Holy Spirit, back to faith in Christ. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Resource is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, worship planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 22 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Titus 3:4-7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

So we wonder why they have found fault with our description that speaks of living members. We have said nothing new. Paul has defined the Church in precisely the same way, saying that it should be cleansed in order to be holy. He adds the outward marks of the Word and Sacraments, saying, “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Eph 5:25-27). We stated this in our Confession with almost the same wording.

Pulling It Together

The true Church consists of the righteous who enjoy Christ’s fellowship through faith and the Holy Spirit. So we must be careful to confess that sinful people, such as ourselves, become righteous and holy only through the grace of God. They do not become righteous by their own works but instead, are cleansed by the promise of God’s Word in Holy Baptism. The Holy Spirit regenerates and renews them, so that they are fit for the kingdom. Members of the Body of Christ are justified to God and sanctified by the gracious agency of God, not by their religious deeds and moral character. Being justified by his grace, the Church enjoys the hope of eternal life promised in the gospel to those who believe.

Prayer: Wash me, Lord, and I shall be whiter than snow. Amen.

Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 21 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Ephesians 1:15-23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

For Paul also predicts that Antichrist will sit in the temple of God, that he will rule and bear office in the Church (2 Thess 2:4). But the Church is not only the fellowship of outward objects and rites, like other governments. It is chiefly a fellowship of faith and of the Holy Spirit in people’s hearts. Nevertheless, this fellowship has outward marks so that it can be recognized, namely, the pure doctrine of the gospel, and the administration of the Sacraments in accordance with the Gospel of Christ. This Church alone is called the Body of Christ, which Christ renews, sanctifies, and governs by his Spirit, as Paul testifies, saying, “He has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all” (Eph 1:22-23). Hence, those in whom Christ does not act are not members of Christ. Our adversaries also acknowledge that the wicked are dead members of the Church.

Pulling It Together

We deplore the condition of some church bodies, that they have abandoned the Word of God for culturally correct beliefs. Yet, we should not complain overly much since we know that God is sovereign. We should expect apostasy of all kinds, for these things are but the foreshadowing of a larger evil, when the one who rules the Church will be the very embodiment of evil. While we should even be able to predict these outward defections of faith, we ought to also give thanks to God that he is always refining and sanctifying the true Church, the Church of his Spirit. These members of the Body of Christ have enlightened eyes of the heart (Eph 1:18), are growing in faith and love (2 Thess 1:3), and enjoy certain hope in a rich and glorious inheritance among the saints. Indeed, this hope of glory (Col 1:27) is already realized as Christ within and among us through faith—the truest measure of the members of Christ. 

Prayer: Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Amen.

The Basics of the Christian Faith is an edition of the catechism that is aimed at seekers, visitors, and those that may not come from a Lutheran background. It is recommended for use in outreach, as a visitor welcome gift, or in new member packets.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 20 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 26:26-28

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

The saying is surely true that there is no remedy against the attacks of a slanderer. Nothing can be spoken with such care that it can escape criticism. For this reason we have added the eighth article, lest any one imagine that we separate the wicked and hypocrites from the outward fellowship of the Church, or that we deny efficacy to Sacraments administered by hypocrites or wicked men. So there is no need here of a long defense against this slander. The eighth article is sufficient to acquit us. We grant that in this life hypocrites and wicked men have been mingled with the Church, that they are members of the Church according to the outward signs of the Church’s fellowship, namely, Word, confession, and Sacraments. This is especially so if they have not been excommunicated. Neither are the Sacraments without efficacy if they are administered by wicked men. We may also rightly use Sacraments administered by wicked men.

Pulling It Together

In this life, the Church is a place where people of all kinds assemble. There will be those who believe and even those who come for other reasons. Some people attend church because they were raised to do so. They give no thought to faith; it is simply the right thing to do. There are people in churches who do not believe in Christ but use the church as a means of advancing their own agendas. Of course, such people are not the one, true Church which is composed of those who believe in Christ.

There are even pastors in the Church who do not believe. This is difficult to conceive of, but nonetheless true. They administer the Sacraments, bringing guilt upon themselves. Nevertheless, this does not diminish the effectiveness of the Sacraments in any way since these wicked pastors are not the ones who make the Sacraments valid. Baptism and Communion are efficacious because of the Word of God. It is God’s promise that makes the Sacraments effective, not the one dispensing those Sacraments. These words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,” together with the eating and drinking, are the chief thing in the Sacrament. Those who believe Christ’s words have what they say and declare, namely, the forgiveness of sins.

Prayer: Forgive me of my own faithlessness, Lord, and strengthen me to believe your words of promise. Amen.

The Sacraments is one of four books in the Sola Confirmation Series and serves as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Each book in the series may be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

Leader's Guide

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 19 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Matthew 22:9–14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

The seventh article of our Confession, in which we stated that the Church is the congregation of saints, has been condemned by the authors of the Confutation. They have added a long essay, that the wicked are not to be separated from the Church since John compared the Church to a threshing-floor on which wheat and chaff are heaped together (Matt 3:12), and Christ compared it to a net in which there are both good and bad fishes (Matt 13:47).

Pulling It Together

It is true that different kinds of people attend services of the Church. Nearly 40 years ago, a half dozen people from a local cult attended my church, trying to get people to follow their false god. Were those people members of the Body of Christ simply because they were in the assembly that day? Sensible people readily see that this is not the case. The Body of our Lord is comprised of those who have received the grace of Christ, the forgiveness of sins, reconciliation to God, and everlasting life. While many gather together like so much wheat and chaff on the threshing floor, God’s sifting fork is in his hand (Matt 3:12). He will separate the righteous from the unrighteous and gather the true Church to himself in eternity.

May many, both wheat and chaff, assemble this Lord’s Day so that they might hear the gospel and believe. Let them take to heart two truths. God is ready to regenerate chaff, changing us into wheat through the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire (Matt 3:11). Yet, God is also judge and will one day clear the church of chaff, “burning it with unquenchable fire” (Matt 3:12). “Many are called but few are chosen” (Matt 22:14).

Prayer: Separate the chaff from my life, Lord, through the fire of your Spirit. Amen.

St. John's Churches: A Parable of Faithful Discipleship is a twelve session story invites disciples to explore and discern God's will for mission and ministry. Written in parable form, this funny, engaging story follows the ministry of Pastor Jeff Mutton as he dreams the big dream of a creative, vital ministry to the community in which St. John's serves. Each session can be used as opening devotions for church council meetings, discipleship training sessions, or a visioning team. The humorous story encourages listeners to dream the big dream of God's plan for mission in their context. 

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 18 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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1 Timothy 1:15-19a

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Augustine says, “The question is, where is the Church? What, therefore, are we to do? Are we to seek it in our own words or in the words of its Head, our Lord Jesus Christ? I think that we ought to seek it in the words of him who is Truth, and who knows his own Body best.” Therefore the judgments of our adversaries will not disturb us since they defend human opinions contrary to the gospel, contrary to the authority of the holy Fathers, who have written in the Church, and contrary to the testimonies of godly minds.

Pulling It Together: Jesus did not come into the world to teach sinners how to save themselves. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” We call him Savior, for he alone is the one who saves sinners. That is the truth, for he is the Truth (John 14:6). There will always be those who say we must do this or that in order to be reconciled to God and saved to life eternal. But there is only one who has the words of eternal life (John 6:68). Let us turn to him for the truth, for he is the Way to eternal life. Christ Jesus is the only God, the King of the Ages. He is the Life; to whom could we go but to him? Hold fast with faith, believing in Christ alone for eternal life.

Prayer: Unto you alone, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. Amen.

How to be a Disciple is a six-part series of dramas featuring the first twelve disciples, each exploring a piece of the discipleship puzzle. The disciples are placed in a light-hearted contemporary setting, helping listeners to get a sense for the down-to-earth interplay between personalities. The progression of the series is meant to provide the larger picture of what discipleship means. (Two to five characters per drama.)

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 17 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Click for jigsaw puzzle.

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From the Word: 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness of me. 26 But you do not believe because you are not of my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life; and they shall never die; and no one shall snatch them from my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them from the Father’s hand.” (John 10:25-28)

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

One may ascertain from their spirit an unheard of cruelty, which up until now they have plainly expressed toward faithful people. We have heard in this assembly when opinions concerning our Confession were expressed, that a reverend father said in the imperial senate that no plan seemed better to him than to make a reply written in blood to the Confession which we had presented written in ink. Could Phalaris say anything more cruel? Some princes have also regarded this expression as unworthy to be spoken in such a meeting. So, although the adversaries claim for themselves the name of the Church, we know that the Church of Christ is with those who teach the Gospel of Christ. It is not with those who defend wicked opinions that are contrary to the Gospel. The Lord says, “My sheep hear my voice” (John 10:27).

Pulling It Together: There is nothing more cruel than to claim that faith does not save. Declaring that a Christian’s deeds are required for justification and salvation both denies Christ and leaves the believer in despair. So let us proclaim Christ, since there is nothing to be done about this bondage to sin than to be led out of Egypt. We are not called to stay in the house of slavery, working harder to free ourselves. We distance ourselves from the taskmaster and learn the ways of the Lord in the wilderness. Faith follows the voice of the Good Shepherd into the wild where it too is proved like the Lord was tested. Jesus was tempted to trust in false promises and works but he prevailed each time with the claim of faith: “It is written” (Matt 4:1-11). We too must hear his voice in the Word, trusting his promise instead of our works. 

Prayer: Lord, increase my faith in you alone. Amen.

Developed and used by Pastor Fred Baltz in his church in Galena, Illinois, The Invitation Project is a congregational resource book describing how a parish can host an “invite-able” event. Using a practical, step-by-step “how to” approach, this book provides guidance, organization, and ideas, not simply to promote a single program of outreach, but to develop and inspire the overall outreach efforts of the congregation. 

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 16 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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John 20:19-23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Now in this assembly, the authors of the Confutation have condemned with clear words the confession that faith is a part of repentance, by which we obtain forgiveness of sins, overcome the terrors of sin, and the conscience knows peace. Who does not see that this article—that by faith we obtain the forgiveness of sins—is most true, certain, and necessary for all Christians? Who in future generations, hearing that such a doctrine has been condemned, would guess that the authors of the condemnation had any knowledge of Christ?

Pulling It Together

The disciples were in hiding, very likely imagining that they were next, that the authorities would come for them too. They had crucified the Lord; what would they do to his followers? There would have been nothing the disciples could have done to alleviate their anxiety. The best they could do was be together, hiding behind locked doors. This is when Jesus comes to those of faith. He gathers with us in the midst of our fears, and speaks words of promise. “Peace be with you.” Faith believes his word and is revived.

Prayer: Breathe on me, O Breath of God, that I may do your will. Amen.

A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is an advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

Part 1 Leader's Guide  •  Part 2 Participant Book  •  Part 2 Leader's Guide

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 15 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Click for online jigsaw.

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Matthew 16:15-19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

May faithful minds not be troubled by all those who condemn our teaching. Our opponents’ spirit can be easily judged since in some doctrines they have condemned truth that is so clear and plain that their godlessness openly appears. The bull of Leo X condemned a very necessary teaching, which all Christians should hold and believe, namely, that we ought to trust that we have been absolved because of Christ’s word, not because of our contrition. “Whatever you bind on earth” etc. (Matt 16:19).

Pulling It Together: Who do you say that Jesus is? If your confession is that he is “the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” you are blessed. God has revealed to you truth so deep that all of human reason cannot plumb. The mind alone cannot fathom that God forgives our sins for the sake of Christ alone. Surely, it is thought, there must be something we must do. This is the seed of religion and heresy, for faith knows that we can do nothing. We confess that Christ has done it all, that we are saved by his one work on the cross, not by our deeds. This is how one Christian is able to absolve another—not by the accumulation of religious works, but simply and clearly through confident faith in the finished work of Christ.

Prayer: I confess, Lord Jesus, that you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Amen.

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power.” (1 Cor 6:14)

Leader's Guide

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 14 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Galatians 4:9-11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Moreover, Scripture has predicted that the righteousness of faith would be obscured in this way by human traditions and the doctrine of works. Therefore, Paul often complains (Gal 4:9; 5:7; Col 2:8, 16-17; 1 Tim 4:2-3) that even at that time there were those who, instead of the righteousness of faith, taught that men were reconciled to God and justified by their own works and own acts of worship, and not by faith for Christ’s sake. By nature, people think that God ought to be appeased by works.

Reason only sees a righteousness of the law, understanding it in a civic sense. Accordingly, there have always existed in the world some who have only taught this carnal righteousness, to the exclusion of the righteousness of faith. Such teachers will always exist. The same happened among the people of Israel. The greater part of the people thought that they merited remission of sins by their works, accumulating sacrifices and acts of worship. The prophets, contrary to and in condemnation of this opinion, taught the righteousness of faith. The occurrences among the people of Israel are illustrations of those things which would occur in the Church.

Pulling It Together: It is human nature to imagine that we can buy our way out of problems. The person caught speeding, therefore, pays the court to keep the offense off the books so that insurance rates will not increase. So, when we sin, we naturally think that we can cover our offenses with good works and sacrifices. There is only one sacrifice that satisfies the Father. Our task, if we may call it a task, is to trust Christ, who is our sacrifice (Heb 10:10). There is nothing we can do; there is no buying out the judge. We are guilty. Yet if we know God, indeed, if we have been known by God, we need not go back to the old ways of paying for our sins. For Christ has paid the price for our sin (1 Cor 6:20)—once and for all (1 Pet 3:18).

Prayer: Knowing you, O Word of Truth, help me to trust in your forgiveness of sin. Amen.

Not My Will, But Yours is a six-week study that explores the topic of the “free will” from a biblical perspective, looking at what Scripture has to say about the bondage of the human will, and how Jesus Christ has come to deliver us from ourselves.

Leader's Guide

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 13 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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2 Timothy 2:8–13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The Scriptures, the holy Fathers, and the judgments of all the godly everywhere reply. Though popes, or some theologians, and monks in the Church have taught us to seek remission of sins, grace, and righteousness through our own works, and to invent new forms of worship which have obscured the office of Christ, and have made out of Christ not a propitiator and justifier, but only a legislator, nevertheless the knowledge of Christ has always remained with some faithful people.

Pulling It Together: Let us continue to keep Christ at the center of all things. The promised Messiah, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin from the lineage of kings, suffered, was crucified and buried for our sins. That is the condition in which we would remain if Christ stayed in the tomb. Because he rose from the dead, we who are baptized into his death (Rom 6:3) will also rise with him to new life. The Scripture and even the creeds profess the work of Christ as central to salvation, and make no mention of our own works saving us. He is our justification and salvation (Rom 4:25). Though we fail him and continue to sin—for as long as we are in this mortal flesh, sin will continue—he remains faithful. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). So let us keep good works out of the matter of justification and salvation, keeping our faith in Christ alone.

Prayer: Help me to keep faith in you, faithful God, until the last day. Amen.

The Cross and the Crown is an eight session study in Lutheran Basics, using the word "sola" to get the big picture right: that salvation is all God's doing.

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1 John 4:7-10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Their influence should not seem so great that it would be unlawful to differ with their arguments when many obvious errors found among them, such as being able to love God above all things by purely natural powers. Although it is clearly false, this teaching has produced many other errors.

Pulling It Together: The ability to love God is not something that we are born with or that we can develop on our own with this fallen nature of ours. In order to love God, one must first be born again. Everyone who believes in Christ Jesus is reborn by the will of God. Then they are empowered to love God and neighbor, since whoever truly loves has first been born of God and knows God. Love does not spring from the human heart but from the heart of God, since he is love. Real love has nothing to do with our loving God, and everything to do with God having loved us so much that he sent his Son to be the atonement for our sins. This power to love is received by faith, “for love is from God.”

Prayer: Thank you, God, for loving me so that I could know the joy of loving you. Amen.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 11 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Mark 7:6-8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We should not expect that the Roman Church agrees with everything that the pope, or cardinals, or bishops, or some of the theologians, or monks approve. For it is clear that to most of the pontiffs, their own authority is of greater concern than the Gospel of Christ. It widely known that most of them are openly Epicureans. It is also unmistakable that the theologians have mingled more of philosophy with Christian doctrine than was sufficient.

Pulling It Together: Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because they valued their own traditions more than God’s commandments. We must be careful to evaluate those things that we believe and do, whether we are following our own opinions or the Word of God. A classic example of this is when we hear people (or ourselves) say things like, “I don’t know what they Bible says but what I think is...” Another dangerous instance is when we interpret Scripture through the lens of philosophy or culture. The gospel is always primary, as Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Christ himself is the lens of interpretation and practice.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me hear and obey, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

By What Authority is a book that confronts churches who no longer believe their own message. It is about the end of traditional Christianity as practiced in modern times—not a futuristic end, but an end already accomplished, or partially accomplished, in a majority of countries, cities, and churches. Strange as it seems, many Christians haven't noticed. But others were so concerned they've gathered in these pages the wisdom of alert pastors, theologians, laity, young seminarians, and evangelicals. They all have a story to tell you in their own voices. and it's a story so urgent and timely it opens your eyes in ways few might imagine. 

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 10 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Ephesians 3:8-12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We have shown the sources in this case, so far as can be done here, and have explained the objections of our opponents. Good people will easily judge these things, if they will remember, as often as a passage concerning love or works is cited, that the law cannot be observed without Christ and that we cannot be justified by the law, but through the gospel, the promise of the grace promised in Christ. We hope, however brief this discussion has been, that it will be profitable to good people for strengthening faith, teaching, and comforting consciences. For we know that what we have said is in harmony with the prophetic and apostolic Scriptures, with the holy Fathers, Ambrose, Augustine, and very many others, and with the whole Church of Christ, which certainly confesses that Christ is propitiator and justifier.

Pulling It Together: It is easy for us to confuse the plain sense of things. Sometimes we need someone to come in to our midst and cut to the chase. What is the point that underlies everything we do? What is the central thought that lies behind all of our thinking? The Apostle Paul was chosen by God for this very task. So Paul did not proclaim the traditions of religion. Instead, he taught the “unsearchable riches of Christ,” who is the source of all true doctrine. These are matters which we cannot come to by our own reasoning. A revelation from God is required. Therefore, God chose someone steeped in the old ways to declare the plain and central truth of the gospel.

Paul asserts that the plain, central thought is always Christ alone. He must be at the core and forefront of our thinking too. For when we understand who Christ is, that he is our mediator before the Father, our justification and salvation, we then begin to comprehend with the holy Catholic Church that we cannot be these things. If we do not have faith in Christ alone, there is no communion of saints, no forgiveness of sins, no resurrection of the body, and no life everlasting. When we have faith in him, instead of faith in ourselves and our traditions, then the riches of Christ are ours. It is only for Christ’s sake that the Father lavishes his love and grace on us (1 John 3:1; Eph 1:7-8). That is the plain sense of the gospel. 

Prayer: I thank you, Father, for your love and grace that is poured out to me in Christ Jesus. Amen.

The English Standard Version Pew Bible containing the Old and New Testament is an affordable durable Bible, designed for regular church use. Hardcover black with black print.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 09 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500

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Ephesians 6:13-17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The knowledge of this faith is necessary to Christians, for it brings the most abundant consolation in all afflictions, and displays to us the work of Christ. Those who deny that people are justified by faith, deny that Christ is mediator and propitiator, and repudiate the promise of grace and the gospel. They teach a doctrine of justification that is inferred either from reason or the law.

Pulling It Together: Whenever your conscience assails you, take up the shield of faith. When you doubt your salvation, take up that shield. Every time the law accuses you of wrongdoing or unholy thoughts, immediately grab that shield. Take it in hand and as you repent of your sins, remember that you are not saved because of a lack of doubts or because you always do good and think well of others. As you hold tightly to that shield, think, “I am saved by faith in Christ alone.” Lift up the shield of faith in Christ every time the devil attacks. Do not trust your thinking and your doing. Trust Christ, who is your shield. Faith in Christ will extinguish every fiery assault of the evil one.

Prayer: Lord, help me to always hold on to you. Amen.

A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is written in easy-to-understand language but is a challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, each presented in a question and discussion format. Click here to see the Table of Contents and a sample session.

Leader's Guide

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 08 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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1 Peter 1:3-9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

That faith which does not manifest itself in confession is not firm. Thus other good works please God because of faith, as the prayers of the Church ask that all things may be accepted for Christ’s sake. They likewise ask all things for Christ’s sake. It is obvious that the close of all prayers adds this clause: “through Christ our Lord.” Accordingly, we conclude that we are justified before God, reconciled to him, and reborn by faith that in repentance apprehends the promise of grace, truly enlivens the frightened mind, and is convinced that God is reconciled and propitious to us for Christ’s sake. Through this faith, Peter says that we are are “guarded...for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet 1:5).

Pulling It Together: Justification, righteousness, and salvation are not only received by faith, these things are preserved for us to the end of time. It is faith that vindicates us in this life and gives us hope of the life to come. “The salvation of our souls” is believed because of faith in Christ. We even trust God for all good things in this life by virtue of Christ alone. This is why we always pray, “in Christ’s name.” These promises of God’s grace cannot be trusted to our good works. Yet, through faith in Christ and his work, we hope, believe, and endure all things (1 Cor 13:7).

Prayer: Almighty God, keep me in faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

We Still Believe is a Bible study resource reflecting on key themes in biblical Lutheran doctrine that are at risk in the Church today. It is offered in the hope that it will inspire individuals and congregations to examine the core beliefs of traditional Lutheranism and how these beliefs apply to our own present context. Written in a question and discussion style by Pastor Steven King, the participant's book includes an introduction to and copy of the faith statement known as the Common Confession.

Leader's Guide

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 07 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Matthew 7:21-23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

They corrupt many other passages in the schools because they do not teach the righteousness of faith. The scholastics understand faith as a mere knowledge of the history or of dogmas. They do not understand that faith is the virtue which apprehends the promise of grace and righteousness, and quickens hearts terrorized by sin and death. When Paul says, “For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved” (Rom 10:1), we think that the adversaries will acknowledge here that confession justifies or saves, not ex opere operato, but only because of faith in the heart. Paul says that confession saves, in order to make clear what sort of faith obtains eternal life, namely firm and active faith.

Pulling It Together: If we teach that one should have faith, yet we do not believe, will our understanding of the teaching save us? If we come to the waters of baptism but have no faith in God’s promise, thinking it is simply the proper custom, will we be saved? If we go to church, feed the hungry, and buy coats and mittens for the poor, but have no faith in the God who calls us to do such things, do those good works save? What good will these customs and deeds do us when we are in hospital beds, anxious about death? When our sins find us out and terrify our consciences, our good works will not bring us peace. Good works cannot be trusted but Jesus can be trusted for peace now, and later, for eternal life. We must take Jesus at his word and have faith in his promise of grace. Failing to do so, is the supreme work of lawlessness. Trusting in our works is the evidence of that sin of sins.

Prayer: I believe that you are the way in to the kingdom of heaven, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Will You Betray Me? is a five-part drama series focuses on “betrayal” as a central theme. Written in a direct and edgy style, the monologues feature biblical characters that (knowingly or unknowingly) contributed to the betrayal and death of Jesus.  

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Galatians 3:10-14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

In the schools the boast is also made that our good deeds work by virtue of Christ’s passion. Well said! But why say nothing about faith? For Christ is a propitiation, as Paul says, “through faith” (Rom 3:25). When timid consciences are comforted by faith, and are convinced that our sins have been blotted out by the death of Christ, and that God has been reconciled to us on account of Christ’s suffering, then indeed, the suffering of Christ is a benefit to us. If the doctrine concerning faith is omitted, it is vain to claim that works benefit us by virtue of Christ’s passion.

Pulling It Together

Jesus satisfied God’s requirement of keeping the law perfectly. Moreover, he paid the penalty for the sins of those who cannot keep the commandments. In other words, he paid the price for us all, since none of us can keep the law. Those who rely upon their law keeping are “under a curse” because they cannot continue to fulfill God’s law. People who trust in their religiosity will never be righteous and justified to God. Instead, we must trust Christ who bore the curse of the law for us. Yet while we try to keep the law, as we should, but fail, the law will accuse us of not measuring up and our consciences can become terrified of the curse. So we must always trust in Christ who suffered and died to fulfill the law (Matt 5:17), for, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for redeeming me from the curse of the law. Amen.

Why Did Jesus Have to Die? is a six-week Bible Study that examines the most profound event of salvation history — the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ — exploring from a biblical perspective what is known as the doctrine of the Atonement.

Leader's Guide

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 05 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Click for larger image

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Titus 2:11-14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

They have taken certain sayings of the old writers, established statements as it were, and twisted them by their interpretations. They boast in the schools that good works please God because of grace, and that confidence must be put in his grace. But they distort grace by saying that it is an inclination to love God, as though the ancients meant to say that we ought to trust in our love, though without doubt, we experience how small and how impure that inclination is. It is strange that they bid us to trust in this love, since they teach us that we are not able to know whether it is even present. Why do they not set forth the grace and mercy of God toward us? As often as mention is made of this, they ought to add faith. For the promise of God’s mercy, reconciliation, and love toward us is not apprehended unless by faith. Then, since faith apprehends grace, they would be right in saying that we must trust in grace and that good works please because of grace.

Pulling It Together

The living grace of God is Jesus Christ. There is no salvation available to us without this grace. There is no grace without Jesus Christ. There is no grace without God. Grace and salvation have nothing to do with our deeds or our habits or inclinations to love God and neighbor. Should we do good? Should we love? Certainly, for because grace has appeared in Jesus Christ, it now trains us to do these things and to renounce the devil and sin. This happens because of grace but it is not grace itself. If grace is born from our own love, we would be a hopeless people. Because we understand that grace and righteousness are free gifts from God (Rom 5:17), and not our pitiful attempts to do good and to be righteous, we confess that Christ alone is our blessed hope. He is the hope that will not fail us. 

Prayer: Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Amen.

The Smalcald Articles are often considered Luther's theological Last Will and Testament. Written in easy-to-understand language, this study is presented in a discussion formation with assigned readings from the Scriptures and the Book of Concord. Included in the study is a shorter work by Philip Melanchton called "The Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope." 

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 04 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500

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Isaiah 64:6-8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

So this is no small matter that we argue with the adversaries. We are not looking for useless nuances when we find fault with those who teach that we merit eternal life by works, excluding faith that apprehends Christ as mediator. There is not a syllable in the scholastics concerning this faith which believes that the Father is favorably disposed to us for Christ’s sake. Everywhere they maintain that we are accepted and righteous because of our works, wrought either from reason, or at least by the inclination of that love about which they speak.

Pulling It Together: We cannot reason our way to righteousness. Who has been able to determine, “In this way, I shall be a good person” and been successful in the enterprise? More importantly, even if one was able to be so good, would that goodness be acceptable to God? No, for the prophet tells us that our good deeds are like filthy rags to God unless we call upon the name of the Lord (Isaiah 64:6-7). Our reason cannot create new life; a better or spiritual attitude will not do it; nor will exhausting effort make us righteous before the Almighty. Yet, the person of faith is taken in God’s own hands and shaped into a new person. God smashes us to the potter’s wheel and makes of us whom he wills. The work is the Lord’s which he accomplishes in people who have put their trust in him instead of themselves.

Prayer: Smash me, Lord, and make of me what you will. Amen.

Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 03 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Romans 1:1-6

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We condemn the teaching of the adversaries that understands such passages of Scripture in either a philosophical or a Jewish manner, and so abolishes the righteousness of faith, and excludes Christ as mediator. From these passages they infer that works merit grace, sometimes de congruo, and when love is added, de condigno. They claim that works justify, and because they are righteousness they are worthy of eternal life. This error plainly abolishes the righteousness of faith, which believes that we have access to God for Christ’s sake, not because of our works, and that through Christ, as priest and mediator, we are led to the Father, and have a reconciled Father, as has been sufficiently said above. The doctrine concerning the righteousness of faith is not to be neglected in the Church of Christ, because without it the office of Christ cannot be comprehended. The doctrine of justification that is left is only a doctrine of the law. So we should cling to the gospel and the teaching of the promise which is granted for Christ’s sake.

Pulling It Together: There is a difference between justification and sanctification. Justification is that obedience to the gospel that hears and believes and trusts God’s promise. Sanctification is the obedience that results from such faith. The former saves; the latter does not. Faith hears and believes and is therefore justified to God. Then the Holy Spirit goes to work in the believer, producing the fruit of faith, good works and upright character. It is a false sanctification or holiness that imagines people can bear good fruit through their own efforts, without faith and the resulting power of the Holy Spirit. Such personal holiness or law-keeping gives no credit to Christ, while faith always clings to Christ, believing in the promise of a Savior instead of depending upon works and personal holiness. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, stir up in me the fruit of faith. Amen.

Not everyone likes bread sticks. They are fine for appetizers, but it's nice to have some selection. Add in some onion rings, BBQ wings, cheese curds, veggies...and then you've got something! Faith Apptizers is a sampler platter of Biblical Christianity. With an assortment of styles and topics, offering both a challenge and a chuckle, it intends to awaken your days with faith. These 286 devotions are arranged Biblically, from Genesis to Revelation. Like the good God behind our good book, they will work both the mind and heart, sometimes comforting the afflicted and sometimes afflicting the comfortable. Open up and taste one; then pass 'em around.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 02 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500

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Romans 5:1–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

No sane person can judge otherwise. We are not trying to be subtle by segregating the fruits from the righteousness of the heart. If the adversaries would only have acknowledged that the fruits please God because of faith, because of Christ as mediator, and that by themselves they are not worthy of grace and of eternal life.

Pulling It Together: Lasting peace with God comes through faith. Our deeds can make us feel good for a while but that feeling is not only false, it does not last. However, when faith in Christ justifies us to God, then we know a confident peace that enables us to stand before God. We rejoice, knowing that he cares for us and hears our prayers in this life, and we have real hope in the life to come. The Holy Spirit and God’s love are given to us, indeed, poured into us so that the character of good fruit is grown in us by God. Faith in Christ promises and accomplishes all of these things: hope, character, the fruit of the Spirit, and works that please God.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for dying for me, and rising from the dead so that I may live. Amen.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 01 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Matthew 25:44–46

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

When Paul says, “He will render to every one according to his works,” we are to understand not only the outward work, but all righteousness or unrighteousness. So, “Glory...for every one who does good,” namely, for the righteous. “You gave me food,” is cited as the fruit and evidence of the righteousness of the heart and of faith. Therefore, eternal life is given to righteousness. In this way Scripture embraces both the righteousness of the heart and its fruits. It often names the fruits, so that the inexperienced may better understand, and to signify that a new life and rebirth are required instead of hypocrisy. This rebirth happens by faith with repentance.

Pulling It Together: Yes, God wants our good works, but he earnestly desires our hearts. Works that are done with an unbelieving, faithless heart are not good works; they are hypocritical. It is not those who do some good deeds in their own power who are given eternal life. Rather, those who put their faith in Christ will do good deeds because of the power of his Spirit within them. Only when works flow from faith in him are they good and righteous deeds. Because the believing heart is deemed righteous, the deeds that stem from that believing, righteous heart are also considered righteous. This is why Jesus says that the righteous will go into everlasting life (Matt 25:46).

Prayer: Holy Spirit, move me to do good that glorifies God and helps my neighbor, for the sake of Christ. Amen.

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The Mark of God http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 01 Dec 21 00:00:00 -0500

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15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; 18 and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 

Luke 2:15–21, RSV

Circumcision was an external mark of God’s people, by which they were distinguished from other nations. God has never left his people without a mark or a sign, by which the world may know where his people are to be found. The Jews were known by circumcision, that was their divine mark. Our mark is baptism and the body of Christ. Where there is baptism, there are Christians, be they where they will in the world.

All this is immeasurably above and contrary to reason. If Abraham had followed reason he would not have believed that it was God who demanded circumcision. To our (natural) eyes it is such a foolish thing that there can scarcely be anything more absurd. The Jews had to endure great infamy and disgrace on account of it. But such are all God’s works and commandments, in order that haughty reason, which would be clever and wise, may be put to shame, may surrender its self-conceit and submit to God, and believe that whatver he appoints is most useful, honorable and wise. Thus we have baptism in the New Testament in order that we should cling to it in faith and believe that we are thereby cleansed from sin and saved. So the works and words of God are contrary to reason, and this, in turn, is contrary to God and recoils at the signs that are spoken against. In all this God seeks to bring man’s reason into captivity and make it subject to divine truth.

It was customary to give the child its name in circumcision, as we see here and in the case of John the Baptist. His name is rightly called Jesus, that is, Saviour; “for he shall save his people from their sins.” This comes to pass through faith, so that the naming of children signifies that by faith they have a name and are known to God. We are called Christians from him, are God’s children and have the superabundant riches of his goodness, that our hearts may be free, joyous, peaceable and unterrified.

Martin Luther and John Sander, Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year (Rock Island, IL: Augustana Book Concern, 1915), 7–8.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 30 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500

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Genesis 4:3–5

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Whenever the law and works are mentioned, we must know that Christ is not to be excluded as mediator. For he is the end of the law, just as Jesus himself says, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). As we have said above, all passages concerning works can be judged by this rule. Therefore, when eternal life is granted to works, it is granted to those who have been justified, since no one can do good works except those who are justified, who are led by the Spirit of Christ. Good works do not please God without faith in Christ as mediator. “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” (Heb 11:6).

Pulling It Together

Be careful that you do not expect God to favor you on the merits of your offerings or works or religious activity. God only has regard for such things when they are done with faith in him. Our instinct, however, is to trust in our works. At harvest time, Cain brought an offering of grain. There is nothing wrong with offerings of grain; we see God accepting them throughout the Old Testament. There was, however, a problem with the one making the offering. That is why God did not accept either Cain’s offering or even Cain himself (Gen 4:5). This disregard for Cain suggests that God did not answer the prayers that accompanied Cain’s offering.

Abel is remembered differently. He is not noted for bringing a superior kind of offering, his being animal instead of grain. The writer of Hebrews tells us that Abel’s offering was accepted by God because it was given with faith in God (Heb 11:4). Abel had faith in God. Cain trusted his offering.

Prayer: O Lord, I trust in you. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Resource is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, worship planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 29 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Hebrews 11:17-18

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

But the adversaries urge that it is the prerogative of good works to merit eternal life, because Paul says, “He will render to every man according to his works” (Rom 2:6). Likewise, “Glory and honor and peace for every one who does good” (Rom 2:10). “Those who have done good shall come to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment” (John 5:29). “I was hungry and you gave me food,” and so forth (Matt 25:35). In these and all similar passages in which works are praised in the Scriptures, it is necessary to understand faith of the heart along with the outward works, for Scripture does not speak hypocrisy, but of the righteousness of the heart along with its fruits.

Pulling It Together: Works must always flow from a heart of faith. Abraham did not make an offering of his only son, Isaac, as a mere work. Nor did he expect that God would honor the work itself. Notice how his offering was given in faith. Without faith, his deed would have been unacceptable. Faith comes first and is then completed by works (James 2:22). Without faith, works are incomplete, for God first requires a righteousness of the heart. Only then are works received. Indeed, in the example of Abraham, the work was not required. Faith by itself, yet willing to do the work, was sufficient. God honored Abraham’s faith, and without it, even if the deed had been added, his offering would have been unacceptable.

Prayer: Accept my faith in you, Lord, even when my works are wanting. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Electronic Resource (SOWeR) includes a database of hundreds of hymns and songs for use in worship. Search for titles, themes, or categories; then open individual pages that feature author data, plain-text lyrics, full-score hymn inserts, and simplified lead sheets for accompanists. Hymn numbers are provided for LBW/WOV and ReClaim hymnals. The database also includes original lyrics written by Sola authors, that may be sung to familiar hymn tunes.

SOWER is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 28 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Romans 10:1-4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Therefore, although the fulfilling of the law merits a reward because rewards properly pertain to the law, we ought to be mindful of the gospel, which freely offers justification for Christ’s sake. We neither keep the law, nor can keep it, until we have been reconciled to God, justified, and reborn. Keeping the law will not please God, unless we are first accepted on account of faith. Because people are accepted because of faith, the initial fulfilling of the law pleases God and has a reward in this life and after this life. Many other remarks concerning the term “reward” might be made here, that are derived from the nature of the law. Because they are so extensive, it must be explained in another connection.

Pulling It Together: We must remain aware of a dangerous temptation as we try to keep the law. As we observe the law, we can be enticed to think too highly of ourselves. If we see ourselves as living an upright life, we may forget about Christ’s benefits. Instead of trusting in Christ’s righteousness as our own, we might begin to trust our own righteousness. Of course, this is not righteousness (Isa 64:6); it is only doing what God expects of his people. Yet, keeping the law does not please God unless done in faith. Observing the law with faith in Christ has an added benefit, since it keeps our minds on Christ and his righteousness, instead of being misled into thoughts about being rewarded for religious and moral lives. The law will never save us, but Christ, who is the end of the law of righteousness, becomes the righteousness of all who believe. 

Prayer: O God, I trust in your righteousness, through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Electronic Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 27 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Malachi 3:10-12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Whenever merit is mentioned, the adversaries immediately transfer the matter from other rewards to justification, even though the gospel freely offers justification on account of Christ’s merits, not because of our own. The merits of Christ are communicated to us by faith. But works and afflictions merit other rewards, not justification, as a reward is offered for the works in these passages. “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Cor 9:6). The measure of the reward is clearly connected with the measure of the work. “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land” (Exod 20:12).Here the law also offers a reward to a certain work. 

Pulling It Together: Test God and determine whether he will bless you. Do the things that you are commanded and see if he will not pour out his blessings. But never expect him to justify you for the things you do. He blesses the just and the unjust alike (Matt 5:45) but he is only justified to those who have been made righteous through faith in Christ. These are two entirely different matters. God rewards us in this life with the things we need. He often blesses us with more than we need, sometimes because we have earned them. We ought to be thankful for the favors of God in this life. However, the righteousness required for the life to come is something we can never earn (Rom 3:28). God freely bestows this grace upon those who cannot earn it, indeed, upon those sinners who do not deserve his grace (Rom 5:8). He does so, only through faith in Jesus Christ, for all who believe (Rom 3:22). 

Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, a sinner, yet one who believes. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Electronic Resource (SOWeR) includes a database of hundreds of hymns and songs for use in worship. Search for titles, themes, or categories; then open individual pages that feature author data, plain-text lyrics, full-score hymn inserts, and simplified lead sheets for accompanists. Hymn numbers are provided for LBW/WOV and ReClaim hymnals. The database also includes original lyrics written by Sola authors, that may be sung to familiar hymn tunes.

SOWER is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 26 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Philippians 3:14-16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We also confess what we have often testified, that although justification and eternal life pertain to faith, nevertheless good works merit other bodily and spiritual rewards and degrees of rewards, according to 1 Cor. 3:8, “Each will receive his wages according to his labor.” The righteousness of the Gospel, dealing with the promise of grace, freely receives justification and rebirth. But the keeping of the law, which follows faith, has to do with the law, for which a reward is offered and is due, not freely, but according to our works. Those who merit this are justified before they keep the law. They have first been moved into the kingdom of God’s Son (Col 1:13), as Paul says, and made joint-heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17).

Pulling It Together: The issue here—and always—is Christ. Let us not think so much about rewards, but instead, about the reward. We must press on toward the real goal. That goal is not rewards but the reward of being with Christ in heaven. He is the “upward call”; it is not rewards for the works that we have done. We must hold true to the path of faith in Christ, through which we have attained justification with his Father. May we keep our minds upon Christ (Col 3:1-4) who has saved us because of his mercy, not because of the things that we have done (Titus 3:5). 

Prayer: Gracious God, help me keep my eyes on the prize of your upward calling in Christ Jesus. Amen.

The Sola Online Worship Resource (SOWeR) also includes bulletin templates. There are word processing templates for both communion and non-communion services. There are also templates for Sola, LBW, and Reclaim service settings. SOWeR is a lectionary-based web resource for Scripture lessons, lectionary inserts, children's bulletins, devotionals, text studies, prayers, hymn-planning, and much more! Join the hundreds of congregations who have discovered how simple, flexible, and useful SOWeR is for worship planning and sermon preparation. This brochure will answer more questions about SOWeR. Call 1-888-887-9840 to order a yearly subscription. 

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 25 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500 Click for online jigsaw.

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2 Peter 1:1-4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The strong hear the mention of penalties and rewards in one way, and the weak hear it in another way, since the weak labor for the sake of their own advantage. Yet the proclamation of rewards and punishments is necessary. In the preaching of punishments the wrath of God is revealed; this pertains to the preaching of repentance. In the preaching of rewards, grace is set forth. When referring to good works, Scripture often mentions faith, in order to include the righteousness of the heart with the other fruits. So it sometimes offers grace along with other rewards, as in Isaiah 58:8-9, and frequently in other places in the prophets.

Pulling It Together: We belong to Christ because of faith. This belonging means that we are his servants. So, we are to do his will and bidding. It also means that we receive his gifts and rewards, if he should choose to grant them to us. By his divine power, he has indeed, granted us all things necessary for us to share his nature. By belonging to Christ through faith, we have escaped the decay of our original natures. While the knowledge of God’s wrath about sin is always present—even as sin is ever present—we do not lose hope. Our hope is immovable because our hope is in Christ and his precious promises. If we were to hope in our good works, it would be a precarious hope, at best. Our hope, however, is based on a knowledge of God and Jesus Christ our Lord, who have multiplied to us both peace and grace.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for giving me a faith in you that puts me in equal standing with the apostles. Amen.

The goal of Personalities of Faith, a ten-session Bible study for youth, is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith". Using biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 24 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500

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2 Timothy 4:7-8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Here belongs what Paul says, “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me” (2 Tim 4:8). For the crown is due to the justified because of the promise. Saints should know this promise, not that they may labor for their own profit, since they ought to labor for the glory of God. They should know that God’s will is to aid, deliver, and protect them so that they will not despair in afflictions.

Pulling It Together

The Lord has fought the fight. He has gone before us and has won the long battle. He is with us and will never leave us or forsake us. Therefore, we should not fear, despair, or be dismayed (Deut 31:8). This is how we may finish our own race, fighting on to the finish. We live by faith (2 Cor 5:7) in the one who is already victor over the conflict. Take heart! Keep the faith. The battle is the Lord’s (2 Chr 20:15). He is victorious over sin and death, and will reward you with the crown of his righteousness.

Prayer: Give me your peace, Lord. Amen.

The Upper Room is a six-part drama and sermon series for use during the weeks of Lent, in midweek or Sunday morning services. The stories in this series seek to focus our hearts and minds on the last days of Jesus, drawing us into a greater spiritual maturity that recognizes the blessings and responsibilities of this life of faith, as we walk with our Lord on the path to the cross.

Scripture texts are assigned for each of the weeks, along with a brief sermon reflection based on the theme. A sample order of service is provided.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 23 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500

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1 Corinthians 6:9-11

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Stop, reader; you have not the whole of this sorites. For certain “sacraments” of this transference must be added, as when the hood is placed upon the dead. The blessings of Christ and the righteousness of faith have been obscured by these summations. We are not agitating an idle argument concerning the term “reward.” If the adversaries will confess that we are accounted righteous by faith because of Christ, and that good works please God because of faith, we will not debate much more about the term “reward.” We admit that eternal life is a reward because it is something due on account of the promise, but not because of our merits. We have shown above that justification is properly a promised gift of God. The promise of eternal life has been added to this gift, as testified: “Those whom he justified he also glorified" (Rom 8:30).

Pulling It Together

Some orders of monks placed their hoods upon dead bodies, indicating that their good works were transferred to the account of the deceased. But if the living cannot trust that their own works justify, how are the dead to know that the works of others have done so? Is the troubled conscience ever to find rest? Yes, there is a righteousness that we can trust. To know this incomparable peace, one must turn away from human arguments and traditions, and rely upon Scripture alone.

We confess that the unrighteous will never inherit the kingdom of God. We further admit that we were counted among the unrighteous until that day when we were washed in the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7). We have obtained eternal life because of his righteousness, not by our good works or those of others. So, we see that it is the righteousness of Christ that is transferred to us because we have faith in him. Only when we confess this truth of Scripture, will our hearts and minds will be kept in peace (Phil 4:7).

Prayer: Help me to depend upon you alone, Lord, for righteousness and eternal life. Amen.

In Part 2 of Sola Scriptura, "The Norm of Faith" study shows how anactive view of the Word informs and guides our understanding of what Scripture says. In other words, it will talk about what the Bible means based on what it does. In terms of how we come to articulate our faith and our doctrinal teachings, to speak of Scripture as the "norm" of faith means that it is the standard against which our theology and proclamation are measured.

• Study Guide   • See also Sola Scriptura, Part 1: The Source of Faith

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 22 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500 Click for jigsaw puzzle.

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Romans 14:8-12

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Our adversaries not only ascribe to works a worthiness of grace and eternal life, they also falsely state that they have superfluous merits that they can grant to others for justification, as when monks sell the merits of their orders to others. They heap up these incongruous conclusions in the manner of Chrysippus wherever the word “reward” is heard. For example, it is called a reward; therefore we have works as a price for which a reward is due; therefore works please by themselves, and not for the sake of Christ as mediator; and since one has more merits than another, therefore some have superfluous merits; those who merit them can bestow their merits upon others.

Pulling It Together

Chrysippus was a Greek philosopher who championed propositional logic. If this was the case, then the result would logically be something else. This if-then logic was applied to the term “reward.” If there is a reward, then there must be a price for the reward. Not only was this logic carried in the wrong direction, it was carried to absurd conclusions. The opponents’ conclusions were, that if one pays for his own reward, he might pay more than is due. Therefore, the credit must be transferable to others. This is an argument from human logic instead of from the mind of God. Scripture says that each person is accountable to God. So, the logic of God in Scripture runs as follows. The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23); since all have sinned, all will die; but Christ has overcome sin and death, and gives his victory as a reward to all who believe (1 Cor 15:57). 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for paying the debt that I can never pay. Amen.

The Cross and the Crown is an eight session study in Lutheran Basics, using the word "sola" to get the big picture right: that salvation is all God's doing.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 21 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Psalm 130:1-8

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

This logic is altogether new. We hear the term “reward,” and are therefore to infer that there is no need of Christ as mediator, or of faith having access to God for Christ’s sake instead of because of our works? Who does not see that this is a befuddled assumption? We do not argue about the term “reward.” Our dispute is whether good works are of themselves worthy of grace and of eternal life, or whether they please God only because of the faith that apprehends Christ as mediator.

Pulling It Together: There is nothing worthy of forgiveness and the resurrection of the body to everlasting life, save the work of Christ. Imagining otherwise does great damage to Scripture and to troubled hearts and minds. The Word of God does not tell us to depend upon ourselves. Rather it teaches that we have a mediator in Jesus Christ. He is the one who stands between us and the Father, for we cannot stand on our own (Psa 130:3). Further, our own consciences warn us that this is faulty thinking. No matter how much good work we do, we know that it is never enough to merit the reward of heaven. We are always left wondering if we have done enough.

So, it is good that we believe in God instead of ourselves. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Nowhere do we confess to believe in ourselves or to trust in our works.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for sustaining me through your Word, and through the promise of your forgiveness. Amen.

Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 20 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Matthew 20:1-10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

But they are not fair judges since they omit the word “gift.” They also exclude the principal part of the entire matter. Instead, they select the word “reward,” and interpret it in a manner that does injury to both Scripture and the very use of language. They surmise that because it is called a reward, our works ought to be the price for which eternal life is due. These works, they contend, are worthy of grace and life eternal, and do not stand in need of mercy, or of Christ as mediator, or of faith.

Pulling It Together: Eternal life is a reward from God that is based on something very important: his promise. It is not based upon how much work we have done. God rewards our faith in him, not our trust in the things we do. We are justified before God because Christ is always our mediator. He alone has set the record straight. He declares us justified through our trust in his righteousness. Nowhere are we taught that Christ comes to us saying, “I tried to get you off the hook, but you are going to have to pay this fine first—and also do some community service.” Christ does not need our help. We need his help. We are always in need of his mercy and grace, the very things he promises to those who believe.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for including me as an heir of eternal life, through your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Basics of the Christian Faith is an edition of the catechism that is aimed at seekers, visitors, and those that may not come from a Lutheran background. It is recommended for use in outreach, as a visitor welcome gift, or in new member packets.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 19 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Luke 6:20-23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Afterwards works merit other bodily and spiritual rewards because they please God on account of faith. There will be distinctions in the glory of the saints. But here the adversaries reply that eternal life is called a reward, and that it is therefore merited de condigno by good works. We reply briefly and plainly. Paul calls eternal life a gift (Rom 6:23), because the righteousness conferred for Christ's sake at the same time makes us sons of God and fellow heirs of Christ. John says, “He who believes in the Son has eternal life” (John 3:36). Augustine says, as also do very many others who follow him, “God crowns His gifts in us.” It is written elsewhere, “Your reward is great in heaven” (Luke 6:23). If these passages seem to our adversaries to be in conflict, they may explain them.

Pulling It Together: “Blessed are the poor,” Jesus says in Luke’s Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:20). In Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount, he says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matt 5:3). You might wonder how there is blessing in poverty. Only when we admit our impoverished spiritual condition, may the kingdom become our possession. When we confess our sin and turn to the father, he enriches us with the righteousness of his Son. Jesus fills us with his Spirit, and we become rich in that which matters most. Our spirits are prospered. All of this is a free gift and reward to those poor people who believe in Christ for the riches of justification, righteousness, and salvation.

Prayer: Give me a longing, Lord, for the reward of heaven. Amen. 

A Reading and Discussion of the Augsburg Confession is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, presented in a question and discussion format. The Leader's Guide that accompanies this study is a resource for those facilitating group discussion, or may serve as a reader's commentary for those who are studying the Book of Concord on their own.

Leader's Guide

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 18 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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1 Peter 1:3-9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Just as justification pertains to faith, so eternal life also pertains to faith. Peter says, “As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls” (1 Pet 1:9). Our adversaries confess that the justified are children of God and fellow heirs with Christ.

Pulling It Together: Faith is the means of justification, righteousness, and salvation. Only faith keeps our souls at peace before God. Our good deeds will never give us rest. If peace of mind were left to our works and religious ceremony, we would always be scrambling to the next deed and ritual. The things we do never provide confident assurance of rightness with God. However, because of faith, we may sit at the feet of Jesus, assured that we have a justified God in this life.

Faith is also the means by which our salvation is maintained “forever and ever.” We do nothing to eternally preserve our lives. What could we possibly do to attain such a feat? Yet just as we have faith in God to justify in this earthly life, we have faith in him to preserve us to life eternal. This living hope in resurrection and of an inheritance of all that heaven offers also strengthens and sustains faith when we face trials that test our faith in this life.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving me the hope of everlasting life with you. Amen. 

The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.

The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power” (1 Cor 6:14).

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 17 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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2 Corinthians 5:1-7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

This rebirth is, as it were, the beginning of eternal life, as Paul says, “But if Christ is in you, although your bodies are dead because of sin, your spirits are alive because of righteousness” (Rom 8:10). “Here indeed we groan, and long to put on our heavenly dwelling, so that by putting it on we may not be found naked” (2 Cor 5:2-3). The sincere reader can judge from these statements that we certainly require good works, since we teach that this faith arises in repentance, and in repentance ought continually to increase. If repentance and faith grow together in repentance, there is Christian and spiritual perfection. God-fearing people are better able to understood this teaching than those things taught by the adversaries concerning contemplation or perfection.

Pulling It Together: We are reborn with a purpose. But let us be clear; the purpose does not precede or cause rebirth. That purpose is the result of our being newly created (2 Cor 5:17), for we are “created in Christ for good works” (Eph 2:10). However, draped in these coats of flesh, it is difficult for us to perfectly walk in God’s ways. Therefore, we groan while we are still burdened by the flesh. We want to be clothed in Christ, with his perfection. So, we repent of our deeds of the flesh and begin to do works of righteousness. This process progresses with many sighs and groans until God finishes what he began (Phil 1:6). Yet, we never trust in these good works, as though they make us perfect. We live by faith, trusting in Christ, not in works of the flesh.

Prayer: Help me to never give up, Lord, and to always trust in you. Amen. 

Interactive PDF Certificates for Baptism, Rite of Confirmation, and First Communion. You get all three for one price. Simply download the files, choose the certificate you want to use, type in the name, date, and church information and print on your color printer. Save files to your computer and re-use over and over again! 

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 16 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Romans 8:29-30

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

While we are being encouraged and comforted in the midst of terrors, other spiritual inclinations increase: hope and the knowledge, fear, and love of God. We are renewed, as Paul says, in the knowledge of God (Col 3:10) and, “beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness” (2 Cor 3:18). That is, we receive the true knowledge of God, so that we truly fear him, truly trust that he cares for us, and that we are heard by him.

Pulling It Together: What will be the result in the future life for the way we have lived the present life? Left on our own, sin and death are terrifying. Without the comfort and encouragement of God’s word, all one may do is worry, fear, despair, or try to dismiss the thought. Even Christians wrestle with these thoughts. When we sin against God “in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone,” we might worry sometimes that we have pushed God too far this time. When have not loved God “with our whole heart,” we can be tempted to wonder if he really loves us. When we “have not loved our neighbors as ourselves,” we can question whether God hears our prayers.

Through such tests of faith, we grow in faith. In fear of God, we face our sins. Confessing our sins, we find that God does indeed love and forgive us. So, our hope is emboldened, and the knowledge of God’s true nature increases. Beholding this glorious nature of God, we begin to shine a bit more, as Moses did when he came down from Mt. Sinai (Exod 34:29). God slowly transforms us until finally, on that great Day, he will complete in us the work that he has begun (Phil 1:6).

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for loving me, through Jesus Christ, your Son and my Lord. Amen. 

I Am Who I Am is a six-week study that explores what it means to “not take the name of the LORD your God in vain” (Exod 20:7), while at the same time trusting the promise in Christ that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21).

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 15 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Hebrews 10:22-25

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We are reborn and receive the Holy Spirit for the very end that the new life may produce new works, new dispositions, the fear and love of God, hatred of lust, and so forth. This faith we speak of arises in repentance, and ought to become deep-rooted and grow in the midst of good works, temptations, and dangers, so that we may be more and more firmly persuaded that God for Christ's sake cares for us, forgives us, hears us. This is not learned without many great struggles. How often conscience is aroused and provokes us to despair when it displays our sins, either old or new, or the impurity of our nature! This handwriting is not blotted out without a great struggle, in which experience testifies what a difficult matter faith is.

Pulling It Together: We should recognize in ourselves that we are disposed to fall back into old ways. But we should also consider that others are just like us. They, like we, need encouragement to live the life of faith. As the great Day of Christ’s return draws ever nearer, we should promote love and good works in others. People get worn out from their vocations, their everyday lives, and even the troubles of the church. It should not be a surprise to us that many people even need encouragement to be in worship. The temptation to forsake the assembly is ever-present, and for many has become a habit. But how else will they be lifted above the troubles and temptations of this life unless they draw near to God with faith to receive his Word and Sacraments? How else will they be excited to love and good works unless they gather with a room full of sinners and see that faith is alive in people just like themselves?

Prayer: Lord, lift me when I fall, so that I might encourage someone’s faith today. Amen. 

The goal of Personalities of Faith, a ten-session Bible study for youth, is to encourage young people to commit themselves to follow Jesus in discipleship by becoming "personalities of faith". Using biblical examples of people who have followed—or failed to follow—God's call, participants will be prepared to better follow the Lord in their own lives.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 14 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Romans 8:12-15

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Here the adversaries will cry out again that there is no need of good works if they do not merit eternal life. We have refuted this pretense above. Of course, it is necessary to do good works. We say that eternal life has been promised to the justified but those who walk according to the flesh retain neither faith nor righteousness. We are justified for this very purpose, that being righteous, we may begin to do good works and to obey God’s law.

Pulling It Together: Good works are evidence that a person has been justified. For the Spirit who produces good works only indwells the justified. Those who have been reborn begin to do good works freely, in the power of God, not because they fear God, temporal punishment, or eternal damnation. Good works are not something Christians owe in order to pay off a debt of righteousness. This would be living in the flesh and in fear. Those who are reborn in Christ, live according to the Spirit, believing that the Father loves and forgives them. As his children, we begin to act like his children, not because of troubled consciences but because of the impulse of the Spirit.

Prayer: Father, move me with your Spirit to love Christ by keeping his commandments. Amen. 

The Cross and the Crown is an eight session study in Lutheran Basics, using the word "sola" to get the big picture right: that salvation is all God's doing.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 13 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500

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Romans 9:30-32a

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

So when mercy is spoken of, faith in the promise must be added. This faith produces sure hope because it relies upon the Word and command of God. If hope relied upon works, then it would be very uncertain because works cannot pacify the conscience, as has been frequently said above. This faith makes a distinction between those who are saved, and those who are not. Faith makes the distinction between the worthy and the unworthy because eternal life has been promised to the justified, and faith justifies.

Pulling It Together: Why did the gentiles come to a state of righteousness when the Jews worked hard at it but never arrived? Why did the gentiles attain righteousness when they did not even try? The answer is mercy. God’s mercy brought them to a state of righteousness. The gentiles did not believe in a system of religious works that made them righteous. They believed that God made them righteous through Christ. They had faith in God instead of themselves.

As long as people depend in themselves, and trust in their works, peace in the conscience will be fleeting. Their horizon will be filled with the lack of good works, failed efforts, and sin. The result will always be troubled consciences. However, those who trust God for righteousness through Christ, will see their own lack of good works but look to Christ’s work on the cross for salvation. They will notice their failures but depend on Christ’s victory over sin and death (1 Cor 15:57). They will confess their sins but see beyond them to the Savior. Their horizon is heaven; and it filled with confident hope in God’s mercy.

Prayer: Merciful God, give me a sure hope in Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. 

A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 12 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Romans 10:13–17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

These thoughts exert the mind, so we will briefly reply. It is necessary to firmly hold that we are saved by mercy so that hope may be certain, and so that there may be a prior distinction between those who obtain and those who do not obtain salvation. Unless it is qualified, this expression seems absurd. In civil courts and in human judgment, a right or a debt is certain, and mercy is uncertain. The matter is different with respect to God’s judgment. Here, mercy has God’s clear, certain promise and command. Strictly speaking, the gospel is the command to believe that God is merciful toward us for Christ’s sake. “For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned...” (John 3:17-18).

Pulling It Together: What came first, the chicken or the egg? Some love to deliberate over such things; these questions wear out other people. For them, it is enough to know that we are saved through faith in Christ. Yet here, there is a clue for those who need to know the causes of things. The order of progression toward salvation is clear in Paul. One is saved through faith by grace (Eph 2:8). Faith in the promise precedes salvation. God’s grace comes before it all. Those who hear the gospel and believe with faith in Christ are those who are saved. All of this comes from the gracious hand of God.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for all those you have sent to me with the good news of your salvation. Amen. 

Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 11 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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Ephesians 1:13-14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Let us, therefore, hold fast to the Church’s confession that we are saved by mercy. Some may think, “If we are to be saved by mercy, hope will be uncertain, if in those who obtain salvation nothing precedes it by which they may be distinguished from those who do not obtain it.” We must give them a satisfactory answer, since the scholastics, moved by this reasoning seem to have devised the term meritum condigni.

Pulling It Together: If there must be something observed before one is able to hope in God’s mercy, there is such evidence. Faith is the antecedent. That is the difference between those who will receive God’s mercy and those who will not. The preceding factor is not condignity, an imagined worthiness because of good works. The difference that precedes salvation is easy to determine. That distinguishing feature is trust in the one who saves. Those who hear the gospel and believe in Christ are those who receive God’s mercy and are saved.

Prayer: Loving Father, thank you for guaranteeing my salvation through belief in Christ and the seal of his Spirit. Amen. 

By the Will of God is an eight part sermon series on Ephesians that follows the summer lectionary, year B. It uses the Brobston Telemetry Method of Preaching which is an easy way to capture the hearts and minds of listeners and draw them into the Good News of Jesus Christ.Use this series to focus on the will of God in our lives. It is also a great resource to give to lay-preachers in congregations where supply pastors are unavailable to fill in when the pastor goes on vacation. Each week there is a description of the bible passage, an image to build from, a section called "going deeper" which digs into the lesson even further, and some questions to use if you decide to discuss the sermon in a Bible Study or other forum.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 10 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500

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Luke 17:7-10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

It is clearly a juvenile fallacy to interpret “unprofitable servant” as meaning that works are worthless to God but are profitable to us. Christ is speaking of a profit that would make God a debtor of grace to us, though it is out of place here to discuss what is profitable or unprofitable. “Unprofitable” servants means “insufficient,” because no one fears, loves, and trusts God as much as he ought. But let us be done with these cold quibbles of the adversaries which sound minds will easily judge when they are brought to the light. They think they have found a flaw in words that are very plain and clear. But everyone can see that this passage condemns confidence in our own works.

Pulling It Together: Our works earn us nothing. This is a clear teaching, made even clearer by understanding that the word translated as “servant” in so many English translations, literally means “slave.” This is humanity’s condition; we are not mere servants, in today’s understanding of someone who is paid for their service. We are indentured servants, slaves to sin and death, and we can never earn our freedom. No matter how much work we do, that labor is simply what is demanded of a slave. The slave’s work does not make the master indebted to the slave.

Either the master sets us free—and death and the devil are not going to do that—or someone pays our debt and sets free. This is precisely what Christ has done for us. He has paid our debt and liberated us, declaring, “No longer do I call you slaves” (John 15:15 NASB). If we are no longer indentured, to whom do we owe the debt? Indeed, if there is no longer a debt to be repaid, since Christ has paid it (Col 2:14), why would we even imagine a debt is to be requited? We not only condemn confidence in works, the whole notion of paying an already-paid debt is unreasonable.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for paying my sin debt, nailing it to the cross of Christ. Amen.  

A Discussion of Living Religions is a brief introduction to major world religions that takes a conversational approach as a group of friends talk together about what it is they believe. Each has a chance to speak for themselves about how they understand the fundamentals of reality and faith.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 09 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500 Online jigsaw

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James 4:6–10

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Ambrose says it well: “Grace is to be acknowledged; but nature must not be disregarded.” We must trust in the promise of grace, not in our own nature. But the adversaries act in accordance with their custom, and distort the judgments about faith which have been given in support of faith. We leave these thorny points to the schools.

Pulling It Together: Our nature wants to do it all, and only hopes that God will give us his grace. That is the wrong inclination. Do not trust in your efforts; do not trust the old self-reliant nature that thinks God cannot achieve justification but you can attain it if you only work at it enough. The old nature believes that if one loves enough, is joyous all the time, at peace, patient and kind toward others, is good, faithful, and self-controlled, that person will have earned God’s grace. It is the ultimate pride to think that God cannot do a thing but you can.

But the new nature of those reborn in Christ relies upon God’s grace despite our inability to produce the fruit of the Spirit. We confess that this fruit does not come from us but instead, as the term itself makes clear, comes from the Spirit. These are not the fruit of the Christian; they are the fruit of the Spirit. Because we cannot depend upon our being fruitful to merit God’s grace, we should depend upon him—for his grace is already abundantly present. Then, when he produces his fruit in our lives, we may simply be humble and thankful that God has done what we could never do.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me depend upon you to bear your fruit in my life. Amen. 

This booklet provides a suggested list of Bible verses, prayers, and familiar worship texts assigned to various age levels, recommended for use along with Sola Publishing’s Sunday Schoolhouse curriculum series. The order of texts matches the suggested grade levels in Luther’s Small Cat Series: elementary-aged curriculum on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, also available from Sola Publishing. 

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 08 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0500

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2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

But if they mean to argue from analogous statements—When you have done all things, do not trust in your works, and when you have believed all things, do not trust in the divine promise—there is no connection. They are not analogous, as the causes and objects of confidence in the former proposition are not the same as the latter. In the former, confidence is in our own works. In the latter, confidence is in the divine promise. Christ condemns confidence in our works; he does not condemn confidence in his promise. He does not wish us to despair of God's grace and mercy. He accuses our works as unworthy, but does not accuse the promise which freely offers mercy.

Pulling It Together: If a man was swimming in the ocean and began to drown, he would be quite correct to not trust his own efforts to save himself. But he would yell with his last breath to the lifeguard. The lifeguard is trained and dependable to save drowning swimmers. Think how the struggling swimmer’s hopes would buoy him up as he saw the lifeguard swimming toward him.

Would we now take a perfectly understandable comparison and turn it on itself? When you have swam your best but are about to drown, do not trust your swimming skills. Likewise, though you believe the lifeguard is there to save you, you cannot trust him either. It would be a special kind of madness to think like this. We immediately see through the bad analogy.

Just as a lifeguard may be trusted to save drowning swimmers, God may be trusted to save poor sinners. We are right to not trust in our religious skills and our good deeds. But we would be very wrong to not trust the promise of God.

Prayer: Lord, keep me steadfast in the word of your promise. Amen. 

Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 07 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Titus 3:4-7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Faith saves because it apprehends mercy and the promise of grace, even though our works are unworthy. Knowing this, their argument does not offend us: “When we have believed all things, say, ‘We are unworthy servants.’” Understanding that our works are worthless, we declare with the entire Church that we are saved by mercy.

Pulling It Together: There is faith and there is the fruit of faith. Faith ought to have results in this life, not just the result of an eternal life to come. For we pray, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” But those results—the fruit of our faith, our participation in the will of God—are not payments to God. We are not defraying a debt to God by slowly working it off in this life. That is not the way God’s economy works, as the Father has already paid the debt through his Son because our pitiful works could never amount to salvation. To insist on working off an already paid debt, cheats God by refusing his great gift. He has freely given us salvation through his mercy and loving kindness in Christ. He has also regenerated us to live the life of faith. In this new life, we continue to rely on Christ for salvation while we bear the fruit of faith through the power of his Holy Spirit. So, none of this is done in our own power or righteousness. God has done—and continues to do—it all.

Prayer: Help me to bear fruit for your kingdom, Lord, but depend upon you alone for salvation. Amen. 

Luther's Small Cat Discovers: The Seasons of the Church Year is written for 4th grade level students. This book takes students through the church year, accompanied by Luther’s Small Cat — a character who is just as inquisitive and precocious as the students. May your journey through the church year bring you closer to Christ, who walks through each moment of life alongside you.

Teacher's Guide

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 06 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Psalm 79:8–9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Although these absurdities do not deserve a refutation, nevertheless we will reply to them in a few words. The antistrophe is defective. First, the adversaries are deceived in regard to the term “faith.” If it means a knowledge of history that the wicked and devils also have, our opponents would be correct in arguing that faith is unprofitable when they say, "When we have believed all things, say, ‘We are unworthy servants.’" But we are not speaking of knowledge of history. We are talking about confidence in the promise and mercy of God. This confidence in his promise confesses that we are unworthy servants. Indeed, the confession that our works are unprofitable is the very voice of faith, as demonstrated in the example of Daniel that we already cited above. “We do not present our supplications before thee on the ground of our righteousness, but on the ground of thy great mercy” (Dan 9:18).

Pulling It Together: God forgives us for the sake of his name. His reputation is at stake, so he will keep his promise. This is easy to understand. God does not require our works of righteousness, for that would mean that he forgives for our sake, because of the things we have done, because we have a righteous name to honor. Our works are unprofitable and unnecessary for salvation, forgiveness, and justification because God’s word is sufficient. He has promised to forgive for his own sake, because of his name.

A person might know that this is what Christians believe, but that knowledge does not merit justification. A person might not feel forgiven, and so, do an abundance of good works, hoping that God will forgive them because of their deeds. Yet those deeds will not earn forgiveness. Knowledge and deeds are both useless for salvation, since they cannot earn God’s grace. God’s word of promise is all that matters; you either believe him or you do not. Faith takes hold of God’s promise, believing that we are freely forgiven and justified for his name’s sake, for Christ’s sake. Faith adds nothing to the promise; it takes God at his word.

Prayer: When my iniquities prevail against me, Lord, help me to trust your promise of atonement. Amen. 

Subscribe to Connections Magazine today. Connections features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism provides the inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design. 

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 05 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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My apologies for a very noisy recording done at Panera Bread.

John 15:14-17

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The teaching of Christ also applies here. “So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty’” (Luke 17:10). These words clearly declare that God saves because of mercy and his promise, not that it is due because of the value of our works. At this point our opponents wonderfully play with the words of Christ, making an antistrophe and turning it against us. Daring to speak over the words of Christ, they declare that if we have believed all things, we are unworthy servants. Then they add that works are of no profit to God, but are profitable to us. See how the adolescent study of sophistry delights the adversaries.

Pulling It Together: Behold, what importance some people place in their works. They value deeds so thoroughly that they distort the words of Christ. When he downplays works, they exalt them. While he promotes the Father’s mercy, they degrade it by adding as a requirement of grace what Christ says is mere duty. The keeping of the commandments, including Christ’s command to love one another (John 15:12), is simply living out Christian discipleship. This is what it looks like to be a Christian. It shows that one is rightly related to Christ, that one is his friend, chosen by him to live a life of faith instead of mere servanthood.

Beware of anything that comes between you and faith in Christ. If you find yourself thinking how fine a Christian you are because of your great love, you are exalting your works over Christ. If you discover that your conscience is dependent upon keeping the law, you are not availing yourself of a greater peace of mind—that peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7).

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for choosing me to be your friend. Amen. 

John is the fourth book in the "Old Places, New Faces" series. Twelve studies explore the profound metaphors of the Gospel of John. This study guide will make the story of Christ alive and relevant for today's readers.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 04 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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John 10:7-9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

We also wonder what our adversaries do in prayer, if indeed, the profane men ever ask anything of God. If they declare that they are worthy because they have love and good works, and ask for grace as if they had earned it, then they pray precisely like the Pharisee in Luke 18:11, who says, “I am not like other men.” He who prays for grace without relying upon God's mercy, dishonors Christ, who intercedes for us as our High Priest. Therefore, prayer relies upon God's mercy when we believe that we are heard for the sake of Christ, the High Priest, as he himself says, “ If you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name” (John 16:23). He says, “In my name,” because without this High Priest we cannot approach the Father.

Pulling It Together: If we come to God, expecting that we deserve his grace, then we are thieves of grace. When we think that we have earned God’s mercy and may therefore demand it, we rob God of the glory that belongs to him alone. We need a mediator, someone to go between us and God. Christ alone has earned this authority by ransoming himself for all people (1 Tim 2:5-6). If we imagine that we have attained such a high position, we steal the grace that the Father would freely give us through the Son whom he loves (Eph 1:6). We must therefore, always pray through Christ, expecting nothing because of ourselves or because of our deeds, yet expecting all good things of the Father because of his Son.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for making a way to the Father of grace. Amen. 

Learning the Lord's Prayer teaches the Lord's Prayer according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Second Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version

Teacher's Guide

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Wed, 03 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Daniel 9:15-19

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Jonah also says, “Those who regard vanities abandon their own mercy” (Jonah 2:9, Vulgate). All confidence is vain, except confidence in mercy. Mercy delivers us; our own merits, our own efforts, do not. Accordingly, Daniel also prays, “For we do not present our supplications before thee on the ground of our righteousness, but on the ground of thy great mercy. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, give heed and act; delay not, for thy own sake, O my God, because thy city and thy people are called by thy name” (Dan 9:18-19). So Daniel teaches us to take hold of mercy when we pray, that is, to trust in God's mercy, not in our own merits before him.

Pulling It Together: The First Commandment teaches us that God is faithful to deliver his people. “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Exod 20:2). When we confess our sin, God may also be depended upon to bring us out of our bondage to sin (1 John 1:9). We either admit our condition or remain in subjugation. The Hebrews might have stayed behind; and we too may remain enslaved to sin. So, we confess that we are in bondage. Further, we confess that we cannot free ourselves. Just as the Hebrews could not escape from their Egyptian overlords without God’s help, we cannot free ourselves from our masters: sin and death.

As God delivered the Hebrews through the Red Sea, he brings us safely through the waters of baptism. They wandered in the wilderness and finally arrived in the promised land. We move through this life and at long last, arrive at the gates of heaven. All of this is accomplished because God has promised and, in his great mercy, keeps his covenant. We take hold of his promises by faith, not by the bitter labors of “heavy burdens” and “hard service” (Exod 1:14). When God’s people depend upon their hard work, they are enslaved. Yet, when they do not depend upon their own efforts, but trust in God to do the necessary work, they are liberated from their slavery to sin and death. They are freed to live in the new kingdom, and never again regard Egypt.

Prayer: Though my efforts are unworthy, Lord, save me according to your great mercy. Amen. 

The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

• Student Workbook   • Leader's Guide

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Tue, 02 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0400

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Luke 11:2–4

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

“I feared all my works” (Job 9:28, Vulgate). “If I wash myself with snow, and cleanse my hands with lye, yet thou wilt plunge me into a pit” (Job 9:30). “Who can say, ‘I have made my heart clean; I am pure from my sin’?” (Prov 20:9). “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). In the Lord's Prayer the saints ask for the forgiveness of sins, so even the saints have sins. “He will by no means clear the guilty” (Num 14:18; Exod 34:7). “The Lord your God is a devouring fire” (Deut 4:24). Zechariah also says, “Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord” (Zech 2:13). “All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it” (Isa 40:6). In other words, the flesh and the righteousness of the flesh cannot endure the judgment of God. 

Pulling It Together: Our sin leaves us indebted to God. This is why Jesus tells us to pray, “Forgive us our sins.” Matthew uses the word “debt” (Matt 6:12), making it clear that we owe God for our moral failure. No one is exempt; all people owe God. But we cannot pay our debt. Our sin nature, our natural being, cannot stand before the glory of God. We cannot work off our debt either, since the righteousness of the flesh will not endure God’s judgment (Rom 3:20). If anything, we should fear and distrust what we consider our good works. Without faith in Christ, these good works will burn with all the other “bad works” that we have done. We cannot cleanse ourselves. All we can do is avail ourselves of the mercy of God, praying, “Forgive us.”

Prayer: Father, thank you for hearing me when I pray, and forgiving me when I ask. Amen. 

The Sola Confirmation Series is a basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum, designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Lord's Prayer workbook is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on the Introduction, each of the Petitions, and the Conclusion. The Scripture focus in the Lord's Prayer series is on the Parables of Jesus, with Bible Study lessons taken from the Gospels.

Leader's Guide

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Mon, 01 Nov 21 00:00:00 -0400

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Hebrews 10:19–23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 113

Scripture also often emphasizes the same. “Enter not into judgment with thy servant; for no man living is righteous before thee” (Psa 143:2). This passage absolutely denies the glory of righteousness, even to all saints and servants of God, if God does not forgive but judges and convicts their hearts. When David boasts in other places of his righteousness, he speaks of his cause against the persecutors of God's Word. He does not speak of his personal purity. He asks that the cause and glory of God be defended, as in Psalm 7:8: “Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me.” Likewise, in Psalm 130:3, he says that if God recorded our sins no one could endure God's judgment. “If thou, O Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?”

Pulling It Together: Pour some dirt into a cup of water and find out how many people will drink? Just so, we are not palatable; each person is just some good mixed in with the bad. We are each an undrinkable cup. Everyone sins. Even the deeds we do that others consider good, are of no estimation before the Holy God. For we are not good if we are sometimes bad. Therefore, we cannot stand before God’s glory—unless he makes us holy. Unless the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, we will never endure his glory.

Thanks be to God, that when we admit the bad within us, turning to the Lord, asking his forgiveness, believing that Christ Jesus died for our sins, he makes us good. This is not accomplished in any part by the good deeds we may do, nor by the intentions of the heart—even those that we rarely accomplish. So, we cannot make ourselves good; it is only God who can make someone righteous. He makes sinners gloriously righteous by giving them Christ’s righteousness. He forgives their sins and considers them completely righteous and holy for Christ’s sake, not ours. He is the only way (John 14:6) to the Father. There is no back door. Yet, through Christ, we may enter into the presence of God with confidence. Washed by his pure water, we may draw near with the full assurance of faith in Christ.

Prayer: Help me to hold fast the confession of my hope, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. 

All of the Sola Sunday Schoolhouse materials for Year C may be found here. They include reproducible sheets of Bible lesson, pictures, drama, worksheets, and a Christmas program. This is the Schoolhouse unit subtitled "Stories from the Beginning," covering Bible stories from the first half of the Old Testament, from Genesis through Joshua.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sun, 31 Oct 21 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Hebrews 4:14-16

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

The subject is well known and has a great many clear testimonies in Scripture and in the Church Fathers, all declaring with one voice that, even though we have good works, yet in these very works, we need mercy. Depending upon God’s mercy, faith cheers and consoles us. Therefore, the adversaries teach erroneously when they exalt merits, adding nothing about this faith that apprehends mercy. As we have said before, the promise and faith must cooperate since the promise is not apprehended unless by faith. So we say again that the promised mercy requires faith, and cannot be apprehended without faith. Therefore we justly find fault with the doctrine of meritum condigni since it teaches nothing about justifying faith. Furthermore, it obscures the glory and office of Christ as mediator. We should not be regarded as teaching anything new in this matter, since the Church Fathers have so clearly handed down the doctrine that even in good works we need mercy.

Pulling It Together: We cannot make any offering for sin that produces mercy and forgiveness. Our virtue will not do it, nor will religious works, the right disposition, or remorse. Yet there is still hope in the mercy of God, since our great High Priest has made the one offering that makes the difference. No other sacrifice affords God’s grace. Because his grace is only taken hold of through faith, we are able to confess with the Scripture that we may confidently draw near to the cross and receive the promised grace of God. If grace was to be apprehended through our own means, we could never have such bold confidence. It is faith in Christ that transports us to the cross, that blessed place of hope where our sins were carried and buried by Jesus Christ our Savior.

Prayer: I give you the honor and glory, Lord, and place all my hope in you. Amen. 

Three Keys to What Lutherans Believe is a three-session introduction to themes in Lutheran theology. By focusing on key biblical concepts, it demonstrates the primary themes that Lutherans emphasize in thinking about the Christian faith and the teachings of Scripture. The study may be particularly suited to new member classes, adult baptismal or confirmation instruction, or for use with young adults. For use in shorter sessions, leaders may choose to divide each lesson into two parts to create a six-week study.

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Sat, 30 Oct 21 00:00:00 -0400

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Proverbs 28:13-14

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law – part 111

Fourth, the entire Church confesses that eternal life is attained through mercy. Speaking of the works that saints do after being justified, Augustine says in On Grace and Free Will, “God leads us to eternal life not by our merits, but according to His mercy.” In book nine of his Confessions, he writes, “Woe to the life of man, however much it may be worthy of praise, if it be judged with mercy removed.” In his treatise On the Lord’s Prayer Cyprian says, “Lest any one should flatter himself that he is innocent, and by exalting himself, should perish the more deeply, he is instructed and taught that he sins daily, in that he is bidden to entreat daily for his sins.”

Pulling It Together: Everybody sins. Anyone who claims otherwise, is kidding himself (1 John 1:8) but God is not fooled. We were born into sin (Psa 51:5); it invades all of life. What can be done about this condition that pervades us? Nothing. There is nothing that you can do except hope in a merciful God. Without his mercy, there is only judgment and death (Heb 9:27).

We may hide our sin from others but we cannot hide from God, who is not only merciful but righteous and just. It is a foolish person who, having no fear of God, hardens his heart and does not forsake his sin. But the wise person trembles before the Almighty, and admits his sin. Because he believes that he may depend upon God’s mercy, he does not despair by taking matters into his own useless hands. He relies completely on the only one who is willing, able, and just to do something about his sinful life (1 John 1:9). He confesses his sin and obtains God’s mercy.

This is all we can do, though we really are not doing a thing. We are only admitting our sin and leaving it with God to handle. In this confession, we will have done everything needful for peace with our merciful God.

Prayer: Loving Father, help me to truly confess my sins—not in the length of the list but in the range of my trust in your mercy. Amen. 

Learning About Baptism teaches the meaning of Holy Baptism according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the First Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons focus on Baptism as a promise from God, emphasizing the power of God's Word in the Sacrament to create faith and repentance in our daily life.

Teacher's Guide

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Fri, 29 Oct 21 00:00:00 -0400 Online jigsaw

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Hebrews 6:17-20

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Third, how will the conscience know when a work has been done through this inclination of love so that it is assured it has merited grace de condigno? This distinction, that people merit at one time de congruo and at another time de condigno, was devised to elude the Scriptures. As we have already said, the intention of the one who works does not distinguish the kinds of merit. In their security, hypocrites simply think their works are worthy, and that for this reason they are accounted righteous. Yet, terrified consciences doubt concerning all works, and for this reason are continually seeking other works. For this is what it means to merit de congruo: to doubt and to work without faith until despair takes place. In a word, all that the adversaries teach in regard to this matter is full of errors and dangers.

Pulling It Together: Some people have faith in their works. They believe that there are certain things they can do to earn God’s grace. This imagined acquisition of grace is called condignity or de condigno. It betrays a lack of faith in the finished work of Christ, trusting instead, that God will dignify human works with the grace of forgiveness and righteousness. There are others, sometimes those same people, who doubt the merit of condignity (as they should) and grasp at any good work in the hope that God will offer his grace in return. This is the so-called merit of congruity or de congruo, in which people hope that their efforts will bring them into harmony with God.

How can either condignity or congruity offer hope to the despairing soul? They cannot. Only Christ offers hope that is so sure and steadfast that it is an anchor for the soul. If our anchor is in self, the winds of doubt will drag us across the ocean to shipwreck. But when our hope is in Christ, the anchor holds.

Prayer: Give me faith to trust in you, Lord, my Rock and the anchor of my soul. Amen. 

The Smalcald Articles are often considered Luther's theological Last Will and Testament. Written in easy-to-understand language, this study is presented in a discussion formation with assigned readings from the Scriptures and the Book of Concord. Included in the study is a shorter work by Philip Melanchton called "The Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope." 

Leader's Guide

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Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions http://www.solapublishing.com/news_feedback/summaries.html Thu, 28 Oct 21 00:00:00 -0400 Click for online jigsaw.

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Mark 14:32-38; 1 Kings 19:11-13

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law 

Second, the doctrine of the adversaries leaves consciences in doubt. Because the law always accuses us, even in good works, consciences can never be pacified. “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit” (Gal 5:17). Therefore, if a conscience believes that it must please God by the sake of its own work, instead of for Christ's sake, how will it have peace without faith? If hope springs from merits, what work will the conscience find that may firmly be relied upon as worthy of eternal life? Paul speaks against these doubts. “Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). We ought to be firmly convinced that righteousness and eternal life are granted us for Christ's sake. Paul also says of Abraham that, “In hope he believed against hope” (Rom 4:18).

Pulling It Together: The spirit is compelled to have faith in God but the flesh is weak. It is hard to stay awake and watchful against the accusations of the law. It is easy enough, however, to fall asleep, dreaming that there must be some way that we might please God and avert his wrath. So, we must remain alert, listening carefully beneath the roar of the law’s accusations. The law thunders and quakes against the conscience. The fiery judgment of God leaves us unsettled and trembling. But listen; there is also the sound of a low whisper, calling us to stand before the Lord. It is the Spirit of the Lord coming to us through the gospel. Although he convict