Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 25:23

This is a charge that may be leveled at all pastors, not merely bishops. How can pastors avoid God’s disapproval (to put it mildly) of neglecting their calls?

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Deuteronomy 6:5–7

Luther visited the parishes of Saxony and Meissen from October 22, 1528, through January 9, 1529. Years before this visitation, he had spoken of writing a catechism for the instruction of children.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: James 5:1–6

It is bad enough when the person outside the church swindles people so that he may live in excess. When leaders of the church of God do this to the very ones whom the Lord has called them to serve, it is nothing short of an obscene blotch on the character of the whole church.

Let Go

Scripture Text: Isaiah 43:16-21

You are a sinner, besieged with temptation. The weight of it worries you. Perhaps, you wonder, it is not well with your soul. Let go of it; give it to God. Take a breath; calm down and pray.

A Fortune of Joy

Scripture Text: Psalm 126:1-6

The local bank began offering 5% interest on checking accounts. Many certificates of deposit do not offer that much. You would have to be crazy not to switch to a bank that offered such earning potential on a checking account.

Prudence

Psalm 32:1-11 From the Reformer David, after enduring long and dreadful torments, when God was severely trying him, by showing him the tokens of his wrath, having at length obtained favor, applies this evidence of the divine goodness for his own benefit, and the benefit of the whole Church, that from it he may teach himself and them what constitutes the chief point of salvation. All men must necessarily be either in miserable ...

The Right Focus

Scripture Text: Psalm 85:8-13

He was convinced that he was no good because he could not keep the commandments of God perfectly. He did well most days but then fell down sometimes.

On the Run

Scripture Text: Psalm 4:1-8

David was called to be the king of Israel yet was consigned to the wilderness instead of a palace, running from the present king and the whole army.

The Further Shore

Scripture Text: Psalm 51:1-12

It is God himself who provides that further shore of salvation. Indeed, he is the shore. You must rise up and go!

Glimpsing God

Scripture Text: Psalm 99:1-9

You may worship him in Zion or by the pillar of the camp or at his footstool or on the holy mountain or on the Mercy Seat itself!

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 20:25–28

While pastors should be concerned that the Word of God is upheld in the church, they should do so only from the position of the Word’s authority. Otherwise, they have no authority.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 John 5:1–5

When the institutional church acts like the world system, there is only one answer: faith in Christ—complete trust in the truth of his gospel. Christ alone will see you through.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Proverbs 29:2

The story of Haman in the Old Testament book of Esther may not be as well known as it should be. Haman was that sort of dishonorable civil official who purchases position and favor.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:14–15

If anyone does not obey the apostolic word, it is the responsibility of pastors to offer a biblical corrective to that sister or brother —even if that correction goes so far as terminating church ties with those who are not faithful

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 5:17–18

Beware of bishops, pastors, and elders who busy themselves with duties that range often from the ministry of Word and Sacrament. Even in the overseer’s duty of ordination, this ministry of the office is celebrated...

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 4:4

The saying reads, “God is not who you think he is; he is who he says he is.” As goes with the person of God, so it goes with doctrine: it is revealed in his Word.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:9–10

Everyone of faith in Christ is a priest of God. The church is that “holy nation” Peter means when he speaks of God’s people. From that chosen race, God calls each to a certain vocation.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 18:19–20

The keys belong to Christ and are used in his name and in his presence. Therefore, one cannot insist upon this or that, without the authority and presence of Christ.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:4–6

The Augsburg Confession declares that the church is the gathering of saints where the gospel is purely taught and the sacraments are properly administered (Article VII).

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 9:1–2

It is Christ Jesus who sends out his ministers. While this is certainly ratified in the church and through the laying on of hands, let us be careful that we do not presume too much for ourselves.


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