How do we know for certain that we have a right relationship with God? The missionary apostle Paul lays it out for us in this passage of Scripture. … More Certainty in Our Relationship with God
Palm Sunday is the gateway to Jesus’ passion. In his passion, Jesus became our gateway to righteousness. … More The Gate of the Lord
During Lent we not only meditate on Jesus’ passion but also apply lessons from Jesus’ passion to our lives. One lesson from Jesus is about suffering.
American society values happiness and contentment. As such, our culture is averse to discomfort and suffering. It’s difficult to find examples in our society where suffering is considered beneficial or a blessing.
This is why it’s essential that we learn from Jesus. Everyone mentioned the beginning of John chapter 11 suffered. Lazarus suffered death. Mary and Marth suffered grief and loss. There is no questioning the pain that they all experienced. Yet their pain had purpose:
First, Lazarus’ death and resurrection foreshadowed Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Second, Jesus said that God the Father was going to be glorified through the suffering of Lazarus.
When we suffer, we do well to reflect on whether God is working through our suffering. Is the Lord maturing our faith? (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5) Is God somehow being glorified?
I am not promoting suffering as a Christian discipline. Not am I suggesting that somehow suffering might make us “super” Christians. I am saying that God can work through our suffering or in response to our suffering. … More Purpose in Suffering
The Gospel reading for this wee can serve as an example for us to clarify whether feelings of guilt or shame are arising from sin. … More Discerning the Source of Guilt or Shame
Jesus had a practice of making intriguing statements to engage people in conversations about faith and life. We can do the same. … More The Power of Intriguing Statements
Lutheran Christians are baffled when we’re exhorted to make a decision to be born again. That said, we do acknowledge decisions when it comes to salvation. … More God’s Decision
For five weeks we will stare unblinkingly at Jesus’ obedience to God the Father. It is ironic that disobedience is one reason we will be fixated on Jesus. … More Ushered Into Lent
While this account rightly focuses on Jesus’ transfiguration, what strikes me is the potential future impact of the transfiguration. … More Strengthened Faith
The Apostle Paul called out the Corinthian Christians for being “infants” in the faith. Before we pile onto these early church brothers and sisters, how mature as we in the faith? … More Maturing in the Faith
Since the start of the Reformation some 500 years ago, critics have used Bible passages such as this against Lutheran Christians. They claim that we discount the Christian life while overemphasizing the justification by grace through faith in Jesus. Instead, Lutherans emphasize both being saved by God and serving in God’s name. … More Good Works
Kevin Wilson 360 