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Showing posts from October, 2025

The Truth Leads to Reformation :: John 8:(28-30) 31-36

Therefore, Jesus said, When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I AM and (that) I do nothing from myself, but just as the Father taught me, these things I speak. And the One who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone because I always do those things pleasing to him.  As he was saying these things, many believed in him. Therefore, Jesus said toward the Jews (who believed and continued to believe in) him: If you remain in my Word, truly you are my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. They responded to him: We are the seed of Abraham and (we have never been, nor continue to be) enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will be free’? Jesus answered them, Amen, Amen, I say to you: Everyone doing sin is a slave of sin. Now the slave does not remain in the house forever. The son remains forever. Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you really will be free (vv 28-36). [Introduction] Why do we celebrate the Reformation every...

Unity Is Found in God’s Call and Confession :: Ephesians 4:1-6

The Apostle Paul writes: Therefore, I encourage you — I, the prisoner in the Lord — to walk worthy of the calling in which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in Godly love, being eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: one body and one spirit, just as you were also called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, the one over all and through all and in all. [Prayer] Heavenly Father, You have called us to be one in the Spirit, united in the victory of your Son. Grant us the humility and gentleness, patience and love of your calling, that we may share the forgiveness you have given to us, enabling us to maintain the unity of the Spirit, in Jesus’ name. [Introduction] I don’t feel I fit in any more. ... I feel like this place has changed. I don’t feel welcome any more. ... I feel we are too divided. There’s no doubt about it: It sure feels comfortable ...

The Word That Wipes Tears Away :: Luke 7:11-17

And it came to pass after (leaving Capernaum that Jesus) journeyed into a city called Nain. And his disciples and a great crowd was journeying with him as he drew near to the gate of the city. And behold, a man who had died was being carried out. [He was] the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd of the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion upon her, and he said to her, Stop crying (vv 11-13). [Introduction] It sounds like such a harsh word, doesn’t it? ... Stop crying ... And to think that these are our Lord’s first words of compassion today. ... Stop ... crying ... Given the circumstances, it’s hard to hear those words, isn’t it? ... Stop crying ... I’m sure I could never speak those words at a funeral.  Here, a widow’s son has just died. So, of course, she’s crying. ... Why wouldn’t she be? This widow’s son was young. He was full of life. ... And now ... she’s ... alone ... leading a considerable crowd out of the small town o...