Posting every Tuesday at 3PM, U.S. Central Time

“Now, what is the Sacrament of the Altar?”

Answer, “It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, in and under the bread and wine, which we Christians are commanded by Christ’s Word to eat and to drink.” … We say that though the Sacrament is bread and wine, it is not mere bread and wine, such as are ordinarily served at the table [1 Corinthians 10:16–17]. But this is bread and wine included in, and connected with, God’s Word.

It is the Word, I say, that makes and sets this Sacrament apart. So it is not mere bread and wine, but is, and is called, Christ’s body and blood [1 Corinthians 11:23–27]. … It is not the word or ordinance of a prince or emperor. But it is the Word of the grand Majesty, at whose feet all creatures should fall and affirm it is as He says, and accept it with all reverence, fear, and humility [Isaiah 45:23; Philippians 2:10].

It is true, indeed, that if you take away the Word or regard the Sacrament without the words, you have nothing but mere bread and wine. But if the words remain with them, as they shall and must, then, by virtue of the words, it is truly Christ’s body and blood. What Christ’s lips say and speak, so it is. He can never lie or deceive [Titus 1:2].

The Word by which it became a Sacrament and was instituted does not become false because of the person or his unbelief. For Christ does not say, “If you believe or are worthy, you receive My body and blood.” No, He says, “Take, eat and drink; this is My body and blood.” … “No matter whether you are worthy or unworthy, you have here His body and blood by virtue of these words that are added to the bread and wine.” Note and remember this well. For upon these words rest all our foundation, protection, and defense against all errors and deception that have ever come or may yet come.

Large Catechism V 8–11, 13–14, 17–19

In commemoration of the 509th anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of the Ninety-five Theses on door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany (October 31, 1517), I’m offering a limited-time 2/3 off discount on the annual paid subscription to my Substack newsletter. This is best price of the year, and today is the final day.

Regular price: $50/year

Reformation special: $17/year

Available until: October 31 (Reformation Day)

Returns to full price: November 1

Free subscribers receive posts twice weekly, on Saturday morning and Tuesday afternoon. However, paid subscribers receive exclusive content that posts every Thursday afternoon under the banner of Answering Life’s Questions: Walking through the Catechism with Jesus.

Each week, we address and answer one of life’s questions, using Luther’s Small Catechism as our guide. Upcoming questions include:

What place do the Sacraments have in the daily life of believers?

Why do Christians speak God’s Word and pray at mealtime?

Thank you for reading, supporting, and being part of this journey.

Best,

John

Subscribe now

Posting every Saturday at 6AM, U.S. Central Time

Blessed Saturday, October 31st! May the peace of Our Lord Jesus be with you and yours.

As I mentioned last week, things have been under construction around here and that is now complete. Hopefully, you will find the changes to be an improvement! I’ve added a prayer office that is essentially an amalgamation of Matins, Vespers, and Compline and therefore can be used at any time of day or night and by any individual (or group). It will typically be based on the Gospel reading for the coming Sunday in the Church Year. Principal feasts of Christ that fall on a Sunday will be recognized as well, and therefore, today’s office is for All Saints Day.

All Saints’ Day is November 1st each year and commemorates the whole “great cloud of witnesses” — all believers in Christ who have died in the faith. Its liturgical color is white, symbolizing purity, victory, and the washed robes of the saints. The appointed Gospel reading, Matthew 5:1–12, emphasizes the blessedness of the saints in Christ’s presence. The day highlights the communion of saints, the unity of believers on earth and in heaven. Lutheran teaching stresses that Christians do not pray to the saints; instead, they remember them to thank God, strengthen faith, and follow their example, as taught in Augsburg Confession XXI. The focus remains on Christ, the Lamb who gathers His people.

A blessed Reformation Day (October 31) and Feast of All Saints (November 1) to you.

A SHORT ORDER OF PRAYER

O Lord, open my lips.

And my mouth will declare Your praise.

Make haste, O God, to deliver me;

make haste to help me, O Lord.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning,

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Praise to You, O Christ.

Alleluia.

Psalmody

The Lord will come again in glory.

O come, let us worship Him.

In the morning, the Venite (Psalm 95:1-7) may be sung or prayed.

Psalm 149 (ESV)

Praise the LORD!

Sing to the LORD a new song,

his praise in the assembly of the godly!

Let Israel be glad in his Maker;

let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!

Let them praise his name with dancing,

making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!

For the LORD takes pleasure in his people;

he adorns the humble with salvation.

Let the godly exult in glory;

let them sing for joy on their beds.

Let the high praises of God be in their throats

and two-edged swords in their hands,

to execute vengeance on the nations

and punishments on the peoples,

to bind their kings with chains

and their nobles with fetters of iron,

to execute on them the judgment written!

This is honor for all his godly ones.

Praise the LORD!

Office Hymn: LSB 677

1 For all the saints who from their labors rest,

Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,

Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

2 Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;

Thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;

Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

3 Oh, may Thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,

Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old

And win with them the victor’s crown of gold!

Alleluia! Alleluia!

4 Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine!

We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;

Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

5 And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long,

Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,

And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

6 The golden evening brightens in the west;

Soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest;

Sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

7 But lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day;

The saints triumphant rise in bright array;

The King of glory passes on His way.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

8 From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,

Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,

Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Readings

Gospel for All Saints’ Day: Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV)

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

O Lord, have mercy on us.

Thanks be to God.

The following additional readings may be read.

Revelation 7:2-17

1 John 3:1-3

Responsory

Teach me Your way, O Lord,

that I may walk in Your truth.

Your Word is a lamp to my feet

and a light to my path.

The Lutheran Study Bible (CPH) teaches:

Jesus introduces His Sermon on the Mount with nine beatitudes that detail the future blessedness of His disciples. These promised blessings are God’s gracious gifts to those who repent of their sins and trust Christ for righteousness. Only after Jesus has assured His disciples of God’s goodness to them does He call on them, in the rest of His sermon, to be good and do good. When we recognize our own spiritual poverty, when the Lord leads us to hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness, when He makes us pure in heart so that we seek to worship only the true God, then we are blessed, now and forever.

Gracious Savior, keep my eyes ever focused on You and Your blessings, which are mine by grace alone. Amen.

Canticle

In the morning, the Te Deum or Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79) may be sung or prayed. In the evening, the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) is suggested.

Prayer

Kyrie - Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy.

Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

O Lord, hear my prayer.

And let my cry come to You.

Any number of prayers may be recited including collects of the day, intercession, and thanksgiving. Additional prayers for others and ourselves may be included such as for the Church and our world, the Litany, and prayers for the Baptismal life.

Almighty and everlasting God, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into one holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

In the morning, the Collect for Grace may be sung or prayed. In the evening, the Collect for Peace is suggested.

At bedtime, the Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2:29-32) may be sung or prayed.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The grace of our Lord + Jesus Christ

and the love of God

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all. Amen.

Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one another; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR

Twenty-second Sunday after Trinity (1-year) — 1 Nov

Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost (3-year) — 1 Nov

All Saints’ Day — 1 Nov

+ All Saints’ Day +

1 November

“These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” - Revelation 7:14b

This feast is the most comprehensive of the days of commemoration, encompassing the entire scope of that great cloud of witnesses with which we are surrounded (Hebrews 12:1). It holds before the eyes of faith that great multitude which no man can number: all the saints of God in Christ— from every nation, race, culture, and language— who have come “out of the great tribulation … who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9, 14). As such, it sets before us the full height and depth and breadth and length of our dear Lord’s gracious salvation (Ephesians 3:17–19). It shares with Easter a celebration of the resurrection, since all those who have died with Christ Jesus have also been raised with Him (Romans 6:3–8). It shares with Pentecost a celebration of the ingathering of the entire Church catholic— in heaven and on earth, in all times and places— in the one Body of Christ, in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Just as we have all been called to the one hope that belongs to our call, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4–6). And the Feast of All Saints shares with the final Sundays of the Church Year an eschatological focus on the life everlasting and a confession that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). In all of these emphases, the purpose of this feast is to fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, that we might not grow weary or fainthearted (Hebrews 12:2–3). - Treasury of Daily Prayer

DAILY LECTIONARY

Please join us as we study God’s Word. I encourage the use of the Daily Lectionary and the Treasury of Daily Prayer.

My current favorite option is the YouTube livestream Daily Readings & Prayers by the Rev. Jon M. Ellingworth of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waverly, Iowa. This is also available as a podcast (Spotify, Apple, etc.) by searching for the name of the church.

Alternatively, the following websites are great: here and here.

And as always, the full schedule is located in Lutheran Service Book on page 299 (Pew Edition).

The Lutheran Study Bible is a wonderful resource and the only study Bible I recommend.

Thus says the Lord:

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man

and makes flesh his strength,

whose heart turns away from the Lord.

He is like a shrub in the desert,

and shall not see any good come.

He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness,

in an uninhabited salt land.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,

whose trust is the Lord.

He is like a tree planted by water,

that sends out its roots by the stream,

and does not fear when heat comes,

for its leaves remain green,

and is not anxious in the year of drought,

for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

The heart is deceitful above all things,

and desperately sick;

who can understand it?

“I the Lord search the heart

and test the mind,

to give every man according to his ways,

according to the fruit of his deeds.”

- Jeremiah 17:5-10

Join us Monday, November 2nd as we begin our study of and meditation on the Book of Jeremiah.

For excellent, in depth, introductions to each book of the Bible presented by Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller, follow the link here.

Kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy) is a short prayer found in the historic liturgy of the Church. It comes into English from Latin, itself a transliteration from the Greek…Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

Pronunciation: KEER-ee-ay il-AY-iss-on

Click here to find a good Lutheran church to visit near you.

Colossians 3:12-17

Psalm 107:1

Subscribe now

Posting every Tuesday at 3PM, U.S. Central Time

What is the Sacrament of the Altar?

It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink.

Where is this written?

The holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul write:

Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.”

In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

Small Catechism

Catechism hymn:  O Lord, We Praise Thee (LSB 617)

Scripture references:  1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Matthew 26:26-28; Romans 5:20-21; 1 Peter 2:24

O Lord, we praise Thee, bless Thee, and adore Thee,

In thanksgiving bow before Thee.

Thou with Thy body and Thy blood didst nourish

Our weak souls that they may flourish:

O Lord, have mercy!

May Thy body, Lord, born of Mary,

That our sins and sorrows did carry,

And Thy blood for us plead

In all trial, fear, and need:

O Lord, have mercy!

Thy holy body into death was given,

Life to win for us in heaven.

No greater love than this to Thee could bind us;

May this feast thereof remind us!

O Lord, have mercy!

Lord, Thy kindness did so constrain Thee

That Thy blood should bless and sustain me.

All our debt Thou hast paid;

Peace with God once more is made:

O Lord, have mercy!

May God bestow on us His grace and favor

That we follow Christ our Savior

And live together here in love and union

Nor despise this blest Communion!

O Lord, have mercy!

Let not Thy good Spirit forsake us;

Grant that heav’nly-minded He make us;

Give Thy Church, Lord, to see

Days of peace and unity:

O Lord, have mercy!

In commemoration of the 509th anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of the Ninety-five Theses on door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany (October 31, 1517), I’m offering a limited-time 2/3 off discount on the annual paid subscription to my Substack newsletter. This is best price of the year, and it only lasts one week.

Regular price: $50/year

Reformation special: $17/year

Available until: October 31 (Reformation Day)

Returns to full price: November 1

Free subscribers receive posts twice weekly, on Saturday morning and Tuesday afternoon. However, paid subscribers receive exclusive content that posts every Thursday afternoon under the banner of Answering Life’s Questions: Walking through the Catechism with Jesus.

Each week, we address and answer one of life’s questions, using Luther’s Small Catechism as our guide. Upcoming questions include:

What place do the Sacraments have in the daily life of believers?

Why do Christians speak God’s Word and pray at mealtime?

Thank you for reading, supporting, and being part of this journey.

Best,

John

Subscribe now

Psalm 34:1–2, 11, 22; antiphon: Psalm 119:46

Blessed Saturday, October 24th! May the peace of Our Lord Jesus be with you and yours.

As you can see, things are under construction around here! And if you have been a subscriber from the beginning (2023) when this free weekly email newsletter was created, you have noticed that things have changed a bit from time to time. This has usually been due to my own interests, activities, and time commitments. Yet, through it all, I have always strived to make it better and not worse, hopefully!

But fear not, little flock, starting next Saturday, October 31st aka Reformation Day aka Eve of All Saints aka Halloween, we are starting something new. Although, it’s really not new. We are going old school and bringing back the Short Order of Prayer that used to be on the Facebook page that spawned this Substack. The Short Order of Prayer is an amalgamation of Matins, Vespers, and Compline and therefore can be used at any time of day or night and by any individual (or group). However, instead of providing it daily like the old Facebook, it will be posted here weekly (Saturdays at 6 AM, U.S. Central Time) and generally be based on the Gospel reading for the coming Sunday in the Church Year. If a principal feast of Christ (i.e. All Saints’ Day) falls on a Sunday, the Gospel reading it will be used instead.

That’s all for now! A blessed Reformation week to you all.

The hymn of the day for Reformation Day (Observed) follows. Check out Psalm 46:1-11; Revelation 19:11-16; Romans 8:31-39; and Ephesians 6:10-17 as well.

1 A mighty fortress is our God,
A trusty shield and weapon;
He helps us free from ev’ry need
That hath us now o’ertaken.
The old evil foe
Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight;
On earth is not his equal.

2 With might of ours can naught be done,
Soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the Valiant One,
Whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, Who is this?
Jesus Christ it is,
Of Sabaoth Lord,
And there’s none other God;
He holds the field forever.

3 Though devils all the world should fill,
All eager to devour us.
We tremble not, we fear no ill;
They shall not overpow’r us.
This world’s prince may still
Scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none.
He’s judged; the deed is done;
One little word can fell him.

4 The Word they still shall let remain
Nor any thanks have for it;
He’s by our side upon the plain
With His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life,
Goods, fame, child, and wife,
Though these all be gone,
Our vict’ry has been won;
The Kingdom ours remaineth.

LSB 656

Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one another; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

This Week in the Church Year

Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity (1-year) — 25 Oct

Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost (3-year) — 25 Oct

Dorcas (Tabitha), Lydia, and Phoebe, Faithful Women — 25 Oct

Philipp Nicolai, Johann Heermann, and Paul Gerhardt, Hymnwriters — 26 Oct

St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles — 28 Oct

Reformation Day — 31 Oct

+ Reformation Day +

31 October

“I will speak of your testimonies before kings, O Lord, and shall not be put to shame.” - Psalm 119:46

On October 31, 1517, an Augustinian monk posted ninety-five statements for discussion on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. Dr. Martin Luther hoped that posting his theses would bring about an academic debate regarding repentance, the sale of indulgences, and other matters of concern within the Roman Catholic Church. However, Rome eventually excommunicated Luther, judging him to be a heretic. Luther’s reforms, centered on the teaching that a believer is justified by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, sparked religious reforms not only in the German states but also in many European countries. In 1667, Elector John George II of Saxony standardized the custom of observing Luther’s October 31 posting of the Ninety-five Theses. - Treasury of Daily Prayer

Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Please join us as we study God’s Word. Being that our regular Saturday morning posts are under construction, this is the final week that I will post the readings for the Daily Lectionary (see below). However, I do still encourage the use of the Daily Lectionary and the Treasury of Daily Prayer. Therefore, I will continue to point you to several options.

My current favorite is the YouTube livestream Daily Readings & Prayers by the Rev. Jon M. Ellingworth of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waverly, Iowa.

Alternatively, the following websites are great: here and here.

And as always, the full schedule is located in Lutheran Service Book on page 299 (Pew Edition).

Kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy) is a short prayer found in the historic liturgy of the Church. It comes into English from Latin, itself a transliteration from the Greek…Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

Pronunciation: KEER-ee-ay il-AY-iss-on

Click here to find a good Lutheran church to visit near you.

The Lutheran Study Bible

Colossians 3:12-17

Psalm 107:1

Posting every Thursday at 3PM, U.S. Central Time

It is well known that we have made clear and praised the benefit of Absolution and the Power of the Keys. Many troubled consciences have derived comfort from our teaching. They have been comforted after they heard that it is God’s command, no, rather, the very voice of the Gospel, that we should believe the Absolution and regard it as certain that the forgiveness of sins is freely granted to us for Christ’s sake. We should believe that through this faith we are truly reconciled to God. This belief has encouraged many godly minds and, in the beginning, brought Luther the highest praise from all good people. This belief shows consciences sure and firm comfort. Previously, the entire power of Absolution had been kept under wraps by teachings about works….

Concerning the time, certainly most people in our churches frequently use the Sacraments (Absolution and the Lord’s Supper) during the year. Those who teach about the worth and fruit of the Sacraments speak in a way that invites the people to use the Sacraments frequently. … Excommunication is also pronounced against the openly wicked and the haters of the Sacraments. These things are done both according to the Gospel and according to the old canons. A fixed time for Confession is not prescribed because all are not ready in the same way at the same time. Yes, if all were to come at the same time, they could not be heard and instructed in order….

Concerning the enumeration of sins in Confession, people are taught in such a way as not to trap their consciences. It is helpful to familiarize inexperienced people, to name some things, in order that they may be more readily taught. We are now discussing what is necessary according to divine Law. … We believe that, according to divine Law, a complete listing of sins is not necessary. … However, it is clear that most sins we neither remember nor understand, according to Psalm 19:12, “Who can discern his errors?”

Apology of the Augsburg Confession XI 59–61, 63, 65

Psalm 121:1–4, 7–8; antiphon: v. 5

Blessed Saturday, October 17th! May the peace of Our Lord Jesus be with you and yours.

The hymn of the day for the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24A) according to the Three-Year Lectionary follows. Check out Revelation 7:9-14; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23; and Psalm 31:1-40 as well.

1 Holy God, we praise Thy name;
Lord of all, we bow before Thee.
All on earth Thy scepter claim,
All in heav’n above adore Thee.
Infinite Thy vast domain,
Everlasting is Thy reign.

2 Hark! the glad celestial hymn
Angel choirs above are raising;
Cherubim and seraphim,
In unceasing chorus praising,
Fill the heav’ns with sweet accord:
Holy, holy, holy Lord!

3 Lo, th’apostles’ holy train
Join Thy sacred name to hallow;
Prophets swell the glad refrain,
And the white-robed martyrs follow,
And from morn to set of sun
Through the Church the song goes on.

4 Thou art King of glory, Christ;
Son of God, yet born of Mary.
For us sinners sacrificed,
As to death a Tributary,
First to break the bars of death,
Thou hast opened heav’n to faith.

5 Holy Father, holy Son,
Holy Spirit, three we name Thee;
Though in essence only one,
Undivided God we claim Thee
And, adoring, bend the knee
While we own the mystery.

LSB 940

Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one another; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

This Week in the Church Year

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity (1-year) — 18 Oct

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost (3-year) — 18 Oct

St. Luke, Evangelist — 18 Oct

St James of Jerusalem, Brother of Jesus and Martyr — 23 Oct

+ St. Luke, Evangelist +

18 October

“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” - Luke 24:46-47

St. Luke, the beloved physician referred to by St. Paul (Colossians 4:14), presents us with Jesus, whose blood provides the medicine of immortality. As his traveling companion, Paul claimed Luke’s Gospel as his own for its healing of souls (Eusebius). Luke traveled with Paul during the second missionary journey, joining him after Paul received his Macedonian call to bring the Gospel to Europe (Acts 16:10–17). Luke most likely stayed behind in Philippi for seven years, rejoining Paul at the end of the third missionary journey in Macedonia. He traveled with Paul to Troas, Jerusalem, and Caesarea, where Paul was imprisoned for two years (Acts 20:5–21:18). While in Caesarea, Luke may have researched material that he used in his Gospel. Afterward, Luke accompanied Paul on his journey to Rome (Acts 27:1-28:16). Especially beloved in Luke’s Gospel are the stories of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29–37), the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32), the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31), and the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9–14). Only Luke provides a detailed account of Christ’s birth (Luke 2:1–20) and the canticles of Mary (Luke 1:46–55), of Zechariah (Luke 1:68–79), and of Simeon (Luke 2:29–32). To show how Christ continued His work in the Early Church through the apostles, Luke also penned the Acts of the Apostles. More than one-third of the New Testament comes from the hand of the evangelist Luke. - Treasury of Daily Prayer

Almighty God, our Father, Your blessed Son called Luke the physician to be an evangelist and physician of the soul. Grant that the healing medicine of the Gospel and the Sacraments may put to flight the diseases of our souls that with willing hearts we may ever love and serve You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

For that belov’d physician
All praise, whose Gospel shows
The Healer of the nations,
The one who shares our woes.
Your wine and oil, O Savior,
Upon our spirits pour,
And with true balm of Gilead
Anoint us evermore.

LSB 518:26

Please join us as we study God’s Word. This week, we continue our readings in the Book of Deuteronomy and the Gospel of Matthew. These daily readings can be found in Lutheran Service Book, Treasury of Daily Prayer, or alternatively, at the following website. You can also see what’s coming up below.

Prepare to read each book by checking out the following podcast series.

Introducing the Books of the Bible — Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller

Kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy) is a short prayer found in the historic liturgy of the Church. It comes into English from Latin, itself a transliteration from the Greek…Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

Pronunciation: KEER-ee-ay il-AY-iss-on

Click here to find a good Lutheran church to visit near you.

The Lutheran Study Bible

Colossians 3:12-17

Psalm 107:1

Posting every Tuesday at 3PM CST

Absolution, or the Power of the Keys, is an aid against sin and a consolation for a bad conscience; it is ordained by Christ in the Gospel [Matthew 16:19]. Therefore, Confession and Absolution should by no means be abolished in the Church. This is especially for the sake of timid consciences and untrained young people, so they may be examined and instructed in Christian doctrine.

But the listing of sins should be free to everyone, as to what a person wishes to list or not to list. For as long as we are in the flesh, we will not lie when we say, “I am a poor man, full of sin”; “I see in my members another law”; and such (Romans 7:23). Since private Absolution originates in the Office of the Keys, it should not be despised, but greatly and highly esteemed, along with all other offices of the Christian Church….

We must constantly maintain this point: God does not want to deal with us in any other way than through the spoken Word and the Sacraments. Whatever is praised as from the Spirit— without the Word and Sacraments— is the devil himself. God wanted to appear even to Moses through the burning bush and spoken Word [Exodus 3:2–15]. No prophet, neither Elijah nor Elisha, received the Spirit without the Ten Commandments ‹or the spoken Word›. John the Baptist was not conceived without the word of Gabriel coming first, nor did he leap in his mother’s womb without Mary’s voice [Luke 1:11–20, 41]. Peter says, “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” [2 Peter1:21].

Smalcald Articles III VIII 1–2, 10–13

Isaiah 61:10; antiphon: Psalm 146:2

Blessed Saturday, October 10th! May the peace of Our Lord Jesus be with you and yours.

The hymn of the day for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost according to the Three-Year Lectionary follows. Check out Matthew 8:11-12; Psalm 107:2-9; Revelation 7:9-17; and Revelation 2:10 as well.

1 A multitude comes from the east and the west
To sit at the feast of salvation
With Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the blest,
Obeying the Lord’s invitation.
Have mercy upon us, O Jesus!

2 O God, let us hear when our Shepherd shall call
In accents persuasive and tender,
That while there is time we make haste, one and all,
And find Him, our mighty Defender.
Have mercy upon us, O Jesus!

3 All trials shall be like a dream that is past,
Forgotten all trouble and mourning.
All questions and doubts have been answered at last,
When rises the light of that morning.
Have mercy upon us, O Jesus!

4 The heavens shall ring with an anthem more grand
Than ever on earth was recorded.
The blest of the Lord shall receive at His hand
The crown to the victors awarded.
Have mercy upon us, O Jesus!

LSB 510

Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one another; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

This Week in the Church Year

Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity (1-year) — 11 Oct

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (3-year) — 11 Oct

Philip the Deacon — 11 Oct

Ignatius of Antioch, Pastor and Martyr — 17 Oct

+ Philip the Deacon +

11 October

Philip, also called the Evangelist (Acts 21:8), was one of the seven men appointed to assist in the work of the twelve Apostles and of the rapidly growing early church by overseeing the distribution of food to the poor (6:1–6). Following the martyrdom of Stephen, Philip proclaimed the Gospel in Samaria and led Simon the Sorcerer to become a believer in Christ (8:4–13). He was also instrumental in bringing about the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch (8:26–39), through whom Philip became indirectly responsible for bringing the Good News of Jesus to the people on the continent of Africa. In the town of Caesarea he was host for several days to the Apostle Paul, who stopped there on his last journey to Jerusalem (21:8–15). - Treasury of Daily Prayer

Please join us as we study God’s Word. This week, we continue our readings in the Book of Deuteronomy and the Gospel of Matthew. These daily readings can be found in Lutheran Service Book, Treasury of Daily Prayer, or alternatively, at the following website. You can also see what’s coming up below.

Prepare to read each book by checking out the following podcast series.

Introducing the Books of the Bible — Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller

Kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy) is a short prayer found in the historic liturgy of the Church. It comes into English from Latin, itself a transliteration from the Greek…Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

Pronunciation: KEER-ee-ay il-AY-iss-on

Click here to find a good Lutheran church to visit near you.

The Lutheran Study Bible

Colossians 3:12-17

Psalm 107:1

Posting every Tuesday at 3PM CST

Our churches teach that private Absolution should be retained in the churches, although listing all sins is not necessary for Confession. For, according to the Psalm, it is impossible. “Who can discern his errors?” (Psalm 19:12).

Augsburg Confession XI

Our churches teach that there is forgiveness of sins for those who have fallen after Baptism whenever they are converted. The Church ought to impart Absolution to those who return to repentance [Jeremiah 3:12]. Now, strictly speaking, repentance consists of two parts. One part is contrition, that is, terrors striking the conscience through the knowledge of sin. The other part is faith, which is born of the Gospel [Romans 10:17] or the Absolution and believes that for Christ’s sake, sins are forgiven. It comforts the conscience and delivers it from terror. Then good works are bound to follow, which are the fruit of repentance [Galatians 5:22–23].

Augsburg Confession XII 1– 6

Confession in the churches is not abolished among us. … The people are very carefully taught about faith in the Absolution. Before, there was profound silence about faith. Our people are taught that they should highly prize the Absolution as being God’s voice and pronounced by God’s command. The Power of the Keys [Matthew 16:19] is set forth in its beauty. They are reminded what great consolation it brings to anxious consciences and that God requires faith to believe such Absolution as a voice sounding from heaven [e.g., John 12:28–30]. They are taught that such faith in Christ truly obtains and receives the forgiveness of sins.

Our churches teach that naming every sin is not necessary and that consciences should not be burdened with worry about naming every sin. It is impossible to recount all sins. … If only sins that can be named are forgiven, consciences could never find peace. For many sins cannot be seen or remembered. The ancient writers also testify that a listing of sins is not necessary.

… Because of the great benefit of Absolution, and because it is otherwise useful to the conscience, Confession is retained among us.

Augsburg Confession XXV 1, 2–5, 7, 9–10, 13

Psalm 118:22–24; antiphon: v. 1

Blessed Saturday, October 3rd! May the peace of Our Lord Jesus be with you and yours.

The hymn of the day for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost according to the Three-Year Lectionary follows. Check out Ephesians 3:17-21; Philippians 2:6-9; Hebrews 2:9-18; and John 1:1-14 as well.

1 O love, how deep, how broad, how high,
Beyond all thought and fantasy,
That God, the Son of God, should take
Our mortal form for mortals’ sake!

2 He sent no angel to our race,
Of higher or of lower place,
But wore the robe of human frame,
And to this world Himself He came.

3 For us baptized, for us He bore
His holy fast and hungered sore;
For us temptation sharp He knew;
For us the tempter overthrew.

4 For us He prayed; for us He taught;
For us His daily works He wrought,
By words and signs and actions thus
Still seeking not Himself but us.

5 For us by wickedness betrayed,
For us, in crown of thorns arrayed,
He bore the shameful cross and death;
For us He gave His dying breath.

6 For us He rose from death again;
For us He went on high to reign;
For us He sent His Spirit here
To guide, to strengthen, and to cheer.

7 All glory to our Lord and God
For love so deep, so high, so broad;
The Trinity whom we adore
Forever and forevermore.

LSB 544

Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one another; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

This Week in the Church Year

Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity (1-year) — 4 Oct

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (3-year) — 4 Oct

Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, Pastor — 7 Oct

Abraham — 9 Oct

+ Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, Pastor +

7 October

Moving from the Old World to the New, Muhlenberg established the shape of Lutheran parishes for America during a 45-year ministry in Pennsylvania. Born at Einbeck, Germany, in 1711, he came to the American colonies in 1742. A tireless traveler, Muhlenberg helped to found many Lutheran congregations and was the guiding force behind the first American Lutheran synod, the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, founded in 1748. He valued the role of music in Lutheran worship (often serving as his own organist) and was also the guiding force in preparing the first American Lutheran liturgy (also in 1748). Muhlenberg is remembered as a church leader, a journalist, a liturgist, and—above all—a pastor to the congregation in his charge. He died in 1787, leaving behind a large extended family and a lasting heritage: American Lutheranism. - Treasury of Daily Prayer

Please join us as we study God’s Word. This week, we continue our readings in the Book of Deuteronomy and the Gospel of Matthew. These daily readings can be found in Lutheran Service Book, Treasury of Daily Prayer, or alternatively, at the following website. You can also see what’s coming up below.

Prepare to read each book by checking out the following podcast series.

Introducing the Books of the Bible — Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller

Kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy) is a short prayer found in the historic liturgy of the Church. It comes into English from Latin, itself a transliteration from the Greek…Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

Pronunciation: KEER-ee-ay il-AY-iss-on

Click here to find a good Lutheran church to visit near you.

The Lutheran Study Bible

Colossians 3:12-17

Psalm 107:1

Answering Life’s Questions: Walking Through the Catechism with Jesus

Posting every Thursday at 3PM CST

What does it mean to begin the morning by making the sign of the holy cross?

The Small Catechism teaches Christians to begin the day by making the sign of the cross and saying, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” This simple practice reminds us that we belong to Christ through Holy Baptism.

The apostle Paul writes:

“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2, WEB)

This is our focus verse. Paul places Christ crucified at the very center of Christian faith. The cross is not merely a symbol of Christianity—it is where Jesus gave Himself for the sins of the world. Beginning the day with the sign of the cross directs our hearts back to Him.

Read more

Posting every Tuesday at 3PM CST

The greater excommunication, as the pope calls it, we regard only as a civil penalty, and it does not concern us ministers of the Church. But the lesser, truly Christian excommunication, is this: Open and hard-hearted sinners are not admitted to the Sacrament and other communion of the Church until they amend their lives and avoid sin [1 Corinthians 5]. Ministers should not mingle secular punishments with this punishment from the Church, or excommunication.

Smalcald Articles III IX

The New Testament keeps and urges this office ‹of the Law›, as St. Paul does when he says, “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men” (Romans 1:18). Also, “the whole world may be accountable to God. … No human being will be justified in His sight” (Romans 3:19–20). And, Christ says, the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin (John 16:8).

This is God’s thunderbolt. By the Law He strikes down both obvious sinners and false saints. He declares no one to be in the right, but drives them all together to terror and despair. This is the hammer. As Jeremiah says, “Is not My word like … a hammer that breaks the rock into pieces?” (23:29). This is not active contrition or manufactured repentance. It is passive contrition, true sorrow of heart, suffering, and the sensation of death.

This is what true repentance means. Here a person needs to hear something like this, “You are all of no account, whether you are obvious sinners or saints ‹in your own opinions›. You have to become different from what you are now. You have to act differently than you are now acting, whether you are as great, wise, powerful, and holy as you can be. Here no one is godly.”

But to this office of the Law, the New Testament immediately adds the consoling promise of grace through the Gospel….

Whenever the Law alone exercises its office, without the Gospel being added, there is nothing but death and hell. … On the other hand, the Gospel brings consolation and forgiveness. It does so … through the Word and the Sacraments.

Smalcald Articles III III 1–4, 7–8

Psalm 147:1–5; antiphon: v. 6

Blessed Saturday, September 26th! May the peace of Our Lord Jesus be with you and yours.

The hymn of the day for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost according to the Three-Year Lectionary follows. Check out Psalm 119:5-10; 2 John 9; John 8:31; and Ephesians 4:3-6 as well.

1 Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word;
Curb those who by deceit or sword
Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son
And bring to naught all He has done.

2 Lord Jesus Christ, Your pow’r make known,
For You are Lord of lords alone;
Defend Your holy Church that we
May sing your praise eternally.

3 O Comforter of priceless worth,
Send peace and unity on earth;
Support us in our final strife
And lead us out of death to life.

LSB 655

Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one another; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

This Week in the Church Year

Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity (1-year) — 27 Sep

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (3-year) — 27 Sep

St. Michael and All Angels — 29 Sep

Jerome, Translator of Holy Scripture — 30 Sep

+ St. Michael and All Angels +

29 September

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” - Psalm 103:1

The name of the archangel St. Michael means “Who is like God?” Michael is mentioned in the Book of Daniel (12:1), as well as in Jude (v. 9) and Revelation (12:7). Daniel portrays Michael as the angelic helper of Israel who leads the battle against the forces of evil. In Revelation, Michael and his angels fight against and defeat Satan and the evil angels, driving them from heaven. Their victory is made possible by Christ’s own victory over Satan in His death and resurrection, a victory announced by the voice in heaven: “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come” (Revelation 12:10). Michael is often associated with Gabriel and Raphael, the other chief angels or archangels who surround the throne of God. Tradition names Michael as the patron and protector of the Church, especially as the protector of Christians at the hour of death. - Treasury of Daily Prayer

Everlasting God, You have ordained and constituted the service of angels and men in a wonderful order. Mercifully grant that, as Your holy angels always serve and worship You in heaven, so by Your appointment they may also help and defend us here on earth; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Lord God, to Thee we give all praise,
With grateful hearts our voices raise,
That angel hosts Thou didst create
Around Thy glorious throne to wait.

LSB 522:1

Please join us as we study God’s Word. This week, we finish our reading in the Book of Malachi and start Deuteronomy. We also continue in the Gospel of Matthew. These daily readings can be found in Lutheran Service Book, Treasury of Daily Prayer, or alternatively, at the following website. You can also see what’s coming up below.

Prepare to read each book by checking out the following podcast series.

Introducing the Books of the Bible — Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller

Kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy) is a short prayer found in the historic liturgy of the Church. It comes into English from Latin, itself a transliteration from the Greek…Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

Pronunciation: KEER-ee-ay il-AY-iss-on

Click here to find a good Lutheran church to visit near you.

The Lutheran Study Bible

Colossians 3:12-17

Psalm 107:1