Podcast appearances and mentions of Grace Lutheran Church

Revelation 21:1-6Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,“See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and be their God; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.”And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. Do you teach them about the rapture? That's the question a woman asked me as I sat at Starbucks trying to write a sermon. On Thursdays before I preach, I usually head to a coffee shop or the library to write. It's not uncommon for someone to strike up a conversation—I guess it's not every day you see someone sitting in public with a Bible open.On this day, a woman and her husband sat at the same large table as me. I could feel her eyes on me. I knew what was coming. I made the mistake of looking up from my screen—and she got me.“So, are you a Bible student?” No, I'm a pastor here in New Pal.“Well, you're awfully young to be a pastor…” (Like I haven't heard that one before.) “What's your church?”When I said, “Cross of Grace Lutheran Church,” the back-and-forth stopped, and she proceeded to tell me how great her church and her pastor are. Then, either noticing my intentional body language—literally leaning away—or the way I kept glancing back at my half-written sermon, she ended the conversation with one last question:“Do you teach them about the rapture?”The rapture? I thought. I tried to come up with a kind response instead of simply saying, “Uh… no.”“Well, in my tradition, that's not something we focus on…” I said.And goodness, was she disappointed in that answer.“Well, you gotta teach them about the rapture. It's the most important thing.”The most important thing? There's so much I could have—should have—asked:What do you mean by rapture?Why is it the most important thing?What does your pastor say when preaching about it? Who do you think gets left behind—and why?But I had a sermon to finish, after all.I've never preached on “the rapture.” I don't think I've ever even preached on a passage from Revelation. So, wherever you are, lady, this one's for you. Because you're partially right—it is important for us to understand what the rapture is, the bad and harmful theology behind it, and what we might imagine in its place when we talk about life after death.Some of you know all about the rapture. Maybe you grew up in a more fundamentalist church or were terrified by the Left Behind series in the mid 90s. Others of you, good Lutherans that you are, may only have a vague idea of what it means. But all of us have been exposed to some version of this belief. Usually, when people talk about the rapture, it's part of a theology called dispensationalism. You may have never heard that word, but you've definitely seen signs of it—like every time you pass a billboard like this, now how'd that pan out? Or this… Or when you notice our culture's fascination with the apocalypse and end time predictions.Not to bore you too much, but the idea of the rapture was invented by a British preacher named John Nelson Darby in the 1830s. He took the traditional understanding of Jesus' return and split it into two parts. First comes the rapture: Jesus appears in the sky, snatches up born-again Christians, and whisks them off to heaven for seven years. During that time, God inflicts wrath on the earth and Christians watch safely from above. Then, after those seven years, comes the final return of Jesus to fight the battle of Armageddon (mentioned in Revelation) and establish an earthly kingdom.This whole timeline is a patchwork—stitched together from one verse in 1 Thessalonians, three from Daniel, and a single verse from Revelation. Behind all that is a bad theology and a harmful hermeneutic—a way of reading and understanding the Bible. First, this approach takes the Bible literally, as if Revelation were some sort of roadmap to the end times. But, as you've heard us say before, we mustn't read the Bible literally—we're called to read it literate-ly and seriously, taking into account the many voices and genres that make up Scripture. Revelation is apocalyptic literature, a kind of writing well known to the seven first-century churches it was written for. It's not a crystal ball—it's a prophetic vision full of metaphor and symbolic imagery, not a literal forecast of future events.Second, this theology takes a few out-of-context verses to offer false certainty about what's to come, rather than wrestling with the mystery of faith. The Bible gives us many different images of Jesus' return: a banquet in Luke, a wedding feast in Matthew, paradise, green pastures, even a return to Eden. But none of these say when this will happen. In fact, Jesus says clearly: “About that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36) Jesus doesn't want us trying to piece together a divine timeline. He wants us to live in hope and with trust.And perhaps the biggest thing the rapture gets wrong is this: the idea that we'll float off to heaven and away from all this; that our souls get to finally escape the pain of this world and just be with Jesus. But here's the thing: the Bible never says we're just souls that happen to have bodies. We are both—body and soul—and they will not be separated. Resurrection always includes the beautiful body God gave you.And what if—just hear me out—what if at the end of all things, we don't go to heaven… What if heaven comes to us?Which is exactly what Revelation says. God establishes a new heaven and a new earth here, in our midst, and God takes up residence with us. Doesn't that sound more like the God revealed to us in Jesus Christ? The God who entered into our suffering? The God who heals what is hurt? The God who accomplishes the divine plan through seemingly insignificant people, places, and things.It should be no surprise, then, that God would come down to this broken world—full of broken people—and heal it until there are no more tears, no more mourning or pain or death, and make a home here with us. That sounds like the God we know in Jesus.Lutheran theologian Barbara Rossing, an expert on the rapture and end-times thinking, says people are drawn to rapture theology because they want to see the Bible come to life. They want to connect Scripture with their own lives. They want to experience God—and think that can only happen if they leave this place.But the truth is: the Bible is coming to life and we do experience God—in this world, in our lives.The Bible comes to life everytime we feed someone who is hungry, give water to someone who is thirsty, wipe the tears trickling down one's cheek, visit the imprisoned and detained, relieve someone's pain, or welcome the immigrant. We are in the presence of God here on earth every time we come to the table, when we share meals with our friends and our enemies, or as Jesus says, when we love others as he loves us.Those acts—those holy, small, grace-filled acts—create little pockets of heaven on earth. They allow us to experience God right here and now, until that great day when God comes to live among us forever, making God's kingdom come and God's will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.So no—the rapture isn't the most important thing. But trusting that God will come down, give us new life, and dwell with us in a world made new, free of pain and suffering and death? Now that sounds more like it. Amen.

Martin Luther said in the preface to his Large Catechism:“Besides, nothing is more effectual against the devil, the world and the flesh and all evil thoughts than to be occupied with the Word of God, and to speak thereof, and meditate upon it; so that the first Psalm declares those blessed who meditate upon the law of God day and night. Undoubtedly, you will never offer any incense or other savor against Satan more efficacious than employment upon God's commandments and words, and speaking, singing, or thinking thereof. For this is indeed the truly holy water and holy sign from which he flees, and by which he is driven away. ”Join us in warding off the devil's temptations and growing in knowledge and appreciation of the truth of God and his love for sinners. We'll review these simple truths from the Scriptures and apply them into our lives as followers of Christ.  Grab your copy of Luther's Large Catechism in a stand alone paperback like the one found here. A version of Luther's Large Catechism with supplemental essays and further reading can be found here.  Luther's Large Catechism is included in the Book of Concord.  Grab your copy off the shelf or get your own copy here.  We hope you can join us to read through Luther's Large Catechism or at least listen in on the discussion. We'll read one Commandment/Article/Petition per episode.If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org.  If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.  

“Type” has to do with forms, shapes, patterns, images. People demonstrate “typical” behavior when they act in a similar pattern time and again. In typesetting, a block with a typographic character on it makes an image of that character on the page. Our first four Bible studies in this year's series have focused on straightforward messianic prophecies, which abound in the Old Testament. However, Jesus and His church are prefigured in other ways in the Old Testament. This is known as typology — seeing an Old Testament person or event (a “type”) as a pattern for a New Testament one (the “antitype”). This sort of interpretation is employed by the New Testament, which shows us how it can be done responsibly (and not fancifully!). For example, Jesus says, “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). Here Jesus teaches about Himself and His work by pointing back to Numbers 21:4–9, with the bronze serpent that saved snakebitten Israelites (the type) corresponding to Jesus as One who was lifted up on the cross that we might look to Him in faith and be saved (the antitype). In this study, we will look at more typological connections between the Old Testament and New Testament. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the May 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Isn't That Typical?” on Typological Connections throughout Scripture. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

“Type” has to do with forms, shapes, patterns, images. People demonstrate “typical” behavior when they act in a similar pattern time and again. In typesetting, a block with a typographic character on it makes an image of that character on the page. Our first four Bible studies in this year's series have focused on straightforward messianic prophecies, which abound in the Old Testament. However, Jesus and His church are prefigured in other ways in the Old Testament. This is known as typology — seeing an Old Testament person or event (a “type”) as a pattern for a New Testament one (the “antitype”). This sort of interpretation is employed by the New Testament, which shows us how it can be done responsibly (and not fancifully!). For example, Jesus says, “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). Here Jesus teaches about Himself and His work by pointing back to Numbers 21:4–9, with the bronze serpent that saved snakebitten Israelites (the type) corresponding to Jesus as One who was lifted up on the cross that we might look to Him in faith and be saved (the antitype). In this study, we will look at more typological connections between the Old Testament and New Testament. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the May 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Isn't That Typical?” on Typological Connections throughout Scripture. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

It started with petty rulers battling for control of trade routes and cities. Four kings from the east swept into the land, crushing everyone in their path. Five local kings rose to resist and lost. Abram's nephew Lot was caught up and carried away like plunder. Abram, armed with his 318 servants and a steadfast faith in God, sought to redeem his nephew, thus serving as a type of Christ. What followed was a story of battle, victory against impossible odds, and a meeting with the mysterious priest-king, Melchizedek, who brings bread, wine, and blessing and makes for the second Christ-type in the chapter.  The Rev. Sean Smith, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Clarksville, TN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 15.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

May 2, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - The First PetitionDaily Lectionary: Exodus 31:1-18; Luke 6:1-19“God's name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it.”(Small Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - The First Petition, Explanation)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Have you ever been blamed for something you didn't do or had someone lie about you behind your back? It can be a devasting experience with enormous relational consequences that are difficult to undo. It is difficult to trust someone again after they have spoken so poorly of you, and sometimes, it can be difficult to get other people to trust you when they heard you were an [insert rumor here]. How we speak about one another is such a big deal that God has dedicated an entire commandment to it (the eighth). Reputational damage matters because it obstructs people's clear view of who you are and gives them a license to devalue you as a forgiven child of God. How much more does it matter when God's name or reputation is damaged? How could God's reputation possibly be damaged? Well, when His Word is taught incorrectly, people have an incorrect view of who He is. Perhaps His Word is taught in such a way that they imagine Him to be spiteful and arrogant, unconcerned with the needs of people. Imagine if His word is taught incorrectly, so they imagine him to be unconcerned with sin and evil. What if they just have absolutely no interest in knowing who God is because His people have behaved in a horrendous way, treating other beloved children of God like trash or vermin, turning them away from His love for them? In order to honor (hallow) God's name, we must concern ourselves with the words He says, how He intends them to be understood, and also how we internalize those words and live them in our lives. I know that probably makes me a bad Lutheran to say that, but we are actually quoting the catechism here, so I'm going to roll with it. Luther tells us plainly that we disgrace God's name when we do not lead holy lives according to His Word. Does this mean that we need to be perfect? Yes and no. According to the law, yes, we need to live perfectly, but don't stop there. God's law isn't the entirety of His Word to us. We can also confess our faith in His gospel when we are eager to confess our sins and failures, to seek forgiveness, and are quick to grant forgiveness to others. The holiest thing we can do is point to our Savior, who saves us from our sins out of His endless mercy, who saves our neighbors from their sins, and proclaim Him clearly by speaking that gospel and behaving as if each of us are sinners grasping for the endless mercies of our gracious God. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Father, grant that by Your grace They may Your will each day embrace; With fruits of faith their lives now bless, Till they at death Your name confess (LSB 599:5)- Deac. Eleanor Corrow, Higher Things Board Member and coordinator in LCMS Missionary ServicesAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May 1, 2025Today's Reading: John 14:1-14Daily Lectionary: Exodus 25:1-22; Exodus 25:23-30:38; Luke 5:17-39“‘Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. There are many things that can trouble our hearts these days. It doesn't take much: a quick check of the news, which is designed to trouble you; a quick scroll through social media that evolves into “doom-scrolling”; a recent diagnosis; a falling out with a friend or family member; or even just general concern about what the future holds. Mental health statistics suggest that in 2023, somewhere around 20% of high school students experienced serious bouts of depression. That is a lot of fear, stress, anxiety, and doubt, and is reflective of the world we live in. This is not the place to address the nation's mental health struggles or to answer all the fears that may surround us; this is just a spot to sit and rest in the One who sees our troubled hearts, who knows our fears and sadness and is with us in these struggles. Looking at our troubled hearts, Jesus answers our fears and doubts, but maybe not in the way we wish He would. Instead of telling us not to worry because He's just going to fix everything up as if it never happened, or will get back at the bully for us, or will at least make it all make sense, He invites us to believe, that is, trust, in Him. What does it mean to trust in Him? It means to know that He loves and cares for us, that He desires our salvation from sin, death, and the devil, and that He will never leave nor forsake you. He goes from asking us to trust in Him to telling us that He is preparing a place for us and that He is the way, the truth, and the life; he is showing us the way, even when the road is steep and rocky. Worry can be suffocating, looming large in our brains as we try to move forward in our lives, but by looking at Jesus, we see that there is a path for us that leads us in truth and life. We need not suffocate on fear and doubt; instead, we can be guided by the light of His word, fixing our eyes on Him, in the knowledge that even if things are not okay today or tomorrow, they are under the eye of the One who makes all things new, and who is leading us through the valley of the shadow of death; we need not fear evil, regardless of what should trouble us. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Yet even though I suffer The world's unpleasantness, And though the days grow rougher And bring me great distress, That day of bliss divine, Which knows no end or measure, And Christ, who is my pleasure, Forever shall be mine. (LSB 713:6)- Deac. Eleanor Corrow, Higher Things Board Member and coordinator in LCMS Missionary ServicesAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

April 30, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 5:1-16Daily Lectionary: Exodus 24:1-18; Luke 5:1-16“While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, ‘Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.' And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I will; be clean.' And immediately the leprosy left him.” (Luke 5:12-13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In today's reading, we meet a man with leprosy. Leprosy is one of those diseases that most of us have never encountered but is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, where it is kind of a blanket term for various skin diseases. It is so frequently mentioned in the Scriptures because there were many rules about how the community should treat someone with leprosy. Leprosy made its victims ceremonially unclean, which meant that their presence was an affront to God, so sufferers were cast out of communities so their uncleanliness would not spread. It was a terrible affliction to suffer with, not just physically but spiritually and socially, as you were cast away from your friends and family, but also separated from your God. When this leper approaches Jesus and asks for healing, he is not just asking for recovery from an aesthetic problem; he is asking for physical, emotional, social, and spiritual restoration. This leper understands on some level who Jesus is, calling Him Lord, then falling on his face before him in a posture of worship, and trusting that if Jesus wills it, the man will be clean (notice he didn't say cured). Out of His mercy, Jesus wills this, but He goes even further and reaches out His hand and touches the leper. This was forbidden according to purity laws, and Jesus can be seen here intentionally making Himself impure with the man's leprosy, but instead, the opposite happens: at the word and touch of Jesus, the man's leprosy leaves him entirely. Then Jesus tells him to tell no one but to present himself to the priest and make an offering at the temple, that is regain entry to the religious community. Have you ever felt like you would be shunned if people knew the real you? Or thought that though you know your sins are forgiven abstractly, but probably not that one that no one knows about because that's just going too far. Do you feel like you've been contaminated by your sins or the sins of others against you? Know that our Lord is reaching out to you in His Word and in his mercy, declaring, “I will; be clean.” In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Come unto Me, ye weary, And I will give you rest.” O blessed voice of Jesus, Which comes to hearts oppressed! It tells of benediction, Of pardon, grace, and peace, Of joy that hath no ending, Of love that cannot cease (LSB 684:1)- Deac. Eleanor Corrow, Higher Things Board Member and coordinator in LCMS Missionary ServicesAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Martin Luther said in the preface to his Large Catechism:“Besides, nothing is more effectual against the devil, the world and the flesh and all evil thoughts than to be occupied with the Word of God, and to speak thereof, and meditate upon it; so that the first Psalm declares those blessed who meditate upon the law of God day and night. Undoubtedly, you will never offer any incense or other savor against Satan more efficacious than employment upon God's commandments and words, and speaking, singing, or thinking thereof. For this is indeed the truly holy water and holy sign from which he flees, and by which he is driven away. ”Join us in warding off the devil's temptations and growing in knowledge and appreciation of the truth of God and his love for sinners. We'll review these simple truths from the Scriptures and apply them into our lives as followers of Christ.  Grab your copy of Luther's Large Catechism in a stand alone paperback like the one found here. A version of Luther's Large Catechism with supplemental essays and further reading can be found here.  Luther's Large Catechism is included in the Book of Concord.  Grab your copy off the shelf or get your own copy here.  We hope you can join us to read through Luther's Large Catechism or at least listen in on the discussion. We'll read one Commandment/Article/Petition per episode.If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org.  If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.  

David speaks his last will and testament, prophetically looking ahead to his Son, Jesus—the faithful and righteous King who will reign over His people forever, defeating all enemies. Reflecting on David's own reign, the names and exploits of his mighty men are recorded. Their strength came from the Lord, who granted great victories through them for His people. These mighty deeds foreshadow the even greater works of Christ our Lord, who has saved us from our enemies. Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 23:1-39.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

April 29, 2025Today's Reading: Revelation 1:4-18Daily Lectionary: Exodus 23:14-33; Luke 4:31-44“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, ‘Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.'” (Revelation 1:17-18)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. How often do we see the words “fear not” in Scripture? I read somewhere that there are 365 “fear nots” —one for each day of the year—but I'm not sure that's true. There are many encounters people have with God and His angels where they have to be admonished to not be afraid. We see this at Christmas when the angels tell the shepherds not to be afraid, we see it when God speaks to Abraham, we hear it from the prophets, and we hear it from Jesus during His earthly ministry. Why would John be afraid here? He is seeing his beloved friend and teacher, and yet he “falls at his feet as though dead.” John is seeing Jesus in His glory, who knows all and sees all, whose face is shining like a sun, and out of his mouth is a sharp, two-edged sword. The visual description is stunning, and that alone is enough to conjure fear, yet even more than that, John knows that the Lord knows all our sins and failings. That alone can be a terrifying prospect. At times, in our sinful nature, we think we can hide our sins from God; sometimes, we even try to hide them from our own consciences through excuses and self-justification, telling ourselves we didn't really sin because we found a loophole. But John here cannot hide. He knows he is bare before not only his teacher and friend but the Lord of all, who, if he were to hold John's sins against him, could strike him down for them. Yet Jesus answers here by reaching out and touching John and telling him not to be afraid, not because they're friends and Jesus is nice, but because He is the first and the last, who has conquered sin and its wages—death and Hell. Jesus tells John that He holds the keys of death and Hades; this means that they are restrained on His behalf and that in order to get into either of them, you have to go through Jesus. Just as Jesus told John not to fear, as He is alive, He also tells you to take comfort in these truths. You need not fear death and Hell because they have been vanquished, locked up, and are restrained by our Lord, who is alive forevermore. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.At the name of Jesus Ev'ry knee shall bow, Ev'ry tongue confess Him King of glory now. ‘Tis the Father's pleasure We should call Him Lord, Who from the beginning Was the mighty Word. (LSB 512:1)- Deac. Eleanor Corrow, Higher Things Board Member and coordinator in LCMS Missionary ServicesAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

April 28, 2025Today's Reading: Acts 5:12-20 (21-32)Daily Lectionary: Exodus 22:20-23:13; Luke 4:16-30“...they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.' And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.” (Acts 5:18-21)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The Acts of the Apostles opens with Jesus's ascension and the day of Pentecost and then details the wild expansion of the Church. Unless your life is far more exciting than mine, many of the events in Acts aren't terribly common in your daily lives—like extraordinary healings that draw sizeable crowds. At the beginning of this reading, people are hoping they can receive healing just from being under the shade of Peter's shadow, though the text doesn't say whether this tactic worked, and these large crowds result in jealousy on the part of the religious leaders who respond by putting the apostles in prison. This isn't the only case of these types of miracles (and responses from authorities), and just as was the case in Jesus' ministry, it would be easy to think these extraordinary miracles are the main point of the apostolic ministry. While these miracles are important, as they confirm Jesus' place as Lord of all creation and a correction of the poisonous fruits of the Fall, they are not quite the main thing. When the Lord sends an angel to deliver the apostles out of prison, what does he tell them? He tells them to go to the temple and speak the words of this Life. By “this Life,” the angel means the life-giving and sustaining Word of God that brings us repentance, forgiveness, and salvation. The miracle that really is at the center of the apostolic ministry and continues today is not the healing, though this is certainly a residue of our Lord's renewal of all things, but the forgiveness of sins. This forgiveness of sins is not just floating on the air but is in the words still spoken to us today as our pastors and fellow Christians forgive us, teach us, and help us walk in newness of life. So, while we may not see healings and deliverances as a regular part of the church's work today, we do see greater healing and greater deliverance as Jesus gives us His words of this Life in the consolation of fellow Christians, the Absolution, and the breaking of the bread. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord, Your words are waters living When my thirsting spirit pleads. Lord, Your words are bread life-giving; On Your words my spirit feeds. Lord, Your words will be my light Through death's cold and dreary night; Yes, they are my sword prevailing And my cup of joy unfailing! (LSB 589:3)- Deac. Eleanor Corrow, Higher Things Board Member and coordinator in LCMS Missionary ServicesAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

April 27, 2025Today's Reading: John 20:19-31Daily Lectionary: Exodus 20:1-24; Luke 4:1-15“Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.' But he said to them, ‘Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.'” (John 20:24-25)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Thomas gets a lot of grief for not really believing that the Lord has risen, so he's still referred to as “Doubting Thomas” and depicted in art exploring Jesus's wounds with his fingers. It seems he will always be remembered as the one who didn't believe. Yet, is it all that strange to be a little wary of claims that your teacher, who was very publicly executed a few days before, is walking around amongst his disciples? People don't generally rise from the dead. Ancient people are frequently regarded as scientifically ignorant, but they knew for sure that people who died stayed dead. They knew what death was. Thomas is saying something very rational here—I'll believe it when I see it. But he says something more. He says he won't believe until he can see the wounds in Jesus's hands and put his finger in the wound in his side. Thomas was one of the Twelve; this means he was one of the apostles who was closest to Jesus throughout his ministry, so he surely knew what Jesus looked like and would recognize him if he walked into the room. Why does he proclaim that he will not believe without the verification of his wounds? Thomas, for all the grief he receives, is declaring something central to our faith. He wants to know that it is our crucified Lord who is also our risen Lord because this tells him that Jesus truly has overcome the wages of sin and death, paying the penalty on our behalf. Thomas doesn't just want to know if his teacher and friend is still alive; he wants to know that his redemption (and ours) is secured by Him. How does Jesus respond to Thomas's declaration? He comes to Thomas and shows him his wounds, grants his request, and declares peace to him. Jesus isn't angry at Thomas for his doubt but rather calms his fears by showing him his body. This same body is given for you at his altar. He reminds us all that though Thomas is blessed in seeing and believing, we who only hear and believe are likewise blessed. Receive the same peace spoken to Thomas, and “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, grant that we who have celebrated the Lord's resurrection may by Your grace confess in our life and conversation that Jesus is Lord and God; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.- Deac. Eleanor Corrow, Higher Things Board Member and coordinator in LCMS Missionary ServicesAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

April 26, 2025 Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26Daily Lectionary: Exodus 19:1-25; Hebrews 13:1-21“For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. Adam really messed things up for us. He had the perfect life. He had dominion over everything. He had the perfect wife in Eve and the perfect relationship with God. Everything was perfect. God even declared it to be “Very Good” at the end of Genesis chapter 1. Yet, in Genesis chapter 3, we read about the Fall of man. It isn't Adam, though, who is doing the initial eating. It is Eve who is speaking to the serpent. It is Eve who takes from the tree. Adam gets the blame. Rightfully so, as it was Adam whom God spoke to about eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, not Eve. Adam was with Eve while the dialogue between the serpent and Eve transpired. He was questioning the validity of God's command regarding eating the forbidden fruit. Did God speak the truth when He said, “You will surely die?” Let's do a little beta-testing with Eve and see if she will die when she eats from the tree. She didn't die right there from Adam's perspective.  Man did die. Man lost the image of God. In Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve are confronted by God, and the curses are delivered to the serpent, to Eve, and to Adam. Adam's curse is death. You will die. Through Adam's selfish act of failing to be a faithful groom, death is ushered into all mankind. No longer did they have the image of God. Sin now separated them from their creator. On account of Adam, we will all die. Our hearts will stop beating. Our lungs will no longer receive air. Our minds will be silent. We will die. The consequence of sin is death.As Paul writes to the church at Corinth, he reminds them that their hope is not in their wisdom and understanding of the things of this world. He points the church back to Christ. In Christ, the world is reconciled to God. No longer are we separated but we are reunited with our creator through Jesus. In your Baptism, you have been reconciled to God. No longer does God look down upon us and see our sin and our deadliness. He sees Christ and His robe of righteousness over us. He sees all the works of Christ upon us. He sees us through Jesus. Sin still exists. Death is still coming upon us. In Christ, we are given the sure and certain hope that all is conquered. In our Baptisms, we are in Christ, and if we are in Christ, we are alive. His resurrection is our resurrection. He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What these sacrifices promised From a God who sought to bless, Came at last a second Adam Priest and King of Righteousness; Son of God incarnate Savior, Son of Man both Christ and Lord, Who in naked shame would offer On the cross His blood outpoured. (LSB 572:3)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

April 25, 2025Today's Reading: Mark 16:14-20Daily Lectionary: Exodus 18:5-27; Hebrews 12:1-24“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The end of Mark gives us language that is reminiscent of Matthew's ending: the admonition to proclaim the Gospel and baptize the nations. The sacrament of Baptism is laid before Mark's readers as a life-giving Gift from God. Luther even uses the end of Mark as part of his explanation in the Small Catechism on Baptism, the second part, regarding the benefits of Baptism. Your Baptism saves you.  Baptism is no small, insignificant part of our lives. It is not a once-and-done “the box is checked, life is good, let's not talk about it until confirmation when we can start preparing for the real sacrament, Holy Communion.” Baptism gives to us all the blessings and benefits that Christ has done for us. It is a Means Of Grace. It is a vessel that God uses to bring us the forgiveness of sins, life everlasting, faith, and the Holy Spirit.  Our world cannot comprehend how God works through the simplest things to do miraculous work. Water and His word together bring us these benefits and blessings. It is not our faith that makes Baptism valuable but rather faith that is given to us in Baptism. It is God's work through Baptism that His robe of righteousness is placed over us. The world sees only water. The world hears just simple words. It is these two components together that give us Baptism.  We are Baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We carry the name of the triune God upon us. His cross is placed both upon our forehead and upon our hearts to mark us as one redeemed by Christ the crucified. His name, His death, and His resurrection are our identity in Baptism. We are no longer left out in the world, lost and condemned. Sin does not prevail. Satan no longer can condemn us. We are baptized into Christ. It is our condition that we live in each day. We boldly say, “I am baptized!”In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In a wat'ry grave are buried All our sins that Jesus carried; Christ, the Ark of Life, has ferried Us across death's raging flood. (LSB 597:2)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

April 24, 2025Today's Reading: Isaiah 65:17-25Daily Lectionary: Exodus 17:1-16; Hebrews 11:1-29“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.” (Isaiah 65:17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! His is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. A new creation sure sounds like a great idea. The people of the southern kingdom were certainly wanting a new creation as the creation that they were living in was not ideal. The Babylonians had ransacked the kingdom. The temple was destroyed. The deportation had taken place. The land flowing with milk and honey had been ravaged by the Baal worshippers. A message of a new creation resonated in the ears of God's people. A new creation where the old things are not remembered sounds even better—no memory of the calamity and desolation that was experienced under Babylonian rule. God's people were anxiously waiting for a restoration to take place.We, too, are waiting for a restoration. Right now, we live in a world that is full of chaos and uncertainty. The Holy Law of God is redacted to almost oblivion. People bend the knee to the various gods of this world, from wealth and power to self-indulgence and selfish behaviors. The concept of “love thy neighbor” is transactional. I will love my neighbor only if I can get something out of it. What's in it for me is the way we live our lives with our neighbors. The world today seeks ways in which to exploit God's creation, especially the crown of His creation: mankind. We post comments on social media platforms that hurt and harm our neighbor's reputation. We share information that was meant to be private and confidential in order to make ourselves look better. Hope seems lost, and we are left feeling abandoned, lonely, and destitute in this world.The words of Isaiah are for us, too. As God writes through the prophet, He points His people not only to the immediate restoration of the kingdom of Judah but also to the return of the Messiah. In the end, God will restore the entire creation to how He had made it. He will declare once again that it is very good. He will send His son, our savior Jesus Christ, as the final sacrifice. He will rise from the dead. Death will be conquered. We hear the words of Isaiah and are pointed back to the cross and resurrection, while at the same time, we are pointed forward to the return of Christ. As the people of Isaiah's time waited anxiously for their restoration, we, too, anxiously wait for the return of Jesus. Our hope and focus is not of this world but in the promises given to us that we will rise from the grave and stand upon a new earth. He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Sing with all the saints in glory, Sing the resurrection song! Death and sorrow, earth's dark story, To the former days belong. All around the clouds are breaking; Soon the storms of time shall cease; In God's likeness we awaken, Knowing everlasting peace. (LSB 671:1)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

April 23, 2025Today's Reading: John 21:1-14Daily Lectionary: Exodus 16:13-35; Hebrews 10:19-39“Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.” (John 21:13-14)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. Jesus gives them bread and fish to eat. The first time that John records the use of fish and bread to feed the people, the local people wanted to make Him the Bread King. In John chapter 6, Christ reminds them that the purpose of the miracle was not so that their bellies could be filled and that they would never go hungry but that He is God incarnate right there in their midst. Standing before them was the creator of all things. Unfortunately, the people did not want to hear this message. The people were more interested in this man because He could feed them forever. We want signs and wonders to know God's will for us. In sin, we see Jesus as the handyman who has come to fix our lives. He will feed our bellies. He will explicitly show us what decisions we are to make about life choices. We look for the mysterious and the unexplained events in our lives as God speaking to us. We want God to speak clearly to us about His will for us and His desires for us. We search for His voice in places where He has not promised to speak. We cry out, “Show me a sign!” when we want to know what He wants us to do in our lives. He does speak to us. He speaks to us through the means that He has already promised to work. He reveals Himself to us through His word and sacraments. He speaks His words of Absolution upon us. He gives to us His Body and Blood for the forgiveness of sins. He takes water and His word and marks us as His children. He takes ink and paper and gives to us a living, breathing document that reveals His son as our Savior. In His word is the true testament of our Savior, who has paid the price for our sins and given to us the resurrection from the dead. No longer does death prevail. It is conquered. The war is won. Christ is victorious. He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, You destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light. Grant that we who have been raised with Him may abide in His presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Easter Wednesday)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

April 22, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 24:36-49Daily Lectionary: Exodus 15:19-16:12; Hebrews 10:1-18“See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” (Luke 24:39)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. In the Third Article of the Apostle's Creed, we confess that we believe in the resurrection of the dead. It is a confession that has deep implications in our lives as children of God. When we confess the resurrection of the dead, we are saying that death is conquered. We are saying that in our bodies, in our flesh, we will come from the dead. We will not be spirits, we will not be ghosts, we will not be angels— we will be human beings in the flesh.In the resurrection of Christ, we are given what will happen to us in the resurrection. The language of the narratives from the Gospels give witness to what the disciples and followers of Jesus saw after His resurrection. They saw Jesus. They heard Jesus. They touched Jesus. Yes, touched Jesus. He was not a ghost or some anomaly from the proverbial spirit world. He was fully human. He was alive and breathing, eating and drinking as humans do every day. He completely rose from the dead.Oftentimes, we hear about life everlasting in some existential context. Life everlasting is taught as something that is “way out there.” We cannot grasp it, so it is taught like fairytales and make-believe stories. Life everlasting becomes supernatural, where the dead end up as ghosts or angels. We are to believe that eternal life is really an experience in nirvana, where we do not have bodies and that we become one with the universe. All of these false teachings take us away from the Scriptures and what we confess in our creeds. We believe, teach, confess, and practice that on the Last Day, we will rise from the dead in our flesh. We will be able to see, taste, touch, smell, and hear. We will walk again upon a restored earth. No longer will there be death. In Christ's resurrection is our resurrection.In Christ's resurrection is your resurrection. Death is conquered. Death is destroyed. Right now, you have eternal life. Jesus invites His followers to touch Him after the resurrection. He is in the flesh, resurrected from the dead. When you confess, “I believe in the resurrection of the dead.” you confess that you will rise from the dead as Christ rose from the dead. In the flesh. He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, through the resurrection of Your Son You have secured peace for our troubled consciences. Grant us this peace evermore that trusting in the merit of Your Son we may come at last to the perfect peace of heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Easter Tuesday)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

April 21, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 24:13-35, 36-49Daily Lectionary: Exodus 15:1-18; Hebrews 9:1-28“When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.” (Luke 24:30)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. For the disciples, their world had just been rocked. The Messiah had been crucified, and now they were potentially in the crosshairs of the local leaders. Their world was one of chaos and uncertainty as they worked to navigate the aftermath of the crucifixion of Jesus. They were not given a pamphlet or a grief book from the local church to contend with their feelings and emotions after the crucifixion. The two travelers did not know that it was Jesus who walked with them, who spoke to them, who inquired of their conversation, and who accepted their invitation into their home to spend the night. They did not know that it was Jesus sitting in their midst that evening. Finally, their eyes are opened, and they see Jesus in the blessing and breaking of the bread. Our lives are filled with the uncertainty that a fallen creation gives us. We are told that true order comes from following the right philosophies of this world. If we just follow the suggested steps that the latest life-coach sensation advocates, then the chaos will cease our lives. We are pointed to the influencers on social media, advised to watch this reel or subscribe to a certain channel, and then we will have the answers we need to experience true joy and happiness. We have a lot of people, ideologies, and philosophies that want to be the center of our lives.The presence of Christ in the middle of the disciples brought them order in the midst of their chaos. In our world today, we are given Christ in the breaking of bread. As we bend the knee at the Communion rail, our Pastor places in our mouth the Body and Blood of Jesus. The true presence of Christ in, with, and under the bread and wine. He speaks words of comfort and order to us when he says, “Take and eat” and “Take and drink.” In the reception of His Body and Blood, forgiveness is delivered to you. Our eyes are opened, and our hearts are filled with the peace that this world cannot give. His promises are delivered, and we are restored. He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, in the paschal feast You restore all creation. Continue to send Your heavenly gifts upon Your people that they may walk in perfect freedom and receive eternal life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Easter Evening/Easter Monday)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

April 20, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 24:1-12Daily Lectionary: Exodus 14:10-31; Hebrews 7:23-8:13“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen…” (Luke 24:5b-6a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The question asked by the angel is a peculiar question. The ladies have arrived to finish the burial process. The last couple of days were very unpredictable for the disciples and the followers of Jesus. They were prepared to celebrate the Passover, but then everything went sideways for them. Jesus is arrested, He is tried, He is crucified, and He is buried. The ladies did not have time to attend to the burial process faithfully. Then, when they arrive at the tomb, they are greeted with, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” I am sure the ladies were thinking, “Well, we are not looking for the living; we are looking for the dead.”It is a change of events that takes place on Easter morning. The ladies were looking for the dead, but the angels corrected them by saying, “...you seek the living…” Jesus is Alive! Death is conquered. The tomb is open. The angels are present to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus. If they wanted to see Jesus, they would not find Him with the dead.We, too, can look for life among the dead. In our own deadness from sin, we search for life in a fallen world. We look to the popular philosophies that surround us for comfort and peace. Popular thought teaches that we need to find peace within ourselves in order to be truly alive. Life is redefined as joy, happiness, wealth, and popularity set by worldly standards. We are inundated with the cries of the world to conform to these worldly standards.Real life only comes through Jesus Christ. The life He gives is not of this world. As the ladies were looking for Jesus, they were still of the mindset of the world. He died and is, therefore, “only” dead. Christ conquered death! No longer does the one thing that all of us succumb to prevail. Death is conquered. In your Baptism, you are made alive in Christ Jesus. Paul reminds His readers in Romans 6 that as we are Baptized into His death, we are Baptized into His resurrection. Your Baptism connects you to the resurrection of life. Your Baptism connects you to life in Christ. His life is your life. His resurrection from the grave is your resurrection from the grave. Because of your Baptism, right now you have eternal life. He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen!    In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of our Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Easter Sunday)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

April 19, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 27:57-66Daily Lectionary: Exodus 13:17-14:9; Hebrews 7:1-22“Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,' and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” (Matthew 27:64)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The church leaders go to great lengths to make sure that there will be no confusion about the death of Jesus. Jesus died and is buried. Saturday is a day of silence. Nothing is written about what transpires from Friday evening until Sunday morning other than the placing of the guards at the tomb of Jesus. Silence covers the world. The Son of God is silent. The Son of Man, The Son of God, rests on the seventh day. He rests on the Sabbath. He will rise from the dead on the eighth day, finalizing His work of conquering death.On this day, Christians all around the world are reflecting on the time of Christ in the tomb. Vigils are held, and Scriptures are read in the sanctuaries. In Christian homes, there is silence as the death of the Son of Man is remembered. In the midst of our silence, there is a lot of noise. Noise from sin, satan, and the world. The noise of a fallen creation is the complete corruption of God's Holy creation. The chaos we experience in life. The reality of broken homes. The struggle with broken relationships. The confrontation of death at any age. The Old Adam in us reminds us that we are tired from all the chaos. Satan still lays out his temptations before us as we are drawn into secular activities surrounding Easter. We feel as if the world is against us, and we are flailing in the deep end of the pool of life. The desire for silence consumes us, but it does not come.On this day, many of our sanctuaries are preparing for the Easter Services. As post-pentecost churches, we know the rest of the story. We know that the silence is not permanent. The tomb will be opened, and Christ will rise from the dead. Death is conquered. No longer is there silence in the world as the gates of the grave are burst open. All of Christ's words come to fruition. He will suffer, He will die, and on the third day, He will rise from the dead. His rest in the tomb on the Sabbath is the final rest He takes. Today, as we enter into His Sanctuaries, He works while we rest and receive the Gifts He gives to us in His Means Of Grace. We receive the promise that we, too, will rise from the grave on the Last Day.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, creator of heaven and earth, grant that as the crucified body of Your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with Him the coming of the third day, and rise with Him to newness of life, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Holy Saturday)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

April 18, 2025Today's Reading: John 19:17-30Daily Lectionary: Exodus 12:29-32; 13:1-16; Lamentations 5:1-22, Hebrews 6:1-20, Psalm 22“he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!' Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!'” (John 19:26b-27)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Dying is very deadly. Dead is dark. The light of the world is no longer shining. Darkness has covered the world. The curtain in the temple is torn. The clothes of Christ have been divided up between the pagan Roman soldiers. The disciples have all fled but one. Peter has denied knowing the savior. Jesus hangs naked between two thieves in the local landfill with only one disciple and His mother nearby. He entrusts His mother to John and declares that His father has forsaken Him. He drinks and breathes His last. Dying is very deadly.His final words on the cross are comforting. His final words on the cross are words that draw our attention to the garden of Eden when God gave us the gift of marriage. In Genesis 2:24, God gives us the fundamental premise of marriage when He says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” From the cross, Christ separates himself from His earthly mother in John 19:26-27: “…he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!...” Christ has left His mother. In Matthew 27:46, Christ calls from the cross, “...My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Christ is separated from His Father. The son leaves His father and mother and holds fast to his wife. In the death of Christ, a marriage vow is fulfilled. The groom has loved His bride to the point that He dies for her. Scripture is fulfilled in the final sacrifice. When His side is pierced, blood and water pour from His side. In the first Adam, his wife comes from his side. Adam stands by as she eats from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Death is ushered in through their disobedience. The marks of the church in word and sacrament come from the side of the second Adam, Jesus, as water and blood pour out. He is bound to His bride, the church, in the fulfillment of Scripture. Where Adam failed to die for his bride, Christ has fulfilled the debt owed by us in His death on the cross.All our sins went to the cross on Good Friday. All our sins went to the tomb when He was buried. He who knew no sin became sin for us. Sin is buried. All your sins are covered in the blood of Christ. All your sins are atoned for in His deadly dying on the cross. All your sins went to the grave on Good Friday and were buried. The covenant is complete; the atonement for the sins of the world is finished.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, graciously behold this Your family for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed and delivered into the hands of sinful men to suffer death upon the cross; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Good Friday)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

April 17, 2025 Today's Reading: Luke 22:7-20Daily Lectionary: Exodus 12:1-28; Lamentations 4:1-22; Hebrews 5:1-14; Psalm 31“Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.” (Luke 22:7)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The meal is ready. The week is coming to a close around the table of the Lord. Lazarus is resurrected from the dead. The temple is cleansed. The disciples have been taught about the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple. Judas betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus is anointed by Mary. The disciples' feet are washed. The table is set; let us break bread together. The Passover is at hand. It is time for the lamb to be sacrificed.A lot of preparation has taken place this week to get us to the table of the Lord. The work of Christ is not complete. Today, a New Covenant is instituted—a covenant between God and His people, a covenant that requires the shedding of blood. Covenant-making is very bloody. The blood of Jesus will be the blood of the Lamb, which is the final shedding of blood for the sins of the world.  In the Words of Institution, a New Covenant is brought forth that nullifies the Old Covenant. No longer will the sacrifice of bulls, lambs, and goats be necessary. The words are spoken, and the covenant is established. Christ declares himself to be in, with, and under the bread and wine. His words, “take and eat, this IS” and “take and drink, this IS” are words of comfort for us today.Today, we receive the Body and Blood of Christ in His blessed sacrament. We receive forgiveness of sins in His sacrament. We come to the altar beaten down. We come to the altar covered in our sins. We come to the altar with illnesses and life struggles. Our shame, our guilt, our sins are all exposed.  In preparing to come to the altar, we sing the Sanctus, reminding us that a three-times-Holy God that comes to us. As we approach the altar, it is the Agnes Dei that we sing as we prepare to receive the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He has mercy on us! He gives to us His Body and Blood of the New Covenant for the forgiveness of sins. Your sins are covered by the blood of the Lamb. All your sins are removed before God. No longer does God see your sin. He sees only the blood of Jesus over you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Lord, in this wondrous Sacrament You have left us a remembrance of Your passion. Grant that we may so receive the sacred mystery of Your body and blood that the fruits of Your redemption may continually be manifest in us; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Thursday of Holy Week)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

Martin Luther said in the preface to his Large Catechism:“Besides, nothing is more effectual against the devil, the world and the flesh and all evil thoughts than to be occupied with the Word of God, and to speak thereof, and meditate upon it; so that the first Psalm declares those blessed who meditate upon the law of God day and night. Undoubtedly, you will never offer any incense or other savor against Satan more efficacious than employment upon God's commandments and words, and speaking, singing, or thinking thereof. For this is indeed the truly holy water and holy sign from which he flees, and by which he is driven away. ”Join us in warding off the devil's temptations and growing in knowledge and appreciation of the truth of God and his love for sinners. We'll review these simple truths from the Scriptures and apply them into our lives as followers of Christ.  Grab your copy of Luther's Large Catechism in a stand alone paperback like the one found here. A version of Luther's Large Catechism with supplemental essays and further reading can be found here.  Luther's Large Catechism is included in the Book of Concord.  Grab your copy off the shelf or get your own copy here.  We hope you can join us to read through Luther's Large Catechism or at least listen in on the discussion. We'll read one Commandment/Article/Petition per episode.If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org.  If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.  

April 16, 2025Today's Reading: John 13:16-38Daily Lectionary: Exodus 10:21-11:10; Lamentations 3:1-66; Hebrews 4:1-16“So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.” (John 13:30)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The time is drawing near for the Son of Man to be lifted up. His betrayal is imminent. The betrayer has dipped his hand with Christ. He has put on a facade of friendship and loyalty, but underneath, the “cha-ching” of the 30 pieces of silver is echoing in the background. He sold the savior of the world, the Son of God, the Son of Man, for 30 pieces of silver. John writes, “And it was night.”As we approach the beginning of the Passion of Christ, John draws us back to the tension between day and night. When Judas left the disciples and Jesus, night was setting in. Darkness was coming in the form of a crucifixion. The Son of God was going to be handed over and killed. Darkness was going to prevail. Night was going to cover the world, and mankind's hatred of his creator was going to come to fruition in the death of Christ.Sin loves the night. Throughout the scriptures, and especially in John, we hear repeatedly the use of night. Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night in John 3, and in the opening chapter of John, darkness is used to show the condition of the world on account of sin. Our lives are filled with darkness, and we live in the night each day. We struggle with chaos all around us. We desire order, but uncertainty prevails. Families are in chaos. Friendships are unpredictable. Finances are tumultuous. We may feel that our church life and walk with Christ is even in want.  Christ sends Judas out to do what needs to be done at night. In the darkness of the pending crucifixion, there is light. The light of the world will be lifted up. Darkness will come, but it will not prevail. Satan's work of bringing death into this world is going to be overcome. Christ is going to the cross as the final sacrifice for the sins of the world. He is going to the cross for your darkness. He turns night into day. In the Revelation to St. John, the New Jerusalem is described as having no sun as the Glory of God and the Lamb of God are its light (Revelation 20:23). Now, we live in the light of Christ, waiting for His return.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Merciful and everlasting God, You did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all to bear our sins on the cross. Grant that our hearts may be so fixed with steadfast faith in Him that we fear not the power of sin, death, and the devil; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for Wednesday of Holy Week)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

April 15, 2025Today's Reading: John 12:23-50Daily Lectionary: Exodus 9:29-10:20; Lamentations 2:1-22; Hebrews 3:1-19“Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:25)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“If you are going to love someone, you first must love yourself.” The saying is popular among relationship gurus in our world today. The focus on yourself must be first if you are to give love. It is a profound thought to think of yourself first, but in the world of humanism, that is exactly what is advocated. The first-person personal pronouns reign supreme. The “I,” the “me,” the “my,” the “myself” all take precedence over everyone else. It is how we are taught and even wired on account of sin. Love yourself first.Jesus' words to those in His midst were certainly contrary to their way of thought. We must hate our lives in order to keep it. Those words certainly did not make sense to the audience listening to Jesus. Christ's words were counter-cultural. No one is to hate their life and, in doing so, gain eternal life. The Jews in His midst have reminded Him that they are children of Abraham and that they are set apart as God's people. They are the chosen people of God. Hating our lives would be a ridiculous thought. On account of their hardness of heart, they did not hear the true meaning behind Christ's words.Our own sin deafens our ears to the Good News of Christ. We hear over and over the words of the world and how we are to place ourselves first and pursue our own desires. Christ's words address our own pride and self-centeredness by taking the focus off of the things of this world and pointing them to God's work in Christ. Every day, we are encouraged in this world to pursue the desires of the flesh. In the Scriptures, we are pointed to the works of Christ. It is Christ who gave His life so that we have life eternal in His name.  In your Baptism, you have been separated from the world. You are in the world, but you are not of the world. You are in Christ and of Christ through the washing and renewal in the waters of Holy Baptism. As you arise each day, the sign of the cross is made, reminding you of your Baptism. No longer does the world prevail in your life. It is Christ who has delivered you out of this world and into life everlasting.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and everlasting God, grant us by Your grace so to pass through this holy time of our Lord's passion that we may obtain the forgiveness of our sins; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Tuesday in Holy Week)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

April 14, 2025Today's Reading: John 12:1-23Daily Lectionary: Exodus 9:1-28; Lamentations 1:1-22; Hebrews 2:1-18“When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well,” (John 12:9-10)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! Amen!” is a common response that we proclaim regarding the resurrection of Christ. Usually, this response is reserved for Easter Sunday and the seasons following Easter, and when the Sunday of Transfiguration arrives, we bury the Alleluias until Easter Sunday.  The Monday of Easter draws our attention to another resurrection—the resurrection of Lazarus. Three times in John 12:1-23 Lazarus' resurrection is mentioned. Lazarus' resurrection was problematic. Everyone knew Lazarus had died and had been dead for four days in the tomb. He was not just dead but dead, dead, dead, dead. He was four days dead. Now, Lazarus is alive. He is alive and eating, and speaking, and living! The local church leaders had a problem with the resurrection of Lazarus. The chief priests need to kill Lazarus, too. He needed to die again.  Our world around us does not want the resurrection. In sin, the world pursues the desires of the flesh. Philosophies advocate that we have one life and only one life, so we had better get out of it all we can before we die. The world teaches us to pursue the desires of the flesh. The world teaches you to serve yourself. The world teaches you that you are your own god. The Old Adam in us relishes those temptations and wages war with the New Man in Christ daily.You, too, have already died and will die. The old Adam is drowned daily in the waters of Baptism, and you will breathe your last breath of air at some point. You, too, have already been resurrected and will be resurrected from the dead. In Your Baptism, the New Man in Christ is resurrected. When Christ returns in all of His glory, you will be resurrected from the dead just as Christ came out of the tomb. We live in that tension of being dead and resurrected each day. On the Last Day, we know that just as Lazarus was called from the tomb, we, too, will rise from the dead. We will rise from the dead like Lazarus because Christ conquered death in His resurrection.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, grant that in the midst of our failures and weaknesses we may be restored through the passion and intercession of Your only-begotten Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Monday of Holy Week)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

April 13, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 22:1-23:56 or Luke 23:1-56 or John 12:20-43Daily Lectionary: Exodus 8:1-32; Psalm 118; Hebrews 1:1-14“So Jesus said to them, ‘The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.'” (John 12:35-36)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Spelunking is a unique activity. Inside a cave, where the light of the world cannot reach, pure darkness exists. No light. The only light present is the temporary light that humans bring into the darkness by means of a headlamp, a light dependent upon batteries, or some other form of stored energy. If you lose your light while spelunking, you will get lost.In our lives today, it may seem like we are lost. We feel that we are aimlessly wandering through each day, unsure of what tomorrow will bring. We struggle in family relationships, friendships seem superficial, our bodies do not look the way we want them to, and our lives seem really dark.The Gospel of John teaches us about a tension between light and darkness. The darkness that has overcome the world is sin. God's creation no longer walks in the light as Adam and Eve did at the beginning of creation. Now, man walks in darkness. We try hard to create our own light in this world of darkness, but in the end, it is only temporary and leaves us lost in this world of sin.Christ came into this world of darkness as the light of the world. His light is not temporary but eternal. It shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not (and cannot) overcome it. In your Baptism, you are connected to Christ. You are connected to the light of the world. Sin, satan, and the world want you to believe that the darkness is permanent in your life, but Christ gives to us the defeat of darkness. His ride into Jerusalem was the beginning of the end for darkness.  Today, you can boldly and confidently say, “I am baptized into Christ!”  Darkness tries to prevail, but Christ has already overcome it. In your Baptism, you walk in the light of Christ.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and everlasting God, You sent Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Himself our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Palm Sunday)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

Martin Luther said in the preface to his Large Catechism:“Besides, nothing is more effectual against the devil, the world and the flesh and all evil thoughts than to be occupied with the Word of God, and to speak thereof, and meditate upon it; so that the first Psalm declares those blessed who meditate upon the law of God day and night. Undoubtedly, you will never offer any incense or other savor against Satan more efficacious than employment upon God's commandments and words, and speaking, singing, or thinking thereof. For this is indeed the truly holy water and holy sign from which he flees, and by which he is driven away. ”Join us in warding off the devil's temptations and growing in knowledge and appreciation of the truth of God and his love for sinners. We'll review these simple truths from the Scriptures and apply them into our lives as followers of Christ.  Grab your copy of Luther's Large Catechism in a stand alone paperback like the one found here. A version of Luther's Large Catechism with supplemental essays and further reading can be found here.  Luther's Large Catechism is included in the Book of Concord.  Grab your copy off the shelf or get your own copy here.  We hope you can join us to read through Luther's Large Catechism or at least listen in on the discussion. We'll read one Commandment/Article/Petition per episode.If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org.  If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.  

David goes before the ark of the LORD to pray in awe and thanksgiving at the LORD's promise. In humility, David recognizes the LORD's greatness in continuing to teach His people concerning the coming Christ. The Lord GOD has done this because of His own heart, not only for David, but for all Israel, whom the Lord GOD has claimed as His own people. Therefore, David prays that the LORD would confirm His promise and bless David's house, just as He has said He will do.   Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 7:18-29.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Hebrews 11:23–40 continues the powerful “Hall of Faith,” highlighting men and women who trusted God in the face of danger, hardship, and uncertainty. From Moses' parents defying Pharaoh to the prophets who endured persecution, this passage celebrates those who chose faith over fear, obedience over comfort, and eternal hope over temporary safety. Some saw great victories; others suffered and died without receiving what was promised—yet all were commended for their faith. Together, their stories point beyond themselves to the greater fulfillment found in Christ.  The Rev. Nathaniel Brown, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Correll, MN, Trinity Lutheran Church in Bellingham, MN, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Odessa, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hebrews 11:23-40.  For centuries, God spoke through prophets, in visions, through fire and thunder on Mount Sinai. But now, Hebrews tells us, He has spoken fully and finally in His Son. This book isn't just another epistle—it's the key that unlocks the Old Testament, revealing how everything was always pointing to Christ. The prophets, the angels, the priesthood, the sacrifices—all find their fulfillment in Him. Over the next several weeks, we'll walk through Hebrews, uncovering its depth, its urgency, and its breathtaking vision of Jesus as the great High Priest, the perfect sacrifice, and the One who is greater than all who came before. If you've ever wondered how the Old and New Testaments connect, how the shadows become substance, this is the book to study. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

April 5, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Lent 5 - Psalm 3:3-6; antiphon: Psalm 3:8Daily Lectionary: Genesis 49:29-50:7, 14-26; Mark 14:1-11“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill.” (Psalm 3:3-4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. “Shields” aren't usually talked about in normal conversation. Some people think of shields as historical battle armor. Other people think about shields when they are used in games or video games. But outside of history and games, how often do you talk about shields? No matter how often you think about or talk about shields, the picture of God being the shield of a Christian comes up often. Here in Psalm 3, as well as in Psalm 46 (and the hymn “A Mighty Fortress” based on Psalm 46) and Ephesians 6, where the full armor of God is described, God's promise to Abram in Genesis 15, Psalm 28, and in many other places, God is described as a shield around His people. Shields are used for protection during dangerous times and in dangerous places.  In our modern world, it is tempting to think that we don't need shields. We like to think that shields have been appropriately retired to history and games because there is nothing that threatens us. We like to think about ourselves as invincible, without anything that can harm us. We like to think that we aren't in the middle of danger. But that's not true. Psalm 3 mentions the Church's enemies who battle against us, and the Church today has enemies and persecutors and many people who despise the Church and everything about her. That says nothing about our greatest enemy, the devil who prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) We also need to be protected from ourselves, because our sinful bodies and minds work against us and try to work against God.God is indeed your shield. He protects and defends you. But your faith isn't in a disc of metal or a wooden barrier, but in God Himself. God steps between you and your enemies with His grace and mercy. The Lord takes the place between you and danger. He steps between you and evil. The Lord is your protection and your safe place. He defends and protects you because He loves you. You don't have a piece of armor, but the God of all creation to defend and preserve you. He will never fail, and He will keep your life intact forever.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Dear name! The rock on which I build, My shield and hiding place; My never-failing treasury filled With boundless stores of grace. (LSB 524:3)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

April 4, 2025Today's Reading: Mark 13:24-37Daily Lectionary: Genesis 47:1-31; Genesis 48:1-49:28; Mark 13:24-37[Jesus said,]“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (Mark 13:28-31)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.During Holy Week, Jesus foretold what the end of time would be like. Looking around, He mentioned the budding of the trees and the emerging leaves. If you look around you, you see that, too. Jesus wants springtime to remind you that Jesus and His return are near. He is coming again. That seems like a strange message just a few weeks before Easter. Usually, we think about the end of the world in the fall and winter as the days grow short and the darkness lengthens. Here, Jesus mentions it with new life and restoration and the plants growing again. The Last Day is, after all, a continuation of Easter and a celebration of new life.Wait, you haven't thought about the end of the world as a fulfillment of Easter and new life before? That's fair. But do it now. Easter is a spring festival because Passover originally happened in the spring and was observed after that in the spring. As the leaves start to bud on the trees and flowers grow and people start to plant their gardens, reflect that this new growing season points ahead to the “new season” of God's restoration when the current heavens and earth are replaced with the perfected, restored heavens and earth. In a couple of weeks, look at the Easter lilies and think, “Not only is it springtime, but Jesus' resurrection is preparing me for eternal life!” As Jesus prepares you for Easter, He also prepares you for His return in glory when the Tree of Life will bear fruit every month (Revelation 22:1-2), and all things will be new and perfect. Springtime is great, but the eternal life of resurrection with God is even better! Look forward to that day of new life that began when Jesus rose from the grave to new life at Easter.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Herald, sound the note of triumph; Christ has come to share our life, Bringing God's own love and power, Granting vict'ry in our strife. Sound the trumpet! Tell the message: Christ, the Savior king, is come! (LSB 511:4 and refrain)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

Jesus says of the Old Testament Scriptures that “they … bear witness about Me” (John 5:39). This is especially true of two central messianic prophecies, Isaiah 52:13–53:12 and Psalm 22, which feature prominently in Holy Week services. In Isaiah 52–53, we gain remarkable details about Jesus' crucifixion from a prophecy that was written more than 700 years before His death. In Psalm 22, the Holy Spirit inspired David, about 1,000 years before Jesus' birth, to record words that apply in part to David himself but above all to the Messiah. It would not be a stretch to say that Isaiah 52–53 is a biographical portrait of Jesus Christ, and Psalm 22 is autobiographical, since Jesus took the words of David on His own lips at His crucifixion. Or perhaps we should view it the other way around, with “David's Son, yet David's Lord” (LSB 451:1; cf. Matthew 22:41–46) lending the words to His ancestor. Either way, opening the Old Testament leads us straight to Jesus. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the April 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The Suffering Servant” on Isaiah 52:13–53:12 and Psalm 22. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Jesus says of the Old Testament Scriptures that “they … bear witness about Me” (John 5:39). This is especially true of two central messianic prophecies, Isaiah 52:13–53:12 and Psalm 22, which feature prominently in Holy Week services. In Isaiah 52–53, we gain remarkable details about Jesus' crucifixion from a prophecy that was written more than 700 years before His death. In Psalm 22, the Holy Spirit inspired David, about 1,000 years before Jesus' birth, to record words that apply in part to David himself but above all to the Messiah. It would not be a stretch to say that Isaiah 52–53 is a biographical portrait of Jesus Christ, and Psalm 22 is autobiographical, since Jesus took the words of David on His own lips at His crucifixion. Or perhaps we should view it the other way around, with “David's Son, yet David's Lord” (LSB 451:1; cf. Matthew 22:41–46) lending the words to His ancestor. Either way, opening the Old Testament leads us straight to Jesus. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the April 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The Suffering Servant” on Isaiah 52:13–53:12 and Psalm 22. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

April 3, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's PrayerDaily Lectionary: Genesis 45:1-20, 24-28; Mark 13:1-23Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. When Jesus' disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, this is the prayer He gave them. When children learn this by memory, there are some words that are difficult to understand, like “hallowed” and “trespasses.” There are some places where the old, traditional translation is a bit confusing, like “who art in heaven.” When this is learned by a young child, they are often quick to want to learn something else, something new.But this prayer is one that no Christian ever learns completely, at least not here on earth. This profound prayer washes over us, each phrase like a profound wave of meaning. God is in heaven, and His name is holy. Ponder that for a minute or for a lifetime. God's kingdom comes and His desires are completed, no matter if we ask for that to happen or not. He gives us what we need, and He forgives us and strengthens us to forgive others. That sounds simple, right? It isn't. How often have you failed at trusting God to do good for you or faltered at forgiving someone else? Then, we ask God to lead us away from temptation and deliver us from evil. The more we pray those words, the more often we see temptation and evil around us. Finally, we recognize that God has an eternal kingdom and power and glory forever, and that doesn't make sense to our time-conscious sensibilities. This prayer that Jesus gave His Church never gets old. You can never pray it and say, “I don't need to pray like that again.” This prayer is always good for God's children to pray until the day when His kingdom comes, and you see Him face to face.When it comes to the Lord's Prayer, don't move on. Don't look for something new. Pray this prayer again and again. Slow down. Don't rush through it. Stop. Ponder. Reflect. Repeat. Wonder. After all, this is how your Lord wants you to pray.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Our Father, who from heav'n above Bids all of us to live in love As members of one family And pray to You in unity, Teach us no thoughtless words to say But from our inmost hearts to pray. (LSB 766:1)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

April 2, 2025Today's Reading: Mark 12:28-44Daily Lectionary: Genesis 44:1-18, 32-34; Mark 12:28-44 And [Jesus] sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums.And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.It's not polite to watch what other people put into the offering plate at church. Don't do that. Even though congregations used to post a list of which members gave how much money to the church, that practice has (thankfully) been done away with. Still, politeness didn't stop Jesus from sitting next to the offering box in the temple and watching what people were putting into it. He even commented about their offerings to His disciples!He doesn't do this as an example for you to follow but to teach you that the gift of an offering is a confession of faith. People who had plenty gave something from their wealth, but they had more money and more possessions to go back to. The poor widow, on the other hand, gave two small coins, and that was all she had to live on. She didn't have money in the bank left over. She trusted in God to provide for all her needs.What about you? It's easy to say that you trust God, but do you? When your money is taken away, or when your health fails, or when you lose friends, are you confident that God is all you need? You would probably like to say that you trust God completely, but that is really hard! Instead, when things are taken away from you, you often try to fix the problem yourself or look to your other gifts.  God doesn't call you to fix problems with your other gifts. He doesn't tell you to take care of yourself. He doesn't try to get you to fix things on your own. He doesn't say, “A for effort, but go try to do better next time.” Instead, He tells you to believe in Him because He is the way, the truth, and the life. He gives you every good and perfect gift from above. (James 1:17) He gives you His gracious gifts out of His mercy and love. The Gifts of God are all you need!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Trusting only Thee; Trusting Thee for full salvation, Great and free. (LSB 729:1)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

Martin Luther said in the preface to his Large Catechism:“Besides, nothing is more effectual against the devil, the world and the flesh and all evil thoughts than to be occupied with the Word of God, and to speak thereof, and meditate upon it; so that the first Psalm declares those blessed who meditate upon the law of God day and night. Undoubtedly, you will never offer any incense or other savor against Satan more efficacious than employment upon God's commandments and words, and speaking, singing, or thinking thereof. For this is indeed the truly holy water and holy sign from which he flees, and by which he is driven away. ”Join us in warding off the devil's temptations and growing in knowledge and appreciation of the truth of God and his love for sinners. We'll review these simple truths from the Scriptures and apply them into our lives as followers of Christ.  Grab your copy of Luther's Large Catechism in a stand alone paperback like the one found here. A version of Luther's Large Catechism with supplemental essays and further reading can be found here.  Luther's Large Catechism is included in the Book of Concord.  Grab your copy off the shelf or get your own copy here.  We hope you can join us to read through Luther's Large Catechism or at least listen in on the discussion. We'll read one Commandment/Article/Petition per episode.If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org.  If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.  

April 1, 2025Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21Daily Lectionary: Genesis 43:1-28; Mark 12:13-27“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Some people are good at making things with their hands. They build birdhouses or buildings; they shape bowls from clay; they paint and draw and create. Then, there's me. I'm not good at any of those things. My reality is that I make something, and then I try to remake it with no success, and then I give up. I destroy the ugly, imperfect project because I don't want anyone to know how badly I failed to make something.God is the creator of all things. The God of creation made the heavens and the earth and everything that is in them. From cows and dogs to giraffes and hippopotamuses to eagles and hammerhead sharks and all trees and plants, He made everything very good. Then, Adam and Eve fell into sin, and things weren't very good anymore. It's not God's fault that creation was flawed. Still, the God of creation stepped in to make all things new again, even you. God made you, forming you in your mother's womb. Even there, you were a sinner. (Psalm 51:5) Then, God remade you in the womb of the baptismal font, washing you with His holy name and covering you with righteousness and forgiveness. You are a new creation because you have been united with Jesus' death and resurrection in Baptism. (Romans 6:3-4) God didn't throw you away because you're a sinner, nor did He destroy you and try again. Instead, He has perfected you by His grace and had mercy on you.  The cost for your righteousness is His own Son, who didn't know sin but became your sin. He died for you so that you would not die eternally but have the righteousness of God. God didn't throw you away, but He did sacrifice His Son on the cross for your forgiveness. The new has come! If you doubt that you are a new creation, look to the cross. Look to Christ. Hear your pastor speak on God's behalf: “Your sins are forgiven!”  Remember that you are baptized. Receive the Body and Blood of Jesus for your forgiveness. These are reminders of God's grace, yet even more than reminders they deliver the grace of God to you. Your sin has been replaced with the righteousness of God, and you are His new creation!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.My faithful God, You fail me never; Your promise surely will endure. O cast me not away forever If words and deeds become impure. Have mercy when I come defiled; Forgive, lift up, restore Your child. (LSB 590:3)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

March 31, 2025Today's Reading: Isaiah 12:1-6Daily Lectionary: Genesis 42:1-34, 38; Mark 12:1-12“You will say in that day: “I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:1-2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Has anyone ever been angry with you? Since you have a pulse, probably. You might have done something to anger someone, or you might have accidentally done something that resulted in another person's anger. Still, it happened. You did something, and they were angry. Perhaps that was when you learned that saying, “Now, don't be angry…” doesn't actually help someone's anger go away. Parents, siblings, teachers, classmates, and others aren't impressed when you just ask them not to be angry.But on the Last Day, God won't be angry with you. That's the promise of Isaiah. That promise makes you want to throw your hands in the air and say, “What?! How does that work?!” God has every right to be angry with you because of your sin. You live like God doesn't matter and like you matter most. You don't keep his Commandments, and sometimes your actions flaunt God's holiness, even on purpose. He should be angry with you, but because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, His anger is turned away, and He comforts you.Micah 7:18-19 declares, “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” God pardons you and forgives you, and He is your salvation.  That sounds too good to be true, but it is true. This truth can't be proven or debated but only believed. Like Isaiah says, trust and don't be afraid because the Lord your God is your strength and your song. He has become your salvation. If you have ever had someone stop being angry with you, you know how difficult that is to believe. But God's grace is true and believable for you. He is your salvation.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Yet as the Law must be fulfilled Or we must die despairing, Christ came and has God's anger stilled, Our human nature sharing. He has for us the Law obeyed And thus the Father's vengeance stayed Which over us impended. (LSB 555:5)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

March 30, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32Daily Lectionary: Genesis 41:28-57; Mark 11:20-33“It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'” (Luke 15:32)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. This parable is often called the “parable of the prodigal (or lost) son.” But the younger son isn't really the main character in the parable, and neither is his older brother. The main focus is the father. He was shamed by his younger son, who wanted his share of the inheritance early, and he was shamed by his older son, who threw a temper tantrum outside his father's celebration party. Both sons behaved badly. But the father didn't treat either of them like they deserved. Even after giving the younger son his share of the estate, he watched for his return and celebrated his homecoming. He invited and pleaded for the older son to come into the party because everything that belonged to the father also belonged to him.According to common sense, that's not how things work. When a relationship is damaged by hurtful, sinful action, it is rare that everything is immediately forgiven and set right. When you hurt someone else, maybe it took time to earn their trust back. Maybe the relationship was so damaged that it can't be repaired. But that's not how this father deals with his sons. Instead, he forgives them both and has an important place for both of them at his celebration feast. This parable is really “the parable of the forgiving father.”According to our common sense, this surprising forgiveness is backward. That's the very essence of God's Gospel. God the Father is fully aware of your sin. He doesn't excuse it or say that it's okay. He sends His one and only Son into the flesh so that all who believe in Him have eternal life. (John 3:16) He doesn't hold a grudge, ignore you, or wait for you to re-earn His trust. He takes the burden onto Himself to forgive you and to restore His relationship with you.When your Father forgives you, He throws a celebratory feast! That feast is the Body and Blood of His Son for you to eat and drink for the forgiveness of sins. That Communion feast prepares you for the supper of the Lamb on the Last Day when you eat and drink with Him in Paradise. Your forgiving Father restores you when He forgives all your sins. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

March 29, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Lent 4 - Psalm 51:2-6; antiphon: Psalm 51:1Daily Lectionary: Genesis 41:1-27; Mark 11:1-19For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me… Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. (Psalm 51:3, 5)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Taking stock of yourself and how you talk about yourself are important. Counselors, internet celebrities, and self-care specialists will tell you that. However, Christians are not left to themselves for how they consider themselves or how they describe themselves. God tells us about ourselves in Scripture, including in Psalm 51. However, these words don't come with a lot of positivity. In fact, many people would say that it isn't helpful to focus on our transgressions, sins, and iniquities. Confessing that we have been sinful since our conception, even before our birth, doesn't line up with “the power of positive thinking.”The power of positive thinking, healthy self-talk, or self-awareness won't save you. The Lord confronts you with your sin, and denying the totality of your sin is simply living in denial. Don't deny your sin. Don't ignore it and pretend like it isn't that bad. Scripture is true, and this God-given confession addresses the reality of your sin. The invitation to stand before the Lord and confess your sin is a powerful one. 1 John 1:8-9 says, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God is faithful to you, and that's why recognizing and confessing your sinfulness isn't depressing.Your faithful and just God comes to you with forgiveness and cleansing. How you describe yourself isn't nearly as important as the transformation the Lord brings for you. After all, Scripture also teaches us to beg God to wash us from our iniquity and cleanse us from our sin. This is no empty prayer or optimistic hope. This is a faithful prayer that recognizes God's power to heal, save, and forgive. That's exactly what He does for you. Your sin is terrible, horrific, and pervasive— and the Lord Jesus has forgiven your sin by grace through faith. Rejoice in God, who hears your prayer and cleanses you from all your sin and sinfulness! Take comfort in the fact that the Lord your God has forgiven your sin and cleansed you from all unrighteousness!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Though great our sins, yet greater still Is God's abundant favor; His hand of mercy never will Abandon us, nor waver. Our shepherd good and true is He, Who will at last His Israel free From all their sin and sorrow. (LSB 607:5)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

March 28, 2025Today's Reading: Mark 10:32-34Daily Lectionary: Genesis 40:1-23; Mark 10:32-52[Jesus] began to tell them what was to happen to him,saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” (Mark 10:32c-34)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Sometimes, people get a “feeling” or a “premonition” of what will happen. Maybe that happens to you before a test, when you think either “I've got this covered, and I'm going to get an A!” or “This isn't going to go well, and I hope to eke out a C.”  Maybe you have the feeling on the basketball court or softball field of how things are going to go. But those premonitions are fallible and don't always come true. On the other hand, Jesus tells His disciples exactly what is going to happen to Him. This was no mere feeling that may or may not come true, but the prophecy of the Son of God who knows all things. He told His disciples exactly what would happen to Him in Jerusalem, down to the details of being spit on and mocked and flogged before His death.  That threw the disciples into frightened conversation about what would come next. But Jesus called them back to the reality of what would happen to Him. After His death, He would rise again. This news of Jesus' death and resurrection is the very heart of the Gospel. Jesus' miracles and teachings are wonderful, but they mean nothing to sinners, including you, if Jesus didn't die and rise again. Focus your attention on Jesus, who knew exactly what would happen in Jerusalem and went there for you.When you have a feeling or a premonition that things won't go well for you, or when you think that things aren't going your way, set aside those self-centered feelings and focus on the eternally true fact that the Lord Jesus Christ suffered, died, and rose for you. He was spit on and mocked and flogged and crucified for you, but death could not hold Him. He did all that for you. His death and resurrection brings you the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. He didn't turn aside from that suffering but suffered and died for you. Those words from the cross are for you: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” You are forgiven by the perfect suffering and death of Jesus.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What punishment so strange is suffered yonder! The Shepherd dies for sheep that loved to wander; The Master pays the debt His servants owe Him, Who would not know Him. (LSB 439:4)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

March 27, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: The Creed - The Third ArticleDaily Lectionary: Genesis 39:1-23; Mark 10:13-31I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.What does this mean? I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.This is most certainly true. - Small Catechism Creed, The Third Article“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely” (1 Thessalonians 5:23a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. “Sanctify” and “sanctification”  are words that probably remind you of confirmation class. Do you remember the definition of the word “sanctify”? In case you don't, “sanctify” means “to make holy.”  So, “sanctified” means “made holy.” So, who drives the sanctification bus? Who is responsible for you being holy— God or you? St. Paul provides a blessing to his readers that “the God of peace sanctify you completely.” That means it's God's work. Dr. Luther, in the meaning of the 3rd Article of the Creed in the Small Catechism, confesses the same thing: “the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.” God is the Holy One who makes you holy.Yet, you struggle when you fall into sin and when you are confronted with the reality that you do unholy things. Sometimes, you make willing decisions to do unholy things. Sometimes, you want to do the opposite of what's holy. You can't make yourself holy because that's God's responsibility. But you can make yourself unholy, and you can depart from God's holiness. Sanctification is a Gift from God, but your sinful nature still fights against holiness. Still, the God of peace continually returns to you as He calls, gathers, sanctifies, and keeps you in His Church.Are you a sinner whose sinful nature fights against God's holiness that dwells in you? Obviously. Does that change the power of God to heal, save, and sanctify you? Of course not. The Lord your God blesses you with His holiness because He is holy, and He is your faithful God of peace. He keeps you blameless until the day of Jesus' return. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We all confess the Holy Ghost, Who from both in truth proceeds, Who sustains and comforts us In all trials, fears, and needs. Blessèd, holy Trinity, Praise forever be to Thee! (LSB 953:3)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

Martin Luther said in the preface to his Large Catechism:“Besides, nothing is more effectual against the devil, the world and the flesh and all evil thoughts than to be occupied with the Word of God, and to speak thereof, and meditate upon it; so that the first Psalm declares those blessed who meditate upon the law of God day and night. Undoubtedly, you will never offer any incense or other savor against Satan more efficacious than employment upon God's commandments and words, and speaking, singing, or thinking thereof. For this is indeed the truly holy water and holy sign from which he flees, and by which he is driven away. ”Join us in warding off the devil's temptations and growing in knowledge and appreciation of the truth of God and his love for sinners. We'll review these simple truths from the Scriptures and apply them into our lives as followers of Christ.  Grab your copy of Luther's Large Catechism in a stand alone paperback like the one found here. A version of Luther's Large Catechism with supplemental essays and further reading can be found here.  Luther's Large Catechism is included in the Book of Concord.  Grab your copy off the shelf or get your own copy here.  We hope you can join us to read through Luther's Large Catechism or at least listen in on the discussion. We'll read one Commandment/Article/Petition per episode.If you have any questions about this series or our Most Certainly True Podcast, please reach out to Pastor Hackmann at bhackmann@gracedowntown.org.  If you'd like to learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, check out our website www.gracedowntown.org.  

March 26, 2025 Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13Daily Lectionary: Genesis 37:1-36; Mark 10:1-12No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Temptation is serious business. There's a reason this topic comes back again and again for Christians, especially in the season of Lent, just like there's a reason that Jesus teaches us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation” in the Lord's Prayer. As we are confronted with temptation that comes to us from our own sinful flesh and nature, from the world around us, and from the devil himself, we hear with relief that the Lord will provide the way of escape so that we can endure temptation.But this verse is written in context with other verses around it. In 1 Corinthians 10, St Paul writes about the timeless temptations that confront God's people. As he reflects on the people freed from slavery in Egypt, he points out the temptations to idolatry, to sexual immorality, to test God, and to grumble about God's will. Not only did God's Old Testament people face these temptations, but many fell into sin and were judged by God. Idolatry, sexual immorality, and grumbling about God's will aren't only temptations thousands of years ago in the wilderness but also today. In your bedrooms, in your living rooms, in the classrooms where you learn, temptations come. Not only does temptation come to you, but you sometimes fall into sin.The comfort of 1 Corinthians 10:13 isn't that the Lord will free you from temptation or that you will perfectly stand up under temptation. The way of escape from temptation is the Lord Jesus Christ. In the midst of your temptation and in the midst of falling into sin, Jesus brings forgiveness. When you are tempted, pray that Jesus will send the Holy Spirit to strengthen you and keep you from sin and evil. And when you fall into sin, pray that Jesus covers you with His forgiveness. In His grace, you endure temptation. By the work of the Holy Spirit, you are strengthened against temptation. By the grace of God, you are forgiven and redeemed. You endure all things by the grace and mercy of God, even when it seems like you are a failure as a Christian. Your “success” as a Christian isn't up to you; it completely relies on the grace of God that makes you righteous and holy as a saint of God.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In your hearts enthrone Him; There let Him subdue All that is not holy, All that is not true: Crown Him as your captain In temptation's hour; Let His will enfold you In its light and pow'r. (LSB 512:5)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

On Ash Wednesday (March 5), the church enters the holy season of Lent, in which we focus on Christ's righteousness, sufferings and death, and the new testament in His blood. Much ink has been spilt over the decision of St. Jerome to translate the Greek "diatheke" as "testamentum" in his Latin Vulgate, which ultimately influenced the King James Version's selection of “testament” as a translation of this term. This, in turn, led to our common division of “Old Testament” (2 Corinthians 3:14) and “New Testament” (Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Hebrews 9:15). However, diatheke can also mean “covenant,” which is how many recent English translations, such as the ESV, render the term (except in Hebrews 9:16–17, where it opts for “will,” as in, “last will and testament”). Lutherans tend to prefer the translation “testament” over “covenant,” since covenants in the Bible sometimes require works on the part of humans. But in no case does a testament (a will) involve the works of the beneficiary — not to mention that it must be put into effect by the death of the testator. As we will see, even “covenant” can be understood correctly — provided that we pay attention to context and keep in mind the proper distinction between Law and Gospel. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the March 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Covenant or Testament?” on Jeremiah 31:31–34. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

On Ash Wednesday (March 5), the church enters the holy season of Lent, in which we focus on Christ's righteousness, sufferings and death, and the new testament in His blood. Much ink has been spilt over the decision of St. Jerome to translate the Greek "diatheke" as "testamentum" in his Latin Vulgate, which ultimately influenced the King James Version's selection of “testament” as a translation of this term. This, in turn, led to our common division of “Old Testament” (2 Corinthians 3:14) and “New Testament” (Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Hebrews 9:15). However, diatheke can also mean “covenant,” which is how many recent English translations, such as the ESV, render the term (except in Hebrews 9:16–17, where it opts for “will,” as in, “last will and testament”). Lutherans tend to prefer the translation “testament” over “covenant,” since covenants in the Bible sometimes require works on the part of humans. But in no case does a testament (a will) involve the works of the beneficiary — not to mention that it must be put into effect by the death of the testator. As we will see, even “covenant” can be understood correctly — provided that we pay attention to context and keep in mind the proper distinction between Law and Gospel. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the March 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Covenant or Testament?” on Jeremiah 31:31–34. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Saul's son Jonathan continues to show himself to be a faithful Israelite and a capable soldier. The LORD gives Jonathan and his armor-bearer the victory over a Philistine garrison, and then He gives a larger victory to the rest of the Israelite army through Saul. The growing victory is cut short, however, by Saul's foolish vow that comes from his personal desire for vengeance. Jonathan unknowingly places himself under the curse Saul speaks, and the rest of the army ravenously eats meat with blood because of their hunger from doing what Saul has commanded. With the Israelite camp in disarray, the LORD identifies Jonathan's eating to Saul, who is ready to kill his own son. The Israelite army intervenes on Jonathan's behalf, but by the time the events have ended, the victory over the Philistines is greatly limited due to Saul's unfaithful actions.  Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 14:1-52.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

With Israel gathered together at Gilgal, Samuel takes the opportunity to give a farewell sermon as his time as judge comes to an end. He reminds the people of his faithful service to the LORD and to them. He recalls the faithful dealings of the LORD with Israel over their history, even when Israel was unfaithful. Now that Israel has a king, both the people and the king must remain faithful to the LORD, or the LORD's hand will turn against them. The LORD sends a sign to confirm Samuel's word, and the people confess their sin. Samuel acknowledges their confession as true and urges them not to turn aside from the LORD.  Rev. Sean Smith, senior pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Clarksville, TN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 12:1-25.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org