Podcasts about holy baptism

June 23, 2026Today's Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 or 1 Peter 5:6-11Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 27:1-24; Prov 28:1-29:27; John 20:1-18The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. (1 Timothy 1:15)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.St. Paul is not looking for sympathy. When he says he is foremost or chief of sinners, he is not self-deprecating. He is not looking for Timothy to say, “Oh, Paul, no, you aren't that bad. There are worse people than you. Don't talk about yourself that way.” By no means! St. Paul is not looking for sympathy. Paul is not telling Timothy he is the chief of sinners to boast in himself. In fact, Paul's claim that he is the chief of sinners says more about Jesus than it does about Paul. Paul is proclaiming the gospel. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners - even him, who persecuted Jesus and His church. God sought to be reconciled with His fallen creation. He sent His only son, Jesus, to do the reconciling. Jesus Christ did not wait until sinners worked hard enough to save themselves. He did not wait until they proved themselves worth saving. God stepped in because we can't save ourselves. And in this, St. Paul boasts and declares it trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. This gospel is for you as much as it was for St. Paul or Timothy or anyone else. When your conscience is burdened by the knowledge of your sinful condition, take heart. Jesus came into the world to save sinners. When all seems lost and you have failed in your vocations, take heart. Jesus came into the world to save sinners. When death draws near, and you come face to face with your own frailty, take heart. Jesus came into the world to save sinners. He came into the world to save you. Jesus took on our frail human flesh to redeem our inability to fulfill God's commands. Jesus fulfilled the law of God perfectly, that we might be restored. He died and rose, that sinners might die and rise as well, in Holy Baptism. He came into the world to forgive you of your sins and to rescue you from the power of death and the devil. It is trustworthy and worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, to save you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Sin, disturb my soul no longer; I am baptized into Christ! I have comfort even stronger: Jesus' cleansing sacrifice. Should a guilty conscience seize me since my Baptism did release me in a dear forgiving flood, sprinkling me with Jesus' blood? (LSB 594:2)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

In this Lutheran sermon on Romans 6:21–23, Pastor Balla of Peace Lutheran Church preaches on the devastating wages of sin and the free gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus. What does sin actually produce? Shame. Death. Bondage. But God does not pay wages — He gives gifts. This Law and Gospel sermon walks through Paul's contrast between what sin earns and what Christ freely gives through His death and resurrection, connected to Holy Baptism and the promises of the Gospel delivered in Word and Sacrament. If you are searching for biblical preaching, confessional Lutheran sermons, LCMS worship, or Gospel-centered teaching on Romans, this message is for you.Support this ministry: https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph#LutheranSermon #Romans6 #LawAndGospel #LCMS #EternalLife

The Institution The Promise The Purpose

June 5, 2026 Num. 28:16-29:11; Ps. 62:9-12; Prov. 16:21-23; Luke 3:15-22

Pentecost and the Language of God Pastor Mark Havel Download John 7:37-39On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me; and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water.'” Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive, for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified. Christa and I spent a few days in Michigan and Northwest Ohio this week and laughed more than once about the colloquialisms, language, and accents of our people and of the places where we were raised: places and people who think mayonnaise and Miracle Whip are synonyms, I mean; people who say things like “Italian dressing;” and people who buy “pop” – not soda – at “Krogers” or at “Meijers.” I have disabused myself of a lot of that, although “pop” is and will always be “pop,” in my world.All of this is to say, I have language on the brain this Pentecost Sunday, and I wish I could speak more of them. My four years of high school and undergraduate minor in Spanish haven't lasted as long as they woulda, coulda, should have. I never did the much-needed “full-immersion” thing where I spent enough time living in and engaging with the culture of a people so that I could practice, speak, and learn that language, which is still more foreign to me than not.And I have traveled enough to regret my ignorance of and inability to speak other languages in very tangible, up close and personal ways. Of course, it would be nice to order the best food at restaurants and ask about and follow directions in a new city, but it would be most meaningful to communicate conversationally with people more deeply and more meaningfully, to worship, even, when traveling in other countries and cultures.Of course, I've noticed this most, over the years, in Haiti. There was a spell of about 18 months once, where I was in Fondwa three separate times, for a week at a clip, and, while I was nowhere near speaking Haitian Creole with any fluency, I did find that I could almost eavesdrop on conversations between my Haitian friends and just about make sense of, and anticipate discussions with, our translators as we lived and worked and spent time with our people there.And the hardest thing about this longing for language – the most convicting part of it all – is how so much of the rest of the world is at least bi-lingual; how, when I have traveled to places like Haiti, Mexico, Italy, Greece, Germany, and more, average bears in all of those places are able to speak my language – to engage me with patience and kindness and wisdom and generosity; how they're able – and so graciously willing – to meet me where I am and where I need them to be.Which is how I'm receiving the good news and invitation of Pentecost this time around: with that story from Acts and those tongues of fire and all of those languages, cultures, and nationalities ringing in my ears – along with Jesus' invitation to come to – and to become – living water for the sake of the world.See, I think our invitation as God's people – among so many other things – is to always be listening for and opening ourselves to the needs of the world around us. To not pretend that ours is the only way or the best way to do all the things. To remember – and to celebrate – that Jesus showed up for the sake of the world; that he very literally didn't speak our language; and that most of us here should approach him with deference and humility because we are utterly unfamiliar with the kind of life he lived – its poverty and low position in the grand scheme of the empire and power he so bravely, faithfully resisted, I mean.So, on this Pentecost Sunday, as we celebrate what many refer to as the birthday of Christ's Church in the world, and as we wonder about our call as wannabe followers of Jesus in that regard – and as a congregation of Partners in Mission, more specifically – I find myself wondering about the way we find ourselves looking beyond our own walls, into the hearts and minds, into the lives and longings of others, and speaking their language – if not literally, than spiritually … faithfully … lovingly … graciously – like Jesus did and like Jesus calls us to do, as believers from whom rivers of living water are supposed to flow.If you haven't seen the Greenfield Reporter article from yesterday yet, please check it out. They ran a lovely piece about the many places our most recent round of Building and Outreach grants will go. In addition to our continued support of Project Rouj, to build homes in Haiti, $45,000 are in the mail to places and people who live and speak very differently than we do in so many ways: impoverished communities of color in Louisiana, shelters and transitional housing ministries on the west side of Indy, recovery houses, rehab centers, and therapy for children with disabilities as far away as Guatemala.And you should know, if you haven't heard, that it appears our Summer Reading Program – with special invitation and encouragement for kids learning English – seems to really be happening. With a week and a half to go there are 11 kids signed up so far. And with last names like Perez, Garcia, Montalvan, and Mercano, we are all going to be speaking and learning and sharing grace in more ways and languages than just one around here. And I think it's going to be beautiful.And don't get me wrong. Let's not break our arms patting ourselves and each other on the back. We have plenty of work to do until there are at least as many Black and brown people joining us for worship on Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., as there are those who show up to the food pantry on Wednesdays between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.Which, again, for me, is at least part of the call of this Pentecost celebration and of the Pentecost season to come for us. It's about recognizing the scope of the Church's mission – our mission here at Cross of Grace and the mission of God's Church in the world, just the same. Our building project is about making room in a very literal way for more of God's children to join us here, to receive and to share the living water of grace so many of us have found in this place, with so many who don't know it exists. And the money our Building Fund's tithe will allow us to share to build homes in Fondwa, Haiti – each of which now includes a water cistern, by the way – will continue to share living water, literally – and so much more – with God's children in the poorest country in the western hemisphere.In addition to that, the General Fund commitments and the Time and Talent offerings I hope you're praying about increasing and adding to the mix next Sunday, will be continue to be used – not just for our own sake – but because we exist to love and serve our neighbor; and because the grace we proclaim, promise, and pour out in the waters of Holy Baptism around here, are for all people – ANYONE who is thirsty; and because when we do that in the spirit of Pentecost – when we get it right – we do it more faithfully than a lot of people feel comfortable and more graciously than enough churches feel called.My friend Jamalyn – who many of you know, too, as the founder of Project Rouj, the organization we support that builds all those houses in Haiti – she is fluent in Haitian Creole, having lived there for a couple of years, just out of seminary. I remember her saying once, on one of our trips to Fondwa, that it takes her a couple of days of being back in the country to feel like she's speaking fluently and communicating, in Creole, as fully as she likes; that it takes her a minute to get her bearings and back into the swing of it, but that she knows when that has happened, because she starts to dream in Creole.And I think that's just about the most beautiful, holy way to wonder about today's Pentecost good news: that we will know we're in the swing of it … that the Holy Spirit has hold of us … that we are speaking God's language … whether it's Haitian Creole, Spanish, German, Italian, or midwestern English … if and when we start dreaming in ways that inspire our capacity to understand, love, and serve all of God's children, wherever they may be and for whatever it is that they thirst.When we start dreaming about our longing to meet the needs of others before our own…When we start dreaming about ways God's kingdom can come alive among us and flow through us – not just for us – like so much living water…So that our generosity of time, talent, and treasure; our desire to worship, learn, and serve turns God's Church – and Cross of Grace as part of it – into nothing more and nothing less than a vessel for the very Holy Spirit of God's love, for the sake of the world, in Jesus' name.Amen

Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla explores Psalm 65:5–8, revealing God's awesome deeds in creation and salvation through Jesus Christ. In this LCMS Lutheran devotional, the Lord is confessed as the God of our salvation who stills the chaos of sin, fear, and the troubled world through His righteous power. The same God who established the mountains and calmed the seas brings peace through His Word, Holy Baptism, and the Lord's Supper. Centered in Christ crucified and risen, this devotion proclaims forgiveness, hope, and steadfast joy for believers living in a world of unrest. Strengthened by the ESV Scriptures, this Bible-based message encourages daily faith, repentance, and trust in Christ alone. Subscribe for daily Lutheran devotions, gospel encouragement, and Christ-centered teaching. Support this ministry and daily outreach through Buy Me a Coffee and connect for ongoing encouragement rooted in Scripture and the Lutheran confession of faith for all believers everywhere.Buy Me a Coffeehttps://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph⸻Hashtags:#DailyDevotion #Psalm65 #LCMS #Lutheran #GospelHope

Saint Constantine was born in 272, the son of Constantius Chlorus, ruler of the western part of the Roman Empire, and St Helen. When his father died in 306 he was proclaimed successor to the throne. The empire was ruled at that time by several Caesars, each with his own territory. When Constantine learned that the Caesars Maxentius and Maximinus had joined against him, he marched on Italy. It was there that, on the eve of a decisive battle outside Rome, he saw in the sky a radiant Cross with the words "In this sign conquer." He ordered that a battle-standard be made bearing the image of a cross and inscribed with the Name of Jesus Christ. The following day he and his forces attacked and won a spectacular victory. He entered Rome in triumph and in 312 was proclaimed "Emperor of the West" by the Senate. (His brother-in-law Licinius ruled in the East.) Soon thereafter he issued his "Edict of Milan," whereby Christianity was officially tolerated for the first time, and persecution of Christians ceased. (Many believe, mistakenly, that the Edict made Christianity the only legal religion; in fact, it proclaimed freedom of religion throughout the Empire).   Licinius, though he pretended to accept the Edict, soon began persecuting Christians in his domain. In response, Constantine fought and defeated him in 324, becoming sole Emperor of the entire Roman Empire. In 324 he laid the foundations of a new capital in the town of Byzantium; in 330 he inaugurated the new capital city, naming it "New Rome" and "Constantinople." In 325 he called the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea, attending its sessions himself. Shortly before his repose in 337, he received Holy Baptism; he died on Holy Pentecost, at the age of sixty-five, and was interred in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople.   St Constantine's holy mother Helen, in her role as "Augusta" of the Empire, founded countless churches. She traveled to Jerusalem and found the True Cross on which the Lord was crucified. In the Holy Land she established churches at the sites of Christ's Nativity and burial, which still stand today in much-modified form. She died at about eighty years of age.

May 21, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - 1st PetitionDaily Lectionary: Numbers 16:41-17:13; Numbers 18:1-19:22; Luke 20:1-18“God's name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also.” (The Small Catechism, The Lord's Prayer- First Petition)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What's in a name? What is a name? It's a label. It's the way in which we are known. It carries with it our reputation, an impression of our character. A new teacher may think they know you because they know your older sibling who came before you, and assume you will be the same because you share the same last name. A name is more than a word used to get our attention; it carries with it our very identity. Yahweh, God, and Father are all names by which we know God. They are holy, like nothing else. He is like no one else. He is not like other “gods.” He is gracious, merciful, compassionate, and forgiving. He desires and makes possible your forgiveness by sending His own Son, the second Person of God, being of the same substance, the same stuff, God Himself to die for you. What God does that? What God sacrifices Himself to save His people? Your God does. He is not like other “gods.”He is not like us, though, either. We are frail, weak, and prone to making mistakes and failures. We are imperfect, unholy sinners who drag His name through the mud. He is perfect, righteous, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent. Yet He becomes like us, flesh of our flesh and bone of our bones, born of woman, born under the law, born under the consequence of sin and death. He is like us in every way, even tempted as we are, but without sin. Though He is not without death. Through faith, that death is for you, that forgiveness is for you. God is for you. He is your God, and you are His.So He puts His name on you. In the waters of Holy Baptism, the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit is put on you. You are labeled. You are marked. You are known; your character and identity are in Him. You are not your weakness, your frailty, your mistakes, or your sins. They have no part with you anymore. Leave them behind, dead on the cross, buried in the tomb, drowned in the waters of your Baptism. You are Christian. You are forgiven. God, our Father, knows you because He knows Christ. So He knows, and you may know, that just as Christ is risen from the dead, so, too, shall you rise each day new and eternally new to live in His Kingdom. After all, His name, your name, is on it.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Our Father, hallowed be Thy name. O holy God, keep me holy today and to life everlasting in Your name. Amen.Rev. Brett Simek, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD.

May 17, 2026Today's Reading: John 15:26-16:4Daily Lectionary: Numbers 14:1-25; Luke 18:18-34“…now we cultivate the fear of God, justice, kindness, faith, and the expectation of the future given us through the Crucified One… The more we are persecuted and martyred, the more do others in ever increasing numbers become believers.”  ~Justin the Martyr (100AD – 165AD) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Most of Jesus' words to His disciples are intended to prepare them for His departure via the cross, where He would pay the cost of their salvation. In our text, Jesus' words prepare His Apostles for their eventual crosses – the hour which is coming when, “whoever kills you will think he is offering a service to God.” (Jn 16:2) A significant portion of Jesus' words to His disciples in all the Gospels are about the cost of being His disciple. (Matthew 10:38, 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23, 14:25-33). As His disciple, where is your cross? You needn't go looking for it. You bear it marked upon your forehead and over your heart as given in the rite of Holy Baptism. When you were made God's own child in that water and Word, you were made an enemy of Satan, and thus an enemy of this fallen world over which he rules (John 12:31). No one baptized, who stands upon the rock of Christ's truth, is immune from the scorn of Satan or this world. That is the cross borne by you and all of God's saints.  Dying to yourself and to this world doesn't have to mean martyrdom. Still, you face a world where Scriptural truth is despised, God's created order is denied, and the truth of a merciful God is rejected. The cost could include the loss of friendships, family ties, the respect of your peers, and worldly success. So it is that, in our text, Jesus' admonition likewise includes the promise that the Holy Spirit will be the immutable source of your Christian life and witness.  “I have said all these things to keep you from falling away.” (John 16:1) Jesus' admonition is a gift. When the world rages against you, you are not left alone. The Holy Spirit keeps your eyes fixed upon Jesus, who authored and perfected your faith, enduring the cross for the joy set before Him. (Hebrews 12:2) The Spirit continues to call you by the Gospel, enlighten you with His gifts, keeping you in the true faith, daily and richly forgiving your sins. The cost you pay of dying to this world is a pittance compared to the cost of Christ's own blood, which has bought you and made you an heir with Him to eternity. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above all heavens, leave us not without consolation but send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father; for You live and reign with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for Exaudi – The Seventh Sunday of Easter)Rev. Jeffrey Ries, pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA

Today is day 130 and we are studying The Sacrament of Baptism. 130. What signs of the Holy Spirit's work should you hope and pray to see as a result of your Baptism? I should hope and pray that the Holy Spirit, who indwells me, will help me to be an active member of my Christian community, participate in worship, continually repent and return to God, proclaim the faith, love and serve God and my neighbor, and seek justice and peace. (Matthew 22:35–40; Hebrews 10:19–28; 12:14; 1 Peter 3:15; 1 John 1:9; 2:1) We will conclude today with The Final Prayer in Holy Baptism found on page 169 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

What does Jesus mean when He says, “I will not leave you as orphans”? In this powerful Lutheran sermon for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Pastor Balla proclaims the comforting Gospel of Jesus Christ from John 14:15–21. This Christ-centered LCMS sermon explores the fear of spiritual abandonment, the judgment seen in Amos 6, and the saving promise of Christ who comes to His people through His Word, Holy Baptism, and the Lord's Supper.This expository Christian sermon emphasizes the real comfort of the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness of sins, and the assurance that believers are never alone because Christ dwells with His Church. If you are searching for biblical preaching, Law and Gospel sermons, Lutheran theology, Easter season sermons, Christian encouragement, or verse-by-verse Bible teaching, this sermon is for you.Discover how Jesus transforms fearful sinners into children of God who confidently cry, “Abba! Father!” through the Spirit of adoption.Support the channel and future Christ-centered Lutheran content here:Buy Me a CoffeeWebsite: buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphHashtags#LutheranSermon #John14 #LCMS #ChristianSermon #LawAndGospel

May 6, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 12:35-53Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 23:23-44; Luke 12:35-53“‘Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.” (Luke 12:35-36)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. Jesus' words for the disciples were a little concerning for them. They wanted to know if these words were for them or for all the people. The “managers” are in the crosshairs of Christ's admonishment. The ones entrusted with the work of overseeing the administration of the gifts that have been given to them. The local church had abused its power by burdening the consciences of the people. The leadership continually advocated a law of salvation for the people. God's forgiveness was contingent upon the obedience to the laws made by man. The church had grown into apostasy. The leadership failed to see themselves as servants, but rather as those who were in control and “calling the shots.” The life they advocated was not about God's unfailing mercy and forgiveness but rather about obedience to their laws. Christ saw their hardened hearts. Christ came as the suffering servant who dies on the cross and conquers death. His ministry is a ministry of servitude for His people. In His service, His people are made ready for the Master's return. He prepares His people through the Gift of Holy Baptism. In your Baptism, you are made ready for His glorious return. Christ reminds His hearers that they know neither the day nor the hour when the master will return. He merely encourages them to be ready. You are ready in your Baptism. In your Baptism, you received the name of Jesus. In your Baptism, you received the sign of the cross both upon your forehead and upon your heart to mark you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified. You are baptized into His death, and you are baptized in His resurrection. You are dressed for the return of Christ as His robe of righteousness has been placed over you. You are ready for His return.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The gifts flow from the font Where He calls us His own; New life He gives that makes Us His and His alone. Here He forgives our sins With water and His Word; The triune God Himself Gives pow'r to call Him Lord. (LSB 602:2)Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.

Father Gary continues our series on Anglican distinctives with a lesson on Holy Baptism.

April 28, 2026Today's Reading: 1 Peter 2:11-20 or 1 John 3:1-3Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 10:1-20; Leviticus 11:1-15:33; Luke 9:37-62“For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls on the ground. For I am the Lord who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.'” (Leviticus 11:44-45)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In the story of the Scriptures, the word holy is like coffee shops in the Pacific Northwest or BBQ joints in Texas; you'll find holiness on every corner of every street as you travel the highway of God's Word. From God's holy sabbath rest on the seventh day of creation, to the holy of holies in the tabernacle, to the angels crying out holy, holy, holy around the Lamb's throne in Revelation, there's God in his holiness. God's holiness is a matter of proximity. The dust and rocks around the burning bush were holy. Why? Not because Moses worked some magic in the wilderness. Yahweh was there. It was holy ground. The wood, fabric, furnishings, ark of the covenant, along with the whole tabernacle, were holy. Why? Not because of the handiwork of Israelite craftsmen or the hands of the sons of Aaron and Levi. Yahweh was there. And that meant everything in and around the tabernacle was holy. God places his holiness alongside people, places, and things, and they, too, by his grace and promise, become holy.But there's a problem. Before God, we are wholly unholy. God's holiness is like Aslan in Narnia. God is good and holy, but he's not safe. Apart from Christ, God's holiness is not safe. So what does God do? God robes us in the holiness of Jesus crucified and risen. He declares you righteous and holy. In Christ, we receive God's holiness in Jesus' holy Gifts. God does all of this in a way similar to the way he did for Israel of old. By blood and water and sacrifice. Jesus the High Priest is also God's greatest and final offering for all our sins. On the cross, Jesus was defiled with all our uncleanness. On the cross, Jesus, who is wholly holy, became unholy for you, bore all our unholiness. And now he shares his holiness and holy Gifts with you. It's a matter of proximity. The holiness we lack, Jesus shares freely. From his holy cross, he brings you holy Gifts. His promise and presence in His Holy Word. A flood of forgiveness in Holy Baptism. Pardon and peace in Holy Absolution. His holy Body and Blood in Holy Communion. And where Jesus is, there is his holiness, and yours. For you have his promise: “You shall be holy, for I am holy. And you are holy in me.”In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Renew me, O eternal Light, And let my heart and soul be bright, Illumined with the light of grace That issues from Your holy face. (LSB 704:1)

Today is day 102 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the fifteenth line: “The Communion of Saints”. 102. What is the “communion of the saints”? The communion of the saints is the fellowship of all those, in heaven and on earth, who are united in Christ as one Body, through one Spirit, in Holy Baptism. (Psalm 149; Ephesians 2:13–22; Hebrews 12:1–3) We will conclude today with Prayer 113. The Communion of Saints found on page 679 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

March 27, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 15:33-47Daily Lectionary: Exodus 5:1-6:1; Mark 15:33-47 “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?' which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'” (Mark 15:34)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The final words of Christ make a declaration. Christ is truly alone with the weight of all the sins of all people from all time bearing down upon him. He has completed the requirements of the law, and now the perfect sacrifice for all mankind is finished. “Why have you forsaken me?” is uttered, and He breathes his last. He is alone and dead. His father has turned His back on Him. The few that have come to the cross stand at a distance. All that is left is to bury Him.It is not a glorious death. His death is a death of humiliation and torture. It is a bloody death filled with agony and pain. His disciples have left him but one, John. The local church leaders have stopped by to deride him and cast their insults upon Him. They truly kick Him when He is down. No mercy is shown to Him other than a bit of sour wine on a hyssop branch. Often in our lives, we are left feeling all alone. We may cry out in a similar fashion, “My God, why have you forsaken me?” Various circumstances in our lives can leave us feeling as if no one is with us. We continually hear the shallow platitudes of those around us regarding the omnipresence of God. Yet the darkness in our lives seems overwhelming. The family is still fighting. The homework is still piling up. The parents are still divorced. The slanderous remarks still spew from fellow classmates in the hallways and on social media. We are left under the weight of our sin and abandonment.It is in the sacrament of Holy Baptism that we are reminded that we are not alone. In all of the above circumstances, we see the separation and loneliness that exists on account of sin. In your Baptism, you are connected to the cross of Christ. His being forsaken by God the Father is your promise that God the Father will never abandon you or forsake you. Your Baptism is that seal, that promise that God never turns His back on you. It is not that you “were” Baptized but that you “are” Baptized. Daily, when the sins of this world bear down upon you, you can proclaim, “I am Baptized.”In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I bind unto myself the name, The strong name of the Trinity By invocation of the same, The Three in One and One in Three, Of whom all nature has creation, Eternal Father, Spirit, Word. Praise to the Lord of my salvation; Salvation is of Christ the Lord! (LSB 604:5)

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:22-32; Titus 3:1-8 Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 26 Theme: Look to your baptism to see the love of God, the cleansing of Christ, and the renewal of the Holy Spirit.

The return of Lazarus to the life of this earth by Christ's divine power over death, like the last two Sundays, has a reference to Holy Baptism. Also, it foreshadows the resurrection of the body and life everlasting; which will be made possible by the resurrection of Jesus in the dawn of Easter Sunday.Music by TheNonVisibles from Pixabay If you would like to contact me to provide feedback, suggestions  or to ask questions you can do this via email:frpchandler@armidale.catholic.org.auAlso if you would like to support me in this work, please send me an email and I will provide details for how you can make a donation. Music by TheNonVisibles from Pixabay

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260317dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. John 9:6-7 Even Jesus Uses Tools My wife will tell you. I’m not handy. Putting a tool in my hands can be a dangerous prospect, because I'm more likely to make the problem worse, not better. Tools are just not my thing. With some household projects, it might be wiser to give me a magic wand to wave than a hammer to swing, since the best chance for success would have to involve some miracle. Jesus doesn’t need tools to fix things. The Bible makes that abundantly clear. He’s God, so he can do what he wants and can fix every problem without lifting a finger or batting an eye. But here’s the thing: often, Jesus uses tools to accomplish his saving will. We see that truth plainly illustrated in John, chapter nine. When Jesus encountered a man born blind, he could have given him sight without saying a word or moving a muscle. But he didn’t. Instead, “he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes.” Then he said, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam.” What happened? John tells us that “the man went and washed, and came home seeing.” In other words, Jesus used tools—spit, mud, words, and washing—to accomplish the glorious task of giving sight to the blind. And he does the same for us! No, Jesus may never need to give or restore our physical sight to us. But he longs to bless us with the spiritual sight of saving faith and to sharpen it daily. But he doesn’t do either of those things without using tools. Instead, he uses the water of Holy Baptism and the wheat and wine of Holy Communion, combined with his powerful Word, to create and sustain faith in his people. He could have decided to do it differently, but he doesn't. He uses tools. Which means what? That he would have us use those same tools. Through them alone, Jesus gives saving sight to the blind! Prayer: Jesus, inspire me to use your Word and sacraments faithfully and to share your saving Word with others. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260317dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. John 9:6-7 Even Jesus Uses Tools My wife will tell you. I’m not handy. Putting a tool in my hands can be a dangerous prospect, because I'm more likely to make the problem worse, not better. Tools are just not my thing. With some household projects, it might be wiser to give me a magic wand to wave than a hammer to swing, since the best chance for success would have to involve some miracle. Jesus doesn’t need tools to fix things. The Bible makes that abundantly clear. He’s God, so he can do what he wants and can fix every problem without lifting a finger or batting an eye. But here’s the thing: often, Jesus uses tools to accomplish his saving will. We see that truth plainly illustrated in John, chapter nine. When Jesus encountered a man born blind, he could have given him sight without saying a word or moving a muscle. But he didn’t. Instead, “he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes.” Then he said, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam.” What happened? John tells us that “the man went and washed, and came home seeing.” In other words, Jesus used tools—spit, mud, words, and washing—to accomplish the glorious task of giving sight to the blind. And he does the same for us! No, Jesus may never need to give or restore our physical sight to us. But he longs to bless us with the spiritual sight of saving faith and to sharpen it daily. But he doesn’t do either of those things without using tools. Instead, he uses the water of Holy Baptism and the wheat and wine of Holy Communion, combined with his powerful Word, to create and sustain faith in his people. He could have decided to do it differently, but he doesn't. He uses tools. Which means what? That he would have us use those same tools. Through them alone, Jesus gives saving sight to the blind! Prayer: Jesus, inspire me to use your Word and sacraments faithfully and to share your saving Word with others. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

When Isaac's age had led to near blindness, he desired to give his blessing to his favorite son, Esau, despite what the LORD had said when the twins were in the womb. Rebekah overheard her husband's plan and worked with her favorite son, Jacob, to secure the blessing for him instead. Rebekah prepared food like Esau would have and clothed Jacob with Esau's clothing. Isaac's poor eyesight prevented him from seeing the truth, and he prepared to give the blessing to the son dressed as Esau. Though deception was involved in Genesis 27, the story provides a picture of what God does for us with no deception as He clothes us with the righteousness of Christ in Holy Baptism so that we receive His blessing.  Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 27:1-25.  To learn more about Higher Things, visit higherthings.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God's entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy's head.  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

Many Christians do not believe that children can enter the kingdom of God through Holy Baptism. But far from being an exception, Jesus holds up little children as the model for those who enter the kingdom. And He says to us adults, “Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by…

The Christian life is nothing other than a daily Baptism. Baptism does not just happen to us; by it, the Lord transforms us by death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). We walk in our Baptism each day by living in repentance and the gracious forgiveness found in Christ. The Lord enables our faith to flourish as we mortify the flesh (Romans 8:13), turning to Him and trusting that His forgiveness in Christ is ours. “God's own child I gladly say it, I am baptized into Christ.” (LSB 594, st. 1) Rev. Daniel Lewis, Assistant Professor of Theology, Concordia University, Seward, NE, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to conclude our study of Baptism as confessed in the Large Catechism. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org. 

February 28, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Lent 2 - Psalm 25:1-2a, 7-8, 11; antiphon: Psalm 25:6, 2b, 22Daily Lectionary: Genesis 15:1-21; Mark 5:21-43“Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!” (Psalm 25:7)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Did you know that a person's brain doesn't fully develop until about the age of twenty-five? David must have known this as well, and that's why he asks God not to remember the sins of his youth. People often hold the opinion that youth should not dwell on their failures but instead view their mistakes as opportunities to learn, adapt, and improve.While there may be some element of truth to that idea, some people are willing to excuse and overlook foolish and sinful behavior under the pretense of youthful ignorance. Does that mean God is willing to do the same? After all, God can't expect us to make good decisions all of the time, especially while we are young and still learning to navigate through life.   If all of this is true, at what point can a person expect to outgrow this phase of life and begin taking responsibility for oneself? In actuality, the problem was never so simple. It's not a rite of passage that we'll simply outgrow. Our Lutheran Confessions state “that since the fall of Adam, all who are naturally born are born with sin, that is, without the fear of God, without trust in God, and with the inclination to sin  . . .” And that never changes! The Old Adam, our old self or that old man in us, will never change. It will never get any better. It will never produce works that are pleasing to our Creator and Almighty God. And it will never be inclined to do good! We shouldn't think of the Christian life as a process of chipping away at the Old Adam until finally, someday, we'll be completely free from its evil influence. The sinful nature needs to be dealt with much more forcefully than that. It needs to be put to death, it needs to be drowned in the waters of Holy Baptism, and a New Man in Christ needs to be given life!  This is what the loving and merciful God has done for you. He has come to you in Baptism and united you with His Son, the Savior. And because of this, God no longer sees your sin; it was crucified and buried with Christ. Now your sins (all of them, not just the ones of your youth) are forgiven. You are washed clean in the blood of Christ. You are a New Man in Christ.   In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus, refuge of the weary, Blest Redeemer, whom we love, Fountain in life's desert dreary, Savior from the world above: Often have Your eyes, offended, Gazed upon the sinner's fall; Yet upon the cross extended, You have borne the pain of all. (LSB 423:1)  Rev. Chad Hoover serves as Campus Pastor and theology teacher at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, IN and pastoral assistant at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

We believe that Baptism is for all ages. Since Baptism is commanded for all nations (Matthew 28:19) and gives us the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39), we trust in the power of the Word as opposed to ourselves. The Word has power whether a person is 99 years or one day old. The Word does not become inconsistent or incompatible due to our response. We baptize for the sake of following Christ's command and receiving the benefits He gives—no matter the age! Thanks be to God for this inexpressible gift! Rev. Daniel Lewis, Assistant Professor of Theology, Concordia University, Seward, NE, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of Baptism as confessed in the Large Catechism. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org. 

The power, work, profit, fruit, and purpose of Baptism is this—to save (Colossians 1:13-14; John 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21). The water is not mere water, but a life-giving fount for those who believe. Our identity is not as one who was baptized, but as one who is baptized into Christ and saved in body and soul. Although “new spirits” will desire to question the validity and efficacy of our Baptism, we cling to the simple Word of God and trust that His Word is beyond any human reason! Rev. Stewart Crown, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Palo Alto, CA, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study of Baptism. To learn more about Trinity in Palo Alto, visit trinitylutheranpaloalto.com. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org. 

To understand Baptism is to keep the simple words of Scripture. Jesus commands Baptism (Matthew 28:19), Baptism is divine by water and the Word (Titus 3:5-8), Baptism brings salvation (Mark 16:6), and Jesus works through Baptism (Romans 6:1-4). In Baptism, we receive forgiveness, life, and salvation in Christ. Through the most powerful Triune name of the Lord, we have the assurance that His grace is sufficient. Rev. Dr. Steve Schave, Executive Director of Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots (LAMP), joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Baptism as confessed in the Large Catechism. To learn more about Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots, visit lampministry.org. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org. 

Matthew 3:13-17Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?' But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.' Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.' We don't like resolutions anymore. In fact, most of us probably didn't make a single one this year.Pew Research Center found that about 70 percent of Americans skipped resolutions altogether. When asked why, more than half simply said, “We don't like them.” And honestly, I'm with them. Most of our resolutions have become predictable, boring, and very inward-focused. Just listen to the top five resolutions according to a survey done by You Gov.Exercising moreBeing happyEating healthierSaving more moneyLosing weightYou probably could've guessed them. But these days self-improvement isn't just the focus of our resolutions: it's the focus of our whole society. We're surrounded by a culture that tells us we are always one habit, one purchase, one routine away from becoming a better version of ourselves. Social media feeds us an endless stream of trends, all built on the same promise: if you work harder, focus more, and optimize your time, you will finally be okay. Nearly all of it tells us to cut out distractions — like the people in our lives — so we can walk with a weighted vest and drink mushroom coffee till we are entirely better people, physically and mentally.Who has time for New Year's resolutions when the pressure to improve is nonstop? But resolutions weren't always this way. In fact, for most of their long history, they were almost the opposite of what we know today.The practice goes back thousands of years. In ancient Babylon and Rome, people made vows at religious festivals that were meant to strengthen the whole community: praying together, settling debts, promising to live well with their neighbors and their gods. Even as recently as the 1940s, resolutions were still mostly about how to be a better person with other people. A Gallup poll from 1947 found the top three resolutions were to improve my disposition, be more understanding, and control my temper. That's a very different vision of change than losing weight, getting rich, or optimizing yourself. My favorite legend about New Year's resolutions is the Vow of the Peacock, told of medieval knights. They would gather for a grand feast, and at the center of it all was a peacock: roasted, re-dressed in its dazzling feathers, and carried through the hall. One by one, knights would rise and make their vows upon the bird, speaking promises of chivalry before everyone present. These were not modest intentions, but aspirational, even risky commitments: to courage, loyalty, and love.The Vow of the Peacock, more legend than ledger, shows us what people once believed promises were supposed to be: public, costly, witnessed, and binding; not private acts of self-improvement, but commitments made for the sake of others.And that turns out to be exactly the kind of vow Jesus steps into at the Jordan River.Because when Jesus comes to be baptized, he is not trying to become a better version of himself. He is stepping into a shared, public act: one that binds him to sinners, to repentance, and to the people he has come to save.That's why we get baptism so wrong when we treat it like a spiritual achievement, something you earn once you've spiritually improved enough to be worthy. That's not what's happening at the Jordan at all.In fact, at this point in Jesus' life, he had done nothing. No miracles. No healings. No teachings. And yet God says to everyone gathered, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”God doesn't say, “This is my Son, who kept all his resolutions, who eats the right amount of protein, and walks on water.” There is none of that. No self-improvement, no spiritual résumé, but still called beloved.So if this baptism isn't about self-improvement or earning anything, what is Jesus doing in the water?First, he is doing this for us and with us. By stepping into the Jordan, Jesus is saying, “I am in this with you — all of you who repent, all who need forgiveness, everyone trying to turn toward God.” He does not stand above us, but with us. That's why Jesus tells John, “It is proper for us to fulfill all righteousness.” He chooses not to go it alone. He includes John in the work God is doing. This baptism is a radical act of solidarity, showing us how Jesus will bring about the kingdom of heaven, by working in, with, and through people.And that righteousness doesn't stay with Jesus. The righteousness he fulfills in those waters is given to us in ours. In baptism, our sins are forgiven and we are set back into right relationship with God and with creation. That's why, at every baptism, and every time you remember your own, you should hear God's voice echoing over you: “This is my child, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” With you. God is well pleased.We don't need resolutions to be worthy of anything, no matter what the trends and ads tell us. What we do need, believe it or not, are peacock vows. I know that sounds strange. We don't need to swear chivalry on a bird. But we do need public promises made for the good of our neighbors: the kind that say, out loud and together, “I'm not just here to improve my own life. I'm here for yours.”The good news is we don't need to be medieval knights or stage a ceremony with a roasted bird — even though that does sound fun. What we already have are our baptismal vows: promises made to God, to one another, and for the sake of the world.In the Lutheran tradition, many of us were baptized as infants, when others made those promises on our behalf. But at some point — at confirmation, or later in life — we take those vows as our own: to live among God's faithful people, to hear God's Word and share in communion, to proclaim the good news of Christ in word and deed, to serve all people as Jesus does, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.Yes, keeping these promises will shape you. But their real purpose is to bless others: just like Jesus' baptism, and even those old peacock vows. And we know that resolutions made with others and for others are the ones that last.So here is what I'm asking of you this year: instead of self-improvement resolutions, tend to your baptismal vows. Not for you, but for God and for this world God so loves. Because what this world needs right now is not one more upper-middle-class person chasing a wellness trend or a bigger bank account.In a world that is lonely and anxious, it needs people who will live among and beside their neighbors. In a world flooded with bad news, it needs people who hear and carry the good news of God.In a world that is bitterly divided, it needs people who serve all, especially the scared and the oppressed. And in a world marked by violence and injustice, it needs people who strive for justice and peace — in their hearts, their homes, their streets, and their nation.So now I invite you to rise. Today, on this Baptism of Our Lord Sunday, I'm going to ask you to affirm the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism. After each promise, if it is your intent, please respond, “Yes, and I ask God to help me.”Will you live among God's faithful people…Will you hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper…Will you proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed…Will you serve all people, following the example of Jesus…And will you strive for Justice and peace in all the earth?...Siblings in Christ, these are not modest intentions, but aspirational, even risky, commitments to community, justice, and grace. When we fail, come back to the water. Remember your baptism. Hear God's promise again: You are my child. With you I am well pleased.And if you have not yet been baptized, come talk with me. Because we need you. The world needs you. And Jesus has bound himself to you. Together, we will fulfill all righteousness.Amen.

Can You Die in Peace? | Christ For YouText: Luke 2:22–40 | Christmas 1 & The Baptism of Luke PirinoSimeon holds a forty-day-old baby and says something outrageous: “Now I can die in peace.” Why? Because salvation isn't an idea or a feeling. Salvation has a face. Salvation is a Person. And Simeon is holding Him.On Christmas 1, we see what Christmas really means: God puts salvation into a baby, small enough to be held and strong enough to hold you forever. And in Holy Baptism, that same Savior comes to you personally, by name, with forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, and a future that ends in life.If you fear death, if your conscience accuses you, if you find yourself doing spiritual math, this sermon is for you. You don't depart in peace because you got your life together. You depart in peace because Christ got you.Subscribe & Share:Apple Podcasts: Christ For YouSpotify: Christ For YouPortuguês: Cristo Para VocêWebsite: ZionWG.org

This illustrious light of Orthodoxy in the Western Church was born in Gaul in 349, but his widowed mother took the family to Rome while he was still a small child. Brilliant and well-educated, he was made a provincial Governor in 375 and took up residence in Milan. In those days, the Arian heresy was still dividing the Church, despite its repudiation at the Council of Nicaea in 325. When the time came to elect a new Bishop in Milan, the Orthodox and Arian parties were so divided that they could come to no agreement on a new Bishop. When Ambrose came as Governor to try to restore peace and order, a young child, divinely inspired, called out "Ambrose, Bishop!" To Ambrose's amazement, the people took up the cry, and Ambrose himself was elected, though he tried to refuse, protesting that he was only a catechumen (it was still common in those days to delay Holy Baptism for fear of polluting it by sin). He even attempted to flee, but his horse brought him back to the city. Resigning himself to God's will, he was baptized and, only a week later, elevated to Bishop. Immediately, he renounced all possessions, distributed all of his money to the poor and gave his estates to the Church. Straightaway, he entered into a spirited defense of Orthodoxy in his preaching and writings to the dismay of the Arians who had supported his election. Soon he persuaded Gratian, Emperor of the West, to call the Council of Aquilea, which brought an end to Arianism in the Western Church. (Arianism, however, continued to prosper among the barbarian nations for many years; see the Martyrs of Africa, also commemorated today).   Several times the holy Bishop was called upon to defend the Church against domination by the secular powers. Once, putting down an uprising in Thessalonika, the Emperor Theodosius punished the city by ordering the massacre of thousands of its residents. When the Emperor later visited Milan and came to the Cathedral to attend the Liturgy, Saint Ambrose stopped him at the door, condemned his crime before all the people, forbade him entrance to the church and excommunicated him for eight months. The Emperor went away weeping, and submitted in humility to the Church's discipline. When he returned after long penance to be restored to Communion, he went into the sanctuary along with the clergy, as had been the custom of the Emperors since Constantine the Great. But again the holy Ambrose humbled him in the sight of all the people, saying "Get out and take your place among the laity; the purple does not make priests, but only emperors." Theodosius left without protest, took his place among the penitents, and never again attempted to enter the sanctuary of a church. (When the Emperor died, it was Bishop Ambrose who preached his funeral eulogy).   Saint Ambrose, by teaching, preaching and writing, brought countless pagans to the Faith. His most famous convert was St Augustine (June 15), who became his disciple and eventually a bishop. Ambrose's many theological and catechetical works helped greatly to spread the teaching of the Greek fathers in the Latin world. He wrote many glorious antiphonal hymns which were once some of the gems of the Latin services.   Saint Ambrose reposed in peace in 397; his relics still rest in the basilica in Milan.

The King is Coming. Get Off the Throne! Matthew 21:1–11 | The Triumphant Entry Advent begins with a stunning announcement. The King is coming. Get off your throne. Like Humpty Dumpty, we love to sit on thrones that are not ours, trying to rule our own lives. And like Humpty, we fall. Sin is more than bad behavior. It is the pride of self-rule, the illusion that we are in control, the stubborn belief that we answer to no one. And once we shatter, we cannot put ourselves back together again. Yet Advent begins with hope. The true King comes to restore the broken. In the Collect of the Day we pray, “Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come.” We confess that we cannot save ourselves from the perils of our sins. We ask God to come into our darkness, pride, and fractured lives. And He does. Not by calling us upward, but by coming downward in His Son. Jesus enters Jerusalem on a humble donkey. He comes not with force but with mercy, not to be served but to save. His throne will be a cross. His crown will be thorns. His victory will be His death and resurrection. This is the King who answers our Advent prayer with His suffering and with His life-giving triumph. Christ continues to come to His people even now. In His Word, in Holy Baptism, and in His Supper He gathers the fallen and makes them whole. At His altar, the King gives His own body and blood for forgiveness and strength. The King is coming. Let every heart prepare Him room. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

The King is Coming. Get Off the Throne! Matthew 21:1–11 | The Triumphant Entry Advent begins with a stunning announcement. The King is coming. Get off your throne. Like Humpty Dumpty, we love to sit on thrones that are not ours, trying to rule our own lives. And like Humpty, we fall. Sin is more than bad behavior. It is the pride of self-rule, the illusion that we are in control, the stubborn belief that we answer to no one. And once we shatter, we cannot put ourselves back together again. Yet Advent begins with hope. The true King comes to restore the broken. In the Collect of the Day we pray, “Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come.” We confess that we cannot save ourselves from the perils of our sins. We ask God to come into our darkness, pride, and fractured lives. And He does. Not by calling us upward, but by coming downward in His Son. Jesus enters Jerusalem on a humble donkey. He comes not with force but with mercy, not to be served but to save. His throne will be a cross. His crown will be thorns. His victory will be His death and resurrection. This is the King who answers our Advent prayer with His suffering and with His life-giving triumph. Christ continues to come to His people even now. In His Word, in Holy Baptism, and in His Supper He gathers the fallen and makes them whole. At His altar, the King gives His own body and blood for forgiveness and strength. The King is coming. Let every heart prepare Him room. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

The King is Coming. Get Off the Throne! Matthew 21:1–11 | The Triumphant Entry Advent begins with a stunning announcement. The King is coming. Get off your throne. Like Humpty Dumpty, we love to sit on thrones that are not ours, trying to rule our own lives. And like Humpty, we fall. Sin is more than bad behavior. It is the pride of self-rule, the illusion that we are in control, the stubborn belief that we answer to no one. And once we shatter, we cannot put ourselves back together again. Yet Advent begins with hope. The true King comes to restore the broken. In the Collect of the Day we pray, “Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come.” We confess that we cannot save ourselves from the perils of our sins. We ask God to come into our darkness, pride, and fractured lives. And He does. Not by calling us upward, but by coming downward in His Son. Jesus enters Jerusalem on a humble donkey. He comes not with force but with mercy, not to be served but to save. His throne will be a cross. His crown will be thorns. His victory will be His death and resurrection. This is the King who answers our Advent prayer with His suffering and with His life-giving triumph. Christ continues to come to His people even now. In His Word, in Holy Baptism, and in His Supper He gathers the fallen and makes them whole. At His altar, the King gives His own body and blood for forgiveness and strength. The King is coming. Let every heart prepare Him room. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

St. Paul grounds his teaching concerning the Christian life in the reality of Holy Baptism. There, Christians die and rise with Christ. Now, Christians daily put off the old way of life as a dirty garment that no one would ever want to wear. At the same time, Christians daily put on the life given by Christ. That life is bound together in forgiveness and love that comes as the Word of Christ dwells in us as we sing with each other and give thanks to God in all things.  Rev. Sam Beltz, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Colossians 3:5-17.  To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit stjohnosky.org. “Letters from Prison” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Even when Paul was imprisoned for the sake of Christ, the Word of God remained unbound. The apostle's letters from prison still fill us with the same joy that his chains could never silence. 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

Sermon with the Rev. Yuri Rodriguez begins at 16:27.

Session 2 of Catechumenate. Pastor Atkinson explains how Holy Baptism marks us with God's holy Name.

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Session 1 of Catechumenate. Pastor Atkinson begins teaching on the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.

Genesis 17:1-14 andHeidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 27

Romans 6:1-11 andHeidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 26

"An actor, he first mocked at Christians before Julian the Apostate. On one occasion, when he was mimicking the Christian mystery of Baptism, he was dipped into the water, pronouncing the words: 'In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.' When he emerged from the water, he cried out: 'Now I am a Christian!' Everyone thought that this was in jest, as always, but he held firm to it, stopped mocking Christians and finally suffered for Christ. He was beheaded in 361, and entered into the Kingdom of Christ." (Prologue)   We rightly condemn worship that is purely external; but the life of St Porphyrius reminds us in a striking way that the 'externals' of the Faith have a power that can work to convert the heart of man. St Porphyrius used the words of Holy Baptism not only carelessly but mockingly, yet by God's grace he emerged from the waters truly renewed into Christ.

"An actor, he first mocked at Christians before Julian the Apostate. On one occasion, when he was mimicking the Christian mystery of Baptism, he was dipped into the water, pronouncing the words: 'In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.' When he emerged from the water, he cried out: 'Now I am a Christian!' Everyone thought that this was in jest, as always, but he held firm to it, stopped mocking Christians and finally suffered for Christ. He was beheaded in 361, and entered into the Kingdom of Christ." (Prologue)   We rightly condemn worship that is purely external; but the life of St Porphyrius reminds us in a striking way that the 'externals' of the Faith have a power that can work to convert the heart of man. St Porphyrius used the words of Holy Baptism not only carelessly but mockingly, yet by God's grace he emerged from the waters truly renewed into Christ.

"Saint Olga, renowned for her wisdom and sobriety, in her youth became the wife of Igor, Great Prince of Kiev, who ruled during the tenth century. After her husband's death, she herself ruled capably, and was finally moved to accept the Faith of Christ. She travelled to Constantinople to receive Holy Baptism. The Emperor, seeing her outward beauty and inward greatness, asked her to marry him. She said she could not do this before she was baptized; she furthermore asked him to be her Godfather at the font, which he agreed to do. After she was baptized (receiving the name of Helen), the Emperor repeated his proposal of marriage. She answered that now he was her father, through Holy Baptism, and that not even among the heathen was it heard of a man marrying his daughter. Gracefully accepting to be outwitted by her, he sent her back to her land with priests and sacred texts and holy icons. Although her son Svyatoslav remained a pagan, she planted the seed of faith in her grandson Vladimir (see July 15). She reposed in peace in 969." (Great Horologion)

"Saint Olga, renowned for her wisdom and sobriety, in her youth became the wife of Igor, Great Prince of Kiev, who ruled during the tenth century. After her husband's death, she herself ruled capably, and was finally moved to accept the Faith of Christ. She travelled to Constantinople to receive Holy Baptism. The Emperor, seeing her outward beauty and inward greatness, asked her to marry him. She said she could not do this before she was baptized; she furthermore asked him to be her Godfather at the font, which he agreed to do. After she was baptized (receiving the name of Helen), the Emperor repeated his proposal of marriage. She answered that now he was her father, through Holy Baptism, and that not even among the heathen was it heard of a man marrying his daughter. Gracefully accepting to be outwitted by her, he sent her back to her land with priests and sacred texts and holy icons. Although her son Svyatoslav remained a pagan, she planted the seed of faith in her grandson Vladimir (see July 15). She reposed in peace in 969." (Great Horologion)