Psalm 46

Sermon

Together: Looking Out and Letting In

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Robert D. Preus was born this date 101 years ago. (He died 30 years ago.) He was a father, pastor, professor, and seminary president. His book, The Theology of the Post-Reformation LUTHERANISM, underscores his understanding of the importance of the Word of God as evident in the section I read, especially this sentence: "It is through the Word and only through the Word that the Spirit comes to men and works faith in their hearts.... Therefore, the church lives by the Word of God, derives her strength from it; and where there is no Word there is no church" (p.377).

Sermon

It can(t) wait by Pastor Anderson, based on Ruth1:1–19a and Luke 17:11–19.

Together: The Picture

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: We remember Abraham, "our father of faith" (Romans 4), on this date. Abraham received God's promises to be the father of a great nation and all families of the earth would be blessed through him (Genesis 12). Yet, those promises weren't fulfilled immediately. In spite of taking things into his own hands, God finally blessed Abraham with a son. Yet, God challenged him again when God asked him to offer Isaac. Abraham was obedient and God recognized his faith as righteousness (Romans 4). Ultimately, The Descendent of Abraham, Jesus Christ, brings true blessings to the world as He affirmed His own divinity (John 8:58). May we have the faith of Abraham to trust God's promises and rejoice in our forgiveness through Christ Jesus, our Lord.