“We want to note and learn from the example of our dear Lord Jesus Christ that every Christian as soon as he’s baptized, is marshaled into an army in confrontation with the devil, and from his baptism onward is saddled with the devil who harasses him as long as he ... Continue

Nothing has made the devil so furious as the Almighty Son of God taking on human flesh to redeem all people from their sins. But all of Satan’s powers could not harm this little Baby in Bethlehem, for He was the LORD’s Anointed, the promised Messiah. Though Satan would attempt ... Continue

 “So there are three lessons for us in today’s Gospel: the first, on faith; the second, on the beautiful virtue of ingratitude; and the third, on the virtue of patiently putting up with ingratitude. From the example of the faith of the lepers, we should learn to wait patiently, never ... Continue

 “Christ concludes this Gospel with the statement, ‘For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.’ With these words he teaches us to be humble and despise no one. Humility does not vaunt itself over others, but esteems them more highly. Whoever puffs ... Continue

   “The Lord says something here that is very frightening: ‘The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.’ This doesn’t need much explaining. We see every day, all too often, how the world pursues its own ends so devotedly, because it has its ... Continue

 “This is a true-blue admonition that should certainly move us to hear and learn from God’s Word. But it avails little for the many who say, Oh, I’ve already learned the gospel, understand it well, and have no immediate need for it. Many indeed blurt out that they no longer ... Continue

“Whoever, therefore, seeks to keep [the fifth] commandment must not only restrain the hand; the heart also must be devoid of all anger, jealousy, and hatred, the eyes devoid of sour looks, the tongue and mouth devoid of harsh words and cursing. For even though I may not kill my ... Continue

This, then, is the lesson, that we should not trip over God’s Word, even though it sounds extraordinarily incredible, even impossible, but firmly take our stand: God has spoken it; it must happen. One should not ask whether it’s possible but only be concerned about God having said it. For ... Continue

It is true that of all the church bodies which have left the papacy, it is precisely the Lutheran Church which is accused of retaining many papal abuses and of having been the least successful in cleansing itself. It is pointed out, for example, that in ... Continue

Michaelmas began the Sunday of St. Michael and All Angels (Sept. 25th). During this mini-season within the Trinity Season, we reflect on the spiritual battle that we face against the powers of our three evil enemies: the devil, the sinful pressures from the world, and our own sinful nature. If ... Continue