The Small Catechism – part 168
Scripture Text: Revelation 4:11
We were created as temporal beings; we exist within time. Therefore, we must learn patience. Patience is a virtue because it is so necessary and because it is God’s will.
The Small Catechism – part 167
Scripture Text: Revelation 4:1
We have seen the open door of the gospel (Rev 3:8) but here is a door opened to heaven, so that John may see into the realm of the divine and be assured that God’s will is being done on earth.
The Small Catechism – part 166
Scripture Text: Revelation 3:15–18
It is God’s will that we find our satisfaction in him. When we are content with our deeds and religious devotion, we may feel satisfied but our attitude is bile in the throat of the Almighty. Tepid religiosity is a faith killer.
The Small Catechism – part 165
Scripture Text: Revelation 3:8
Who can shut the open door of the Gospel’s invitation to faith in Christ? It is God’s will that we are strengthened to keep the faith, to remain steadfast in his Word.
The Small Catechism – part 164
Scripture Text: Revelation 2:25–29
What does love desire? A large, fine house? A car with a big red bow atop it on Christmas morning? Diamonds? Dinner and a movie every week? Each is more absurd than the next. Anyone who has ever been in love knows the supreme gift is one’s heart. Giving oneself to their true love is the highest measure of love. So, what would it be that the church’s true love, Christ Jesus, would require of us bu
The Small Catechism – part 163
Scripture Text: Revelation 2:10–11
We are to fear God rather than the things of this life. Suffering, even great suffering, may be our lot, yet it is only for the space of time. A Day is coming when time is undone, and with it all the tribulation of this life.
The Small Catechism – part 162
Scripture Text: Revelation 2:4–5
The fear, love, and trust of God both bids us do his will and gives us the power to do so. And what is God’s greatest command than that we love him above all others, and our neighbors as ourselves?
The Small Catechism – part 160
Scripture Text: Revelation 1:5b–6
We have no beasts to sacrifice, yet we are priests to our God. We have no temple where the people come to our services, for we are all priests to our God. We have no special, ornate garments, as in baptism we have been clothed in Christ.
The Small Catechism – part 159
Scripture Text: Jude 3–4
Our faith, which leads to salvation, is held or observed in common. What is our common faith if not summarized in this word: that Jesus delivered us from bondage?
The Small Catechism – part 158
Scripture Text: 2 Peter 3:11–13
How may we hallow God’s name but to believe his Word and act accordingly? This old world will not be around forever, and we even less time. All of creation awaits its destruction.
The Small Catechism – part 157
Scripture Text: Psalm 20:7
The future is unknown, so I better put more money in my retirement fund. I would have less anxiety if I could just get a better paying job. Can the government do more for me?
The Small Catechism – part 156
Scripture Text: Matthew 21:21–22
Everything belongs to the Father, and in him all creation holds together (Col 1:17). Is he then, unable to grant your prayers? Indeed, there is a so-called power that holds back the hand of God.
The Small Catechism – part 155
Scripture Text: 2 Peter 1:1–2
Consider your worth. Your own merit, that which is yours through your own deeds and religious devotion, is of course, relatively worthless. This does not give you any standing with God.
The Small Catechism – part 154
Scripture Text: Zechariah 14:5b–7
On the last day, the Lord will return. These lengthening days of darkness will be no more, for the Lamb will be our light. We will have no concern for the heat of day, or cold, nor any interest in weather at all.
The Small Catechism – part 153
Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:15–18
Oh, the wonder of faith in Jesus Christ! It is faith in God that makes a saint, and saints make the church, which has the Lord Jesus Christ as her Head.
The Small Catechism – part 152
Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:7
Within the communion of the Christian church there is the true faith that receives the free gift of Christ Jesus. There, in that Body, the Head forgives; and he forgives abundantly, as there is full redemption in his blood.
The Small Catechism – part 151
Scripture Text: Luke 18:35–43
We may think of this calling of the Spirit as a solitary affair, as though the Spirit says, “You there, come and follow Christ.” And so he does call each one of us, but we follow Christ together.
The Small Catechism – part 150
Scripture Text: Luke 18:18–22
Jesus still calls. He beckons us to come to him from out of the darkness. Jesus calls us from the darkness of dependence upon anything but himself.
The Small Catechism – part 149
Scripture Text: Psalm 107:28–30
If you have ever been on a boat in a bad storm, you know the helplessness of the situation. The closest many of us have come to this nautical nightmare is driving down an Interstate highway when a blinding rainstorm seems to come out of nowhere.
The Small Catechism – part 148
Scripture Text: Psalm 105:1–5
Do not give up hope about the church. God’s Spirit is still calling, gathering, enlightening, and sanctifying his people. In doing so, he unites the whole Christian church on earth with Christ.
The Small Catechism – part 147
Scripture Text: Revelation 8:1–5
Frightful things are looming. Judgment is coming. “But rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Though God’s judgment on each person is approaching, there is hope for those who believe in Christ.
The Small Catechism – part 146
Scripture Text: Revelation 7:13–14
The Holy Spirit sanctifies me; I do not sanctify myself. He consecrates me by giving me what I need for what he expects of me, and by forgiving me every moment of the day for my various sins...
The Small Catechism – part 145
Scripture Text: Matthew 16:16–17
I do not believe in God by way of my reason, decision, determination, or strength. I come to God through God. It would be quite impossible to come to God by way of my own understanding.
The Small Catechism – part 144
Scripture Text: John 10:28
Jesus made a promise to all people that he would give eternal life to whomever would believe in him. We who confess the Apostles’ Creed believe in Christ Jesus.
The Small Catechism – part 143
Scripture Text: Philippians 3:20–21
We believe that God will raise our earthly bodies, just as Jesus was resurrected. Our humble bodies will be transformed to be like Christ’s in glory.
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