Devotions From Steadfast Lutherans

This week we consider the last question in the fifth chief part of Luther’s Small Catechism: “What do you believe according to these words?”

On Excommunication

“Pastor, please hear my confession and pronounce forgiveness in order to fulfill God’s will.”

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See you at Vespers this evening.

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Rejoice!

Laetare!

See you at Divine Service tomorrow!

Oculi

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“Bear fruits in keeping with repentance.” Luke 3:8

Lord, teach us to fear, love, and trust You above all things. Amen.

David is “lonely and afflicted” (v. 16). He’s surrounded by his enemies. His heart accuses him. His mind is haunted by the memory of his past sins. He has nowhere in this world to turn. So, he turns to God, saying, “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust,” (v. 1), “My eyes are ever toward the Lord” (v. 15), “I take refuge in You” (v. 20). And the consolation David seeks for his heart is this: The forgiveness of all his sins (v.18).

“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My Word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23). When God forgives all your sin through the mouth of your pastor, hear that Word of God and keep it.

SATISFACTION VS. FRUITS OF REPENTANCE

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21

Lord God Heavenly Father, soften the hearts of those who do not believe in Your Son. Forgive us for when we have desired to reject faithful preachers who have called our sins out. Lead us to continue to confess our sins and relish in the free and full forgiveness that Your Son paid for with His innocent suffering and death for us. In the Name of Jesus. Amen

We apologize for the delay in posting today's episode.

“I acknowledged  my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my  transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”