Daily Readings for December 28 - January 3

Sunday:
Isaiah 52:13—54:10
Matthew 2:13-23

Monday:
Isaiah 55:1-13
Luke 1:1-25

Tuesday:
Isaiah 58:1—59:3, 14-21
Luke 1:26-38

Wednesday:
Isaiah 60:1-22
Luke 1:39-56

Thursday:
Isaiah 61:1-11
Luke 1:57-80

Friday:
Isaiah 62:1-12
Luke 2:1-20

Saturday:
Isaiah 63:1-14
Luke 2:21-40

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Christmas I (December 28)

The Second Article: And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.


What does this mean? I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Christmas I (December 28)

The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Daily Readings for December 21 - 27

Sunday: 
Isaiah 42:1-25
Revelation 9:1-12

Monday: 
Isaiah 43:1-24
Revelation 9:13—10:11

Tuesday: 
Isaiah 43:25—44:20
Revelation 11:1-19

Wednesday: 
Isaiah 44:21—45:13, 20-25
Revelation 12:1-17

Thursday: 
Isaiah 49:1-18
Matthew 1:1-17

Friday: 
Isaiah 49:22-26; 50:4—51:8, 12-16
Matthew 1:18-25

Saturday: 
Isaiah 51:17—52:12
Matthew 2:13-23

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Advent IV (December 21)

The Apostles’ Creed

The Second Article: And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

What does this mean? I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Advent IV (December 21)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

Sunday:
Isaiah 30:15-26
Revelation 2:1-29

Monday: 
Isaiah 30:27—31:9
Revelation 3:1-22

Tuesday: 
Isaiah 32:1-20
Revelation 4:1-11

Wednesday: 
Isaiah 33:1-24
Revelation 5:1-14

Thursday: 
Isaiah 34:1,2, 8—35:10
Revelation 6:1-17

Friday: 
Isaiah 40:1-17
Revelation 7:1-17

Saturday: 
Isaiah 40:18—41:10
Revelation 8:1-13

The Apostles’ Creed

The Second Article: And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

What does this mean? I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Advent III (December 14)

All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades.... But the Word of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:6-8)

Daily Readings for December 7 - 13

Sunday:
Isaiah 24:1-13
1 John 1:1—2:14

Monday: 
Isaiah 24:14—25:12
1 John 2:15-29

Tuesday: 
Isaiah 26:1-19
1 John 3:1-24

Wednesday:
Isaiah 26:20—27:13
1 John 4:1-21

Thursday: 
Isaiah 28:14-29
1 John 5:1-21

Friday:
Isaiah 29:1-14
Jude 1-25

Saturday: 
Isaiah 29:15—30:14
Revelation 1:1-20

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Advent II (December 7)

The Apostles’ Creed

The Second Article: And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

What does this mean? I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Advent II (December 7)

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. (Luke 21:33)

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Advent I (November 30)

The Apostles’ Creed

The First Article: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

What does this mean? I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them.

He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life.

He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil.

All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him.

This is most certainly true.

Daily Readings for Nov. 30 - Dec. 6

Sunday: 
Isaiah 6:1—7:9
1 Peter 2:13-25

Monday: 
Isaiah 7:10—8:8
1 Peter 3:1-22

Tuesday: 
Isaiah 8:9—9:7
1 Peter 4:1-19

Wednesday: 
Isaiah 9:8—10:11
1 Peter 5:1-14

Thursday: 
Isaiah 10:12-27a, 33-34
2 Peter 1:1-21

Friday: 
Isaiah 11:1—12:6
2 Peter 2:1-22

Saturday: 
Isaiah 14:1-23
2 Peter 3:1-18

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Advent I (November 30)

Behold, your King is coming to you. (Matthew 21:5)

Daily Readings for November 24 - 29

Monday: 
2 Peter 3:1-18
Isaiah 65:17-25

Tuesday: 
Jude 1-25
Ezekiel 37:15-28

Wednesday: 
1 John 2:18-29
Habakkuk 3:1-19

Thursday: 
1 John 3:1-12
Isaiah 40:27-31

Friday: 
1 John 3:19-24
Jeremiah 14:7-9

Saturday: 
1 John 4:1-8
Malachi 3:7-18

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XXVII (November 23)

The Apostles’ Creed

The First Article: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

What does this mean? I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them.

He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XXVII (November 23)

Watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. (Matthew 25:13)

Daily Readings for November 17 - 22

Monday: 
1 Peter 1:1-12
Zephaniah 3:9-20

Tuesday: 
1 Peter 1:13—2:10
Isaiah 34:1-17

Wednesday: 
1 Peter 4:1-7
Isaiah 35:1-10

Thursday: 
1 Peter 4:12-19
Isaiah 54:1-17

Friday: 
2 Peter 1:1-15
Isaiah 60:7-22

Saturday:
2 Peter 2:1-22
Isaiah 62:1-12

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XXVI (November 16)

The Apostles’ Creed
 
The First Article: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

What does this mean? I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XXVI (November 16)

We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (2 Peter 3:13)

Daily Readings for November 10 - 15

Monday: 
Matthew 24:29-51
Daniel 11:36—12:13

Tuesday: 
Matthew 22:23-33
Ezekiel 38:1-23

Wednesday: 
1 Corinthians 15:11-50
Ezekiel 39:1-29

Thursday: 
Hebrews 3:7—4:13
Isaiah 43:14-25

Friday: 
Hebrews 11:8-16
Isaiah 33:17-24

Saturday: 
Hebrews 12:18-29
Ezekiel 37:1-14

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XXV (November 9)

The Close of the Commandments

What does God say about all these commandments? He says, “I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.” (Exodus 20:5-6)

What does this mean? God threatens to punish all who break these commandments. Therefore, we should fear His wrath and not do anything against them. But He promises grace and every blessing to all who keep these commandments. Therefore, we should also love and trust in Him and gladly do what He commands.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XXV (November 9)

If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 4:14)

Daily Readings for November 3 - 8

Monday:
Romans 11:1-33
Isaiah 13:1-22

Tuesday:
2 Thessalonians 1:11—2:17
Isaiah 14:1-27

Wednesday:
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
Isaiah 47:1-15

Thursday:
2 Timothy 3:1-17
Daniel 2:27-45

Friday:
2 Timothy 4:1-22
Daniel 7:1-28

Saturday:
Matthew 24:1-14
Daniel 9:1-27

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XXIV (November 1)

The Ten Commandments

The Tenth Commandment: You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor’s wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do their duty.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XXIV (November 2)

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. (Psalm 116:15)

Daily Readings for October 27 - November 1

Monday:
1 Corinthians 3:1-23
Joel 3:1-13

Tuesday, St. James and St. Jude:
1 Peter 1:3-9
John 15:17-21

Wednesday:
Luke 14:12-15
Obadiah 1-21

Thursday:
Mark 13:1-37
Nahum 1:1-14

Friday, Reformation:
Psalm 46
John 8:31-36

Saturday, All Saints Day:
Psalm 149
Matthew 5:1-12

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XXIII (October 26)

The Ten Commandments

The Ninth Commandment: You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not scheme to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house, or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him in keeping it.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XXIII (October 26)

A man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. (Romans 3:28)

Happy Birthday Pastor Esget!!!!

Daily Readings for October 20 - 25

Monday: 
Matthew 18:1-22
Micah 4:9—5:1

Tuesday: 
Mark 9:33-50
Isaiah 49:14-21

Wednesday: 
Luke 17:20-37
Isaiah 2:10-21

Thursday (St. James' Day): 
James 1:1-12
Matthew 13:54-58

Friday: 
Mark 12:1-12
Joel 2:1-11

Saturday: 
Matthew 25:14-30
Joel 2:23-27

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XXII (October 19)

The Ten Commandments

The Eighth Commandment: You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XXII (October 19)

Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20)

Ecclesia Semper Reformanda

From the Pastor …

Ecclesia Semper Reformanda!



Dearly Beloved in Christ Jesus our Lord,

October concludes with an exceedingly important day in the history of the Church: Reformation Day. (At Immanuel, we observe the last Sunday of October as Reformation Sunday.) Of course, we commemorate Martin Luther’s posting of his Ninety-Five Theses to discuss reform in the Church, particularly in the matter of indulgences (the purchasing of forgiveness). If this day is merely an historical commemoration, though, then indeed the Lutheran Reformation is dead. The phrase that should mark our view of the Church here on earth is this:

Ecclesia Semper Reformanda
(the Church always needs to be reformed)

In thinking about “reform,” however, it is imperative that we do not merely consider why we are not Roman Catholic. Our own church body (the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod), our congregation, and our own lives – they also need a continual reformation, a refocusing and rededication to the “one thing needful” (Luke 10.42).

The Reformation was not a controversy, ultimately, about which language should or may be used in worship, who may marry, who gets to make decisions in the church, or any other such issues. The Reformation at its heart was a controversy within the Church about the forgiveness of sins. The many controversies and divisions in the broader church today would be solved rapidly if God’s Word were our only rule and guide, not human reason and human tribunals, and all doctrine and practice were examined in the light of this one fundamental article: the forgiveness of sins. Ecclesia Semper Reformanda!

When we examine our own congregational life, and the individual’s place in it, we must ask: “Is the forgiveness of sins the most important reason for my being here? Or is something else motivating me?” The “something else” might be quite good, on its own, e.g., social activities, music, school, etc. – but these must never replace this one fundamental article: the forgiveness of sins, distributed through Holy Baptism, the Pastor’s Absolution, and the Lord’s Supper. Everything else that we do as a community/communion of disciples must flow out of that one central theme, or we cease to truly be the Church. Ecclesia Semper Reformanda!

Such a message, such a life, is out-of-step with the interests of mid-Atlantic Americans in 2008. It has been for some time! Claus Harms, at the jubilee anniversary of the Reformation in 1817, wrote, “The forgiveness of sins at least required monetary payment during the sixteenth century. In the nineteenth it costs nothing. Now men serve themselves with it. They at that time stood higher than us, they were nearer to God.” Men now serve themselves with forgiveness, Harms observed in the early 19th century—what would he think now, nearly two centuries later? For people indeed seek forgiveness not from God through His ministers and His means of grace, but they seek it internally; the self-help gurus tell us that “we must learn to forgive ourselves.” In the words of Hermann Sasse, “He who forgives himself his sins is his own God.”

Each of us constantly needs to be reformed, by confession and forgiveness. Immanuel Lutheran Church needs to continually be reformed, by an incessant internal purification, by an incessant internal refocusing on the one thing needful. And therein lies the continuing relevance of the faithful remnant in the Lutheran Church—we must bring that message again to our Synod, the whole Church, and the world, and preserve it for generations yet to come. In an age where doctrinal distinctions are set aside for the sake of sham “unity,” we must dare to be firm in proclaiming the Law in all its terror and the Gospel in all its sweetness. Reformation is needed now more than ever! Ecclesia Semper Reformanda!

Every good wish in Christ,
+Pastor Esget

Note: Originally published in the October issue of Tidings,
the newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church and School

Daily Readings for October 13 - 18

Monday: 
Ephesians 1:1-23
Micah 6:1-9

Tuesday: 
Ephesians 2:1-22
Isaiah 58:1-14

Wednesday: 
Ephesians 4:7-21
Isaiah 59:1-21

Thursday: 
Ephesians 4:29-32
Jeremiah 31:1-22

Friday: 
Ephesians 5:10-14
Jeremiah 31:23-40

Saturday (St. Luke’s Day): 
2 Timothy 4:5-18
Luke 10:1-9

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XXI (October 12)

The Ten Commandments

The Seventh Commandment: You shall not steal.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor’s money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XXI (October 12)

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19-20)

Daily Readings for October 6 - 11

Monday: 
Mark 4:1-41
Isaiah 43:1-13

Tuesday: 
Luke 13:18-35
Isaiah 41:1-20

Wednesday:
Matthew 13:31-58
Habakkuk 2:1-4

Thursday: 
Matthew 16:13-20
Isaiah 63:7-19

Friday: 
2 Corinthians 3:10—4:18
Isaiah 64:1-12

Saturday: 
2 Corinthians 5:1-21
Isaiah 5:1-7

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XX (October 5)

The Ten Commandments

The Sixth Commandment: You shall not commit adultery.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XX (October 5)

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)

Daily Readings for September 29 - October 4

Monday: 
1 John 1:1-10
Nehemiah 1:1-11

Tuesday: 
1 John 2:1-17
Nehemiah 2:1-20

Wednesday: 
1 John 5:1-3
Nehemiah 4:1-23

Thursday:
1 John 5:10-21
Nehemiah 8:1-18

Friday: 
2 John 1-13
Nehemiah 9:1-38

Saturday: 
3 John 1-14
Zechariah 8:1-23

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XIX (September 28)

The Ten Commandments

The Fifth Commandment: You shall not murder.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XIX (September 28)

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

Daily Readings for September 22 - 27

Monday: 
James 3:1-18
Ezra 4:1-24

Tuesday: 
James 4:1—5:6
Haggai 1:1-15

Wednesday: 
James 5:12-20
Ezra 5:1-17

Thursday: 
1 Peter 3:1-7
Ezra 6:1-22

Friday: 
1 Peter 3:15-22
Ezra 7:1-28

Saturday: 
1 Peter 5:1-5
Ezra 8:31—9:15

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XVIII (September 21)

The Ten Commandments

The Fourth Commandment: Honor your father and your mother.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XVIII (September 21)

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 23:37-39)

Daily Readings for September 15 - 20

Monday: 
Hebrews 11:17-40
Daniel 3:1-30

Tuesday: 
Hebrews 12:1-17
Daniel 4:1-37

Wednesday: 
Hebrews 13:1-25
Daniel 5:1-30

Thursday: 
James 1:1-15
Daniel 5:31—6:28

Friday: 
James 2:1-13
Ezra 1:1-11

Saturday: 
James 2:14-26
Ezra 3:1-13

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XVII (September 14)

The Ten Commandments

The Third Commandment: Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XVII (September 14)

[Jesus said:] “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)

Daily Readings for September 8 - 13

Monday: 
Hebrews 7:1-28
Jeremiah 37:1-21

Tuesday: 
Hebrews 8:1-13
Jeremiah 38:1-28

Wednesday:
Hebrews 9:1-10
Jeremiah 32:1-44

Thursday:
Hebrews 9:16-28
Jeremiah 39:1-18

Friday: 
Hebrews 10:1-34
Jeremiah 29:1-23

Saturday:
Hebrews 11:1-7
Daniel 1:1-21

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XVI (September 7)

The Ten Commandments 

The Second Commandment: You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XVI (September 7)

[Jesus said:] “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” (Revelation 22:13)

Daily Readings for September 1 - 6

Monday: 
Titus 3:8-15
2 Kings 20:1-21

Tuesday: 
Philemon 1:25
2 Kings 21:1-26

Wednesday: 
Hebrews 1:1-14
2 Chronicles 34:1-33

Thursday: 
Hebrews 2:5—3:6
2 Chronicles 35:20—36:10

Friday: 
Hebrews 4:14—5:14
Jeremiah 22:1-30

Saturday: 
Hebrews 6:1-20
Jeremiah 25:1-14

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XV (August 31)

The Ten Commandments

The First Commandment: You shall have no other gods.

What does this mean? We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XV (August 31)

“Do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:31-33)

Daily Readings for August 25 - 30

Monday: 
1 Timothy 6:1-21
Isaiah 6:1-13

Tuesday: 
2 Timothy 1:1-18
Amos 7:7-17

Wednesday: 
2 Timothy 2:1-26
2 Kings 16:1-20

Thursday: 
Titus 1:1-16
2 Kings 17:1-23

Friday: 
Revelation 6:9-11
Mark 6:14-29

Saturday: 
Titus 2:15—3:3
2 Kings 19:1-37

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XIV (August 24)

Christian Questions with Their Answers

1. Do you believe that you are a sinner?
Yes, I believe it. I am a sinner.

2. How do you know this?
From the Ten Commandments, which I have not kept.

3. Are you sorry for your sins?
Yes, I am sorry that I have sinned against God.

4. What have you deserved from God because of your sins?
His wrath and displeasure, temporal death, and eternal damnation. See Romans 6:21, 23.

5. Do you hope to be saved?
Yes, that is my hope.

6. In whom then do you trust?
In my dear Lord Jesus Christ.

7. Who is Christ?
The Son of God, true God and man.

8. How many Gods are there?
Only one, but there are three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

9. What has Christ done for you that you trust in Him?
He died for me and shed His blood for me on the cross for the forgiveness of sins.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XIV (August 24)

He who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. (Luke 22:26)

Daily Readings for August 18 - 23

Monday: 
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
2 Kings 10:1-35

Tuesday: 
1 Timothy 1:1-20
2 Chronicles 22:1-12

Wednesday: 
1 Timothy 2:1-15
2 Chronicles 23:1-21

Thursday: 
1 Timothy 3:1-16
2 Chronicles 24:1-27

Friday: 
1 Timothy 4:1-16
2 Kings 14:1-29

Saturday: 
1 Timothy 5:1-25
2 Kings 15:1-38

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XIII (August 17)

Christian Questions with Their Answers

1. Do you believe that you are a sinner?
Yes, I believe it. I am a sinner.

2. How do you know this?
From the Ten Commandments, which I have not kept.

3. Are you sorry for your sins?
Yes, I am sorry that I have sinned against God.

4. What have you deserved from God because of your sins?
His wrath and displeasure, temporal death, and eternal damnation. See Romans 6:21, 23.

5. Do you hope to be saved?
Yes, that is my hope.

6. In whom then do you trust?
In my dear Lord Jesus Christ.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XIII (August 17)

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27)

Daily Readings for August 11 - 16

Monday: 
Colossians 2:1-23
2 Kings 4:1-44

Tuesday: 
Colossians 3:18—4:18
2 Kings 5:1-27

Wednesday: 
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
2 Kings 6:1-23

Thursday: 
1 Thessalonians 2:1-20
2 Kings 6:24—7:20

Friday: 
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 1:39-55

Saturday: 
1 Thessalonians 4:8-12
2 Kings 9:1-37

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XII (August 10)

Christian Questions with Their Answers

1. Do you believe that you are a sinner?
Yes, I believe it. I am a sinner.

2. How do you know this?
From the Ten Commandments, which I have not kept.

3. Are you sorry for your sins?
Yes, I am sorry that I have sinned against God.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XII (August 10)

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)

Daily Readings for August 4 - 9

Monday: 
Ephesians 6:18-24
1 Kings 16:29—17:24

Tuesday: 
Philippians 1:12—2:4
1 Kings 18:1-46

Wednesday: 
Philippians 2:19-30
1 Kings 19:1-21

Thursday: 
Philippians 3:1-11
1 Kings 21:1-29

Friday: 
Philippians 4:1-3
1 Kings 22:51—2 Kings 1:17

Saturday: 
Philippians 4:8-23
2 Kings 2:1-25

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XI (August 3)

How should Christians return thanks after a meal?
 
Also, after eating, they shall, in like manner, reverently and with folded hands say:
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. He gives food to every creature. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love. (Psalm 136:1, 25; 147:9-11)


Then shall be said the Lord’s Prayer and the following:
We thank You, Lord God, heavenly Father, for all Your benefits, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XI (August 3)

By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Reminder: No Evening Prayer tonight

I am on vacation, so there will be no Evening Prayer tonight (or the next two Wednesdays). We will resume on Wednesday, August 20.

Interim School Principal Appointed

Immanuel Lutheran Church and School is pleased to welcome back to her faculty Mrs. Margaret Zensinger as the interim principal for the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year. Having previously served as our interim principal from March 2003 through June 2004, she is well-versed with the requirements and responsibilities of the position. Mrs. Zensinger graduated from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and a minor in Marketing. Mrs. Zensinger worked in the communications and legal fields before continuing graduate studies in early childhood education. She attended George Mason University where she earned a Masters of Education. Mrs. Zensinger taught first grade at Immanuel Lutheran School from 1997 through 2006.

On September 2, 2008, Immanuel Lutheran School will begin her 64th year of providing outstanding education that is distinctly Christian. We are committed to continuing and expanding our classical academy approach, including instruction in Latin, mathematics, grammar, writing, history, and science.

For more information or to enroll your children, please call 703-549-7323, or email school@immanuelalexandria.org.

Daily Readings for July 28 - August 2

Monday:
Galatians 2:1-21
1 Kings 9:1-28

Tuesday: 
Galatians 3:1-14
1 Kings 10:1-29

Wednesday: 
Galatians 4:8-20
1 Kings 11:1-43

Thursday: 
Galatians 5:1-15
1 Kings 12:1-33

Friday:
Galatians 6:11-18
1 Kings 13:1-34

Saturday:

Ephesians 6:1-9
1 Kings 14:1-31

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity X (July 27)

How should Christians ask a blessing before a meal?  

The children and members of the household shall go to the table reverently, fold their hands, and say:  The eyes of all look to You, O Lord, and You give them their food at the proper time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. (Psalm 145:15-16)

Then shall be said the Lord’s Prayer and the following:  Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these Your gifts which we receive from Your bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity X (July 27)

Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. (Romans 10:4)

Daily Readings for July 21 - 26

Monday: 
2 Corinthians 8:1-24
1 Kings 3:16-28

Tuesday, St. Mary Magdalene: 
Proverbs 31:10-31
John 20:1-18

Wednesday: 
2 Corinthians 10:1-18
1 Kings 5:1-18

Thursday: 
2 Corinthians 11:1-18
2 Chronicles 3:1-17

Friday, St. James the Elder, Apostle: 
Acts 11:27—12:5
Mark 10:35-45

Saturday: 
Galatians 1:1-24 1
Kings 7:1-12

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity IX (July 20)

Who receives this Sacrament worthily?

Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.”

But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, for the words “for you” require all hearts to believe.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity IX (July 20)

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. (Psalm 51:5)

Happy 10th Ordination Anniversary Pastor Esget!

Readings for July 14-19

Monday: 
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
2 Samuel 19:1-23

Tuesday: 
1 Corinthians 14:1-40 1
Chronicles 21:1-30

Wednesday: 
1 Corinthians 15:58—16:24
1 Chronicles 22:1-19

Thursday: 
2 Corinthians 1:1-24
1 Chronicles 28:1-21

Friday: 
2 Corinthians 2:1—3:3
2 Chronicles 29:1-23

Saturday: 
2 Corinthians 6:11—7:16
2 Chronicles 1:1-13

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity VIII (July 13)

How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?

Certainly not just eating and drinking do these things, but the words written here: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” These words, along with the bodily eating and drinking, are the main thing in the sacrament. Whoever believes these words has exactly what they say: “forgiveness of sins.”

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity VIII (July 13)

If you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:13)

Daily Readings for July 7 - 12

Monday:
1 Corinthians 5:9—6:20
1 Chronicles 16:1-43

Tuesday:
1 Corinthians 7:1-40
2 Samuel 7:1-29

Wednesday:
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
2 Samuel 12:1-23

Thursday:
1 Corinthians 9:1-23
2 Samuel 15:1-15

Friday:
1 Corinthians 10:14-33
2 Samuel 16:5-35

Saturday:
1 Corinthians 11:1-22
2 Samuel 18:1-13

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity VII (July 6)

What is the benefit of this eating and drinking?

These words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,” show us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity VII (July 6)

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Daily Readings for June 30 - July 5

Monday:
Romans 14:1—15:3
1 Samuel 26:1-25

Tuesday:
Romans 15:14-33
1 Samuel 28:3-25

Wednesday:
Isaiah 11:1-5
Luke 1:39-56

Thursday:
1 Corinthians 1:10-31
2 Samuel 1:1-27

Friday:
1 Corinthians 2:1-16
2 Samuel 5:1-25

Saturday:
1 Corinthians 4:6—5:5
2 Samuel 6:1-23

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity VI (June 29)

“Where is this written (concerning the Sacrament of the Altar)?”

The holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul write:

Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.”

In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity VI (June 29)

“Simon Peter said [to Jesus], ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” (Matthew 16:16)

Daily Readings for June 23 - 28

Monday:
Romans 4:1-25
1 Samuel 17:1-58

Tuesday:
Romans 5:1—6:2
1 Samuel 18:1-21

Wednesday:
Romans 6:12-18
1 Samuel 19:1-24

Thursday:
Romans 7:1-25
1 Samuel 20:1-42

Friday:
Romans 8:1-39
1 Samuel 22:1-23

Saturday:
Romans 13:1-7
1 Samuel 24:1-22

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity V (June 22)

What is the Sacrament of the Altar?
It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity V (June 22)

“Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” (Psalm 27:14)

Immanuel Calls Rev. Todd Peperkorn to be Associate Pastor

On Wednesday, June 11, the Festival of St. Barnabas, Immanuel called Rev. Todd Peperkorn of Messiah Lutheran Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin to serve as Associate Pastor and principal of our K-8 classical Lutheran school. We are thrilled at the prospect of Pr. Peperkorn's service among us, and ask your prayers that the Lord's will would be done, that He would guide and care for the Peperkorn family, and do what is best for His whole Church.

Daily Readings for June 16 - 21

Monday:
Acts 27:1-44
1 Samuel 9:1-27

Tuesday:
Acts 28:1-31
1 Samuel 10:1-27

Wednesday:
Romans 1:1-15
1 Samuel 12:1-25

Thursday:
Romans 1:16-32
1 Samuel 13:1-14

Friday:
Romans 2:1-29
1 Samuel 15:1-35

Saturday:
Romans 3:1-31
1 Samuel 16:1-23

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity IV (June 15)

Confession: What do you believe according to these words (from John 20:22-23 concerning the Office of the Keys)?

I believe that when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His divine command, in particular when they exclude openly unrepentant sinners from the Christian congregation and absolve those who repent of their sins and want to do better, this is just as valid and certain, even in heaven, as if Christ our dear Lord dealt with us Himself.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity IV (June 15)

“Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)

Daily Readings for June 9 - 14

Monday:
Acts 21:1-39
1 Samuel 2:1-21

Tuesday:
Acts 21:40—22:29
1 Samuel 3:1-21

Wednesday:
Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3
Mark 6:7-13

Thursday:
Acts 24:1-27
1 Samuel 5:1-12

Friday:
Acts 25:1-27
1 Samuel 7:1-17

Saturday:
Acts 26:1-32
1 Samuel 8:1-22

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity III (June 8)

Confession: Where is this written (concerning the Office of the Keys)?
This is what St. John the Evangelist writes in chapter twenty: The Lord Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:22-23)

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity III (June 8)

“Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

There will be a Call Service on Wednesday, June 11 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Within this service, the Voters’ Assembly will make a decision regarding calling someone to serve as Associate Pastor/Principal at Immanuel. This is vital to our school’s continued operation as our interim school administrator is leaving soon. (A Pre-Call Information Session will be at 7:00 p.m., before the Service.)

The purpose for having a service and not just a meeting, is to pray fervently for the Holy Spirit’s guidance on this important decision. In this service we will sing psalms and the Litany, hear the Word of God, and pray for wisdom, before voting on issuing a Call for this office. Please note: only members of the Voters’ Assembly are allowed to vote, according to our constitution. Our circuit counselor, Rev. Jack Meehan, will provide leadership in this Call Service along with Pastor Esget.

Everyone is encouraged to attend this Call Service. Please pray diligently for our church during this time, that the Lord would guide us and bless us, and bring a servant into our midst to help us in our work.

Trinity 2 Sermon: Luke 14.15-24

Last week, we heard about a rich man who threw great feasts; but these parties were for himself, and for his friends and family. Meanwhile, Lazarus lay nearby in the gutter, starving, suffering, lonely. He received no help from that rich man. No food. No consolation. In death, however, he was given a place of honor, next to Abraham, at the heavenly banquet. The rich man had showed him no kindness, but God welcomed Lazarus to His feast, and his body full of sores became strong, his empty stomach was filled, his sorrow turned to joy, his loneliness replaced with eternal friendship with God, angels, and saints.

About that heavenly feast, Jesus today tells a parable proclaiming that everyone is invited; God is the true Rich Man, the world’s King who throws a banquet to end all banquets. The best parties in our experience are exclusive; only the wealthy, the powerful, the famous, the connected get invited. But the guest list for the heavenly party tells us something about the Host: He is incredibly generous. The host, of course, is God, whose generosity knows no bounds. He has been generous to you from the beginning: He gave man a body, a beautiful world to dwell in, and filled it with pleasures and gifts. And even when man spurned the feast God had prepared, and seized instead the diabolical junk food that would destroy him, still God kept on inviting man to His feast.

Today’s parable depicts the people invited in three groups: the prominent Jews; the poor, maimed, lame, and blind Jews; and finally, the Gentiles (those out in the highways and hedges). It is tempting to condemn the people for whom this parable was originally intended – those Jews who were not accepting Jesus; but isn’t it true that we, who mostly belong to that third group, the Gentiles – isn’t it true that we have also often despised the Supper to which we have been invited? The pastor is tempted simply to go through the motions, say the right words, do his job in a perfunctory way. I know that you, too, can be worried and distracted by many things, such that you do not regard with seriousness the Supper to which the Lord calls you. You too have bought pieces of ground, that must be cared for; you too have oxen, i.e., jobs, that can consume you; you too have spouses and families that clamor for your attention. And besides all that, there is is the ongoing temptation to presume that this world’s feasts, this world’s leisure, this world’s games and amusements, are more important. You have made your goals, your gossiping, your gluttony, of the highest importance, and disregarded the Lord’s call to leave everything and have Him alone for your God.

Do you come here as though you own the place, claiming your seats and letting your own words be most important? Do you consider it a routine and ordinary thing that you became a member of the Church by Holy Baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit? We are guests in the Lord’s House, not owners; privileged to be invited, but easily evicted if we treat our Lord’s gifts callously, carelessly, something to be fitted in when convenient with our other priorities.

So we must never forget that we are beggars invited by grace to the Rich Man’s home; we are starving men invited to a feast. And what is that feast? Nothing other than our Lord Jesus Himself, whose living body gives life to our dying bodies, and whose cleansing blood gives forgiveness to our lives of sin.

How deeply tragic, then, if we disregard that Feast, while searching for other food that cannot satisfy. Think of all the things you have pursued to give delight to your body. Did it last? Was it beneficial? Think of the possessions you decided you absolutely had to have. When you got them, did you not tire of them and desire some new thing? Think of the things that have filled your heart: lusts, desires for revenge, dreams of fame and glory - what can they achieve, other than to make a person selfish and bitter?

Today your King calls to you to leave aside your fixation on this world’s feasts, and fix your eyes on your heavenly home. Only what you receive here, in this Sacrament, endures into the life to come.

Little children, now is the last hour. You are being called to the dinner. The end of all things is at hand. Do not turn aside, but run with repentance to the altar and beg forgiveness. Be eager in your prayers for the coming of the Lord. Be ready for His coming by daily repentance. And serve the poor, maimed, lame, and blind – all those in need around you – with whatever gifts you have. For we are called to love not in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

Last Sunday, we heard about a rich man who would not invite a beggar to his feast. Today’s gospel shows us that we are poor, yet have God for a generous, philanthropic Rich Man. He has invited you to His Supper, to His home, to His forgiveness, to His love. Quit making excuses. Quit trying to serve two masters. Quit chasing this world’s riches. Quit condemning others and trying to be lord and master. Leave all this, and come, for all things are now ready, and even your excuses are forgiven in the Body and Blood of Jesus.

Daily Readings for June 2 - June 7

Monday:
Luke 14:15-24
Acts 15:1-41

Tuesday:
Matthew 4:12-25
Acts 16:1-40

Wednesday:
Matthew 5:1-12
Acts 17:1-15

Thursday:
Matthew 5:13-20
Acts 18:1-28

Friday:
Matthew 5:21-26
Acts 19:1-41

Saturday:
1 Peter 5:6-11
Luke 15:1-10

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity II (June 1)

Confession: What is the Office of the Keys?
The Office of the Keys is that special authority which Christ has given to His church on earth to forgive the sins of repentant sinners, but to withhold forgiveness from the unrepentant as long as they do not repent.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity II (June 1)

“This is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.” (1 John 3:23)

The Medicine of Immortality

Note: originally published in Tidings, the newsletter of Immanuel

+ + +

Frequently heard in churches that faithfully observe the Lord's Supper is reference to that Sacrament as "the medicine of immortality." These words are a quotation from a letter written by St. Ignatius (30-107 AD), a disciple of St. John the evangelist. Because he is in the generation of pastors immediately after the Apostles, writings such as those of Ignatius provide a detailed look at the life and practice of the earliest Christians. The following is Chapter 20 in "The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians." Note the Trinitarian language (God the Father, Jesus Christ His Son, and the Comforter), the emphasis on unity in the congregation under the bishop, and the benefit of the breaking of bread (i.e., holy communion) - the antidote against death!

Stand fast, brethren, in the faith of Jesus Christ, and in His love, in His passion, and in His resurrection. Do ye all come together in common, and individually, through grace, in one faith of God the Father, and of Jesus Christ His only-begotten Son, and "the first-born of every creature," but of the seed of David according to the flesh, being under the guidance of the Comforter, in obedience to the bishop and the presbytery with an undivided mind, breaking one and the same bread, which is the medicine of immortality, and the antidote which prevents us from dying, but a cleansing remedy driving away evil, that we should live in God through Jesus Christ.

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity I (May 25)

Confession: “Which are these [sins that we should confess]?”

Consider your place in life according to the Ten Commandments: Are you a father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, or worker? Have you been disobedient, unfaithful, or lazy? Have you been hot-tempered, rude, or quarrelsome? Have you stolen, been negligent, wasted anything, or done any harm?

Daily Readings for May 26 - 31

Monday:
Acts 9:1-43
Joshua 10:1-15

Tuesday:
Luke 16:19-31
Acts 10:1-33

Wednesday:
Exodus 23:20—24:8
Acts 11:1-30

Thursday:
Matthew 3:13-17
Acts 12:1-25

Friday:
Matthew 4:1-11
Acts 13:1—14:28

Saturday:
1 John 3:13-18
Luke 14:15-24

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity I (May 25)

“This commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.”
(1 John 4:21)

Looking Forward: Trinity I (May 25)

May 25: Trinity I- From this point until Advent, all the Sundays are counted as "Sundays after Trinity." The first half of the Christian Year centered around the birth, manifestation, suffering, death, resurrection and Ascension of Jesus, culminating in His gift of the Spirit on Pentecost. Now, the focus of the remainder of the year is on the teachings of Jesus and how we live as His disciples. The color switches to green, representing our growth as children of God. On this first Sunday after Trinity, we hear the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, inviting us to reflect on how we treat the poor in our midst, and also where our hope lies. Lazarus the beggar is carried to Abraham's bosom (heaven), while the rich man, appearing to be godly, is sent to hell. Kyrie, eleison!

Originally published in Tidings, the Newsletter of Immanuel

Daily Readings for May 19 - 24

Monday:
John 3:1-17
Acts 3:1-21

Tuesday:
Exodus 18:1-27
Acts 4:1-37

Wednesday:
Exodus 18:1-27
Acts 5:1-42

Thursday:
Exodus 19:1-25
Acts 6:1-15

Friday:
Exodus 20:1-24
Acts 7:1—8:40

Saturday:
1 John 4:16-21
Luke 16:19-31

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Holy Trinity (May 18)

Confession: What sins should we confess?
Before God we should plead guilty of all sins, even those we are not aware of, as we do in the Lord’s Prayer; but before the pastor we should confess only those sins which we know and feel in our hearts.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Holy Trinity (May 18)

“Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:5-6)

Aquinas: Short Prayer after Communion

Sweetest Jesus,
Body and Blood most holy,
be the delight and pleasure of my soul,
my strength and salvation

in all temptations,

my joy and peace

in every trial,

my light and guide

in every word and deed,

and my final protection in death.

Amen.

Looking Forward: Trinity Sunday (May 18)

May 18: Trinity- "Blessed be the Holy Trinity and the undivided Unity. Let us give glory to Him because He has shown His mercy to us." Trinity Sunday is one of the latest festivals to come into the church year. Not universally celebrated until the fourteenth century, it began to be observed in various places in the Western Church to combat the spread of Arianism, a heresy that denies the divinity of Jesus. This is the one Sunday devoted to a doctrine: that God has revealed Himself to us as One God in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. To reinforce this teaching, on this day the church confesses the Athanasian Creed (which is the third ecumenical creed, along with the Apostles' and Nicene).

Originally published in Tidings, the Newsletter of Imamanuel

Daily Readings for May 12 - 17

Monday:
Acts 10:42-48
John 3:16-21

Tuesday:
Acts 8:14-17
John 10:1-10

Wednesday:
Acts 1:12-26
John 14:1-22

Thursday:
Acts 2:1-21
John 15:1-25

Friday:
Acts 2:22-47
John 16:31—17:26

Saturday:
Romans 11:33-36
John 3:1-17

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Pentecost (May 11)

Confession: What is Confession?
Confession has two parts. First, that we confess our sins, and second, that we receive absolution, that is, forgiveness, from the pastor as from God Himself, not doubting, but firmly believing that by it our sins are forgiven before God in heaven.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Pentecost (May 11)

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Another radio interview with Mollie Hemingway

Immanuel member Mollie Hemingway is interviewed on the radio program "Way of the Master" regarding the Issues, Etc. debacle. You can listen to it here. (Mollie's part starts about 3/4 of the way through.)

Looking Forward: Pentecost (May 11)

May 11: Pentecost- Pentecost is, together with Epiphany and Easter, one of the three great festivals of the Christian year. Fortunately, it has not been coopted by Hallmark and the shopping malls! On this day we rejoice in God's gift of the Spirit to the Church. To the Third Person of the Trinity our hymn is addressed: "Teach us to know the Father, Son, / And You, from both, as Three in One / That we Your name may ever bless / And in our lives the truth confess."

Originally published in Tidings, the Newsletter of Immanuel

Daily Readings for May 5 - 10

Monday:
Exodus 12:31-42
John 10:17-21

Tuesday:
Exodus 13:17—14:9
John 10:22-31

Wednesday:
Exodus 14:10-31
John 10:32-42

Thursday:
Exodus 15:1-19
John 11:1-27

Friday:
Exodus 16:1-35
John 11:28-57

Saturday:
Acts 2:1-21
John 14:23-31

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Exaudi (May 4)

Baptism: Where is this written?
St. Paul writes in Romans chapter six: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Exaudi (May 4)

“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’” (1 Peter 4:7-8)

June Book Club selection: The Hammer of God

Our next Book Club meeting will be June 1 (please see church bulletin for location). We will be discussing The Hammer of God, by Bo Giertz. An inexpensive copy is available from Amazon by clicking here. Please read the book, and join us for good discussion!

Looking Forward: Exaudi (May 4)

May 4: Exaudi- This Sunday is an "in-between" time - it's the one and only Sunday after Ascension, the last Sunday of Easter, and the Sunday before Pentecost. Because of its position in anticipating Pentecost, it is sometimes called the "Sunday of Expectation," as we await the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit. The name of this day reflects this theme perfectly: Exaudi means "hear," from the Introit, "Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud" (Ps. 27.7). On this day we hear the promise of Jesus to send the "Helper," the Holy Spirit.

Originally published in Tidings, the newsletter of Immanuel

Daily Readings for April 28 - May 3

Monday:
John 16:23-33
John 10:1-5

Tuesday:
John 21:1-14
John 10:6-10

Wednesday:
John 21:15-25
Matthew 28:16-20

Thursday:
Acts 1:1-14
Acts 1:1-11

Friday:
Matthew 28:16-20
Luke 24:50-53

Saturday:
1 Peter 4:7-14
John 15:26—16:4

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Rogate (April 27)

Baptism: What does such baptizing with water indicate?
It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Rogate (April 27)

“Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24)

Daily Readings for April 21 - 26

Monday:
Exodus 6:28—7:25
John 8:12-20

Tuesday:
Exodus 8:1-4, 13-25, 32; 9:1-4, 7-35; 10:3-6, 20-29
John 8:21-29

Wednesday:
Exodus 11:1-10
John 8:30-45

Thursday:
Exodus 12:1-14
John 9:1-13

Friday:
Exodus 12:21-30
John 9:14-34

Saturday:
James 1:22–27
John 16:23–33

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Cantate (April 20)

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism: How can baptism do such great things?

Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three:

"He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” (Titus 3:5-8)

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Cantate (April 20)

“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20)

Tulip bed at Immanuel

I think Mary Techau planted these tulips, but I could be wrong about that. I was struck by their beauty yesterday while walking back up to the church after teaching Latin. I snapped these pictures on my camera phone, and was surprised by how nicely they turned out.

Daily Readings for April 14 - 19

Monday:
Exodus 2:11-25
John 6:60-71

Tuesday:
Exodus 3:1-17
John 7:1-13

Wednesday:
Exodus 4:1-31
John 7:14-24

Thursday:
Exodus 5:1-23
John 7:25-36

Friday:
Exodus 6:1-13
John 7:37-53

Saturday:
James 1:16–21
John 16:5–15

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Jubilate (April 13)

Baptism: Which are these words and promises of God?
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16)

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Jubilate (April 13)

“It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:26)

Daily Readings for April 7 - 12

Monday:
John 10:11-16
John 5:1-17

Tuesday:
Genesis 47:27—48:21
John 5:18-30

Wednesday:
Genesis 49:1, 28—50:14
John 5:31-47

Thursday:
Genesis 50:15-26
John 6:16-29

Friday:
Exodus 1:1—2:10
John 6:30-59

Saturday:
1 Peter 2:21–25
John 10:11–16

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Misericordias Domini (April 6)

Baptism: What benefits does Baptism give?
It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Misericordias Domini (April 6)

[Jesus said:] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

Parishioner interviewed by "White Horse Inn" radio host

Parishioner Mollie Ziegler Hemingway was recently interviewed by Dr. Michael Horton of the White Horse Inn radio program. You can listen to it by pressing the play-indicator below:

Looking Forward: Sunday in April

As published in the April, 2008 issue of Tidings, the newsletter of Immanuel.

April 6: Misericordias Domini - The name for the third Sunday of Easter means "The compassion of the Lord," from Psalm 33. Popularly called "Good Shepherd Sunday," on this day John 10 is read as we rejoice in Jesus our Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep, and took it up again in the resurrection. We also see the ongoing work the Lord does through His Church: "Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd."

April 13: Jubilate- "Shout for joy to God, all the earth, Alleluia!" This is the first of four successive Sundays where passages from the "Upper Room Discourse" (John 14-16) are read. Jesus tells His disciples that He will be gone a "little while," and that He will see His disciples again, causing their hearts to rejoice. For the Twelve, the first "little while" was the time between the crucifixion and the resurrection; we are comforted knowing that it is only a "little while" until He returns, and our hearts already rejoice!

April 20: Cantate- "Sing to the LORD a new song, Alleluia!" Cantate Sunday (not to be confused with "Cantata," a piece of music made of several "songs") urges us to sing, because in Christ, "the ruler of this world is judged" (Gospel, John 16.11). As we start looking toward Pentecost, we hear Jesus' promise that the Spirit of Truth will come, and guide the Church into all truth.

April 27: Rogate- The name of the sixth Sunday of Easter, the last Sunday before the Ascension, means "Pray" or "Ask." We are invited to ask the Father in the name of Jesus. "Ask, and you will receive," our Lord says, "that your joy may be full." The church is urging us to ask for the Holy Spirit, that we may live new lives as disciples of Jesus.

Easter People

Note: This pastoral letter is from the April, 2008 issue of Tidings, the Newsletter of Immanuel.

St. Augustine allegedly said, "We are an Easter people, and 'Alleluia!' is our song." I'm not certain that he really said it, but I am certain that we should. This year the month of April is entirely given over to Easter. While we are tempted to think of Easter as a single day, the church appoints fifty days for the observance. This "week of weeks" (seven weeks) exhorts us to a life where "Alleluia!" is indeed our song.

So what does it mean to be "Easter people"? The Christian life is lived in a "Good Friday" world - a world of sorrow and betrayal, lies and mockery, quests for power and fear of other powers. It is a life that can only end in death. However, because we are baptized into Christ, we are "Easter people," people who know that because of His work on Good Friday, our Lord Jesus has brought us to Easter, giving us the hope of the resurrection. Being an Easter people means we do not have a life that can only end in death. We have a death that can only end in life.

We still live in the Good Friday world. We will still know sorrow, we will still be betrayed - perhaps even those who call themselves Christians. We will still be lied to and mocked. We will still experience the lust for power, both against us and within us. But on account of Christ's victory, we know these things have no power over us. "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" said the angel to the women on Easter morning. The Living One is not found among dead things - the perishable things of the marketplace, the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the world, the pride of life.

We are Easter People, so that we live in the same forgiveness Jesus showed to those who crucified Him, and to His disciples who abandoned Him. "Alleluia!" (Hebrew for "Praise the Lord!") is restored to the liturgy; and hopefully, in the journey through Lent, we have learned more about what it means. How life is empty and meaningless without that word!

Now that Lent is over, and Easter has come, what will it mean for us? The fast being over, should we return to gluttony? The emphasis on prayer being ended, should we abandon prayer now, for the more important things? Being Easter People should mean what St. Paul says in Rom. 6: "We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." What will that "newness of life" look like in how you live with your family? In how you do your work? In how you deal with your habitual, secret sins?

As we tried during Lent to be people of genuine repentance, this April let us build on that and ask the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, to renew in us the work of the Holy Spirit, making us Easter People, with "Alleluia!" as our song, until the final Easter comes.

Article by parishioner in Wall Street Journal

Immanuel member Mollie Hemingway has an article in the March 28 Wall Street Journal. You can read it here.

Daily Readings for March 31 - April 5

Monday:
John 21:1-25
Jonah 1:1-16

Tuesday:
John 2:12-25
Jonah 1:17—2:10

Wednesday:
John 3:22-36
Jonah 3:1-10

Thursday:
John 4:1-27
Jonah 4:1-11

Friday:
John 4:28-38
Isaiah 33:2-6

Saturday:
1 Peter 2:21-25
John 10:11-16

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Quasimodo Geniti (March 30)

Confession: What is the Office of the Keys?
The Office of the Keys is that special authority which Christ has given to His church on earth to forgive the sins of repentant sinners, but to withhold forgiveness from the unrepentant as long as they do not repent.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Quasimodo Geniti (March 30)

“[Jesus] breathed on [His disciples] and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’” (John 20:22-23)

Daily Readings for March 24 - 29

Monday:
Matthew 28:1-15
Luke 24:1-35

Tuesday:
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 1:26-38

Wednesday:
Luke 24:33-49
Luke 24:36-49

Thursday:
John 20:19-31
John 21:1-14

Friday:
Mark 16:9-14
Isaiah 44:21-28

Saturday:
1 John 5:4–10
John 20:19–31

Small Catechism for Memorizing - The Resurrection of Our Lord

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism:
Which is that word of God? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

Bible Verse for Memorizing - The Resurrection of Our Lord

“Now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20)

Good Friday sermon - midday service with parochial school

Perhaps you have said, “I hate my life. I wish I were dead.”

Or perhaps you have said, “I hate this person,” or, “that person.”

Instead, maybe you have said, “I love myself,” and meant it so much that you measured everything by how it pleased you. And in loving yourself so much, you made yourself god; which, in the end, is a form of saying, “I hate God, and His Word.”

In the account of the crucifixion of Jesus, we see a story filled with hate:

· Judas, hating his life, hangs himself;

· The Chief Priests and Pharisees hate Jesus, and cause the crowd to clamor for His execution;

· The disciples of Jesus, loving their own lives more than Jesus, run away, abandoning Jesus and leaving Him to face the hatred alone.

Truly, the event is filled with hate. It is also filled with God’s hatred.

Do you know what God hates?

Death.

And sin, which leads to death.

But God doesn’t just hate death in the abstract. No – He hates your death.

Which is another way of saying He loves you; He loves your life.

God loves you so much, that He sent His only Son, the Lord Jesus, into the world, for this very day, this Friday we call Good. For while it is sad—a profound sadness at the death of Jesus—it is also the cause of all our gladness. Nothing for us does more good than this death, for from this death comes our life. From this death comes the end of death, the defeat of death, the triumph of life, the triumph of God’s love.

God is love, and He loves you even when you are filled with hate.

When you hate yourself, God loves you, and desires to save you.

When you hate your neighbor, God loves you both, and desires to save you from your hate.

When you hate God, God still loves you, and wants to give you His gifts.

God does not stop loving you; for as we heard yesterday, in John 13, Jesus loves His disciples “to the end.”

The love of God is demonstrated on the cross.

Paradoxically, there on the cross is also shown the wrath of God, wrath against sin and hatred of sin.

And that is why this horrible, wonderful, terrible, awesome and awful death of the Son of God occurs. So that God could punish sin and at the same time save the sinner.

On the cross we see God’s wrath for sin, and God’s love for us sinners.

So the words we heard Jesus speak are for you:

· Jesus prays for those who are nailing Him to the cross, “Father, forgive them.” Put yourself in those words. Jesus is praying for your forgiveness, too.

· The dying thief says to Jesus, “Lord, remember me in Your kingdom,” and Jesus replies, “Today, you will be with Me in Paradise.” Those words spoken to him are recorded for you: through the cross, heaven opens to you, and paradise is regained for you.

So when next you are tempted by hate, remember this Friday. When next you are filled with anger, remember this Friday. When next you are saddened to despair, remember this Friday, remember what your God has done for you. He loves you. He gave His Son for you. He forgives you. He opens heaven for you. He defeated death for you.

Now, we wait for Easter. It is coming. This Sunday, and at the end of this world. Rejoice and be glad, for though your sins caused this Friday to be bad, God’s love has turned it into Friday filled with Good.

Holy Week 2008 at Immanuel

Dear Members of Immanuel,

On Palm Sunday, the faithful gathered to remember our Lord Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem; hailed as King on Sunday, by Friday He was crucified. The services of this week are devoted to the central articles of our faith—Baptism, Lord's Supper, Justification—accomplished by the words and mighty acts of Jesus. I know that your work must be done, your family attended to, and the spring weather beckons a return to the outdoors. Yet in the midst of all that, I urge you to experience this week as something greater – the fountain and source of your life.

• Holy Wednesday: 3/19/08, 6-7pm – Open time for Individual Confession and Absolution
• Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday): 3/20/08, 7:30pm – Divine Service (Setting Three), with confessional address and stripping of the altar; sermon by Rev. Jonathan Shaw.
• Good Friday: 3/21/08, 12pm – Vespers, with reading of St. Luke's Passion; 7:30pm – Solemn Divine Service, with reading of St. John's Passion, the Reproaches, and a simplified order of communion; sermon by Rev. John Wohlrabe
• Holy Saturday: 3/22/08, 8pm – The Great Vigil of Easter, with the kindling of the new flame, reading of the history of salvation, "Benedicite, Omnia Opera," remembrance of Baptism, and first Gospel of the resurrection
• The Festival of the Resurrection of Our Lord: 3/23/08, 8am – Matins; 9am – Scripture Study; 10am – Festival Divine Service

Some of you reading this may have wandered away from the Lord and the hearing of His Word this year. Please know this and take it to hear: you are always welcomed back, with open arms. Come home, dear children of God!

God bless you as we pass through this holy time together, renewed and growing as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Every good wish in Christ,
+Pastor Esget

Daily Readings for March 17 - 22

Monday:
Daniel 6:1-24
John 12:1-36

Tuesday:
John 18:1-27
Exodus 12:1-14

Wednesday:
John 18:28-40
Isaiah 52:13—53:12

Thursday:
John 19:1-24
John 13:1-15

Friday:
John 19:25-42
2 Corinthians 5:14–21

Saturday:
1 Corinthians 5:6–8
Mark 16:1–8

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Holy Week (March 16 - 22)

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism: What is Baptism?
Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Holy Week (March 16 - 22)

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

Daily Readings for March 10 - 15

Monday:
John 8:42-59
Jeremiah 2:1-19

Tuesday:
John 12:1-11
Hosea 13:9-14

Wednesday:
John 12:12-26
Zephaniah 3:1-8

Thursday:
John 13:1-20
Micah 3:9-12

Friday:
John 13:21-38
Isaiah 66:1-9

Saturday:
Philippians 2:5–11
Matthew 26:1—27:66

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Judica (March 9)

Lord’s Prayer: The Conclusion
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

What does this mean? This means that I should be certain that these petitions are pleasing to our Father in heaven, and are heard by Him; for He Himself has commanded us to pray in this way and has promised to hear us. Amen, amen means “yes, yes, it shall be so.”

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Judica (March 9)

“God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Daily Readings for March 3 - 8

Monday:
Deuteronomy 9:1-29
Luke 23:26-56

Tuesday:
Deuteronomy 10:1-22
Matthew 26:1-35

Wednesday:
Deuteronomy 11:1-32
Matthew 26:36-75

Thursday:
Deuteronomy 28:1-14
Matthew 27:1-38

Friday:
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Matthew 27:39-66

Saturday:
Hebrews 9:11–15
John 8:42–59

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Laetare (March 2)

Lord’s Prayer: The Seventh Petition
But deliver us from evil.

What does this mean? We pray in this petition, in summary, that our Father in heaven would rescue us from every evil of body and soul, possessions and reputation, and finally, when our last hour comes, give us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in heaven.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Laetare (March 2)

“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:29)

Looking Forward: Sundays and Holy Days in March

Taken from the March issue of Tidings, the parish newsletter of Immanuel.
--------------

Looking Forward: Sundays and Holy Days in March

March 2: Laetare - The Fourth Sunday in Lent takes its name, Laetare, from the first word of the Introit in Latin: "Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her." As we draw closer to the awe-full deeds of salvation wrought by our Lord, we Christians—citizens of "the Jerusalem above" (Epistle, Gal. 4.26)—even at this solemn time rejoice at the Savior's work. During the season of fasting (Lent), our weakness has been exposed. We have stumbled. Fallen. So like that "great multitude" (Gospel, John 6.2) of old, we look to Jesus, who alone can feed us with the Bread of Life.

March 9: Judica - "Judge me (Judica me), O God," "Vindicate me ... and defend my cause against an ungodly people" (Introit). On this day, the "Sunday of the Passion," we speak words which we dare not utter regarding ourselves. If God should judge us, we would be damned. There is only One whose work needed vindication—Jesus, whose death was unjust, yet atoned for all our injustices (sins). Beginning with this Sunday, the crosses are veiled and the Gloria Patri disappears from the liturgy. We are on the final portion of the journey to the cross, and the signs of our joy are hidden from our eyes and ears, as we see how blind and deaf sin has made us.

March 16: Palmarum - The Palm Sunday Divine Service begins outside, hearing the Gospel of Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. The mood of the liturgy abruptly shifts, as we hear the entire Passion according to St. Matthew. There, we hear that the crowd which lauded Jesus on Sunday as a conquering king called for His blood on Friday. Having sung our "hosannas" to Jesus, will we likewise betray Him? Holy Week has begun.

March 20: Holy Thursday - Sometimes called "Maundy Thursday" (probably from the Latin mandatum, "commandment," based on the words of Jesus in today's Gospel, John 13: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another"), this Divine Service focuses on the Sacrament of the Altar, which Jesus instituted "on the night when He was betrayed." The service concludes with the Stripping of the Altar, in preparation for the solemn observance of Good Friday.

March 21: Good Friday - One cannot understand Easter without this day. Not a "funeral for Jesus," this Divine Service features a series of "Reproaches," as we hear that it was our disobedience and unfaithfulness that necessitated Christ's suffering. The Passion of St. John is read, and the body and blood of Jesus is distributed, for on this day, of all days, it is meet and right that we receive the benefit of the cross: communion with Jesus, the forgiveness of our sins.

March 22: The Great Vigil of Easter - A service unlike any other in the entire year, the liturgy begins with the blessing of the Paschal Candle and a journey into the darkened church. Our Lord, who spent this great Sabbath in a darkened tomb, awoke "very early in the morning on the first day of the week." Awaiting the celebration of His joyous resurrection, we hear again the narrative of salvation history - Creation, flood, deliverance from Pharoah's bondage, the valley of the dry bones - all leading up to our Lord Jesus, who fulfilled everything for us. In this liturgy we make special remembrance of our Baptism, and hear the first Gospel of Easter. Christ is risen!

March 23: The Resurrection of Our Lord - This day is the Feast of Feasts, and no adornment is out of place: the chanting of the Creed, a sequence hymn ("Christians, to the Paschal Victim, offer your thankful praises..."). Christ is risen, death's sting is removed, sin is forgiven, the devil is routed. This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!

March 30: Quasimodo Geniti - The funniest of all the funny Latin names, Quasimodo Geniti is the Latin beginning to the Introit, from 1 Peter: "Like new-born babes, desire the pure milk of the Word." By baptism into Jesus' death and resurrection, we are newly-born. Through drinking in the Word, we will grow as God's children. Today's Gospel recounts the events of Easter evening and the following Sunday, when Jesus appeared to the Disciples and showed His wounds to unbelieving Thomas.

Want to learn more about the traditional church year? Visit http://historiclectionary.com today!

Daily Readings for February 25 - March 1

Monday:
Luke 11:14-28
Luke 18:15-30

Tuesday:
Matthew 21:1-17
Luke 19:1-40

Wednesday:
Matthew 26:2-16
Luke 20:1—21:4

Thursday:
Matthew 26:17-35
Luke 21:37—22:38

Friday:
Matthew 26:36-56
Luke 22:39-71

Saturday:
Galatians 4:21–31
John 6:1–15

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Oculi (February 24)

Lord’s Prayer: The Sixth Petition
And lead us not into temptation.

What does this mean? God tempts no one. We pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our sinful nature may not deceive us or mislead us into false belief, despair, and other great shame and vice. Although we are attacked by these things, we pray that we may finally overcome them and win the victory.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Oculi (February 24)

“Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it.” (Luke 11:28)

Daily Readings for February 18 - 23

Monday:
Matthew 15:21-28
Luke 13:1-17

Tuesday:
Genesis 44:18—45:3
Luke 14:25-35

Wednesday:
Genesis 45:4-28
Luke 15:11-32

Thursday:
Genesis 46:1-27
Luke 16:10-18

Friday:
Genesis 46:28—47:12
Luke 17:1-10

Saturday:
Ephesians 5:1–9
Luke 11:14–28

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Reminiscere (February 17)

Lord’s Prayer: The Fifth Petition
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

What does this mean? We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look at our sins, or deny our prayer because of them. We are neither worthy of the things for which we pray, nor have we deserved them, but we ask that He would give them all to us by grace, for we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment. So we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Reminiscere (February 17)

“God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.” (1 Thessalonians 4:7)

Daily Readings for February 11 - 16

Monday:
Matthew 4:1-11
Luke 9:28-62

Tuesday:
Genesis 42:1-24
Luke 10:1-22

Wednesday:
Genesis 42:25-38
Luke 10:38—11:13

Thursday:
Genesis 43:1-34
Luke 11:29-36

Friday:
Genesis 44:1-17
Luke 11:37-54

Saturday:
1 Thessalonians 4:1–7
Matthew 15:21–28

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Invocabit (February 10)

Lord’s Prayer: The Fourth Petition
Give us this day our daily bread.

What does this mean? God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.

What is meant by daily bread? Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Invocabit (February 10)

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

Guidance on Fasting

After my counsel after Divine Service regarding fasting on Ash Wednesday, several parishioners asked me for more details and guidance. I have some printed materials from previous years at church that I can (and will, when I get time) distribute, but for now I commend for your consideration Pastor William Weedon's little article on fasting. (Pastor Weedon is a minister in my former district, Southern Illinois, and his blog is well worth reading.)

Auf Deutsch, Lent is Fastenzeit. Fasting-time. And the readings for Ash Wednesday invite us to this discipline as part of our "return," our repentance.

But how does one fast? As Lutheran Christians we know that there can be no laws about HOW to fast in the Church for the simple reason that neither our Lord nor the Holy Apostles have given us any. There have always been divergent practices on fasting in the Church. Not without reason did St. Irenaeus confess "differences in fasting do not destroy the unity of faith."

Further, we know that fasting is not pleasing to God when it is offered in any way as a propitiation for sin; then, in fact, it becomes an abomination. There is but one propitiation for the sin of the world and that was offered once and for all by the Lamb of God upon the cross.

So why should we fast? We have to think no further than our Catechism: fasting is "a fine outward training." Now, that was spoken in regard to the Eucharistic fast, but it applies to fasting as a whole. On Septuagesima we heard St. Paul speak of how he disciplined his body, kept it under control, lest he end up being "disqualified" after preaching to others.

Well, if we can admit that fasting is a "fine outward training" the question still arises of what to do?

Many people confuse fasting and abstinence. To fast is to be hungry; to abstain is forego certain kinds of food. The traditional fast of the Western Church was 1/4 meal for breakfast and lunch, with a simple dinner. In other words, for breakfast maybe half a slice of toast, for lunch an orange. Then a regular dinner - but nothing fancy. Something like that was observed throughout the days of Lent. Further, Western Christians have traditionally abstained from meat and wine on the Fridays (and sometimes the Saturdays, and some would say the Wednesdays - all depend on whom you ask) of Lent.

Now, fasting was never meant to live by itself. It is joined to the other two Lenten disciplines: almsgiving and prayer. An increased giving to the poor and an increased time of prayer can go hand in hand with fasting: by not eating so much, you actually have more money to give to others who have less than you, and by not fixing elaborate meals, you also have more time to spend in the Word and prayer. Further, by going hungry each day you experience solidarity with those many members of the human race who also go hungry each day. Above all, we teach ourselves that the hunger behind all hungers is the hunger for God Himself.

In the freedom of the Gospel, we can discipline our wayward flesh by not letting it dictate to us what and when to eat. Give it some thought and prayer and then rejoice in the truth that "man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Wishing one and all a joyful time of renewal during the upcoming Fastenzeit!

(Click here to see the article on its original page.)