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.