Jesus 101

Some have called Acts 10:34-48 “Jesus 101,” because it’s like an introductory course on Jesus. This makes sense because Peter is speaking to a group of uncircumcised Gentiles. They had very little knowledge of Jesus or God so Peter had to keep it simple. Acts 10:34–48: So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I…

Spirits

What spirit is controlling you? Whether you realize it or not you are being controlled by one or more spirits. According to I John 4:1 spirits are a big deal: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into…

Contentment

At the imperial diet in the city of Worms, Germany in 1521, Martin Luther spoke very boldly in defending his beliefs and teachings. He refused to back down from demands to take back what he had written. But when it comes to contentment perhaps Luther was even more bold. See if you agree. Luther’s motto…

Here I Stand Sunday Summary

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23, ESV) Sunday, April 18, 2021, was the 500th anniversary of Luther’s stand before the imperial Diet in the town of Worms, Germany where he told Emperor Charles V: “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of…

Here I Stand Sunday – Part Six

500 years ago, on April 18, 2021, Martin Luther spoke the following words at the Diet of Worms: “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason (for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred…

Here I Stand Sunday – Part Five

As soon as Martin Luther stood his ground and refused to back down from his teachings, the Imperial Diet, held in the city of Worms, Germany, erupted in chaos. Above the din of the princes and noblemen crowded into the room the group of Spaniards that had accompanied the emperor was heard to say, “To…

Here I Stand Sunday – Part Four

For the past 500 years, members of The Lutheran Church have been able to, “Hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23) It all began when Martin Luther made his heroic stand before Emperor Charles V at the imperial diet in the city of Worms, Germany,…

Here I Stand Sunday – Part Three

At his second appearance before the Imperial Diet in the city of Worms, Germany, Martin Luther was confident and serene. The notes that he wrote in preparation for this day are still available to us. Luther was again asked if he recanted his writings. He proceeded to make the his famous “Here I Stand” statement…