Death and Resurrection Baptism

Romans 6:3-5 “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in…

Ephesians Bible Study Part Nine

In the last installment of this series of Bible studies based on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians we look at how the Gospel applies to parents and children, slaves and masters, and we examine the various elements of our Christian armor. “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one…

Love Is the Fulfilling of the Law

Paul’s letter to the Romans follows a familiar pattern that is found in many of his letters. He spends the first several chapters focusing on the Gospel. Then in chapter 12 Paul starts to focus on applying the Gospel to our everyday lives: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to…

To God be the Glory Forever. Amen.

[33] “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! [34] For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? [35 ] Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? [36]…

Mercy for the Disobedient

Romans 11:32: “For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.” God has consigned all to disobedience. This does not mean that God causes our disobedience. It means that he leaves us to our own devices. As soon as God removes his support we immediately turn to disobedience. The word…

Ephesians Bible Study, Part Seven

In this section of his letter to the Ephesian Christians, the Apostle Paul continues to apply the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our everyday lives. ” There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—[5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God…

A Divine Sequence Leading to Worship

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? [15] And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the…

The Power of the Resurrecting Christ

In a series of sermons based on the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, Dr. David Schmitt, professor of homiletics at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, observes that “Paul’s letter is filled with the power of the resurrecting Christ, bringing life and salvation to all people.” A focus on power is what one would expect when…

Ephesians, Part One

” There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—[5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-5, ESV) Click here to enjoy part one of my…