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…

Here I Stand Sunday – Part Two

A man by the name of Kasper Storm, arrived in Martin Luther’s hometown of Wittenberg, Germany on March 26, 1521. He was sent by Emperor Charles V to give Luther safe conduct to the upcoming Imperial Diet (meeting) in the city of Worms, Germany. Everywhere they stopped on their way to Worms it was clear…

Here I Stand Sunday – Part One

This Sunday, April 18, 2021, is the 500th anniversary of the day that Martin Luther made his historic stand before Emperor Charles V in the city of Worms, Germany. Here are the words Luther used in taking his stand on the Word of God: “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or…

The Promise of Exercise and Godliness

With the start of a new year, a lot of people are going to be motivated to start a new exercise program. In I Timothy, chapter four, verse eight, the Apostle Paul talks about bodily exercise: “For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise…

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…

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…