“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a...

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places...

Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a...

God at Work Through Youth Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall...

Help Wanted…Help Provided Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38 Some churches and Lutheran schools alike may feel like they have “Help Wanted” sign hanging in their...

A Good Work! The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.  1 Timothy 3:1 There are many different reasons why boys and men decide they would like to be pastors.  Some are influenced by the example of their pastor or encouraged...

In Jesus’ Name And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Colossians 3:17 Congregations in Missouri District are located in large cities, small towns, and in rural communities.  Some are very large, while others have...

Different Gifts, Same Lord Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.  Romans 12:6a Orchestras are not made up of only saxophones.  Basketball teams cannot be made up of five guys who all want the basketball all the time.  In the Armed Forces,...

Bodily Offerings I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Romans 12:1 The offering is a part of the liturgy that is noted by everyone, but little thought is given.  We tend...

Everyone Has a Part But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 The Table of Duties from Luther’s Small Catechism lays out what pastors owe to...