When we speak about ministry in the Church, it is easy to begin with ourselves—our abilities, our responsibilities, our programs, our plans, and sometimes even our frustrations. But Paul begins somewhere entirely different. He begins with Christ: “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,”...

When Rev. Dr. Alvin L. Barry, 10th president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, died in office March 23, 2001, Dean David Smith preached his funeral sermon under the title, “The God Who Is Able.” The text was Jude 24: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling...

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked,” (Eph. 2:1–2a ESV). Paul does not say that we were spiritually sick. He does not say we were weak, wounded, confused, or merely in need of a little assistance. He says we were dead. And what...

There is a striking thing about Ephesians 1: Paul tells us about our salvation without giving us anything to brag about. Paul writes that God the Father “chose us in him before the foundation of the world” and “predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ,” (Eph....

During August, we reflect on God’s Word to the prophet Habakkuk. Our fourth reflection is based on Hab. 3:17–19 (ESV). “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord” (Hab. 3:18a ESV). “The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw” (Hab. 1:1 ESV) revealed a coming invasion of Judah and scattering of families....

During August, we reflect on God’s Word to the prophet Habakkuk. Our third reflection is based on Hab. 2:6–3:16 (ESV). “Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us” (Hab. 3:16b ESV). The Lord is with you in these days of August....

During August, we reflect on God’s Word to the prophet Habakkuk. Our second reflection is based on Hab. 1:12–2:5 (ESV). “But the righteous shall live by his faith” (Hab. 2:4b, ESV). It’s common to hear of someone who carries out selfish acts that harm a lot of people. “She’s going...

During August, we reflect on God’s Word to the prophet Habakkuk. Our first reflection is based on Hab. 1:1-11 (ESV). “For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told” (Hab. 1:5b, ESV). It’s August in Missouri. Some people are on a trip. Some...

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:15–16a, ESV). In 1533, Martin Luther preached on Matt. 7:15–23, saying: “Where our Lord God builds a church, there the devil builds a tavern” (House Postils,...

“And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full” (Mark 8:8, ESV). The Lord knows what you need before you know you need it. This is most comforting in times of economic uncertainties and rising prices. It’s also comforting when storms,...