Solomon's introduction to Proverbs reminds us of the difference between true wisdom and the wisdom of the world. (1:1-7) True wisdom is from the LORD. This message is foolish to those who reject God but it is power to us who are being saved. The first address of 10 is given by Solomon to a "son". (1:8-19) He warns against joining sinners in their adventuresome plots. If God says something and it doesn't make sense, should I fault God or should I fault my reason? The greedy and violent are cautioned that they will receive punishment from God.

Christ is the image of the invisible God. He is the Second Person of the Trinity, the Creator, the one who is preeminent over all things. Because Christ is supreme over all, we can be assured that His shed blood on the cross redeems us from our sin condition. His suffering and death reconciles us to God, regardless of our sin. Who else would we look to for this assurance? To an angel? To yourself? No, we are to look to God Himself in Christ.

The timeline of the writing of Proverbs is given in the context of Old Testament history. Themes in the book are discussed as well as the multiple authorships. One major theme, wisdom, is defined and contrasted with foolishness. This is a Christ-centered and Gospel rich book.

Vicar defines terms such as Domain of Darkness, Kingdom, Redemption, Forgiveness of Sins, and Atonement. He answers the question of original sin, How did we come to be helpless and lost? Cain and Abel's sacrifices are explained. Where do our sins go when we are forgiven? How are wisdom and knowledge given to the believer in Christ? Learn about all this in this study.

Martin Luther states that God calls a Christian to vocations in life. From these "vocations", a Christian is to show forth good works to his neighbor. These works, no matter how menial, are declared holy before God. Luther categorized these basic vocations into Three Estates: Church, State, and Household. Luther also defines a Two Kingdom doctrine that should be understood together with the Three Estate doctrine. Both work together and are intended to bring God's order to living in this world. Both doctrines are summarized in this lecture.

Martin Luther said that parents are not to be deprived of their honor because of their conduct or their failings. In the context of our recent study on the Haustafel Texts, this shows the principle of respecting the office and seeking to serve others as if we were serving God himself.

Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians to deal with incorrect teaching as to the identity and work of Christ they were receiving from false teachers. These false teachings had caused this church to look to themselves for salvation. Paul reminds them of the Gospel and prays fervently for them while boldly proclaiming the truth of salvation in Jesus alone. Paul emphasizes the reliability of the saving work and Word of Christ. He reminds them of the certain hope for the future, freely given to them by God through Christ.

What should the Christian's attitude be toward the government? Romans 13 states we are subject to governing authorities on earth because God has instituted and assigned these authorities for our good. These authorities/rulers are God's servants and they are to fear and be reverent toward God. When we resist these authorities, we are resisting God. But, if these rulers are a terror to good conduct and tyrannical toward God, what then is a Christian to do? This is the subject of this teaching.

Vicar Doughty provides the background of this letter and discusses the first four verses of chapter 1. Christ is declared as Creator and Redeemer. Paul describes how Christ relates to His creation and the new manner Christ offers humanity to relate to God. An outline of this epistle is attached.

A few key verses from the conclusion of Paul's letter to the Galatians:

5:14: For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

5:24: Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

6:4-5: Let each one test his own work for each will have to bear his own load.