The teaching continues on the 7th Commandment, "Thou shall not steal". Luther focuses on those who gather wealth improperly and concludes that death is the end result. Hell is justice. Luther says it doesn't go for the rich as well as you might think. More money equates to more problems and more stress. If you steal much, you can expect much to be stolen from you. God punishes one thief with another. As Christians, we are to trust that God will give us enough. In stealing from another you injure yourself more than another. We are to share and lend with an attitude of not getting repaid.

In today's sermon, we delved into the critical distinction between God's foreknowledge and His divine election, as outlined in Article 10 of the Book of Concord. We explored how God's foreknowledge encompasses all that is and will be, both good and evil, yet it is crucial to understand that this foreknowledge does not imply causation of evil. Instead, evil arises from the corrupt will of the devil and humans, not from God's will. On the other hand, God's election is a deliberate act of grace, predestining His children to eternal life through Christ Jesus before the world was even formed. This doctrine of election is not meant to foster fear or despair but to offer profound comfort and assurance to believers, affirming that our salvation is secure in God's hands, entirely apart from our actions or decisions. This assurance is grounded in the promise that nothing can snatch us from God's hand, emphasizing that our faith and salvation are sustained not by human will but by God's gracious and sovereign choice.

This lesson completes of the teaching on the Sixth Commandment, "Thou shalt not commit adultery." Subjects addressed include: how society is "atomizing" the family, the impact of birth control and a more mobilized society on the family, the proper role of government relative to families, is adoption part of God's plan for families and should a man and woman marry if they don't plan to have children. The Seventh Commandment, "Thou shalt not steal" is introduced. Stealing is defined and a proposal given as to who the greatest thieves in society might be.

During the Protestant Reformation, the issue of what constituted adiaphora became a major dispute within the Lutheran church. Adiaphora are church rites not regarded as essential to faith, but are allowed for the sake of good order. This lesson describes the dispute, in what manner it was resolved, and its implications for the church today.

During the Protestant Reformation, the issue of what constituted adiaphora became a major dispute within the Lutheran church. Adiaphora are church rites not regarded as essential to faith, but are allowed for the sake of good order. This lesson describes the dispute, in what manner it was resolved, and its implications for the church today.

Whether inside marriage or outside marriage, God desires chastity. This is the essence of the Sixth Commandment that states, �Thou shalt not commit adultery.� Marriage is the institution created by God to prevent the sin of adultery. Also covered in this lecture are celibacy, monasticism, lust, hyper-sexuality, older couples not marrying, flirting, R-rated movies, purpose of raising children, happiness vs. faithfulness and divorce.

In this article, Christ's Descent into Hell, God's people take comfort in Christ's victory preached to the spirits in prison (1 Peter 3:19). Pastor Rhode examines the controversy over this article or faith that occurred in 1544, shortly before Luther's death. We are not to concern ourselves with speculations about how and when Jesus descended into hell with our reason or senses, but, by faith given us by the Holy Spirit, confess this article of faith and understand that neither hell nor the devil can take believers in Christ captive or harm us. An excellent summary of what happens after death is given, including a description of after-death Roman Catholic doctrine. In the last ten minutes, the next article, Church Practices is introduced, specifically the meaning of the term adiaphora.

The Fifth Command states that we are not to kill our neighbor in our hearts with thought, words or hands. God instructs this authority to civil rulers, not individuals or even parents. Self-defense is excluded. Being angry toward another is only authorized when it is a part of their "office". This commandment can be simplified by saying "thou shall do no harm to another." Key to this is how we respond to one who does harm to us. In this command, God is being merciful to us! Looked at in this way, this Law is surprisingly freeing. No matter what others want to do to you, God intervenes and says, no, do not respond. Even though the murderous earth dwells within each one of us, we must not use our tongue to dispose ill to another or wish another harm or evil.

The Sacramentarians in the 16th century, the "bad guys", denied that Jesus can be with us "where two or more are gathered", nor, they said, could Jesus be with us "to the end of the age". In response to this heresy, the Lutheran reformers responded as follows: Scripture defines three different modes of presence for Jesus. First is the circumscriptive, or local presence, (i.e. when His body displaces air). Second is a definitive mode of presence, His body is present, in a defined place without occupying space. This mode of presence is not measurable. Think angels, who do not displace air but their location can be pointed to definitively. We observe the definitive body of Jesus as He comes through walls (John 20) and through the tombstone, before it is rolled away. In these situations, Jesus is not moving air. The third mode of presence is the repletive, or supernatural, mode of presence. This is where Jesus can be present in all places at one time. It is not a measurable presence, yet it is a real presence and there are no limits to the presence. In the Lord's Supper, Jesus is present in the 2nd mode, the definitive mode, because He says while holding the bread, "This is My body." His presence is not measurable, but we can point to a specific location, definitive in the bread. You are invited to listen to this teaching.

The Sacramentarians in the 16th century, the "bad guys", denied that Jesus can be with us "where two or more are gathered", nor, they said, could Jesus be with us "to the end of the age". In response to this heresy, the Lutheran reformers responded as follows: Scripture defines three different modes of presence for Jesus. First is the circumscriptive, or local presence, (i.e. when His body displaces air). Second is a definitive mode of presence, His body is present, in a defined place without occupying space. This mode of presence is not measurable. Think angels, who do not displace air but their location can be pointed to definitively. We observe the definitive body of Jesus as He comes through walls (John 20) and through the tombstone, before it is rolled away. In these situations, Jesus is not moving air. The third mode of presence is the repletive, or supernatural, mode of presence. This is where Jesus can be present in all places at one time. It is not a measurable presence, yet it is a real presence and there are no limits to the presence. In the Lord's Supper, Jesus is present in the 2nd mode, the definitive mode, because He says while holding the bread, "This is My body." His presence is not measurable, but we can point to a specific location, definitive in the bread. You are invited to listen to this teaching.