And what God is teaching us in this commandment is to trust Him in all things and to be content in Him and in all His blessings. We are not to covet or desire what God has not given us but to trust in Him and rejoice in His blessings.

Do you despise the Gospel blessings and count them as less important than the things this world has to offer? Consider the message of Hebrews 12:14-17 as it relates to Esau despising and selling his birthright in Genesis 25:29-34.

This is a warning for us as believers not to esteem the grace of God lightly — not to risk it all or sell our birthright in Jesus Christ to enjoy the temporary pleasures of this world.

Reformation Festival at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Rogers, Ark., with the sermon text being Revelation 14:6-7 and the theme being "The blessings of the everlasting Gospel."

Where can we find the truth? How can we know and be assured of forgiveness for all our sins and a place in God's everlasting kingdom? Jesus answered those very questions when He said to the Jews who believed in Him: “If you remain in My word, then you are truly My disciples. You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.”

The sermon is from Hebrews 12:1-13 and deals with running the race of faith set before us and not despising the discipline of the Lord.

In private confession and absolution, and each Sunday in corporate worship, sinners confess their sins to the Lord God and look to Christ Jesus and His cross in faith for the forgiveness of sins; and, the pastor announces unto them the grace of God and, in the stead and by the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, forgives the sins of penitent sinners.

“But who can forgive sins but God alone?” some may ask.

The sermon text was Hebrews 11:23-40, and the sermon theme is "How Strong is your faith?"

These words of Jesus have an application to you and me. Jesus, first and foremost, desires that we repent of our evil ways and turn to Him for forgiveness and life everlasting. He seeks to gather us to Himself as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings so that we might be spared in God’s judgment.