Do we seek first God’s kingdom and trust God to provide for all our earthly needs? Or do we seek first our needs in this world and neglect our greatest need — to be part of God’s everlasting kingdom?

God created all things out of nothing. He created and called all into being by His all-powerful word. And, it is by that same creating word that all continues to exist.

Aren't we a lot like the nine lepers? God created us and gave us life, and we take it all for granted and fail to honor and praise Him! We are infected with sin and are unclean and separated from God and His kingdom, doomed to hell, and He sent His only-begotten Son to atone for our transgressions and to cleanse us from our sins, and we ignore Him.

We confess our sins and look to God with faith in Jesus Christ and His cross for pardon and forgiveness, but how do we now cleanse our way? How do we, as a fruit of our faith in God’s mercy and forgiveness toward us for Jesus’ sake, now live for our God and Savior and walk in a way which is pleasing to Him?

So, who is the Creator? It is God, the God the Scriptures identify for us as God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

And so, the Law is indeed our school teacher, showing us our shortcomings, sins and wickedness in God’s eyes and preparing us to hear and take hold of the Gospel promises of forgiveness and life eternal through faith in Christ Jesus and His perfect righteousness under the Law and His innocent sufferings and death on the cross for the remission of all our sins.

The Word of God calls upon all who call themselves “Christian” to examine and test themselves to see if they are truly in the faith. And this is indeed important, for many deceive themselves and think that they are Christians and all is well with their souls when, in fact, they are living in sin and unbelief and on the road to eternal damnation!

How is it that this world and the universe came to be? How did life begin and why does it go on? Is it all the result of chance over extreme lengths of time? Or is it the result of an intelligent creator who wisely designed and created all things?

It was truly an amazing thing when Jesus opened the ears of one who was deaf or opened the eyes of one who was blind. But even more amazing is when Jesus opens the eyes and ears of those spiritually blind and deaf to see and hear with understanding His life-giving word!

Upon what is your faith built? What is the central focus and teaching of your church? Is it on Christ and His innocent sufferings and death for the sins of the world? Or is it out of focus, off-kilter, and built upon some other teaching or foundation?