Reflections

Today's Reading: John 15:12-21

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 30:1-20; Matthew 19:1-15

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (John 15:6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Saints Simon and Jude did not choose to be of the Apostles, their Lord Jesus called them. First, to be his Disciples, learning from his teaching, his practice of connecting the Love of His Heavenly Father into the lives of those who needed to hear it, sinners one and all. Sinners received the Gospel of Christ and after believing and being baptized, their lives changed and they started seeing things in a new light, the light of Christ’s Resurrection. Second, to follow the instruction of their Lord Jesus to take what they learned as Disciples, and upon being given the authority from their Lord Jesus, connected it into people’s lives as they spread the Gospel to people in need of knowing hope beyond this world of trial and tribulation.

You may say, ‘that’s not me’. Yet it is you. Through your Baptism, you are called to learn God’s Word, it’s connection and application into first your own life, but then second, having learned the power in God’s Word to turn you from your sinful thoughts, words, and actions, to receive Jesus Christ’s forgiveness continually, you are compelled to share this life-changing Word with those you meet day in, day out. 

Saints Simon and Jude were not of the disciples mentioned regularly like Peter, Matthew, and Luke. Yet, they lived their place within the Disciples of Jesus, learning from him, and when the time came, shared their learnings of God’s Word and its connection into life, as they took the message of the Gospel up to Persia. Though spoken of very little in the accounts of Jesus and the Disciples, Saints Simon and Jude followed the instructions of Jesus and bore the fruit of the Gospel into the lives they came into contact with as they traveled and settled in Persia. 

Should you find yourself not a Peter, Matthew, or Luke, but rather relate to Simon and Jude, be encouraged that you still have an important part in the kingdom. Jesus chose you and appointed you in your baptism to learn and then go and bear the fruit of the Gospel into the lives of family, friends and all people you meet each and every day. Be strengthened in the promise that though this seems impossible, you can ask your Heavenly Father for help in bearing fruit, and he will give it to you.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

“Lord, here am I:” Your fire impart To this poor cold self-centered soul; Touch but my lips, my hands, my heart, And make a world for Christ my goal.  (LSB 831 v4 of  “How shall they hear,” Who have not heard)

-Rev. Carl Thiele is the Parish Pastor in Rosewood, Queensland, Australia

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Duane Bamsch

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: Ephesians 4:22-28

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 29:1-29; Matthew 18:21-35

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Have you ever told a lie? The thing with telling a lie is that you have to remember who you told it to and what you said. But as a lie is not the truth of what should have been spoken, in order not to be found out you have lied, most likely another lie is going to have to be made up. Is this starting to seem a bit complicated? Would it not have been all the easier to speak the truth in the first place?

St. Paul in writing his letter to the Ephesians speaks of what sits behind a lie. Your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires (Ephesians 4:22). This is talk of what life is like before the renewal of your minds, the renewal that takes place through putting your baptism into practice by confessing your thoughts, words, and actions that are at odds with living a God pleasing life. Having confessed your sins, you are forgiven in Christ’s death on the cross, and through his resurrection, you get to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (v 24). 

Through practicing your Baptismal life, confessing your sins, and being forgiven, the last thing on your mind is to lie. You prefer to speak the truth, because you do not need to hide your wrongdoing as it has been removed in the waters of baptism, and Christ’s forgiveness saturates you. This gives you the confidence to speak the truth with your neighbor. You will want to serve your neighbor in love, doing what is best for them. Let them not continue to live in falsehood but move towards bringing them to the awareness they are not living a God-pleasing life. Encourage them to put off their old self and put away falsehood and receive forgiveness so they may live in true righteousness and holiness. For they too can live in the forgiveness of Christ and in turn, have something to share with anyone in need. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Let us daily die to sin; Let us daily rise with Him, Walk in the love of Christ our Lord, Live in the peace of God. (“Father Welcomes” LSB 605 st. 3)

-Rev. Carl Thiele is the Parish Pastor in Rosewood, Queensland, Australia

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Duane Bamsch

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: Small Catechism: Sacrament of the Altar, part 1

Daily Lectionary:Deuteronomy 28:1-22; Matthew 18:1-20

What is the Sacrament of the Altar? It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ himself for us Christians to eat and to drink. (Luther’s Small Catechism: Sacrament of the Altar, Part 1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

How do you know something is what it is? Is it in the conviction you are told of it? Is it that you have seen or touched it? Is it because the person who told you of it, you already respect and trust? 

When it comes to the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, you can have full confidence it is what it is. We are told by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul recording these words, Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread … “Take eat; this is My body, which is given for you.” And “He took the cup after supper … “this cup is the New Testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” 

We trust these words are what they are and do what they say, “forgive”. And to receive the full benefit of this “forgiveness” is to participate. But to participate, you will not find this specific meal at the diner of IKEA, or COSTCO, or your family’s favorite haunt for Sunday brunch. You will only find this specific meal where it has been designed and instituted to be, where the gathered Brothers and Sisters in Christ gather to hear God’s Word and receive His Sacrament, Church. 

Sadly though, not all churches teach and practice as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ intended this meal to be. Some do not believe it possible for Jesus to be physically present in the bread and wine. Some believe the bread turns into Jesus' body, the wine turns into Jesus’ blood. Unfortunately, their human minds are unable to take Jesus Christ at his Word, and in so doing, miss out on receiving Heaven on earth and all the blessings that come with this. This is why it is so important to trust the words Jesus Christ spoke. In the bread IS Christ’s body. In the cup (wine) IS Christ’s blood. Christ is truly present in both, enabling you who receive this, Heaven on earth. This is a blessing which goes beyond all human understanding. Keeping your hearts and minds fixed on the true hope when you breathe your last in this world, you continue in the one to come beyond death, Heaven itself. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

He speaks the Word the bread and wine to bless: “This is My flesh and blood!” He bids us eat and drink with thankfulness This gift of holy food. All Human thought must falter – Our God stoops low to heal, Now present on the altar, For us both host and meal! (“Wide Open Stand the Gates” LSB st. 2)

-Rev. Carl Thiele is the Parish Pastor in Rosewood, Queensland, Australia

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Duane Bamsch

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: Genesis 28:10-17

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 27:1-26; Matthew 17:14-27

Gen. 28:12. And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it!

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Jacob goes camping.  Finds a nice spot.  Lays his head on a rock and looks up at the stars.  It sounds kind of nice.  Peaceful.  Put it on Instagram.  It’s the chunk of our lives we want others to see.  Never mind the rest.  Jacob is “camping” because he stole from his brother out of his own father’s hand and his brother is literally trying to kill him.  His father’s heart is broken.  His mother put him up to it.  Dad’s health is failing, so when Jacob left, stealing the blessing, he isn’t sure he’ll ever see him in this world again.  But that picture of him laying there looking up at the stars looks good. 

Millions of people do the same thing.  We hide the ugly. If we’re so afraid of each other knowing, do you really want a God who looks down on you and sees it all? How is that comforting?  I’m not sure I want to be fully known. But it feels like heaven is a long way from here, and God, I need some help.  

So God won’t just look down on us from heaven.  He doesn’t even just drop a ladder down for us to climb out of the pit we dug for ourselves in our sin.  He becomes the ladder. Heaven is not so far away.  Jesus doesn’t just connect heaven and earth.  He’s the location of heaven.  Heaven is wherever Jesus is.  And Jesus descends to this world for you. To pull you out of the pit and take your place. To die for sinners and grant you His life.  You are forgiven.  All your sins are bled for.  All the things you hide. God doesn’t just see. He saves.  Church isn’t a place to pretend things are fine.  It’s a place to take your sins because God will meet you there to forgive them all.  

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen

In a wat’ry grave are buried All our sins that Jesus carried; Christ, the Ark of Life, has ferried Us across death’s raging flood. (Water, Blood, and Spirit Crying, LSB 597:2)

-Pastor Harrison Goodman is Content Executive for Higher Things.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Duane Bamsch

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: Matthew 9:1-8

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 25:17-26:19; Matthew 17:1-13

And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” (Matthew 9:2b)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Time and time again, the same story plays itself out.  Disaster. Fear. Despair. Frustration. Christians pray. Things are still a mess.  Never mind the questions of “why did this happen?”  Those questions don’t get asked when you still can’t catch your breath. These days, we ask “What happens now?”  

We know God answers prayer, but sometimes the medicine we ask for isn’t the medicine we’re given.  Sometimes God doesn’t seem too concerned with what we want to talk about.  Folks bring a paralyzed man to Jesus for a reason.  He needs help.  Jesus looks upon him with compassion.  Sees his troubles.  He can’t walk. He can’t care for himself. He can’t care for his family.  So He says to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”  But what happens now? He still can’t walk. 

We google what’s wrong with us and ask for the cure we’re sure will help.  Oddly enough, they still send doctors to medical school.  Your doctor shouldn’t just give you what you want, but what actually addresses what’s wrong with you.  Jesus takes aim at the deadliest disease first.  Sin. It’s a condition. A disease. A cancer that won’t be tamed by eating better or trying harder.  It brings death and all its trappings.  All the sins you commit and all the ones you hide are symptoms of what’s really wrong.  So that gets cured first. 

Jesus bears the cross for you.  To forgive you all your sins.  He dies.  He rises.  Because death and all its trappings are undone.  The rest follows when the time is right.  Sometimes that’s soon, and answers the question “what happens now?”  Sometimes that’s the last day and we can’t answer “when”.  But we can know that it’s coming.  Your healing was already paid for by the cross. Already shown in the empty tomb.  And that does help with “What happens now?”  Now, we gather around Jesus, the source of strength and healing.  Sometimes we have to carry each other for a while.  But we know where to take what’s wrong.  

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Ev’ry wound that pains or grieves me By Your wounds, Lord, is made whole; When I’m faint, Your cross revives me, Granting new life to my soul. Yes, Your comfort renders sweet Ev’ry bitter cup I meet; For Your all-atoning passion Has procured my soul’s salvation.  (Jesus, Grant That Balm and Healing, LSB 421:4)

-Pastor Harrison Goodman is Content Executive for Higher Things.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Duane Bamsch

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: Acts 15:12-22, Introit:Ps. 78:1–3, 4b; antiphon: Ps. 35:3b; 34:17a, 6b; 48:14a

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 24:10-25:10; Matthew 16:13-28

Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. (Acts 15:19, 20)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

What wise words are spoken from the mouth of St. James in Acts 15:19,20. On this day each year, we remember the life of St. James of Jerusalem, Brother of Jesus and Martyr. He is not mentioned much in Scripture, but these words that he speaks are filled with wisdom and gentleness. Spoken at a time of an important meeting in the life of the early Church. Paul and Barnabas were working amongst the Gentiles in the land of Judah, when preachers came to the area from Jerusalem, teaching falsely with the claim, “unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1). This was at odds with the Apostle’s teaching of being saved through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What were the people of Judah to believe, that of these false preachers or that of the Apostles? Unlike Jewish people who were familiar with what we know as the Old Testament, the Gentiles most likely would not have known of such teaching. Similar things happen in the world we live in today. We have the teaching of the Gospel whereby we are saved through baptism and believing Jesus Christ died and rose for you. Whereas other churches and religions teach of being saved through other means apart from Christ. Should we, or friends, or family, face such teaching that leads to questioning the Gospel in Jesus’ death and resurrection, take the lead from Paul and Barnabas, and take it to the Church Leaders, seeking guidance as to how to respond.

We may expect those who are teaching falsely should be reprimanded. But St. James of Jerusalem knows that he has no authority over such preachers as they were not part of the Jerusalem Church. He instead gives the guidance to encourage the Gentiles in Judah who had turned to God and basically practice spiritual circumcision, enacted by them not partaking in activities that are considered sinful according to God’s Word. By not partaking of such activities, they would not be influenced nor at danger of being led astray to believe the false gospel as they heard the false teachers. 

Pray that God would give us leaders in our Congregations and wider Church, to deal gently with situations where people are affected by false preachers, and guide with wisdom us and our fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ to remain in the true Church where only Jesus is our true Lord and Savior.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Heavenly Father, shepherd of Your people, You raised up James the Just, brother of our Lord, to lead and guide Your Church. Grant that we may follow his example of prayer and reconciliation and be strengthened by the witness of his death; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect of the Day – LSB Altar Book)

-Rev. Carl Thiele is the Parish Pastor in Rosewood, Queensland, Australia

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Duane Bamsch

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: Introit for the 19th Sunday after Trinity 

(Psalm 78:1–3, 4b; antiphon: Psalm 35:3b; 34:17a, 6b; 48:14a)

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 21:1-23; Matthew 16:1-12

Say to my soul, “I am your salvation!” (From the Introit for the 19th Sunday after Trinity)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The psalmist says to God, “Speak to my soul and say, ‘I am your salvation.’” And indeed, God does speak these words to our souls! This is what happens every Lord’s Day. The saints draw near to God and the Lord speaks to us. He speaks in the Absolution, in the lessons from Holy Scripture, in the sermon, in the Words of Institution, and in the Benediction. And He always says the same thing: “I am your salvation!”

In Matthew 9:2, Jesus spoke to the soul of the paralyzed man. He said, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” In other words, “I am your salvation!” He demonstrated His power to save this man from sin by reversing one effect of the curse—his paralysis. Sin brought death into the world, along with disease and disability. This man lay still like a dead man, but when Jesus told him to rise he got up and walked.

Jesus demonstrated the extent of His power when He laid down His life and then took it up again. He stepped into the jaws of death, allowing the grave to swallow Him. Then, the grave was opened up and the body was not there. Death was reversed in this Man. And if the curse of death is reversed, then sin has been dealt with once and for all.

Thus, the risen Lord comes to us, saying, “I am your salvation!” He comes proclaiming that He suffered the full effects of the curse, so that we might be spared. Your sin was punished in the body of Jesus. Then, His body was resurrected, proving that the curse has been reversed! 

Therefore, take heart! Your sins are forgiven! And everyone will know that your sins are forgiven, when your body leaves behind its grave and is granted the very immortality and glory of the risen Lord. The paralytic lay still, until he heard the voice of Jesus. Likewise, your dead body will get up at the Lord’s command. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Speak, O Lord, Your servant listens, Let Your Word to me come near; Newborn life and spirit give me, Let each promise still my fear. Death’s dread pow’r, its inward strife, Wars against Your Word of life; Fill me, Lord, with love’s strong fervor That I cling to You forever! ("Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens" LSB 589, st.1)

-Pastor Alexander Lange is pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Albany, Oregon.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Duane Bamsch

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 20:1-20; Matthew 15:21-39

“When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 20:1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land. Moses knew that the Canaanites would raise armies to meet them. He told the Israelites to fear no army, because the almighty Lord would be with them.  

The Church faces far greater foes. The whole world hates Jesus, and thus hates the Church (John 15:18-19). Entire governments and institutions seek to destroy the Church. And we have greater enemies still! The devil and his legions of demons oppose the Church (Ephesians 6:12). If that wasn’t bad enough, every Christian has an enemy within himself. The sinful flesh resists the Spirit constantly (Galatians 5:17).

Do not be afraid, dear Christians. Do not be afraid of the devil, the world, and the flesh, although they are great. God is greater and He is on your side! “If God is for us,” Paul asks (Romans 8:31), “who can be against us?” Indeed, your Lord is with you at all times.

And the devil, the world, and the flesh are scared spitless of your Lord. The world tried to destroy Jesus on a cross, but failed. He was crucified and killed, but then was raised from the dead. The devil wields sin and death against mankind. He tried to wield them against Jesus and found Himself disarmed. Your sinful flesh might be a nuisance, but when Christ was nailed to the Cross your sin found itself pinned to that wood, too. 

Jesus is an impenetrable fortress. Those of us baptized into Him never need to fear our evil foes. He is our mighty champion, who won the battle that we could never win. So, no matter how much they rage, we can sing the victor’s song. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Cast afar this world’s vain pleasure And boldly strive for heav’nly treasure. Be steadfast in the Savior’s might. Trust the Lord, who stands beside you, For Jesus from all harm will hide you. By faith you conquer in the fight. Take courage, weary soul! Look forward to the goal! Joy awaits you. The race well run, Your long war won, Your crown shines splendid as the sun. ("Rise! To Arms! With Prayer Employ You" LSB 668, st.2)

-Pastor Alexander Lange is pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Albany, Oregon.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Duane Bamsch

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:4-9

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 19:1-20; Matthew 15:1-20

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus,… who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:4, 8)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. I think that Paul might have written these words for himself as much as he wrote them for the Christians in Corinth. You see, Paul wrote a series of letters to the Corinthians, in order to correct and rebuke them. They were terribly divided, full of pride, confused about basic Christian teachings, and were committing very gross sins. Paul was probably worried that he had labored over them in vain—that they were forsaking God and returning to the world, and that they would forsake his teachings and lose their salvation.

So, as he begins this letter, he reminds them (and perhaps himself) that the grace of God had really been given to them. God actually received these messed-up sinners into His Kingdom. And not only that, but Jesus will sustain them to the end. God won’t begin something, only to give up halfway. God is intent on finishing what He started. God will continue to give them grace; He will continue to forgive their divisions, pride, false doctrine, and vices. Therefore, when the Day of the Lord arrives, they will stand guiltless before their Lord.

In our American context, Lutherans frequently address the issue of conversion. We remind our Protestant neighbors that we cannot come to God on our own, but the Holy Spirit must convert us. Paul is talking about the other side of that coin—perseverance. He’s reminding us that the Holy Spirit doesn’t merely give us faith only to leave us alone. No, the Spirit constantly nourishes and defends our faith. He doesn’t give us grace once, but He gives us grace daily, so that we remain in Christ and are found safe in Him on Judgment Day. 

Perhaps you have friends or family who you are worried about, concerned that they might forsake the Lord in the future. If so, take refuge in these words of Paul, who was a father to the Corinthians. Remember that the crucified and risen Lord is committed to His people. He intends to see them through to the end. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in the faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for Steadfast Faith, LSB p.311)

-Pastor Alexander Lange is pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Albany, Oregon.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Duane Bamsch

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: Small Catechism: Office of the Keys

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 18:1-22; Matthew 14:22-36

What is the Office of the Keys? The Office of the Keys is that special authority which Christ has given to His church on earth to forgive the sins of repentant sinners, but to withhold forgiveness from the unrepentant as long as they do not repent. (Small Catechism: Office of the Keys)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Keys represent power—the ability to go places and to do things. You cannot go into the locked house unless you have the key. You cannot drive the car unless you have the key. The prisoner cannot go free unless he is given the key to his bonds.

Jesus came to die on a cross, thereby taking away the sins of the world. He entered our prison, so that we can enter His Father’s home. He went to the gallows, so that we can go free. Jesus died, so that there is now forgiveness—enough to cover every sin!

Jesus gave the Keys to His Church and He also gave pastors to use the Keys whenever the Church gathers together. What are the Keys? They are power—the power to distribute or withhold the forgiveness of sins. 

The first time the Keys are mentioned is in Matthew 16:18-19. First, Jesus blesses Peter and promises that the gates of Hades will not prevail against the Church. Then, He gives the Keys of the Kingdom to Peter and the other apostles. What do these Keys do?

On the one hand, these Keys bind and loose. Sins are like iron chains that bind us and weigh us down. The Law tightens the chains, but the Absolution loosens them, so that they fall off the repentant sinner! 

On the other hand, we might say that these Keys open doors. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus speaks of the gates of Hades. Then, in verse 19, He mentions the kingdom of heaven. How do sinners get into the kingdom? The gates must be opened with a key. You get into the kingdom by receiving the forgiveness of sins! Jesus speaks similarly about Baptism in John 3:5. He says that you enter the kingdom of God by being born of water and Spirit. Baptism brings you into the kingdom, because Baptism is an Absolution!

Are you feeling weighed down by sins and outside the kingdom? It is time to go to your pastor. He’s got the Key! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

When ministers lay on their hands, Absolved by Christ the sinner stands; He who by grace the Word believes The purchase of His blood receives. ("'As Surely as I Live,' God Said" LSB 614, st.6)

-Pastor Alexander Lange is pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Albany, Oregon.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Duane Bamsch

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.