The Apostle Paul has carefully explained how God has acted to bring us justification, redemption and reconciliation through Jesus Christ our Lord. He is only beginning to tell us about the abundance of blessings we have. In Chapter 6 he shares with us the blessings of baptism and the marvelous unity we have with Christ through baptism. The blessings just keep coming!

We all know about Adam. Have you ever heard about the Second Adam? Well, Romans 5:12-21 tells us about the Second Adam who is none other than Jesus Christ. He did everything that the first Adam failed to do. God sent us a Second Adam, a Savior.

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith…” What a powerful statement! Since we have been justified by faith God has abundant blessings and a new life for us. In Chapter 5 God tells us through the Apostle Paul of the blessed life we now have by faith in Jesus Christ. We will marvel at all God does for us.

Paul has carefully explained how God has provided the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that by faith we are declared right with Him. But what about Abraham so long ago? How was he right with God? What about circumcision? Was he justified by works? Paul answers these questions as we explore Romans 4.

Paul has brought us all to the place where we are all under God’s wrath and punishment as sinful human beings. Such is the Word of God. However, this is not the last Word. Suddenly, with one word, “but” everything changes. Now God shares with us His Gospel. Wrath and punishment have no place in His Gospel. Now the words are forgiveness, justification, and life. This week Rev. Smith will focus on this powerful Word of God that brings salvation to all who believe the Gospel.

Rev. Dr. David Smith will lead us through Romans 2-3. Here, Paul is continuing to show how we cannot be righteous before God under the law or through our own good works. He is preparing us to hear the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Today Pastor Glen Thomas looks at the readings for next week’s National Lutheran Schools Week, emphasizing humble servanthood. In Matthew 20, Jesus teaches His disciples that greatness in the Kingdom of God is defined by service, even as He came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. In Romans 12, Paul urges that those in the body of Christ use their God-given gifts with zeal. In Deuteronomy 8, Moses encourages God’s people to remember all He has done for them and not to forget the Lord.

Today Pastor Tanner Wade looks at the readings for A Day of Prayer and Supplication. Series B in the Three Year Lectionary. As we break from the standard series B lectionary readings for the upcoming Sunday, we instead use the lectionary readings assigned for a service and day of prayer and supplication. In Joel 2 we are reminded that God is merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. In 1 John 1 and 2 we look at what it means that in God is light and no darkness at all; confessing that we ourselves cannot claim to be without sin. In Matthew 6, we are reminded by Jesus that what we do in our devotion to God and in our care for others is never done for the approval of others, but from a right heart of thankfulness for God’s love to us. Finally, in Psalm 4, we consider the great joy and peace we have in knowing that truly God does answer when we call out to him.

Today Pastor Glen Thomas looks at the readings for Epiphany, Series B in the Three Year Lectionary. These texts emphasize the inclusion of Gentiles in the Kingdom of God. In Isaiah 60, God promises His people that their light has come and that nations (Gentiles) shall stream to them. In Ephesians 3, Paul recounts how he was commissioned by Christ to proclaim the Gospel to Gentiles. In Matthew 2, the Magi (Gentiles) are led by God through means of a star to the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.

Today Pastor Tanner Wade looks at the readings for the Fourth Sunday in Advent, Series B in the Three Year Lectionary. As we look at the readings for the last Sunday in Advent, we find the covenant God makes with David at the forefront of our pericopes. In the Old Testament lesson from 2 Samuel 7, God makes His covenant with David as a promise of one to come from his lineage that will reign forever. That promise is stated again in Luke 1, in a miraculous way through the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary, that she as a virgin would be with child and this child would have the throne of David. As we look forward to Christmas, we take comfort and joy in the promises God enacted through those whom He chose, comfort and joy in the promise of a savior, and comfort and joy that the savior is Jesus Christ our Lord.