🤔 What Does It Mean That Man Is Born Sinful, and Why Is It Important?

👶 Being "born sinful" means that humans are naturally inclined to sin from birth.

🌱 This isn't just about doing bad things — it's a condition. Sin isn't simply actions but a state of being, like a disease that affects every part of us.

📖 The Bible explains this in many places, such as Romans 5:12, which says, "As by one man sin entered the world, and death by sin, so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned."

💭 One way to know if this is true is to ask, "Can humans die?"

💔 Tragically, even babies can die, showing that sin affects everyone from the moment of conception (Psalm 51:5).

🔄 This condition, called original sin, means we are born separated from God and naturally self-centered.

Sin shows itself in two ways:

1️⃣ Original sin (our sinful nature)

2️⃣ Actual sins (the wrong things we do or fail to do, like breaking the Ten Commandments)

🎯 But fixing outward actions doesn't address the deeper problem. The real issue is the disease of sin itself.

✝️ This is why Christianity isn't about "trying harder" or earning salvation through good behavior. Instead, it's about receiving Jesus, who is the cure.

⚡ Jesus took on our sin — original and actual — on the cross, offering forgiveness and life.

📜 As 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "He who knew no sin became sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God."

🔍 Understanding original sin helps us see why Christ's work matters.

🎁 It shows that Christianity isn't a self-improvement plan; it's about receiving God's gift of forgiveness through Jesus.

⚖️ Without this understanding, Christianity could become just another set of rules.

🙏 Instead, it's about grace — being united with Christ through baptism, receiving communion, and living in the forgiveness He gives.

❤️ In short, original sin explains why the world is broken and why we need Jesus. Through Him, we find life and hope.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

📖 When you read the book of Proverbs as a Lutheran, it's important to keep Jesus at the center of the conversation.

⚖️ The law in Proverbs can make you uncomfortable as it shows how things are supposed to be, and we may feel like we don't measure up.

✝️ But remember, the law is never the only word, and it has no bearing on your salvation in Christ.

The law is a gift in two ways - 🎁

👑 It paints a picture of Jesus (Not you. The gospel describes you.)

💗 It shows you're a sinner in need of a savior.

⚡ The crucial thing to remember is that the law should NEVER burden your conscience about your salvation.

🌟 Your identity isn't defined by how well you follow these rules — it's defined by the gospel.

❤️ You are someone Christ died for, someone who is baptized.

🌙 When you feel that midnight self-hatred creeping in about how you've failed to measure up, remember: you're not supposed to be God. You're supposed to be the one God died for.

🦁 Think of the law like a lion. You wouldn't want to get close to a lion in the wild — it would kill you! But when the lion is safely in its cage at the zoo, you can appreciate its beauty and power.

🔒 Similarly, when the gospel "cages" the law through Christ's work on the cross, you can appreciate the wisdom in Proverbs without being threatened by it.

📚 So yes, read Proverbs! It's full of good gifts.

🙏 But whenever you see words like "wisdom" or read about fulfilling the law, make sure you're thinking about your God, not yourself.

✨ When you approach Proverbs this way — through the lens of Christ's perfect fulfillment and your salvation through Him — it becomes a gift instead of a burden.

🌈 You can appreciate God's beautiful design for life while resting secure in His grace.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Amelia is a college student and HT’s assistant webmaster.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #proverbs

✝️ We know that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, so why do we default to the law?

❤️ You probably feel this inner drive to earn God's approval — that's normal. It's like we're all programmed with this instinct to follow rules and try to be "good enough."

😔 When you mess up (which everyone does), you might think you need to work harder to make up for it.

🌟 But here's the thing: You can't earn your way into heaven, and you don't need to. Jesus already did the heavy lifting.

⚡️ Think of it like this — you can't put Jesus back in the tomb. He died for you, rose again, and that's a done deal. You can't mess it up.

📜 The law isn't bad — it helps guide you and protect others.

✨ But following rules isn't what saves you. That's all Jesus.

🤔 You might be thinking, "So what am I supposed to do as a Christian?" It's not about checking boxes or proving yourself worthy.

💫 Sure, you'll still struggle with wanting to prove yourself — that's your human nature. But every time that happens, remember: You don't need to impress God.

🙏 Jesus already took care of everything. Your job isn't to be perfect; it's to trust that His perfect love is enough.

🎮 It's like having the cheat codes to life — but instead of feeling guilty about it, you get to live freely, knowing you're covered. Pretty cool, right?

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Chris Brademeyer is Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oakes, ND.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #law

🤔 Is it important that you use masculine pronouns for God?

This isn't just about modern gender debates – people have been exploring different ways to refer to God for ages. 

Here's the key thing:

📖 The original biblical texts consistently use masculine pronouns for God in both Hebrew and Greek.

✝️ Jesus was referred to as the Son of God, and The First Person of the Trinity as the Father.

But this doesn't diminish femininity — actually, the Bible often elevates women's status, like when it describes the Church (represented as feminine) as being perfectly loved by Christ. 👰

When we start editing which parts of scripture we accept based on our modern preferences, we're essentially putting ourselves in the position of deciding what's true. 🤷

Think about it: if you're the one deciding which parts of the Bible to keep or dismiss, haven't you basically made yourself the authority over the text? 🤔

But here's an even deeper point: if we can only accept a God who matches our own identity — whether that's gender, race, or anything else — we're trying to create God in our image instead of the other way around. 🎨

The whole point is that God is different from us. ✨

We're limited beings who struggle with moral failings and mortality. 🌱

The real power of Christianity isn't about God matching our characteristics – it's about a God who, despite being different from us, chose to become human, experience our struggles, and offer salvation to everyone. 🙏

The Bible teaches that in Christ, differences of gender, ethnicity, and social status don't determine our worth or our access to divine love. ❤️

So while pronouns matter, maybe we're missing the bigger picture if we get too caught up in this debate. 🔍

The core message is about a God who loves and values everyone. 💫

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #God

🤔 What would Jesus say about going to parties?

📖 Scripture uses a word that is helpful here: being "sober-minded."

It doesn't mean being a buzzkill or taking yourself too seriously. It's actually about being fully present and aware.

🍷 Think about the wedding at Cana — you know, that famous story where Jesus turned water into wine. And not just any wine — he made the good stuff for people who had already been partying!

⚖️ This shows that Christianity isn't about being joyless or being serious all the time, but it also doesn't mean that nothing matters.

🧭 But Christians are called to be "sober-minded" means staying grounded in reality no matter where you are. (2 Tim. 4:5)

🗺️ It's like having your spiritual GPS always on — knowing where you stand with God (in our baptisms, etc) and how His Word defines us in every situation.

💪 When the Bible talks about Jesus being "meek," it doesn't mean being shy or timid. Instead, it means being confident and composed — someone who isn't easily pushed around because they know exactly who they are and what they're about.

✝️ Christ and his redemption matters so much that you can be confident about everything that you do in your vocation.

💭 The takeaway? Your faith shouldn't make you choose between being super serious all the time or just YOLO-ing through life without caring about consequences.

🎯 Instead, it's about finding that sweet spot where you can genuinely enjoy life's celebrations while staying true to your values and identity.

🎉 You can go to parties and have fun, but do it from a place of awareness and sober mindedness rather than trying to numb yourself or escape reality.  You are not free to sin, but free from sin. 

✨ It's about being present enough to appreciate the good times when they're happening, while remembering who you are in Christ.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Matt Richard is Pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

How Do You Know If You Can Trust Your Pastor? 🤔

For starters, remember that all pastors are sinners 😔, but God still wants there to be a church and works through imperfect people. 🙌

Unfortunately, there have been pastors that have abused that trust. 💔

Here are concrete ways to evaluate trust in your pastor: 👇

1️⃣ First, check if they align with Scripture 📖 and foundational teachings.

Start by attending the church ⛪ and listening to their sermons — do they preach what the Bible teaches? 📜✨

For Lutherans, the Small Catechism provides a clear baseline — if your pastor contradicts these teachings, that's a red flag 🚩.

Your pastor's job isn't to define truth, but to convey God's truth. 💡✝️

2️⃣ Second, evaluate how they handle confession and forgiveness. 🛐

Ask questions like: "If I confess a sin to you, will God forgive it?" 🙏✨ and "Will you keep my confession confidential?" 🤐

A trustworthy pastor understands that forgiven sins belong to Jesus and shouldn't be disclosed. ✝️💖

You don't have to share everything at once; trust can develop over time. ⌛💬

3️⃣ Third, observe their approach to helping people overcome sin. ⚖️

Good pastors will:

🤝 Focus on giving sins to Jesus

🛡️ Help protect both you and others from harm 

👫 Walk alongside you in fighting against sin 💪

✝️ Emphasize forgiveness through Christ's death, not through your promises to do better 🤝💖

Remember that the goal isn't to find a flawless pastor (they don't exist 😅), but one who carries out God's work of forgiveness and spiritual care while acknowledging their own sinfulness. 🙏💕

The ultimate purpose of pastors and the church is to forgive your sins ✝️, to proclaim the gospel to you 📣✨, and to speak His Word to you. 📖🗣️

The best indicator is whether they point you to Christ ✝️ rather than themselves. 🌟

Contributor Amelia is a college student and HT’s assistant webmaster.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #trustingpastors

🤔 Is the Holy Spirit God or just God's power in action? This question cuts to the heart of Christian theology.

📖 In Acts 3, Peter makes it clear: when Ananias lies to the Holy Spirit, he lies to God directly.

🧵 Think of theology like a tapestry rather than a box of Legos. With Legos, you can remove pieces you don't like without affecting the whole structure. But in a tapestry, pulling one thread can unravel the entire image.

⚠️ When we question whether the Holy Spirit is truly God, we start down a path that often leads to questioning whether Jesus is God too.

🌫️ Soon, God becomes an abstract force rather than a personal being.

💦 We're baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This isn't random – it reflects a deep truth about God's nature — that God is a Trinity.

✝️ Jesus is both fully God and fully human, and the Holy Spirit is fully God too. Yes, this is complex. Our human mathematics (1+1+1=3) doesn't work here because God transcends our limited understanding (1+1+1=1).

👥 We see the distinct roles of the Trinity throughout scripture: God the Son died on the cross (not the Father or Spirit), while the Holy Spirit works through preaching and sacraments today.

🙏 When you're baptized, it's God claiming you.

❤️ As the Small Catechism states, we can't even believe in Jesus through our own effort; it's the Holy Spirit who calls us through the gospel and maintains our faith.

📜 This is why the Church holds firmly to the three creeds (Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian) that clearly express the Trinity.

📚 While the word "Trinity" isn't in the Bible, the reality it describes – one God existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – is woven throughout scripture.

💫 Understanding the Holy Spirit as God isn't just theological hairsplitting – it's essential to understanding who God is and how He works in us and his church.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #trinity

What Does Jesus Say About Individuality in the Church? 🤔

When we look at individuality within our church today, we often see how modern Christianity overemphasizes personal expression at the expense of our unity in Christ. 🌟

As we consider the key institutions of our church — baptism, communion, marriage, and the pastoral office — we recognize these are unified gifts from God that we participate in together. 🎁

We see this in several ways. With baptism, it's not about our individual decisions but about our participation in the one baptism into Christ. 💦

When we come to communion, it isn't our personal "date with Jesus" but rather one table where we all commune together — with past, present, and future believers. 🍷🍞

In marriage, we don't create our own institution but rather enter into what God has already established. 💑

We find that giving up our individuality in church institutions actually benefits us, particularly when facing life's challenges. 🙏

When sin overwhelms us, or when our faith wavers, our comfort comes not from our personal strength but from Christ's work and promises for us. ✝️

We look to Jesus's baptism as our example, where he identified with us sinners by entering Jordan's dirty waters, taking our sin and giving us his righteousness. 🌊

This creates our unity where we all share in Christ's righteousness rather than depending on our own. ✨

While we maintain our personal preferences and individual expressions in many aspects of our life (like our choice of vehicles or hairstyles), we find our primary identity in being "crucified with Christ." 🚗 💇‍♀️

The church doesn't eliminate our individuality but rather unites us in Christ. ⛪️❤️

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Matt Richard is Pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #individuality

Sinners & Saints in Genesis 12: When Abram Trafficked Sarai

🤔 Ever notice how sometimes the "heroes" in Bible stories aren't exactly perfect? Let's talk about Abraham in Genesis 12 - it's not your typical Sunday school lesson! 📖

✨ Abraham starts off strong — he hears God's amazing promises (land, kids, becoming a great nation) and responds with faith, even at 75! But then things get messy... 😬

🌵 When a famine hits, he and Sarah head to Egypt, but Abraham was so scared for his own life that he told his wife Sarah to pretend she was his sister.

👑 Why? Because he knew Pharaoh would want her (she was beautiful) and might kill him to have her. Instead of protecting his wife, he basically trafficked her to save himself.

💰 Even worse? He accepted gifts from Pharaoh in exchange for her.

✅ But here's why this story matters for us today:

▶ 🎭 Even the "heroes" of faith were sinners

▶ 😱 Fear can make us do terrible things to people we love

▶ 💔 Sin creates real trauma (imagine how Sarah felt!)

▶ ✝️ God still shows up, even in our worst moments

▶ 🌟 Your past mistakes don't define your identity, the gospel does. You are holy, forgiven, and pure.

🤯 The wild part? God didn't give up on either of them. He stepped in, protected Sarah, and kept His promises to them both — even though Abraham majorly messed up.

❤️‍🩹 If you've hurt others? Own it and repent, but know that there is forgiveness and healing on the other end.

✨ That's the whole point: God's love isn't based on your perfect record. Our salvation and identity in Christ depends on His faithfulness, not ours. Whether you're the one who messed up or the one who got hurt, God promises forgiveness, life, and salvation.

✝️ This happens through the death of His Son.

Contributor Michelle Bauman is the Director of Y4Life.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #genesis12

🕊️ What is the work of the Holy Spirit when it comes to salvation?

✝️ Ever wonder how the salvation won on a cross 2000 years ago reaches you today? It's through the incredible work of the Holy Spirit!

📦 Think of it like this: salvation is like that Amazon package you ordered – what good is it if there's no delivery system to bring it to your door?

⚜️ The Nicene Creed teaches us that while Jesus ascended to heaven to sit at the Father's right hand, He and the Father sent us the Holy Spirit to connect us to Him.

🌟 Just as you can't physically travel back in time to the cross, the Holy Spirit serves as the divine delivery system, bringing Christ's saving work directly to you through specific, tangible means.

💫 Through baptism, the preached Word, and the Lord's Supper, the Holy Spirit creates a direct pipeline of grace from Christ to you.

📖 When Acts says "Repent and be baptized... and you will receive the Holy Spirit," it's giving us a concrete promise.

💦 In baptism, you're not just going through a ritual – you're being united with Christ's death and resurrection (Romans 6), receiving the Holy Spirit, and being sealed into salvation.

❤️ The beautiful truth? You don't have to rely on fleeting feelings or emotional experiences to know if you're saved.

🙏 The Holy Spirit works through these objective means of grace, giving you rock-solid assurance. When the Word is preached and the sacraments are administered, the Holy Spirit is actively present, delivering Christ's salvation right to where you are.

👑 God isn't some distant figure trapped in heaven – through the Holy Spirit's work in Word and Sacrament, He's closer than you might think. This is why the Church's role in administering these means of grace is so vital.

✨ Through them, the Holy Spirit continues to deliver, apply, and seal Christ's saving work to believers today, making ancient history your present reality. 

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #holyspirit