Cross-posted from KFUO (https://www.kfuo.org/2021/12/20/thy-strong-word-122021-matthew-538-48-unbelievable-mercy-to-unbelievable-sinners-turn-the-other-cheek/):

Rev. Doug Minton, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 5:38-48.

Jesus never allows us to assume that the Christian life will be easy. He quells any extremist thoughts concerning our enemies that we are not only to turn our cheeks but to love them. We are called to follow the example of Christ, not to fear evil since He has had the victory. Jesus is Love and therefore we love as He first loved us. This calling is not easy or the cause of despair, but shows us Christ’s perfect life and love which reminds us that He will provide for all of our needs. “O Holy Spirit, help us to live a holy life of generosity, love toward our neighbor, and love toward You. Help us to turn the other cheek, to pray for our enemies, and to be perfect by the blood of Christ. In His name, Amen”

Thy Strong Word reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.

Thy Strong Word is hosted by Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN, and graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation.

Liturgical Date: Fourth Sunday in Advent

Calendar Date: December 19, 2021

Order of Service: Divine Service 4

Hymns:

#361, "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

#356, "The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came"

#781, "We Give Thee But Thine Own"

#357, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

#624, "The Infant Priest Was Holy Born"

#632, "O Jesus, Blessed Lord, to Thee"

#373, "See Amid the Winter's Snow"

Sermon Theme: Ruler from a Small Town

Sermon Text: Micah 5:2-5

Other Lectionary Readings: 

Psalm 80:1-7

Hebrews 10:5-10

Luke 1:39-45

The human will has freedom in the choice of works and things that reason understands by itself. To a certain extent reason can display public righteousness or a righteousness of works. (Ap XVIII 70)

The adversaries accept Article XIX. In it we confess that only God and He alone has created all nature and preserves all things that exist. Yet the cause of sin is the will of the devil and people turning away from God, according to the say of Christ about the devil, "When he lies, he speaks out of his own character" (John 8:44). (Ap XIX)

Our consciences understand that the adversaries condemn the clear truth, whose defense is necessary for the Church and increases Christ's glory. Therefore, we easily look down on the terrors of the world, and we will bear with a strong spirit all suffering for Christ's glory and the Church's benefit. (Ap XX 83)

#wrestlingwiththeology

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#confessionalcorner

https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcasts/cc_20111220.mp3

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Antiphon:

O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel,

Hymn Verse:

O come, Thou Key of David, come,

Antiphon:

O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign before the peoples,

Hymn Verse:

O come, Thou Branch of Jesse's tree,

Antiphon:

O Adonai and ruler of the house of Israel,

Hymn Verse:

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,

Antiphon:

O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High,

Hymn Verse:

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,

God's Defense (Psalm 74)

Remember Your congregation, which you have purchased of old, which You have redeemed to be the tribe of Your heritage! Remember Mount Zion, where You have dwelt. (Psalm 74:2)

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#diggingdeeper

https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcasts/dd_20211216.mp3

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Television Title Match: Buzz Sawyer © vs Savannah Jack

Shane Douglas vs Steve Armstrong

American Tag Team Titles Match: Nightmares © vs Gino Hernandez & Dirty White Boy

Austin Idol vs ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels

Christmas Chaos Update

Chris Candido vs Great Muta

Non-Title Match: ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams & Honky Tonk Man vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert & Raven

‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude vs Terry Funk

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#prowrestlingamerica

https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcasts/pwa_20211215.mp3

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The Gospel does not introduce laws about the public state, but is the forgiveness of sins and the beginning of a new life in the hearts of believers. (Ap XVI 58)

The adversaries accept Article XVII without qualification. In it we confess that Christ will appear at the consummation of the world. He will raise up all the dead and give eternal life and eternal joys to the godly, but He will condemn the ungodly to endless punishment with the devil. (Ap XVII)

#wrestlingwiththeology

#subscribetothepodcast

#confessionalcorner

https://wrestlingwiththeology.org/media/podcasts/cc_20111213.mp3

Subscribe on Breaker (https://www.breaker.audio/wrestling-with-theology) or your favorite podcast app.