"Farther along we'll know all about it,

Farther along we'll understand why;

Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,

We'll understand it all by and by."

Office Hymn: "The Church's One Foundation"

Small Catechism: Office of the Keys

Apology: XI 63-67

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Commentary: Theodore of Mopsuestia, Fragment 92

Wrestling Profile: Big Bubba Rogers/Big Boss Man

Wrestling Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-raaC9wQofc (Big Bubba Rogers vs One Man Gang)

Digging Deeper: Exodus 7:1-8:15 (Plagues of Water into Blood and Frogs)

[Jesus] appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all ... he appeared also to me.  

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!!

One of the greatest warning labels known to man would have to be: Objects in the rearview mirror are closer than they appear. Nowhere is that truer than at church. St. Paul reminds the Corinthians what is "of first importance" (v3)--Jesus died, rose and appeared to His disciples.

The resurrection was substantiated by numerous appearances to many people throughout the Church in the forty days between Easter and Ascension. But listen to how Paul describes Jesus' appearance to him: "Last of all, as to one untimely born" (v8).

What was the proof Paul had of the resurrected Christ? Jesus appeared to him. What is your proof of the resurrected Christ? Jesus appears to you. Every time you assemble around Word and Sacrament, Jesus is present (Matthew 18:20). This is especially seen in the Sacrament of the Altar itself as Jesus' Body and Blood are given to you with the bread and wine. Jesus appears to you every time you commune. Who can you tell about your risen Lord today? Amen.  

"Farther along we'll know all about it,

Farther along we'll understand why;

Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,

We'll understand it all by and by."

Office Hymn: "As Surely As I Live, God Said"

Small Catechism: Confession & Absolution

Large Catechism: Exhortation, 15-19, 32-35

Scripture: John 20:19-23

Commentary: Ambrose, Concerning Repentance 1.2.6-7

But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay.

(Matthew 28:5-6)

"Farther along we'll know all about it,

Farther along we'll understand why;

Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,

We'll understand it all by and by."

Office Hymn: "God's Own Child, I Gladly Say It"

Small Catechism: Baptism, Part IV

Large Catechism: IV 74-86

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-27

Commentary: Jerome, Ephesians 2.4.21

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit, in which He went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the Ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.

(1 Peter 3:18-20)

"Farther along we'll know all about it,

Farther along we'll understand why;

Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,

We'll understand it all by and by."

Office Hymn: "Holy Spirit, the Dove Sent from Heaven"

Small Catechism: Baptism, Part III

Large Catechism: IV 32-37

Scripture: John 3:1-8

Commentary: Justin Martyr, First Apology 61

Theme: Victorious Fiery Trial

Reading: Daniel 3

Psalmody: LSB #931

Theme: Victorious Fearlessness

Reading: Zephaniah 3

Psalmody: Psalm 85