The Rage of Unbelief
Scripture Text: Psalm 2:1–7
We may keep ourselves from revenge by pitying those rushing to their own perdition. They do not in the least injure us, but horribly destroy themselves.
“He Descended Into Hell”
Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:1–10
We should, however, find great comfort and hope that Jesus descended into hell. We celebrate the Ascension; we should observe the “Descension” too.
The Way of Faith
Scripture Text: Psalm 1:1–6
God leads us, not in the way of sense or reason, but in the way of faith alone, even of that faith that sees in darkness and beholds things that are invisible.
“Buried”
Scripture Text: John 19:38–42
Jesus really died. He is not dead, but he once died, crucified on a Roman cross. This was no trickery or vision; the incarnate God physically died.
True Man and True God
Scripture Text: Matthew 22:41–46
"Christ was both David’s true natural son, of his blood and flesh, and also David’s Lord, whom David himself must worship and hold as God."
“Died”
Scripture Text: John 19:28–37
If Jesus had not died, he would have had no need of resurrection. Without resurrection, our faith is futile. (1Cor 15:14) This devotional series and all preaching would be in vain...
The Unity of the Church
Scripture Text: Romans 15:1–6
Christian unity resists sin and everything opposed to the religion of Christ, so the apostle enjoins us to be likeminded according to Christ Jesus.
“Was Crucified”
Scripture Text: John 19:16–27
All of Jesus' ministry looks toward the crucifixion. He tells his disciples over and over that this is why he came to earth. Sometimes it is a veiled announcement...
“Suffered Under Pontius Pilate”
Scripture Text: Matthew 26:24–31
The trial, a sham, complete with trumped up charges, an all-too-literal whipping boy, and a villain set free, would see Jesus spit upon, humiliated, scourged, a crown of thorns pressed into his scalp, and finally crucified...
The Sin of Ingratitude
Scripture Text: Proverbs 17:13–14
No sin is more abominable to human nature, and of none is human nature less tolerant than the sin of ingratitude, for returning love and friendship with hatred.
The Apostles' Creed
Scripture Text: Matthew 1:18–25
The divinity of Jesus is seen in the Spirit of God causing Mary to be pregnant. He came over her and overshadowed her. There was nothing physical in the act...
The Evils of Ingratitude
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:3–9
"The devil takes no respite, but whenever the gospel is preached in its purity he mixes with the children of God and sows his tares."
“Conceived by the Holy Spirit”
Scripture Text: John 6:54–63
Even in the conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary we see that human works had no play. Mary did nothing. Joseph surely did nothing. The poor man was very likely stunned at the news...
The Unity of the Church
Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:1–6
The unity of the Church does not consist in similarity of outward forms and customs but because it represents one plain, pure gospel doctrine.
“Our Lord”
Scripture Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:14–17
A lord is one with authority over another. He has the power to exert his authority, and likely will do so. He is master and absolute ruler of all under his dominion. In one sense, this is the meaning of “our Lord.”
Showing Faith
Scripture Text: Matthew 5:14–16
This earthly life is not for our own sake but instead, our lives and everything we do, must contribute to the honor and glory of Jesus Christ our Lord.
“His Only Son”
Scripture Text: 1 John 4:9–15
We believe that Jesus Christ is the only one who is “eternally begotten of the Father,” as we profess in the Nicene Creed. He is “God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God,” yet at the same time man. He is God in the flesh.
Holding Fast in Faith
Scripture Text: Philippians 1:3–6
The apostle implores God that they may increase and persevere in faith. Such is the great value he places upon possessing and holding fast God’s Word.
A Prosperity of Grace
Scripture Text: Psalm 1:1–6
Blessed are those persons who delight in God's Word, for they will prosper in the Lord's grace. Planted near this stream of truth, their spirits will grow in faith.
“And in Jesus Christ”
Scripture Text: John 10:22–39
The conjunction “and” is important. It is not used for word flow alone; nor is it used as merely an “also,” as if to say: Additionally, we believe in Jesus Christ. It is an intensifier.
“Maker of Heaven and Earth”
Scripture Text: Genesis 1:1–31
Here, the Apostles Creed echoes the opening words of Scripture. All things were created by the word of God. There is nothing that has been made apart from his word. Genesis tells us creation was spoken into existence...
Freely Forgiven
Scripture Text: Matthew 18:23–27
The conscience knows its standing with God only through the merits of Christ Jesus. So long as we try to appease God, the conscience is troubled.
Standing Firmly
Scripture Text: Ephesians 6:10–13
It is dangerous to live heedlessly, for the devil is likely to take you by surprise. When you think you stand securely, he is ready to strike you down.
The Apostles’ Creed, part 3
Scripture Text: Matthew 7:7–11
Though the Apostles Creed was not written by the Apostles, we consider it apostolic because it teaches their chief doctrines, often doing so with the very words of Scripture. It begins with the doctrine of “God the Father"...
He Promised
Scripture Text: Psalm 34:19–22
"God has promised me through his Son, and confirmed it through my baptism, that he who hears and sees the Son shall be delivered from sin and death."