The Small Catechism – part 183

Scripture Text: John 1:16

Life, and with it rescue from all evil, comes through the Living Word. Everlasting life comes only through him who is the life and light of humanity, when each person receives him by believing in him.

The Small Catechism – part 182

Scripture Text: Jeremiah 23:6

Do not be tempted to believe the claims others make about what you need to do in order to be saved. Instead, hang on with faith in what Christ did for you.

The Small Catechism – part 181

Scripture Text: Colossians 1:27

Temptations come in different forms. Typically, we think of them as being interior, compulsions of the mind or heart. But temptations are exterior as well, sometimes coming from the persuasive speeches of false preachers, or even friends and family.

The Small Catechism – part 180

Scripture Text: Colossians 1:21–23

How are we to be protected from the devil, or from the world, or even from our own corrupt nature? Can we provide our own protection? Are we able to purchase it with our deeds or those of someone else with the same debased disposition?

The Small Catechism – part 179

Scripture Text: Colossians 1:12–14

It is tempting to merely ask God to deliver us from urges to rebel against authorities, to hurt someone, commit adultery, steal, lie, or desire what belongs to others.

The Small Catechism – part 178

Scripture Text: Revelation 21:23

In eternity, the righteous will shine like the sun (Matt 13:43); but, I wonder, why should we wait for eternity? Let us burn brightly now. I know; I know. You ask, How can I, a poor sinner, blaze with such glory?

The Small Catechism – part 177

Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:31–32

It is our Christian duty to absolve one another (Matt 6:14–15; John 20:23; James 5:16), as Christ has forgiven us. Before we come to his table, we must graciously extend his peace to all.

The Small Catechism – part 175

Scripture Text: Revelation 19:11–13

We are not forsaken, for we have a righteous deliverer, riding in on the horse of a champion and conqueror. The war he wages is cosmic, a battle with death itself.

The Small Catechism – part 173

Scripture Text: 2 John 8–9

One may believe in Christ, a sort of historical or even biblical knowledge of him, but still, not believe on him. Believing in him may require nothing more than one would by believing in anyone or anything else.

The Small Catechism – part 171

Scripture Text: Acts 6:1–4

From the early days of the church, there was concern for both spiritual and physical needs. When believers are hungry, the church must feed them. When they are thirsty, the church must provide them drink.

The Small Catechism – part 168

Scripture Text: Revelation 4:11

We were created as temporal beings; we exist within time. Therefore, we must learn patience. Patience is a virtue because it is so necessary and because it is God’s will.

The Small Catechism – part 167

Scripture Text: Revelation 4:1

We have seen the open door of the gospel (Rev 3:8) but here is a door opened to heaven, so that John may see into the realm of the divine and be assured that God’s will is being done on earth.

The Small Catechism – part 166

Scripture Text: Revelation 3:15–18

It is God’s will that we find our satisfaction in him. When we are content with our deeds and religious devotion, we may feel satisfied but our attitude is bile in the throat of the Almighty. Tepid religiosity is a faith killer.

The Small Catechism – part 165

Scripture Text: Revelation 3:8

Who can shut the open door of the Gospel’s invitation to faith in Christ? It is God’s will that we are strengthened to keep the faith, to remain steadfast in his Word.

The Small Catechism – part 164

Scripture Text: Revelation 2:25–29

What does love desire? A large, fine house? A car with a big red bow atop it on Christmas morning? Diamonds? Dinner and a movie every week? Each is more absurd than the next. Anyone who has ever been in love knows the supreme gift is one’s heart. Giving oneself to their true love is the highest measure of love. So, what would it be that the church’s true love, Christ Jesus, would require of us bu

The Small Catechism – part 163

Scripture Text: Revelation 2:10–11

We are to fear God rather than the things of this life. Suffering, even great suffering, may be our lot, yet it is only for the space of time. A Day is coming when time is undone, and with it all the tribulation of this life.

The Small Catechism – part 162

Scripture Text: Revelation 2:4–5

The fear, love, and trust of God both bids us do his will and gives us the power to do so. And what is God’s greatest command than that we love him above all others, and our neighbors as ourselves?

The Small Catechism – part 160

Scripture Text: Revelation 1:5b–6

We have no beasts to sacrifice, yet we are priests to our God. We have no temple where the people come to our services, for we are all priests to our God. We have no special, ornate garments, as in baptism we have been clothed in Christ.

The Small Catechism – part 159

Scripture Text: Jude 3–4

Our faith, which leads to salvation, is held or observed in common. What is our common faith if not summarized in this word: that Jesus delivered us from bondage?

The Small Catechism – part 158

Scripture Text: 2 Peter 3:11–13

How may we hallow God’s name but to believe his Word and act accordingly? This old world will not be around forever, and we even less time. All of creation awaits its destruction.


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