The Small Catechism – part 186
Scripture Text: Hebrews 3:11
The ancient Hebrews were being led out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and into a land of rest—a place where they would no longer be in bondage.
The Small Catechism – part 185
Scripture Text: Genesis 4:7
Sin is lurking in our doorways every day. Therefore, we must be certain it does not to rule over us. The idea here is not that Cain, and we too, somehow work hard enough to stop sinning.
The Small Catechism – part 184
Scripture Text: Hebrews 5:9–10
Jesus, sinless and therefore perfect in our minds, was nevertheless perfected through his suffering on the cross. Because of this perfecting, God designated his Son as our great High Priest.
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 176
Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:4–6
The unity of the church begins and ends with God. Her unity is the Spirit’s work—not yours or mine. Christ’s Spirit unites the church.
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 174
Scripture Text: Colossians 1:13–14
Where I come from, it is illegal for drivers to make a turn without signaling. You may receive a ticket for failing to turn on that blinker.
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 172
Scripture Text: 1 John 5:12
When we pray for our daily bread, we are only asking for what God has already promised. We confess this in the First Article of the Apostles’ Creed.
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 170
Scripture Text: Luke 1:20
Our unbelief will not change the will of God. Everything he has resolved will come to pass in its season—whether we believe it will or not.
The Small Catechism – part 169
Scripture Text: Revelation 5:12
It was the will of the Father that his Son, the perfect Lamb of God, be born, suffer and die, and be buried, raised, and ascended to glory.
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 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.
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?