The Meaning of the Cross

If one follows the New Testament, we will come to recognize that the cross is actually a revelation of the depth of human sin and the depth of divine love.

"Martin Luther-In His Own Words"

We will share with Christ's sufferings and glory

As a pastor (Paul Gerhardt) who suffered persecution for his faith and endured the death of his wife and even some of his children, he understood the tenson of the life of the Christian that having been baptized into Christ's death and resurrection, we will share both in His suffering and His  glory.

"The Choir Immortal" page 194

All our needs are important to Jesus

Let that miracle at Cana remind us! Jesus' first miracle was not to stop a pain or heal a disease but to make wine at a wedding, as a reminder that our needs, big and little, are seen and satisfied by Him.

Richard Lauersdorf 

Fishing with Luther

Philip Melancthon, the  great reformation theologian, once said to his friend, Martin Luther, "This day you and I will discuss the governance of the universe."  What Luther said in reply was unexpected: "This day you and I will go fishing and leave the governance of the universe to God."

"Our Daily Bread" March-May 1996

Top Ten Signs the Organist is Off His Rocker

10) Plays Beatles tunes for the postlude

9) Expects the sermon to last at least 20 minutes so he can make a Starbucks run

8) Thinks if the organ sounds like a calliope it would liven up the service

7) Won't play any hymn that starts with the letter "L"

6) "Pianos are for sissies!"

5) Complains that he isn't paid enough

4) Plays while playing in top hat and tails

3) Insists on being shown on the big screen in the sanctuary while playing so he "gets his due"

2) Stood on the organ bench and shouted "I am the king of the world!"

1) Still complaining that he isn't paid enough

So we can feel, grasp and touch God

God has given us Baptism, the Sacrament of the Altar and Absolution to bring Christ very close to us, so that we can have Him not only in our hearts but also on our tongue, so that we can feel Him, grasp Him and touch Him.

Martin Luther, "Treasury of Daily Prayer," page 301

Our Ark is the Lord's church

How like Noah and his family are we, kept safe by God within the confines of the Ark, kept safe from the destruction without.  Our Ark is His church, where we are sheltered from the wrath of God by the covering of the righteousness of Christ.

Frank Starr, "Light for the Way," book 1, page 9