Pious Lutheran

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree , Carl Rahl, 1812-1865 Calamities lead us to repentance. Present Theodicy/Problem of Evil Evil does not necessarily happen as a consequence for specific sins God uses worldly tragedies to bring about repentance and eternal salvation Why do bad things happen to good people? If God is so good and so powerful, why does evil and suffering exist? These questions are known as the problem of evil and theodicy. These are the types of questions which lead many people to doubt God’s goodness, especially when terrible tragedies strike those whom we love. Some people respond to these doubts by forsaking the Lord. Others make the assumption that the evil things are happening because the people receiving them have done some specific evil thing and are being punished. For example, when hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans people claimed this was the result of their specific sins committed on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras. Or on 9/11 when the airplanes hit the towers...

Today we conclude the first table of the law (the first three commandments) and begin the second table of the law (the final seven commandments). As Pastor Matheny taught us last week, the law teaches us to love. So the first table teaches us to love God, and the second table teaches us to love our neighbor. You’ve thus far heard how we are to love God in the first two commandments, which are: The 1st Commandment? You shall have no other Gods. The 2nd Commandment? You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. Specifically, we are to love God by fearing, loving, and trusting in Him, and by using His name not for evil but to pray, praise, and give thanks.  Just as we are to speak His word aright, so are we to hear His Word aright. So, what is the 3rd commandment? Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it. The 3rd commandment is...

Baptism and Temptation of Christ , Paolo Veronesse, 1580 Fighting the devil’s temptations with the sword of the Spirit The temptations of worldly comforts The temptations of worldly glory The temptations of presuming God’s mercy That the devil is at work in the world today is not the least bit shocking to you. Afterall, his works of darkness are quite apparent to any of us, and there’s no need to describe the devil’s evil ways since unfortunately we often experience his darkness in our own homes, let alone throughout the world. Regardless of how obvious the devil can be, what’s more dangerous to us is that he often disguises himself as an angel of light, and his temptations appear to be righteous and pious. And so it’s easy enough to figure out that it’s wrong to kill babies, but it’s far more challenging to recognize the devil when he’s quoting the Bible. To show us the devil’s tricks, Jesus fights the devil by battling against temptations. “ And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, return...

Setting aside earthly treasures for the sake of heavenly treasures Almsgiving Praying Fasting Treasures in heaven Why are you here? I don’t just mean here in this sanctuary right now, but I mean alive here on earth? What are you doing here? What’s the point of it all? Based upon most people’s lifestyle, it appears the purpose of their life is to have a good time. Make lots of money, get lots of stuff, fill your belly, and be in control of your life. Or perhaps if you’re feeling a little more profound, you might say that the goal is to leave your mark on this world after you die, so that people will remember you. But, if that’s the whole point, then life is rather meaningless in the end. You may have a good ol’ time, but that’s momentary and fleeting. Even if you’re one in a billion who leaves your mark on the world and people other than your grandkids know your name, none of those other people actually knew you, they just knew of you. So you must conclude like King Solomon, that all of...