The Large Catechism – part 51
Scripture Text: Romans 12:12–13
Of course, the risk is that the First Commandment be turned into a business venture. If you just do this or that, it might be promoted, then God will give you whatever you desire.
The Large Catechism – part 50
Scripture Text: Romans 12:3
One cannot think of himself any more highly than to think he is fit to do what only God can do. God helps us in our human weakness, comforts us in our consciences, and saves us, not only from our sins, but also to eternal life.
The Large Catechism – part 49
Scripture Text: Romans 11:36
All good is from God, as well as through him, and returning to him. He gets the credit: all the credit. I do not get the glory, nor do you. Government does not get the praise, nor its politicians.
The Large Catechism – part 48
Scripture Text: Romans 11:19–20
There is no greater idol, no hollower false god, than self. When we puff ourselves up with religious pride, we should remember that only emptiness may be inflated
The Large Catechism – part 47
Scripture Text: Romans 11:8–11
Minerva is the Roman counterpart to the modern idol of work and industry. There is nothing wrong with a day’s work or of being industrious.
The Large Catechism – part 46
Scripture Text: Romans 9:16
You may be certain that God will abandon the one who trusts in himself — to himself. If a person takes pleasure in his own striving, if he finds consolation in his devotion, if he is confident in anyone but God, he will discover himself undone.
The Large Catechism – part 45
Scripture Text: Romans 8:32
We should, without any difficulty, be able to expect from God alone all good things, for he has given us the greatest gift already. He has provided for us forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life through his Son.
The Large Catechism – part 44
Scripture Text: Romans 8:26–27
Where does your help come from; from whom should you expect any assistance? To place your hope and trust in anyone but God is idolatry.
The Large Catechism – part 43
Scripture Text: Numbers 24:10–13
Balak is exasperated at the realization that he cannot have his own way. He tried three times to coerce Balaam to curse God’s people, yet God blessed them three times over.
The Large Catechism – part 42
Scripture Text: Numbers 23:26
See how unhappy King Balak is, with his godless insecurities. He will only be happy if millions of Israelites are cursed. Balaam also seems less than pleased, if the New Testament commentary has anything to offer.
The Large Catechism – part 41
Scripture Text: Numbers 23:7–8
What do you want: Balak’s fortunes, or God’s blessings? We get in trouble when we want more than we need, more than what God has promised to provide.
The Large Catechism – part 40
Scripture Text: Numbers 22:31
The story of Balaam can be confusing. We might be tempted to take his side against God, unless we understand that God allows us to pursue those things we truly desire.
The Large Catechism – part 39
Scripture Text: Romans 6:17
This is the whole point of the Catechism: to instill a standard of teaching to which our hearts may be conformed and confirmed. Then at all points in life...the Spirit may remind us that there is something—someone—at work within us.
The Large Catechism – part 38
Scripture Text: Romans 5:20
The Catechism is meant to accomplish two things: expose our sins, and reveal God’s grace. These very things may be easily overlooked if we view Catechism as a class one takes to memorize a little booklet.
The Large Catechism – part 37
Scripture Text: Romans 5:1–2
Have you ever tried to help your child with algebra homework? First, you have to learn it yourself. Second, you dare not help today but then, not help again until weeks later.
The Large Catechism – part 36
Scripture Text: Matthew 18:14
If left to themselves, it is obvious enough, that we leave our children to the world and the rulers of the darkness of this time. So, we must teach our children to take up the armor of God.
The Large Catechism – part 35
Scripture Text: Matthew 18:2–4
My grandchildren help themselves to our pantry and refrigerator. They understand that Nana and Papa do not want them to be hungry. We encourage them to take and eat.
The Large Catechism – part 34
Scripture Text: Romans 1:16-17
The power of Baptism is faith in the Baptizer, in God. Without faith in God’s word of promise, baptism is a ceremonial cleansing at best. But when the word of God is spoken through the water, and is received in faith, there is divine, salvific power.
The Large Catechism – part 33
Scripture Text: Romans 1:1–6
Why do we teach this condensed summary of the Holy Bible? We do so because Christ Jesus said, “Go.” Jesus tells his church to make disciples by baptizing them in the name of God and teaching them to obey his commandments.
The Large Catechism – part 32
Scripture Text: Ecclesiastes 12:13
James is correct: faith must be shown in deeds (James 2:18). In other words, we are to love our neighbor. Yet, duty is learned; keeping the commandments does not happen naturally.
The Large Catechism – part 31
Scripture Text: Matthew 16:15–18
Luther’s words seem extreme and even cruel to us. Yet there is nothing so cruel as to abandon one’s children at the gates of Hell. Our children, and all for whom we bear responsibility, should be taught the Scriptures.
The Large Catechism – part 30
Scripture Text: Matthew 16:1–4
These lessons are primary and, therefore, necessary because they point beyond us. They direct us to God, instead of to ourselves, with our limited grasping. There is so much uproar surrounding us, demanding our attention, approval, and finally, allegiance.
The Large Catechism – part 29
Scripture Text: Matthew 15:37
God wants us to ask him for all good things. In other words, he wants us to ask him for those things that he knows are best for us. So, being the knowing child of the Father, God’s Son teaches us how to pray.
The Large Catechism – part 28
Scripture Text: Galatians 4:19
"We don’t believe in creeds." I have heard people proudly recite that statement many times too. "We only believe in the Bible," they usually continue.
The Large Catechism – part 27
Scripture Text: Galatians 3:21–22
I don’t have to keep the law. I’m a Christian and we don’t have to do that anymore. I have heard plenty of people, even pastors, say similar words. Vehemently.