And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 21:5-6 Pastor John Writes: I…
The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a…
Your blessed people, trusting in your merit, on the earth’s extended face from each other far, but one in spirit, sound with one accord your praise. These words from Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf, from November 13, 1748, express our church’s understanding of Christ’s presence as both our friend and Chief Elder. The writings…
We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that…
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 We end virtually every communion service, and many of our worship services, with this benediction from the Book of…
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. Hebrews 11:1-3 Pastor John Writes:…
Then Jesus took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for…
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and reburied; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matthew 13:44 Pastor John Writes: Jesus told parables comparing the kingdom of heaven to numerous things, including treasure hidden in…
“Then they told what had happened on the road and how Jesus had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.” Luke 24:35 Pastor John Writes: Cleopas and his unnamed companion walked with Jesus the seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus, and as evening came, they asked him, “stay with…
Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he…