This Week's Catechesis

Catechism Segment
Baptism - Part 3
How can water do such great things? Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit; whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” (Titus 3:5-8)

Bible Reading Challenge Week 22
Day 1 1 Chronicles 1-9
Day 2 1 Chronicles 10-14
Day 3 1 Chronicles 15-19
Day 4 1 Chronicles 20-24
Day 5 1 Chronicles 25-29

Luther’s Small Catechism is available at http://www.cph.org/t-topic-catechism.aspx for “personal, congregational, or classroom use.”

Monday, April 18, 2011

Psalm 71.19-24, Exodus 8.1-32, Hebrews 1.1-14 - Lectionary for 4/17/11 - Palm Sunday

Today's readings are Psalm 71.19-24, Exodus 8.1-32, and Hebrews 1.1-14. Today, Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem in triumphal procession, flocked by followers who laid palm branches and cloaks in the road as a royal carpet.

Our Lord comes to us, humble and lowly. We see him entering Jerusalem in peace. Yet in his peaceful entry and his quiet work on our behalf we find that he is accomplishing great and mighty works, conquering kingdoms, overthrowing the whole world. How is he doing this? He shows himself to be the mighty God, greater than all the kings of the earth. He alone is worshiped by the angels. He alone has made purification for sins. He alone is able to take up the name which is above all other names. The power of this world is humbled and set to nought by the majesty of the risen Lord. Let us look to him alone, and as we look to him, to see that above all he is the one who cleanses from sin so as to rescue fallen humanity from the curse. By grace you are saved, through faith. Look to the Lord.

--
Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com


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