Devotions from Steadfast Lutherans: Recent Episodes
Rev. Paul J Cain
"As if Christ Our Dear Lord Dealt with Us Himself" Confession & Absolution for Lent 2022 Lenten Devotions Visit us at SteadfastLutherans.org
Read Mark 16:1-8
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Mark 15:46-47
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read John 18:1-19:42
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read John 13:1-15
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Luke 22:1-23:56
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Mark 14:1-15:47
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read John 12:1-43
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Matthew 26:1-27:66
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-14
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Luke 23:44-47--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Pray Psalm 119:65-72
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read John 15:18-16:4
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read 1 Peter 4:12-19
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Job 1:6-22
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read John 8:46-59
As Christ suffered, so shall we
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read John 8:12-30
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Mark 14:32-42
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Pray Psalm 85
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read John 15:1-17
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read 1 John 4:7-21
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Hosea 14:1-9
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Christ's suffering as proof of God's love for us
Read John 6:1-15
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read John 8:1-11
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Job 13:1-28
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Pray Psalm 22
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Mark 14:26-50
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Acts 4:23-31
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Zechariah 13:1-9
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
God Himself Punished Christ
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read 1 Corinthians 5:1-5
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read 1 Peter 3:18-22
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Pray Psalm 103
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read John 3:12-21
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Galatians 3:10-14
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Christ's Suffering as a Payment and Sacrifice for Our Sin
Read Matthew 15:2-28
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Hebrews 5:1-10
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Pray Psalm 16
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read John 6:35-40
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Romans 5:1-21
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Isaiah 50:5-10
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
The obedience of Christ for our righteousness
Read Matthew 4:1-11
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Galatians 4:4-7
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
This special episode is the entire Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. All fifty-six minutes are worth your time.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
To the glory of our Triune God and for the Evangelical Lutheran Church wherever she is found
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read John 1: 1-14
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Luke 2: 1-20
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Zechariah 7: 1-14 (8: 1-23)
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read 1 Samuel 3:1-21
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Genesis 15: 1-21
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Revelation 19: 6-16
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Jeremiah 1: 4-19
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Pray Psalm 33
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Matthew 11: 2-10
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Revelation 19: 11-21
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Hosea 1: 1-11
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Exodus 23: 20-33
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Philippians 2: 5-11
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Exodus 34: 1-10
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Pray Psalm 113
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Week Two - "The Name of Yahweh"
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Judges 13:1-25
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Judges 6:11-24
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Genesis 16:1-16
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Hebrews 1:1-14
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Exodus 3:1-15
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Pray Psalm 34
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Week One - "The Angel of Yahweh"
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
To the glory of our Triune God and for the Evangelical Lutheran Church wherever she is found
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Blessed are those who can simply say "amen" to our Lord's words.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
No one is at liberty to celebrate the Lord's Supper on his own.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
The weight of our sins was on the cross with Christ.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
We rejoice in the reconciliation Jesus gives us in the forgiveness of sins, especially delivered in the Sacrament of the Altar!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
....and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Honoring Jesus is no waste. It is worship.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Have mercy on us, O Jesus!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
The cross is Christ's throne where He is declared King of the Jews.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Lord Jesus, help us to be faithful to Your Word and help our pastors to do the same. Amen.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Lord Jesus, help us not to despair, but to go to Your supper.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Let us fast in faith and love.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
The Word of God is always true.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Pray Psalm 50
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Whoever is of God hears the words of God.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Faithful pastors and godly Christians will find a way to be faithful to the Lord's institution.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the Holy Scriptures.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Lord Jesus, grant us faith in Your Word!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
If you don't take the medicine, it won't help you.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Hunger for the feast that is set before you on the altar.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Listen to Him
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Jesus has compassion on them and teaches them.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Lord Jesus Christ, help us to faithfully follow Your Word.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
For the forgiveness of sins
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
We can learn to look at the sacrament with all expectation of joy and a consoled conscience.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
God intended the Passover to be enjoyed by His people.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Pray Psalm 111
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
This Supper is Jesus' gift.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Jesus doesn't intend His Supper to be a rare event.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
We, too, have been forgiven much!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Mark 14:22-25
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
The Lord's Passover was not meant for everyone.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Pray Psalm 111
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
God's deliverance comes in His own time and according to His own will, not ours.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Restrain and convert those who practice things that profane Your name among us.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
A seven-year-old child can tell you what "is" means.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Let God's Word stand.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
These words of Jesus are the New Testament.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
1 Corinthians 10 gives the Old Testament foundation for 1 Corinthians 11.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Man does not live by bread alone.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
This bonus episode is 7:14.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
If we remain committed to our congregations and the doctrine which we have been taught, Closed Communion does not have to be a problem.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Read Acts 2:42.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
The main passages for the Supper are those which record its institution.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Whatever fasting you practice, do so for good spiritual reasons, not for attention from others.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Given and Shed for You - The Lord's Supper for Lent
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
The Savior is born! Come and See!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Believing is Seeing
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
We are lovingly invited to trust and rely upon the only God.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Every miracle in the Bible was done to show that God's Word is true and dependable.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Through the Word we are blessed.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Paul contrasts spiritual children and the spiritually mature.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
There are two kinds of sight.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Week Four - "St. Thomas - Seeing by Believing"
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Luther: To call upon God's name is nothing other than to pray.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Lord, I believe!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
By your confession, you encourage others.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Those who were blessed by Jesus' miracles also treasured His teaching.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Jesus gives His righteousness to us!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
The faithful receive the Lord's gifts and endure by the strength of the Lord.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Week Three - "The World Refuses to See"
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Dear Jesus, help us to rely upon You in all things.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Keep this parable in mind.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and friends.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
"Come and see."
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Lead with your own repentance.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Invite your family and friends to come and see Jesus this week at your church.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
The eye of faith unfolds the power of Jesus' merit
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
from gloom and darkness to Life and Light
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Jesus beholds sinners who look to Him for mercy.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Give us eyes to see Your Son as our Lord and Savior!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
....all of those sins were borne by the Son of God in His body on the cross.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Week One - "St. Andrew - Jesus gives us eyes to see"
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
Come back every day in Advent for a new devotion from Steadfast Press.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-paul-j-cain/support
To confess your sins to your pastor makes no sense to worldly logic, but it is another example of worldly wisdom falling short. It is a positive and healthy thing for Christians to do.
Lord Jesus, You died so that Your people might live. Help us to believe that You work all things together for the good of those who love You. Amen.
Jesus loved the disciples when they were in the world. Jesus loves us who are now in the world. And He loves us to the end. He loved us all the way to the cross. And He shall love us until He comes in glory to judge the living and the dead.
“And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43
Demons cannot tell us who Jesus really is. Science cannot tell us who Jesus really is. Our emotions cannot tell us who Jesus really is. Jesus cannot and will not be known in these ways. Look at how people try to get to heaven to know God, and, like the mythological Bellerophon, they come crashing to earth.
Lord Jesus, You received the homage of those who did not understand what they were saying and doing. You bore with them mercifully and with patience. Bear with us, enlighten our minds, so that we might know that these things were written about You and that these things were done to You for our salvation. Amen.
Judas was sorry; but that’s not enough. Without the gospel, we men must despair like Judas because there is only death and hell for us. But through the gospel, we have a rich redemption from the great prison of sin.
[Jesus said,] “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” Luke 10:16
O Lord, grant us faithful ministers who will exercise the Office of the Keys in Your Church according to Your will for the forgiveness of our sins. Amen
This week we consider the last question in the fifth chief part of Luther’s Small Catechism: “What do you believe according to these words?”
“Pastor, please hear my confession and pronounce forgiveness in order to fulfill God’s will.”
David is “lonely and afflicted” (v. 16). He’s surrounded by his enemies. His heart accuses him. His mind is haunted by the memory of his past sins. He has nowhere in this world to turn. So, he turns to God, saying, “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust,” (v. 1), “My eyes are ever toward the Lord” (v. 15), “I take refuge in You” (v. 20). And the consolation David seeks for his heart is this: The forgiveness of all his sins (v.18).
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My Word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23). When God forgives all your sin through the mouth of your pastor, hear that Word of God and keep it.
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21
Lord God Heavenly Father, soften the hearts of those who do not believe in Your Son. Forgive us for when we have desired to reject faithful preachers who have called our sins out. Lead us to continue to confess our sins and relish in the free and full forgiveness that Your Son paid for with His innocent suffering and death for us. In the Name of Jesus. Amen
“I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Ps. 121:1-2
She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Matthew 15:27
What is Confession? Christians need to be taught the answer to this question. Biblical teaching is different than that of the Roman Catholic Church which usually comes to mind when confession is brought up.
Almighty God, according to Your great mercy in Christ, forgive us our sins, grant power to become Your children, bestow upon us the Holy Spirit, and bring this good work of Yours in us to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:9-10
Almighty God, grant that we who deserve to be afflicted for our evil deeds may mercifully be relieved by the comfort of Your grace; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
We are reminded here also in this text that the forgiveness spoken by ministers (St. Paul as example) is done for the sake of the people of God in the presence of Christ. Christ has commanded penitent sinners to be forgiven. Pastors are to do this for the sake of Christ’s people.
Review the rite of Holy Matrimony with your spouse or to learn what kind of spouse to look for in Christ.
Mark 16:1-8 “And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” (Mark 16:6–7)
Don’t be alarmed. Those words show up often in the Gospels. Here, at the sight of the empty tomb, the words are repeated. The disciples of Jesus are not to be afraid. Jesus was crucified for them. Jesus has risen for them as well. The angel says “just as He told you”. The Words and Promises of God happens just as He says. This is outstanding news for us – think of all the Words you have read this Lent during these devotions. They are happening for you just as He said. Fears? You don’t need to fear. Christ has been crucified. Christ has risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia. You are baptized into all of this. You have no need to fear the world around you – the situations that are ongoing in this valley of sorrow. Our Lord has washed you clean and made you His own. He has earned the forgiveness of sins. That means death, the wages of sin – what sin earns – it is gone as far from you as your sins are. Sin, which brings the devils evil mastery is gone, and with it the devils tyranny over you. And since you have no sins left and death has no claim on you and the devil can’t rule you – you have eternal salvation. The risen Lord Jesus is proof of this. He who took on the sins of the world lives. Death could not have Him. The devil could not rule Him. Eternal life is His as He comes out Easter morn to show Himself to the disciples and prepare His Church for her task of bringing this news to the world. Your baptism puts you right there. No more sin. No more death. No more devil. No more damnation. Your sins are forgiven. Your death is used to bring you eternal life. Your master loves you so much He did this all for you. Your eternal salvation is safe and secure by the Word and promise of the risen Lord, into whom you are baptized.
Lord Jesus Christ, You have baptized us to be your own. Help us out of all fears and to trust what You have told us in Your Word. Amen.
On this day, Jesus kept the Sabbath rest and extended His time in the tomb to fulfill His words that He would rise on the third day. It was necessary that Jesus remain in the grave on Saturday. But if baptism has joined us to Jesus’ death and resurrection, what does this day mean for us in terms of our baptism?
So forget how powerful your sinful flesh can seem at times and take Jesus at His Word. His Word says that baptism joined you to His death. Your sinful nature is dying. Jesus cannot lie. And finally Jesus will bring the sinful flesh to its end, and you will live before Him in righteousness and purity forever.
This Thursday is called “Maundy Thursday.” The word “maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, which means “command.” Jesus gives us a new command on this night: love one another.
The devil teaches heretics to scoff, “It’s just a handful of water. What’s that going to do?” But the devil cowers before that handful of water, because he knows that handful of water is Jesus’ handful of water. The devil can imitate and mock baptism all he wants, but he can’t come close to it and, in the end, must flee before it.
And so, if we’re tempted and prevail, we give thanks to Jesus for baptizing us and giving us the Holy Spirit. If we’re tempted and fail, we give thanks to Jesus for baptizing us and covering our sin with His righteousness. Therefore, at all times we thank Jesus for the glorious gift of baptism.
Dear Jesus, give us joy in the gift of baptism and bring to completion the good work You have begun in us. Amen.
“The garments of salvation” and “the robe of righteousness” are Jesus Himself. “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27). Jesus treads on our garments because He brings a better one: Himself, with whom we were clothed when we were baptized.
The Pharisees washed couches. The Greek says, they baptized couches. They obviously didn’t dunk the couches in the Jordan River...
Here the Lord shows us His two words He speaks to mankind: His Law and His Gospel. The Law is God’s eternal will for mankind, and it shows us our sin. The Gospel is God’s gracious promise to save us through His Son. Here God reveals His will for man, and He shows us through simple arithmetic what He desires for us.
Daily we repent of our sins, daily we believe in Jesus Christ crucified for our forgiveness, and daily we walk in newness of life, presenting our members to God as instruments for righteousness, until that day when the Old Adam finally perishes, and we are perfectly and eternally renewed.
God the Holy Spirit delivers the gift of the Holy Spirit, faith, and the forgiveness of sins in Holy Baptism. Being “born again” is being a baptized child of God.
For all nations. For you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself!
Baptism has washed you in this newness of life and set you apart, sanctified in Christ's holiness.
Christ does not hold out on you. He did not hold out on this poor woman. Your Jesus has given you the very words to pray in these times: “but deliver us from evil.” And He does. Not because of any worthiness of you, but of His own divine love and mercy. As dogs we beg, but we are lifted from our groveling on the floor like children, lifted to see Jesus face to face. Christ does not give to the dogs His blessings, He gives them to you. Many are His gifts.
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:22)
Don’t only look at the water. Listen. Listen to God’s command. God’s command might seem silly, it might seem stupid, but remember this. If God commanded something great, you’d do it. And now, Christ commands something very simple for all the nations. Thanks be to God for this simple command, that we might be washed and be clean!
Thanks be to God, for the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s Word!
When God's Word is combined with water, God gets to the heart of the matter: He gets to our hearts and makes them new.
The Holy Spirit gives life. In the beginning, He gave form to the water.
Now, the Holy Spirit uses water as His way of killing a sinner and creating a saint.
Christians in the book of Acts were baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, just as we were!
You are baptized (if you aren’t go talk to a Lutheran pastor). That is more valuable than anything else in your life. There is no amount of wealth, pleasure, influence, bodily health, governmental favor, or any other thing of this life that can compare to it. God grant that you treasure it, that your hearts may be found in such a treasure, trusting in God’s promises in baptism this Lent
This year, gather the household around the Word and these short devotions. Learn to treasure the gift of God that we have in Baptism.
O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, You graciously have kept me Each night and day ‘gainst ev’ry host And heard this sinner’s earnest plea. Forgive my sins where I’ve done wrong, Angelic guards send, hear my song! Let Satan have no power o’er me! (Original PJC 2020, modeled after Luther’s Evening Prayer and TLH 260). Amen.
Thy truth defend, O God, and stay This evil generation; And from the error of their way Keep Thine own congregation. The wicked everywhere abound And would Thy little flock con-found; But Thou art our Salvation (TLH260:6). Amen.
O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, shield and protects us from harm in the midst of trials that purify us as silver from all adulteration. Grant us endurance through Your Word for each temptation. Grant that we be salt and light that every nation may trust and praise the Crucified (Based on TLH260:5). Amen.
LSB 876:1 O blessèd, holy Trinity,
Divine, eternal Unity,
O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
This day Your name be uppermost.
O Holy Spirit, continue to call, gather, enlighten, and sanctify the whole Christian Church on earth, keep us with Jesus Christ in the one true faith, root out all heresy and rid us of all false teachers who own no lord or master (Based on LSC, Creed, Third Article and TLH260:3). Amen.
LSB 954: 2 We all believe in Jesus Christ,
His own Son, our Lord, possessing
An equal Godhead, throne, and might,
Source of ev’ry grace and blessing;
Born of Mary, virgin mother,
By the power of the Spirit,
Word made flesh, our elder brother;
That the lost might life inherit,
Was crucified for all our sin
And raised by God to life again.
O Lord, [Heavenly Father,] look down from heaven, behold And let Thy pity waken: How few are we within Thy Fold, Thy saints by men forsaken! True faith seems quenched on ev’ry hand, Men suffer not Thy Word to stand; Dark times have us o'ertaken (TLH 260:1). Amen.
Immortal honor, endless fame attend the almighty Father’s name; the Savior-Son be glorified, who for all humankind has died; to You, O Paraclete, we raise unending songs of thanks and praise. Amen. (LSB 500:4)
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And You, from both, as Three in One
That we Your name may ever bless
And in our lives the truth confess. (LSB 498:6)
“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:25-27)
Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord, with all Your graces now outpoured on each believer’s mind and heart; Your fervent love to them impart. Lord, by the brightness of Your light in holy faith Your Church unite; from every land and every tongue this to Your praise, O Lord, our God, be sung: Alleluia, alleluia! Amen. (LSB 497:1)
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)
The Holy Spirit is not our first or only Counselor, Helper, and Comforter. Jesus promised to send them “another Paraclete.” By this He teaches us that He Himself is our Paraclete as well, to whom the Holy Spirit bears witness and from whom He speaks: “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1)
Creator Spirit, by whose aid the world’s foundations first were laid, come, visit every humble mind; come, pour Your joys on humankind; from sin and sorrow set us free; may we Your living temples be. Amen. (LSB 500:1)
Dear Jesus, come soon. I am weak and often stumble and I tremble on the way, and like a sheep too easily go astray, but You are my shepherd. You are my Lord. You have made me Your new creation. Do not forsake the work of Your hands. So I will praise You with the joy that You pour into my heart. Amen.
Dear Jesus, teach my heart to claim Your victory over my sin, my death, and my grave. Amen.
Paschal Victim, paschal bread. He is the Passover sacrifice or victim. He is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Paschal is the Greek for Passover. It is our feast. We are Israel, and the Lamb that was sacrificed as the victim of all our sins is now given to us for food, for our souls to eat and our mouths to eat, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God that this Lamb has brought to us.
Luther sings elsewhere, “Do this, O ye of Israel’s seed, / Ye of the Spirit born indeed! / Wait for your Lord’s appearing.” You wait with your baptism comforting you with the truth that you have been clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27). You have passed out of slavery to sin and into the glorious freedom of the sons of God, the freedom to pour out all your anxieties to Him whose comforts delight your soul more than any earthly joy. You wait with the sacrament of Christ’s body and blood. You are safe in the Church, though death and Covid and cancer and all that kills and ruins life is stalking outside your door, yet you are safe, because you feast on the flesh that bore your sin, and you satisfy your thirst with the blood that tells you God is at peace with you and loves you and is pleased with you for Christ’s sake.
“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:26–28, ESV)
“Jesus said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”—Acts 1:7-8
When Elijah ascended he left his cloak and Elisha took it up. When Christ ascended his cross, his garments were dispersed among his assailants. But when Christ ascended into heaven, he left not merely an article of clothing, but the mysteries of heaven, his Word and Sacraments, His Law and Gospel, and with the promise of his presence and sending of his helper.
Father in Heaven, look upon us in mercy and guide us in the true faith, that we may evermore hold to the doctrines of Christ and His Gospel with one accord, even while the ages run to their end. Amen.
“We have this a glorious comfort in this salutary teaching, that we know how we have been chosen for life in Christ out of sheer grace, without any merit of our own, and that no one can tear us out of his hand. For he has assured us that he has graciously chosen us not only with mere words. He has corroborated this with an oath and sealed it with the holy sacraments (Ep. XI:13).”
“Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.”—Ps. 107:8-9
The holy apostolic band Upon the Mount of Olives stand; Alleluia! Alleluia! And with His followers they see Jesus’ resplendent majesty. Alleluia! Alleluia! (TLH 212:2)
Enter your home tonight and gather your family. Open to the Lord’s Prayer and pray at least one petition in greater detail. Enjoin your hearts in the one Spirit and petition as dear children ask their dear Father.
We are saved by God’s mercy and truth in Christ Jesus. Therefore, let us speak these truths boldly and joyfully, knowing that we glorify our God when we speak them. If the world does not believe, so what? God is still glorified. Stephen’s bold confession did not save a single one of his hearers and he was stoned to death for it. Does that mean that his confession was worthless? Of course not! He praised and glorified God! He fulfilled the first table of the Law by faith in the One Who loved him and gave Himself up for him. Not unto us, not unto us, but to Your Name, O Jesus, give glory and honor!
Dear Jesus, You blessed those who have not seen and yet believed. Increase our faith through times of trouble and tribulation. Help us to cling, not to circumstances or to worldly props, but to your sure prophetic Word, our light in the deep darkness of this benighted vale of sorrow and death. Keep us in the true faith, until faith finally gives way to sight, when we shall see you face to face and be as You are. Amen.
If Jesus was not my God and Lord, He would be scary and terrible. I would flee from Him; I would ask the mountains to cover and hide me to no avail. But Jesus’ precious blood and innocent death redeemed me. These bought me back. I was bought with a price. I belong to Jesus. You belong to Jesus. And if you belong to Jesus, He will certainly save you. Psalm 119:94 sums up this thought: “I am Yours, save me.”
Thomas did not lose his courage when he received faith. Rather, Christ then used Thomas’ courage in the expansion of His kingdom. This is true for us too. God uses our natural gifts and affections, which are put in subjection to Christ, for His glory and our neighbor’s service.
When we are afraid, let us hear once again those wonderful words of Jesus: “Peace be with you.” Through the death of Jesus, we need not fear anything. Fear involves torment. But Jesus has taken all of our torment upon Himself. Every secret shame and every punishment which we deserved, He carried to the cross. We now have peace. We have peace with God; we have peace with Jesus. Even when we face death, we can and are at peace, for Christ has turned our death into the gateway to immortal life.
Heavenly Father, You have implanted in us a natural affection for our family and friends. Sanctify this love, so that we might not love anything more than You. Bring to remembrance the words of Jesus, so that by faith, we might truly and rightly love one another and our Lord. Amen.
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7)
Dear Jesus, You have defeated the grave for us, turning it from a treacherous enemy into the safe door through which we enter into eternal life. Keep us firm in the true faith, that enduring to the end, we may receive the blessings of Your salvation. Amen.
When we die, when we must give up our soul and depart this life, we do not commend our soul to a stranger. We certainly do not commend our soul to an enemy. Rather, we commend our soul to Jesus Christ, who called us to eternal life in His Word and will raise our mortal body to be reunited with our soul in immortality and eternal life. In that life to come, there is only peace and joy. There, it is eternally safe, eternally blessed.
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me! – Job 19:25-27
What faith knows it knows only by the Word of God, which is more sure and more certain than anything we learn by sight or experience. The Christian learns that what God reveals to him must be known and discerned by faith and not by sight. So it is with the resurrection of the body – what we know by faith overrides what we know by sight and experience. Our bodies will return to the ground (unless the Lord returns first), but we know by faith that He will raise that body to eternal life.
Dear Jesus, protect us from the evils that come against us. Do not abandon us but keep us safely in Your care. And on the Last Day, give us the victory over death by raising our bodies to life. Amen.
2 Jesus, my Redeemer, lives;
Likewise I to life shall waken.
He will bring me where He is;
Shall my courage then be shaken?
Shall I fear, or could the Head
Rise and leave His members dead?
We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. – Romans 6:9
Lord Jesus Christ, graciously our faith renew; help us bear our crosses, learning humbleness from You, peace mid pain and losses, may we give You love for love, hear us O our Savior, that we may in heaven above, sing your praise forever. Amen (adapted from the last stanza of “Jesus I will Ponder Now”)
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:19–25, ESV)
5 The world against me rages,
Its fury I disdain;
Though bitter war it wages,
Its work is all in vain.
My heart from care is free,
No trouble troubles me.Misfortune now is play,
And night is bright as day.
LSB 467:5
Dear Jesus, help us to always trust in You and Your work of atonement for our victory over sin, death, and the devil. Help us look to you when tempted to be fearful like the unbelievers are, and to know that we are as secure and safe as we ever shall be because of Your finished work at Calvary. Amen.
St. Paul rightly says since we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we saved by him from the wrath of God.
The atonement of Christ establishes our salvation from each and everything.
Easter Sunday is the public spectacle of Christ’s victory. It is a testimony of His power to save – that in fact Christ has done everything needed to accomplish salvation. The grave, that final opponent is defeated and cannot stand against Christ, and by implication the grave cannot stand against those who belong to Christ. You have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection, you have new life by the forgiveness of sins. Christ shares His victory with you – not only at the Last Day, but even now each day in your baptized life – daily dying to sin and rising again to newness of life.
Dear Jesus, thank You for earning our salvation and rising from the grave. Help us to look to you for our eternal joy no matter our earthly situation. Help us to fear the grave as little as our beds. Amen.
Dear Lord, Thine were the works, Thine was the love, Thine the sacrifice, the blood, that saved me and brought me into communion with Thee. Grant me to always thank Thee and to behold Thee in heaven with eyes unclouded. Amen
“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4
*Unto life Thou shalt arouse me
By Thy resurrection's pow'r;
Though the hideous grave shall house me,
And my flesh the worms devour;
Fire and water may destroy
My frail body, yet with joy
I shall rise as Thou hast risen
From the deep sepulchral prison.*
*Thou hast died for my transgression,
All my sins on Thee were laid;
Thou hast won for me salvation,
On the cross my debt was paid.
From the grave I shall arise
And shall meet Thee in the skies.
Death itself is transitory;
I shall lift my head in glory.*
*Though I be by sin o'ertaken,
Though I lie in helplessness,
Though I be by friends forsaken
And must suffer sore distress,
Though I be despised, contemned,
And by all the world condemned,
Though the dark grave yawn before me,
Yet the light of hope shines o'er me.*
*Thanks to Thee, O Christ victorious!
Thanks to Thee, O Lord of life!
Death hath now no power o'er us,
Thou hast conquered in the strife.
Thanks because Thou didst arise
And hast opened Paradise!
None can fully sing the glory
Of the resurrection story.*
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying,
‘I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12
Now His grace to us imparts
Eternal sunshine to our hearts;
The night of sin is ended. / Alleluia!
See, His blood now marks our door;
Faith points to it; death passes o’er,
And Satan cannot harm us. Alleluia!
Dear Jesus, put laughter in our mouths when we think of death.
Grant us to mock and scorn it properly,
both now and when our last hour comes. Amen.
In the first stanza Luther showed Christ in death’s bands.
In this stanza he makes it clear that we were the true captives.
We praise You, O Christ, for you have conquered death for us by Your glorious resurrection. Amen.
Stay tuned for a second devotion today, the first in a new series on hymns!
We praise You, O Christ, for You have redeemed us by Your holy, precious blood and innocent suffering and death. Amen.
Lord Jesus, may the Gospel of Your crucifixion be preached throughout the world for the forgiveness of sins. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, create in us a hunger and thirst for Your Supper, trusting in Your Word. Amen.
Pray for your local congregation, your pastor(s), and support them at this challenging time!
Lord, may we never take for granted being gathered in person around Word and Sacrament!