Why are we grateful? Why do we gather to offer our thanks to the Lord God? Is this merely an empty formality, or is our gratitude based on a specific reason? Do we have a […]
More than 200 years ago, Matthias Claudius wrote a harvest song that is still sung today. The chorus says: “All good gifts around us are sent from heav’n above; then thank the Lord…” Is it […]
We humans are all short-sighted—not just those who need to wear glasses, but even those with good eyesight. Peter certainly didn’t wear glasses, and neither did John. And yet the disciples were just as short-sighted […]
Have you ever wondered how places get their names? That question entered into my mind when I learned about the two towns of „Elend“ (misery) and „Sorge“ (worry) in Saxony-Anhalt, as well as „Sorgenlos“ (worry […]
“Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer […]
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17) With a well-practiced sling shot, the shepherd boy who trusted in God freed his people from the disgrace that the […]
In Hebrews 11, we find a list of great men and women of faith who accomplished incredible things for the Lord. In verse 34b, we read that they “were made strong” “out of weakness” and […]
“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) Is confession necessary? Yes, confessing Christ is […]
“For we are God’s fellow workers.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) It is a wonderful calling to be God’s fellow worker. The thought of being able to serve the almighty, holy God in His magnificent work of […]
Some of the native tribes among whom the missionary was working had been feuding with one another and had taken him captive. He was tied to a tree in the hot midday sun. He was […]
“Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name’. And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you […]
Joy is real. You would expect to find an article about joy on a page for children or youth, wouldn’t you? Somehow, the idea prevails that joy belongs mainly to the young. Really? Why should […]
“ ‘Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; “for Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.” ’ Therefore with joy you will draw […]
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, one of the most precious fruits that a healthy spiritual tree bears. The world knows nothing of the real joy that true Christianity holds within it. The soul […]
“That I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:16 God’s plan […]
What do you think of when you hear or read the word “holiness”? I don’t know what you’re thinking, but many people are terrified at the thought of the coming judgment, God’s all-consuming holiness, and […]
In the dark of night, a young man crept slowly and quietly toward the steps of his parents’ house. He pulled a small key from one of his pockets. With it, he unlocked the door […]
An older brother from our congregation was admitted to hospital. After various investigations, his condition was deemed serious, and he was transferred to hospice care. Everyone knows what that means. I set out to visit […]
“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized […]
“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 depart, I will […]
