Failed links
Many links on this site go to WELS.net. WELS.net is upgrading to a new website. Because of this change many links on Living Hope’s sites, which used to connect to the WELS site no longer go to those corresponding pages. We will gradually be making changes to correct this problem. Thank you for your patience.
November 11, 2009
Luther’s Seal
This rose symbolizes Lutheran teaching. As explained by Dr. Luther in a letter to Lazarus Spengler on July 8, 1530, Martin Luther explained his seal and the principle pieces of that seal as follows:
The Cross The first should be a black cross in a heart, which retains its natural color, so that I myself would be reminded that faith in the Crucified saves us. For one who believes from the heart will be justified” (Romans 10:10).
The Heart Although it is indeed a black cross, which mortifies and which should also cause pain, it leaves the heart in its natural color. It does not corrupt nature, that is, it does not kill but keeps alive. “The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17) but by faith in the crucified.
The Rose Such a heart should stand in the middle of a white rose, to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. In other words, it places the believer into a white, joyous rose, for this faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives (John 14:27). That is why the rose should be white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and the angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12).
Blue Background Such a rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that such joy in spirit and faith is a beginning of the heavenly future joy, which begins already, but is grasped in hope, not yet revealed.
The Golden Ring And around this field is a golden ring, symbolizing that such blessedness in Heaven lastsforever and has no end. Such blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable, most precious and best metal.
Click to print out and color Luther’s seal.
October 20, 2009
God loves and favors you!
When people love you, it’s good when they can find ways to express that love. It’s one thing to say “I love you,” and another thing to live it. When someone in authority favors you, it’s good when they can find ways to express that favor. It’s good to be favored, but it’s even better to gain something because of that favor.
When God loves and favors you, it’s not because you have met the standards he has set. The only standard that makes sense to God is perfection, and we don’t meet it. So when he loves us and favors us, despite our being unworthy, we have a special term for that love and favor. We call it “grace.”
How does God show us his grace? He does it by promising things to us and then delivering on the promises. The promises of God are the “means,” the way he shows us his grace, definitely and personally.
It’s strange, but when we hear that “God loves the world” (John 3:16), we aren’t always sure that we are included. Did God send his Son for us, personally? We should be sure, but just to help us along, God applies the promises of his love personally to us in the sacrament of baptism; “for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:27)
When we hear, “God reconciled the whole world to himself, not counting anyone’s sin against them,” (2 Corinthians 5:19), how can we be sure that our own sins are personally forgiven through faith in Jesus? We should be sure, but just to help us along, God applies the promises of his grace personally to us in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper: “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. ” (Matthew 26:28).
The means of grace are God’s promises in Word and sacrament.
September 29, 2009
Sunday School and Teen Bible Study
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Sunday School begins in the Chapel at 9:15.
Teen Bible Study is in the Learning Center (across the sidewalk from the church) at 9:15.
Our worship service begins at 10:30. Please join us every Sunday morning for fellowship and learning. Visitors are always welcome at Living Hope!
September 28, 2009
EVERYDAY Videos for Teens
The Everyday video series is a chance to explore real-life situations many teens face, and how to deal with them as dearly loved children of God. Some are meant to make you think. Others are meant to clearly show you the way. All of them, God-willing, will draw you into a closer, deeper relationship with your Savior, Jesus. That’s what He wants everyday. That’s what we need everyday. By the power of the Spirit, that’s what we seek everyday.
September 27, 2009
