Generally, our actions are shaped by our beliefs. People who eat low-carb diets do so, probably not because they hate pasta, but because they believe it healthiest. If a man buys stock in a company, it probably is because he believes in their business plan. Our beliefs shape our behavior. This is true of Christians’ belief in the resurrection. We believe that Christ’s resurrection means our resurrection to a glorious eternal life is guaranteed. That inevitably shapes how we will act now.

However, it is not simply the facts of the resurrection that shape our behavior. It is the person of the resurrection. Jesus is not some wise, dead sage whose advice is contained in dusty books. Jesus lives! Therefore, through His Word, He is able to work on our minds and hearts, molding them to His perfect will. Here is a resurrection reality. Jesus fills us with His Spirit, not only so that we have faith, but also so that we produce the fruits of faith He seeks.

Rethinking Religion: Rethinking the Worth of Worship. Person A never attends worship. He can’t see the point. Person B attends every week out of a slavish sense of obligation. Her mind wanders during the services, for she views the activities of worship merely as tasks for her to complete. Who is worse off? Rather than debating the point, let us just admit neither understand the true worth of worship. And that is exactly what Satan wants.
Many think worship is about what we do for God. It is the other way around. As we gather around Word and sacrament, the Spirit moves us to love and trust in God above all things. Moved by the cross of Christ, we bow down before our God. We commune with Him. And that’s exactly what God wants.

The Savior’s Sermon:  Live a Holy Life! Thoughts, Words, Actions Welcome to worship today at… read more

The Believer Grows in Christian Character Christians have a right relationship with worldly wealth Scripture… read more

The Believer Grows in Christian Character Temporary to Timeless Take Inventory – time and treasures… read more