The Joshua Victor Theory

  In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Today, August 15 th , we commemorate the Virgin Mary, mother of our Lord Jesus. Some Lutherans and other Protestants don’t know how to recognize St. Mary or are worried about seeming “too Catholic.” The Roman Catholic church encourages prayers to Mary (“Hail Mary’s), as an additional mediator between us and God. 1 Timothy 2:5 says there is only one Mediator between God and man, and that is Jesus Christ. So, we believe our prayers go direct to God through Jesus, with no other middleman or middle woman is between us. Pastors, priests, and even Mary, the mother of our Lord have no special “inside channel” to God. But every person may bow their heads in prayer and call upon the Name of the Lord. So, we don’t elevate Mary in that way, but Lutherans go a middle way to honor the saints, not by worshipping them or praying to them, but by remembering their example of faith, and imitating their trust in the Lord. S...

Sermon Outline: ·          Paul’s mini-story—blasphemer (evil and foolish words against God), persecutor (tried to destroy the church), and insolent opponent (did great damage to the church through words and violence—opposed the Gospel, arrested, gave approval of martyrdom), acted ignorantly in unbelief. Why the story? Why him? That God might make an example of him for those who were to believe (for us!). ·          What kind of example? What does it usually mean? To strike fear? Create doubt or dread?  No! To create hope—not lose hope! To give comfort and joy to the troubled conscience. See Jesus love on display. You are counted in. Example that shows the greatest sinner was not outside of God’s merciful reach. Example that “Magnifies the Grace of God.” ·          Define “magnify” in context of this theme—not a “magnifying glass”—as though God’s grace and ...