The Joshua Victor Theory

  Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, and from the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Walk, walk, walk. The Bible talks a good bit about walking. Not the walking your dog type of walking, but how you conduct your life. A good walk vs. a bad walk. Walking in the way of righteousness vs. the way of wickedness. God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, while darkness and pitfalls surround the pathways of disobedience and lawlessness. In Exodus today God tests the Israelites: whether they will walk in His law or not (Exodus 16:4). Then Paul urges us: “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” Walk worthily or walk unworthily. The Scripture is full of this contrast. To walk worthily, you must know the difference between a good and bad walk. Just like to seek health, you must know the difference between health and sickness. You can’t be doing destructive things to the body. To seek justice, you must know the difference betwe...

Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen. Of all the topics debated during the Reformation, and of all the teachings of the Christian faith that the Lutheran Reformers stood for, justification was the most important. Martin Luther and the Reformers called the teaching of justification the “ article on which the church stands or falls.” If the article of justification is destroyed, the church falls; so we have the highest duty to get this teaching right. The main question is whether justification includes our good works, or rests on faith alone. Our Gospel shows our salvation depends on this teaching! How does “justification” tie in with our reading today? The parable of the Pharisee and tax collector, says it was that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who went home justified. Probably if we use the word “justify” in our daily conversation, it’s almost always to describe someone trying to excuse or defend their own beh...

1. Jesus’ departure and return. Amazing that Christ makes us stewards of His gifts so that we be found faithful when He returns. Keys to the kingdom of heaven. Speaking the forgiveness of sins that opens heaven to repentant believers. It also locks the gate to those who have no sorrow over their sin, or reject the Savior Jesus. 2. Stewards of our time—not wasteful or lazy, as the unworthy servant. Stewards of our treasure. Money is a gift that God entrusts to us. Put it to good use. NT teaches giving motivated out of thankfulness and joy, not begrudgingly. But should be done and developed as a discipline. Expected to put it to good use. 3. If we take something of worth that God gives to us, and we bury it for no use, then we will be found poor and faithless stewards. But if we put it to use, it will be for the benefit of others. 4. Our talents. Parable about money, but wider application intended. Different gifts, according to our ability. Not for jealousy ...