Wrestling with Theology

I am of the opinion, indeed, that here one will find his hands full ‹and will have enough› to do to keep these commandments: meekness, patience, love towards enemies, chastity, kindness, and other such virtues and their implications [Galatians 5:22–23]. But such works are not of value and make no display in the world’s eyes. For these are not peculiar and proud works. They are not restricted to pa...

In common trade, one carefully slips something out of another’s hand, so that the latter must watch out. Or one person surprises and cheats another in a matter where he sees advantage and benefit for himself. Then the person who was cheated, perhaps on account of distress or debt, cannot regain or redeem the property without damage. The other person gains the half or even more. Yet this property m...

This last commandment, therefore, is given not for cheaters in the eyes of the world. It is for the most pious, who want to be praised and to be called honest and upright people. For they have not offended against the former commandments, as especially the Jewish people claimed to live, and are even now many great noblemen, gentlemen, and princes. For the other common masses belong yet further dow...

All this has been said about secret sins. But where the sin is quite public, so that the judge and everybody know about it, you can without any sin shun the offender and let him go his own way, because he has brought himself into disgrace. You may also publicly testify about him. For when a matter is public in the daylight, there can be no slandering or false judging or testifying. It is like when...

But you say, “Shall I not say something if it is the truth?” Answer: “Why do you not make your accusation to regular judges?” “Ah, I cannot prove it publicly, and so I might be silenced and turned away in a harsh manner.” “Ah, indeed, do you smell the roast?” If you do not trust yourself to stand before the proper authorities and to answer well, then hold your tongue. But if you know about it, kno...

Over and above our own body, spouse, and temporal possessions, we still have another treasure—honor and good reputation [Proverbs 22:1]. We cannot do without these. For it is intolerable to live among people in open shame and general contempt. Therefore, God does not want the reputation, good name, and upright character of our neighbor to be taken away or diminished, just as with his money and pos...

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his deed (Proverbs 19:17).

In short, if you steal much, you can expect that much will be stolen from you. He who robs and gets by violence and wrong will submit to one who shall act the same way toward him. For God is master of this art. Since everyone robs and steals from one another, God punishes one thief by means of another. Or else where would we find enough gallows and ropes? (245)

This is, in short, the way of the world: whoever can steal and rob openly goes free and secure, unmolested by anyone, and even demands that he be honored. Meanwhile, the little burglars, who have once trespassed, must bear the shame and punishment to make the former thieves appear godly and honorable. But let such open thieves know that in God’s sight they are the greatest thieves. He will punish...

In the second place, you must know also that marriage is not only an honorable but also a necessary state. In general and in all conditions it is solemnly commanded by God that men and women, who were created for marriage, shall be found in this estate. Yet there are some exceptions (although few) whom God has especially set apart. They are not fit for the married estate. Or there are individuals...

But this commandment is aimed directly at the state of marriage and gives us an opportunity to speak about it. First, understand and mark well how gloriously God honors and praises this estate. For by His commandment He both approves and guards it. He has approved it above in the Fourth Commandment, “Honor your father and your mother.” But here He has (as we said) hedged it about and protected it....

United Center Strap Match: 'Gorgeous' Jimmy Garvin vs 'Gentleman' Chris Adams IAW International Tag Team Titles Match: Pretty Wonderful (c) vs Acolytes American Heavyweight Title Mississippi Mud Match

Second, a person who does evil to his neighbor is not the only one guilty under this commandment. It also applies to anyone who can do his neighbor good, prevent or resist evil, defend, and save his neighbor so that no bodily harm or hurt happen to him—yet does not do this. If, therefore, you send away someone who is naked when you could clothe him, you have caused him to freeze to death. If you s...

Renaissance Coliseum James Storm vs Marc Mero 'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol vs Beefstew Lou Marconi Nightmares vs Too Cool Rick 'The Model' Martel vs Ultimo Dragon Non-Title Match: 'Dirty' Dick Slater & Italian Stallion vs Acolytes Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Iceman King Parsons (c) vs Iron Mike Sharpe IAW United States Heavyweight Title Match: Magnum T.A. vs...

State Farm Center Dark Horse Title Match: Barry Horowitz (c) vs 'Dangerous' Doug Gilbert American Tag Team Titles Match: 'Dirty' Dick Slater & Italian Stallion (c) vs Too Cool Cage Match: 'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs 'Gorgeous' Jimmy Garvin IAW United States Heavyweight Tournament Semifinals Magnum T.A. (PWA) vs Kerry von Erich (MCW) Greg 'The Hammer' Vale...

The cause and need of this commandment is that God well knows that the world is evil, and that this life has much unhappiness. Therefore, He has set up this and the other commandments between the good people and the evil. Now, just as there are many attacks on all commandments, so the same happens also with this commandment. We must live among many people who do us harm, and we have a reason to be...

Victorious Deliverance Reading: Daniel 3 Hymn: All Glory, Laud, and Honor Psalm: All You Works of the Lord (LSB #931)

Victorious Fearlessness Reading: Zephaniah 3 Hymn: Be Still My Soul Psalm: 85

Victorious Repentance Reading: Jonah 3 Hymn: O Love, How Deep Psalm: Jonah 2:2-9

The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ Drawn from the Four Gospels V. Calvary

Victorious Redeemer Reading: Job 19 Hymn: I Know That My Redeemer Lives Psalm: 16

Victorious Resurrection Reading: Ezekiel 37 Hymn: Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted Psalm: 51:8-15

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Victorious Song Reading: Deuteronomy 31 Hymn: We Sing the Praise of Him Who Dies Psalm: Song from Deuteronomy (LSB #926)

Victorious Heart Reading: Ezekiel 36 Hymn: Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle Psalm: 96