Sermon on Luke 21.25-36 for Populus Zion, the 2nd Sunday in Advent

Sermon on Ephesians 4.1-6 and Luke 14.1-11 for the Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity

Sermon on Ephesians 3.13-21 and Luke 7.11-17 for the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity

In Daniel 7, the prophet sees the Ancient of Days giving authority to One like the Son of Man. How can Christ receive authority from God the Father if He is God? How is Christ divine if God the Father works through Him, as Christ says in the gospels? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Sermon on Romans 6.19–23 and Mark 8.1–9 for the Seventh Sunday after Trinity.

Is Christ still bodily present in the bread and wine after the Divine Service concludes? How do Christ’s Words of Institution guide us in the best way to answer and treat the elements after everyone has communed? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Sermon on Luke 15:1-10 for the Third Sunday after Trinity and the Third Day of the Kerrville Flood.

Sermon on Luke 14.16-24 for the Second Sunday after Trinity.

Since Mary gave birth to Christ’s body, does this make her the mother of the church, since St. Paul calls the church “the body of Christ” on several occasions? Check out these similar videos: Is Mary Queen of Heaven? https://youtu.be/OtSINe8SWxk When Did Prayers to Mary Begin? https://youtu.be/PydvXylZY98 Did Mary Remain a Virgin? (Semper Virgo) https://youtu.be/92czItnOgwk Did Luther Believe Mary was Sinless? https://youtu.be/QXVL4PHPZCg Church and Sects https://youtu.be/IV3Nwzr-Uzg If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What should a pastor do when a parishioner hasn't been in worship for a while? How does Christ's earthly ministry inform the pastoral ministry? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Two questions Christ's descend into hell: 1. When did Christ descend into hell if He was with the penitent thief in paradise the day they died? 2.Did Christ descend into hell (the 'place' of the damned) or "the place of the dead" as some modern hymnals render it? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Sermon on 1 Corinthians 11.23-32 for Maundy Thursday.

Why do Lutherans call the main piece of liturgical furniture an altar, especially considering we do not re-sacrifice Christ in the Lord’s Supper as the Roman Church teaches? Why do we call it an altar and not a table?

Sermon on 1 Peter 4.12–19 and Matthew 2.13–23 for second Sunday after Christmas

Sermon on Matthew 24:15-28 for the Third to Last Sunday in the Church Year.

Do the devil and evil angels know they will be defeated and thrown in the lake of fire when Christ returns? If so, why do they still rage in the world and against Christians? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via Paypal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Is the idea of extraterrestrials from other planets compatible with Scripture's doctrine of creation, redemption, and the incarnation of Christ? ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

How could Luther (and Lutherans) believe in amillennialism and that the papacy is the antichrist? If the saints reign with Christ during the church age (i.e. the millennium), how do we understand Daniel 7:25-27? ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What does the Easter Bunny have to with Christ's resurrection? Is it a biblical, natural, or pagan relation? Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

How are Hosea's words, "Out of Egypt I called My Son?" (Hosea 11:1) and Asaph's words in Psalm 78:2 prophesy about Christ? How many ways does God fulfill prophecy? ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x ATP Coffee Mugs: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Are the Jews God's people? Should Christians support the state of Israel? Will there be a universal conversion of the Jews before Christ's return? ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x ATP Coffee Mugs: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What does it mean that the two shall become one flesh? What does this mean for the Church's relationship with Christ? ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x ATP Coffee Mugs: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Seventh Day Adventism teaches that Jesus entered the heavenly sanctuary in 1944 in order to cleanse it. Where does SDA get this teaching? Is it Scriptural? What does it do to Christ's atonement? Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Get the book "Questions on Baptism" here: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug

In Holy Communion are we eating and drinking Christ's body and blood that was on the cross or His resurrected body? Want the script for this episode with all Pastor's sources cited so that you can look them up yourself? Get it by becoming a monthly patron. Go to https://www.patreon.com/askthepastor Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Get the books here: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug

Is Peter the rock upon which Christ builds His Church? What's the significance between the words Petros (Peter) and Petra (rock)? Is is appropriate to argue from an Aramaic text of St. Matthew's Gospel? Want the script for this episode with all Pastor's sources cited so that you can look them up yourself? Get it by becoming a monthly patron. Go to https://www.patreon.com/askthepastor Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Get the books here: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug

How does Christ free from entanglement into sin? Does the human will plays a role in this respect? What is the relation between the declaration of forgiveness and freedom from the entangling sin? Get the book "Questions on Baptism" here: https://tinyurl.com/bhp923r8 Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Listen to ATP as a podcast here: https://anchor.fm/ask-the-pastor Support ATP directly: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Why was an in time limited punishment of Christ at the cross enough in exchange for an infinite punishment of all people for eternity in hell? Support ATP on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/askthepastor Get your ATP mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Support ATP directly: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What does it mean that the Spirit, water, and blood witness to Christ? What about the three who witness in heaven, "the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit?" (And why is this called the "Johannine Comma?") Support ATP on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/askthepastor Get your ATP mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Support ATP directly: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Is there theological significance to the soldiers gambling for Christ's clothing and the seamless tunic? Get your ATP mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Support ATP here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Why were Enoch and Elijah taken to heaven without death? Where did Old Testament believers go with they died, and what, if anything, did Christ's descend into Hell have to do with them? Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to ATP. And if you'd like to support ATP, go here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What is Gesimatide and why do Lutherans celebrate Christ's Transfiguration at the end of the Epiphany season? What do these Sundays and their arrangement in the Church's year teach us? Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to ATP. And if you'd like to support ATP, go here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

If the Old Testament forbids eating flesh with the blood in it, why is it okay for Christ to give us His blood to drink? Does believe in Christ's bodily presence in the Lord's Supper lead into the heresy of Docetism? Like, Share, & Subscribe! And if you'd like to support ATP, go here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

In Mark 13:32 Jesus says only the Father knows the Last Day. Does this mean Jesus isn't divine? What does Christ's answer teach us about His incarnation? Give the video a like. Share it on Facebook. Support ATP by going to https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Did Luther believe Mary was sinless, or purified from original sin at some point in her life? Why did he say that she gave birth to Christ without pain? If you'd like to support the worldwide ministry of Ask The Pastor, give our videos a thumbs up and share them on social media to help get the whole counsel of God out to the whole world. You can donate to ATP here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What should churches do in climates where wheat or barley and grapes can't be grown? Can other elements be substituted for the elements Christ instituted? What does natural bread and natural wine mean, and what is the best way to keep uncertainty about the elements at bay? If you'd like to support the worldwide ministry of Ask The Pastor, give our videos a thumbs up and share them on social media to help get the whole counsel of God out to the whole world. You can donate to ATP here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Does man consist of a body and a soul, or a body, a soul, and a spirit? How does Scripture speak and what does it mean for Christ's incarnation and our salvation?

Can the Sacrament of Christ's body and blood be reserved and adored apart from the celebration of the Sacrament? Does Roman Catholic Adoration fulfill Christ's institution of the Sacrament? Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to ATP on YoutTube. If you'd like to support the ministry of ATP, donate any amount at https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What does it mean that God elected people to salvation in view of faith? Many claim this makes faith the cause of our election, rather than the grace of God and the merits of Christ. Is this a right understanding of Intuitu Fidei or does it mean something else? Want to support ATP? Like the video. Subscribe to the Channel. Share the videos on social media. Support ATP at https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Why does the Church celebrate Christ's birth on December 25? Was the date selected to "Christianize" the pagan festival of the Unconquerable Sun (Sol Invictus) or was it the other way around? Make sure to Subscribe to ATP if you haven't already (click the "bell" icon so that you'll be notified when new episodes are available). You can share ATP videos on social media, and if you'd like to support the ministry of ATP, you can do so here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What's the difference between the Disciples of Christ (the denomination) and Lutherans?

Who was Melchizedek? How was priesthood different from the Levitical priesthood? Pastor explores Hebrews 7 and Genesis 14 to see how Melchizedek teaches us about our Lord Jesus Christ. Make sure to subscribe to ATP, share it on social media, and support ATP at: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What does Lutheran Christology (what we believe about Christ's two natures) have to do with His presence in the Lord's Supper? Make sure to subscribe to ATP, share it on social media, and support ATP at: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Do Lutherans believe in the substitutionary atonement? Do they believe in the imputation of righteousness? What did Christ accomplish on the cross and for whom did He accomplish it? If you'd like to support ATP, you can do so here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Don't forget to subscribe to ATP and if you've found this video helpful, share it on social media with your friends!

Does God speak to us in prayer? Silence? Intuition? Our thoughts? Where do the Scriptures and Christ tell us to listen for His voice? If you'd like to support ATP, you can do so here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Don't forget to subscribe to ATP and if you've found this video helpful, share it on social media with your friends!

Do all churches have the Lord's Supper? Is Christ bodily present to forgive sins in the celebrations of those who deny the Words of Institution? What is it that effects the Sacrament? Thanks for watching ATP! Don't forget to subscribe (clicking the notification bell). If you'd like to support the ministry of ATP, you can do so here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Why did Christ descend into Hell? Was it to continue suffering for the sins of the world? Was it to declare victory over sin, death, and the devil? What does Christ's descent into Hell mean for those who believe the promise of the Gospel? Pastor tackles two viewer's questions about Hell in this episode of ATP. Don't forget to share ATP with someone and subscribe, clicking the notification bell so you don't miss future episodes of Ask The Pastor.

Since Christ instituted the blessed Sacrament using wine, and the Minimum Legal Drinking age in every state is 21, is it legal for minors to partake of the Lord's Supper? How can the minor communicant render to God what is God's and to Caesar what it is? If you like Ask The Pastor, consider sharing this video on social media, subscribing to ATP on YouTube (and hit the notification bell so you don't miss an episode), or donate to the ministry of ATP here: tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Check out the first chapter of Justification Made Clear" at https://youtu.be/7HJs5sbAnyo How do Objective Justification and Subjective Justification go together? What is the object of faith in Objective Justification? Also: How does justification take place outside of ourselves (extra nos) and yet is not objective in nature? Is it the justification that's objective or Christ's merits and righteousness? Don't forget to Share ATP's videos on social media AND subscribe (clicking the notification bell!) so that you don't miss a single episode of Ask The Pastor.

Since the time of the Reformations, the Reformed have offered several arguments against Christ's bodily presence in the Lord's Supper? How does one respond to the Reformed's interpretation of the Words of Institution? How are Christ's words to be read? Thanks for watching! Don't forget to share this week's video on Facebook, but not before you subscribe to ATP on YouTube! Email your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com, but know that the inbox is seriously stuffed at the moment so will take some time for your question to be answered. While you wait, peruse ATP's many playlists!

If Christians are separated from a faithful pastor by distance or disability can they commune themselves? Does Christ's institution of the Sacrament allow this practice? What should a person do in these situations? You know the drill: Like. Share. Subscribe. Hit the notification bell. Email your question to atpholycross@gmail.com. And as always, thanks for watching!

An Eastern Orthodox theologian wrote a work entitled "The River of Fire" which posits that God is not wrathful toward sinners because He is good. The paper posits that Western Theology, which teaches God's wrath and Christ's atonement, causes atheism. This episode of ATP interacts with "The River of Fire" and compares its theology to Scripture.

The title says it all. In this episode of ATP pastor looks at Ecclesiastes 6:6 in the context of the chapter AND the entire book to find if Solomon is teaching that all people, regardless of faith in Christ, are saved. Thanks for watching. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to ATP.

How should Christians react when they see blasphemous and inflammatory comments about Christ and the Christian faith on social media? Scripture doesn't address social media, but it does speak to our interpersonal communication with one another. Thanks for watching. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to ATP. If you have a question for pastor, email him at atpholycross@gmail.com

Is it okay to bow down to, kiss, or reverence icons, statues, and other images of Christ and the saints? Can Christians even have icons and images? If so, how do they treat them? All this and then some in this episode of ATP. Thanks for watching. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to ATP so you don't miss a single episode. Above all, email your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com and Pastor will answer your question as soon as he's able.

Why did Christ give Christians His true body and blood to eat and drink? Pastor explores the Words of Institution from St. Matthew's Gospel and St. Paul's account of them in 1 Corinthians 11. Send your questions(s) to atpholycross@gmail.com. While you're waiting for your video to be posted, make sure and like, share the video, and subscribe to ATP. Thanks for watching!

What is the "sin against the Holy Spirit" which Christ says is unpardonable? How does one know if he's committed it? Are we ever beyond the grace of God in this life? Find out in this episode of ATP. Send your question(s) to atpholycross@gmail.com and Pastor will answer them in the order he receives them. While you wait for your answer, you should like Holy Cross Kerrville on Facebook, share this video with someone, and subscribe to ATP so that you don't miss a single post. Thanks for watching!

What are the qualifications to be Lutheran Pastor? For such an important office which Christ has instituted, He has placed just such a list twice in the Scriptures (1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1). In this episode Pastor goes through 1 Timothy 3 and expounds on what God requires of those who desire to serve in the preaching office. Send your question(s) to atpholycross@gmail.com and Pastor will answer it as he's able. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe.

Is Jesus speaking of the Lord's Supper in John 6 when He teaches that to have life we must eat His flesh and drink His blood? What is the best way to approach this text and how does it point to faith in Christ? This and more in today's episode of ATP. Send your question to atpholycross@gmail.com and Pastor will answer it as he's able. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!

Another question about which Bible translation to buy, along with a question about the value of private confession and absolution. Today Pastor deals with these questions and talks about the opportunity to confess our sins to our pastor and receive Christ's forgiveness, from the pastor as if from God Himself. Thanks for watching. Send your question(s) to atpholycross@gmail.com. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe. Also, if you'd like to help get the word out about ATP and look cool doing it, get an ATP T-Shirt here: http://tinyurl.com/knoy2w9

A Twofer! What do we make of the KJV's translation of "pascha" as "Easter" in Acts 12:4? What does Pastor think about the Shroud of Turin? Today we discuss the true Passover (Christ) and His way of attaching His Word of promise to visible means and what that means for the use of relics such as the Shroud. Thanks for watching. You should do all these things: 1. Like Holy Cross Kerrville's Facebook Page 2. Share your favorite ATP videos to your FB feed 3. Subscribe to ATP's Youtube Channel 4. Get your ATP Tshirt (http://tinyurl.com/knoy2w9) to help get the Word out about ATP AND have comfortable clothing. 5. Email your questions to pastor at atpholycross@gmail.com

Why does the Roman Church commune their people with only the bread (Christ's body)? Why doesn't Rome commune them with the wine (Christ's blood)? This is an issue near and dear to the Lutheran Confessions so they provide a good answer. Thanks for watching. Don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and tell a friend at ATP. Send your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com and Pastor will answer them as soon as he's able.

How does the Mormon Church, or Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, stack up against the Scriptures and the historic Christian faith? That's what's on tap in this episode of ATP. Don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and send your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com. If you like ATP and want to help more folks come into contact with it, check out the ATP tshirt at: http://tinyurl.com/zeoahry

A viewer asks why God allows these sorts of afflictions in people's lives. The question could be asked of any affliction and suffering that the Lord allows to befall us. Pastor looks at what the Scriptures teach about the effects of sin in our world and how Christ demonstrates His glory in our crosses and afflictions, no matter what they may be. If you'd like to Ask The Pastor something, send him an email at atpholycross@gmail.com and he'll answer it as soon as he's able. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Thanks for watching!

Today a view shares the story of his spiritual journey and asks if he can return to the Lutheran church even though he's been rebaptized several times. The answer is of course, "yes!" In this video Pastor talks about how the Christian life does not consist of multiple baptisms, but one baptism which is lived in throughout life. The baptismal life IS the deepest and most personal relationship with Christ one can attain by the grace of God. Send your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com and pastor will answer them as he's able. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and like Ask The Pastor!

"Why do Paul and John act as if Jesus would return soon? That's what Pastor deals with in today's episode of ATP. Since the apostles believe that Christ's return in imminent, how do they teach Christians to live with that knowledge and use that watchful hope for their own good and the good of others? Watch to find out. If you have a question you'd like to Ask The Pastor, email him at atpholycross@gmail.com and he'll answer as he's able. Share the video if you like it and don't forget to subscribe!

An astute viewer ponders the presence of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar. He asks if Christ's true body and blood could have been present at the first supper, but then absent from all subsequent celebrations of the Lord's Supper. In this video we look at how we view the efficacy of the Word of God and does it truly "endure forever?" Email your questions for Pastor to atpholycross@gmail.com and he'll answer them as he is able. Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe!

Two questions today, both dealing with attending seminary to prepare for the good work of the ministry. A viewer asks, "What seminary should I attend in California?" while another asks, "Why is St. Ignatius Lutheran Theological Seminary the best Lutheran seminary?" How do we approach preparation for Christ's ministry and what sorts of things ought we prayerfully consider in this decision? Here are some web sites about St. Ignatius Lutheran Theological Seminary: SEMINARY WEBSITE http://saintignatiusseminary.com/ SEMINARY FACEBOOK FEED https://www.facebook.com/SaintIgnatiusLutheranTheologicalSeminary/ SEMINARY CATALOG https://www.createspace.com/4473590

One of the Lord's most puzzling parables is the parable of the unjust steward in Luke 16:1-9. What exactly is Christ commending? What trait of the shrewd steward is the disciple to emulate? In short, what does this mean??? In this edition of ATP we tackle this parable and see that the Lord is encouraging His disciples to good works for their neighbor. If you've got questions ATP will answer them. Send your question(s) to atpholycross@gmail.com and we'll post an answer here. Don't forget to subscribe!

When Christ returns, what will happen? This article takes a brief (but deep) look at Christ's second advent, what will happen, and what WON'T happen. This article is terribly important to confess rightly in the North American religious scene.

Article 14 is brief but vitally important to the church and Christ's ministry in His church. Who can preach? Can just anybody decide to take on this important task of Christ? How do we tell who is truly called to preach and who is not called by Christ? We'll see how the Scriptures look at the divine call to preach in today's video.

Many folks (even seasoned Lutherans) have been taught to shun confessing their sins to their pastor in order to receive Christ's Absolution. The Lutheran Church retains that practice. Find out why in today's video.

AC8 fills in the gaps from AC7. Since the church is revealed wherever the Word is purely taught and the Sacraments rightly administered, what does one do with hypocritical members and ministers? Does the ministry of Word and Sacrament derive its efficacy from the man or from Christ's promise? That's the trajectory of today's video

We found this deep in the ATP file folder as one that made it onto Facebook back in the day but never to Youtube. You may have noticed more of these are from 'back in the day.' Email your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com.

Is it appropriate to use bread made with leaven (yeast) in the Lord's Supper? Would changing the element tamper with Christ's word? Email your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com

Whenever we say "baptize saves" and "baptism is necessary for salvation" someone will inevitably bring up the example of the thief on the cross as an example against what the Bible says about baptism. If we examine this oft-cited example we see that the thief on the cross actually helps us understand the doctrine of 'baptismal regeneration,' that is, that God does save sinners in baptism. This example also teaches us the necessity of faith in Christ for justification. Questions (on this or any topic) can be sent to apholycross@gmail.com.

A Viewer asks if its appropriate for a confessional Lutheran to celebrate the Corpus Christi (Latin: Body of Christ) Festival. Pastor addresses the "why" of the festival and takes us back to Christ's Words of Institution to see if Corpus Christi stands or falls by Christ's Word. If you've got questions (and come on, really, we know you do) then send them to atpholycross@gmail.com and pastor will answer them as time allows.

Today someone asks if Luther, writing in the preface to the Small Catechism, mixes the kingdom of the Right (the church) with the kingdom of the Left (the State). Here's the Quote: But those who are unwilling to learn it should be told that they deny Christ and are no Christians, neither should they be admitted to the Sacrament, accepted as sponsors at baptism, nor exercise any part of Christian liberty, but should simply be turned back to the Pope and his officials, yea, to the devil himself. Moreover, their parents and employers should refuse them food and drink, and [they would also do well if they were to] notify them that the prince will drive such rude people from the country, etc. And you can find the rest of Luther's Small Catecchism online at http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php Send your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com and we'll answer them as soon as we're able. Thanks!

Does being saved by grace through faith in Christ mean that we can to whatever we want in this life? Does the Law of God have any place in the life of the baptized Christian who is saved purely by God's grace? Watch to find out. Send your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com and we'll answer them as soon as we're able.

Today Pastor cleans out his inbox only to find a long-lost ATP question from a faithful viewer. Someone asks about 'rebaptism' and if by getting rebaptized you turn away from Christ, the one who does the baptizing in the first place. We'll remove the clutter (and the old emails) and get to the bottom of this rebaptism business in this week's ATP. As always, send your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com and we'll answer them as soon as we're able (and as soon as we get the spam filter working again).

Do people have free will? The distinction of "things below us" and "things above us" will help us keep true to what the Scriptures say about our free will (or lack thereof), lest we think that we can contribute anything to our salvation. That glory belongs to Christ alone. For more on this, check out the Augsburg Confess, Article 18 here: http://bookofconcord.org/augsburgconfession.php#article18 And the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article 18 here: http://bookofconcord.org/defense_17_freewill.php As always, send your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com and we'll answer them as we are able.

On Trinity Sunday we confess the Athanasian Creed in the Divine Service. Someone asks, "Does the Athanasian Creed teach salvation by your own works or by faith in Christ?" We'll take a look at the language of the Creed, where that language comes from, and if it is correct to read these verses as teaching that we justified by our works instead of faith.

Sermon on Luke 2.33-40 for the Sunday after Christmas.

Sermon on Luke 2.1-20 for the Eve of Christ's Nativity