There is indeed a responsibility for the church to share the gospel in the world, but never at the expense of the church’s charity and mercy for those neighbors who are nearby.
The only hope for idol-addicted sinners who are utterly incapable of decluttering their souls is Jesus, the one at the heart of the gospel, and the only one who stands before the Father with an undivided heart.
More than a friend, Amsdorf was also an important figure in the work of religious reform, providing counsel to Luther on key occasions, shepherding the churches, and defending the faith until his death.

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That great truth of creedal Christianity – that God is man in Christ – is not set forth for our speculative enjoyment.
Through water, blood, and word, the Spirit never stops pointing us to Christ, and even more, giving us Christ.
Vilification of the other is married to the justification of the self.
The relationship between faith and prayer or belief and worship is mutual. Faith produces prayer and prayer expresses faith.
On May 2nd, Cantate Sunday, in the year 1507, Luther celebrated his first Mass.
Today, Maundy Thursday, we receive the feast of Christ’s true body and blood for us, for the forgiveness of our sins. All of them.
How fitting that we have our feet washed by the very God from whom we once ran in terror and shame.
On this Maundy Thursday, in particular, let the “for you” of Christ’s gifts dominate.
When you are stripped down to nothing, desperate, lowly, you will again know what she knows: the crumbs are enough, Jesus is enough, for you.
Big or small, potential or certain, the despair we may grapple with during this time of year tends to find its end in the fact that things are not as they should be.
Is it possible to celebrate Thanksgiving every time we come together as God’s people as well?
We give thanks to the Father who has made a way for us to sit at his table.