The blessed virgin Mary
Mary is blessed, because Mary knows the way God works and because she knows His promises, and she knows that in her womb grows her savior.
Contributors
Craig Donofrio
Craig Donofrio is the Pastor of St. James Lutheran Church in Cleveland, OH. He began his ministry after graduating from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 1998 with an M.Div. Craig has served congregations from New London, CT to Pasadena, CA. After serving as a missionary based out of the Czech Republic, he moved to Cleveland to serve as the Pastor of St. James Lutheran Church where he co-hosts the 1517 podcast, “For You Radio." Craig has been a personality in radio and podcasting since 1993.
For You
Most Recent
Christmas: It's inconceivable!
What is Christmas all about? It's inconceivable, but nevertheless about Christ being conceived. The word of God was promised, and that promise was Jesus.
Bring me a child!
What does it mean to become a child in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven? Pride and earthly strength compete with Christlike humility.
Demons, death, and taxes
"You have little faith" really just means "You think you have a small Jesus." What Jesus promises He is able to do.
Let's build tents!
It's kind of like Peter's main job at this point is to be an example of what not to do. Praise God that Jesus is and does more than we can imagine. Special guest appearance by Producer Lou.
From rock of church to rock of offense
"Take up your cross and follow me" . . . what does this mean?
It's a rocky road for Peter
The confession of Jesus as the Christ is the firm foundation of the Church. Even as Peter was called blessed in confessing this, so too are we.
The Messiah that's the repetitive and redundant Messiah
In the constant search for new and novel experiences, are we forsaking the simple word of God? Beware of the leaven of novelty.
Here we (still) stand: Reformation part II
Craig and Troy pick up where they left off last week and explore the spiritual meaning of the Reformation
Not Guilty! A Sermon for Reformation Day
In contrast to the human courts of our land, the Divine court never makes errors nor excuses
What's the deal with the Reformation?
In honor of the upcoming Reformation Day, Craig and Troy discuss the history, background, and gospel importance of the Lutheran Reformation.
Jesus and the crumb-y dog-woman
Jesus came not only for the sheep, but apparently for the dogs as well. You won't believe what happens when she asks for a favor.
Clean hands but a dirty heart
Tradition in service of the gospel is good. Demanding the gospel serve tradition shows the filth of your heart.
Kerplunk!
Jesus proves His divinity by not only being master over creation, but in being master of life and death. Peter proves both his faith and faithlessness by putting his eyes on Jesus and then immediately taking them back off.
Dinner rolls for all!
One one level, Jesus does an impressive work of feeding 5,000+ with just a few rolls and some fish. But on a deeper level, we see Jesus preparing the eternal feast for you.
Off with his head!
Herod fulfills his promise so that Jesus can fulfill His; John decreases, Jesus increases.
A thesaurus of good margaritas
Craig and Troy riff on rapid-fire parables, and Jesus trains us for the Kingdom. Go back and check out our series on parables at https://tinyurl.com/y7h8hjve
On wheat and weeds and mustard seeds
What happens when Jesus tells a parable about His Kingdom? Craig and Troy discuss Christ's Kingdom operates.
Sow what?
Sow, Jesus seeds a parable and a pun, and lettuce understand. But when the corn grows, what ears hear and what ears don't?
We are family
. . . or are we an evil and adulterous generation? The difference is whether the Holy Spirit will cause us to hear the Word, or not
. . . and STILL Lord of the Sabbath
Jesus doubles down on being Lord of the Sabbath, and the Pharisees call Him satanic. But that makes no sense! Jesus is not satanic, He's the One who binds Satan and steals his stuff.
Lord of the Sabbath
Jesus not only desires mercy, but gives mercy. Our sacrifices will never satisfy the demands of the Law, but Christ's sacrifice for us gives all the holiness the law requires.
Look at you! . . . well, on second thought . . .
Is repentance really just an afterthought or a one-time event? Or is it the way of the Christian life in which God turns us away from ourselves and towards His Son.
Are you the guy, or is there another guy?
. . . to which Jesus answers, "Why? What have you heard?" Jesus challenges all the doubts about Himself and demands we believe in who He truly is.
It's not you, it's Him.
What does the Prince of Peace mean when He says, "I've come not to bring peace, but a sword?" In sending out The Twelve, Jesus reminds us all of just Who is our very identity.