“Know this: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:10-12
One Name That Saves
Some people say that all spiritual paths lead to the same place. The idea sounds appealing, kind, and welcoming. It sounds peaceful. But is it true?
When Simon Peter spoke to the religious council in Jerusalem, he refused to soften his message. He did not hold back. He declared that salvation—rescue from sin, death, and judgment—comes through one name: Jesus Christ.
Peter did not offer Jesus as one option among many teachers. He did not portray Jesus as a guide who points the way toward truth or salvation. He proclaimed that no other name saves. Jesus is not an option. He is the only Savior.
People sometimes resist hearing that only one name saves. It challenges our pride. We want to be able to prove ourselves, to showcase our effort, and proclaim, “See! I did it myself.”
But if rescue rested on us, one question would always haunt us: Have I done enough?
As our substitute, Jesus did enough. He lived the life we fail to live. He suffered our curse. He died our death. And he rose from the grave to prove that he has finished the work to save us.
In Jesus, your doubt, fear, and worry—are silenced! And not just for you. Jesus solves the problem of sin for the whole world. Which means salvation does not depend on our performance. It rests in Christ. So, forgiveness is not something we earn. Life is not something we must win. Salvation is not something we secure for ourselves. It is a gift God gives to all who trust in Jesus Christ.
Guaranteed. Certain. Secure.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for being the Savior the world needs. Strengthen my faith in you and help me share your saving name with others. Amen.
“I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death.” Psalm 118:17-18
I Will Live
Sometimes life’s thread snaps. We trust it to hold until suddenly there is too much tension. A doctor provides a diagnosis. An early morning phone call startles you awake. A perfectly normal drive to work turns into a crash that lands you in the hospital. In an instant, everything changes.
In moments like this, we remember what we prefer to ignore: We are not in control of our lives. We plan, we manage, we secure. But in the blink of an eye, our limitations are exposed.
That is why the psalmist’s words stand out. In the middle of hardship, the psalmist declares, “I will not die but live.”
How could he say that? It’s not arrogance. It’s faith. He knew who held his life. Even when the Lord disciplined him, the Lord did not abandon him. The Lord guided, guarded, and preserved him. Those words gain their fullest meaning in Jesus.
On Easter morning, Jesus rose from the dead. Death attacked him with everything it had, but it could not hold him. Because Jesus lives, death no longer has the final word. That means this confession becomes our own.
Death is not our end. We don’t fade into nothingness when we die. Because Jesus defeated death, whoever trusts in him will live even after dying.
One day, Jesus will sound the alarm, and those who fell asleep in him will wake to live with him forever. With fresh eyes, we will see God and live with him forever. What joy and comfort that promise gives!
No matter what tension today brings, your story does not end with death. The Lord holds your life in his hands. So even in hardship, we confess: I will not die but live!
Prayer:
Living Savior, you opened the door to eternal life. Fill me with confidence in your promises and help me proclaim what you have done. Amen.
Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” Acts 17:22-23
The True God Is Not Unknown
During the time of the apostle Paul, the people of Athens worshipped many gods. They were concerned, however, that they might not know about all the gods, and a slighted god may bring some disastrous consequences on them. So, in all their idol worship, they set up another altar to a god they didn’t know.
We may look down our noses in our scientific enlightenment at these ignorant heathens. But are we really that much different? What would Paul see if we invited him to walk in our lives? He might not encounter small statues made of silver or gold that we pray to. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t tempted to worship idols. Consider that an idol for us is really anything, anyplace, or anyone that we hold more important than God or what he commands. We need to honestly ask: have we ever set our hearts on money or things that money can buy more than on God and his promises? Or has one click on the computer screen ever led us to seek happiness and pleasure in the wrong places?
Satan would have us despair of ever knowing God and the salvation he accomplished for us. He would say, “With all your sin, why would God want to know you?” The truth is that God sought you and me out and revealed himself to us through his Son. The true God is not unknown to us. By the power of the Holy Spirit through the gospel, you and I know God. We know that he has forgiven our sins through Jesus. And for that reason, we will know God forever.
Prayer:
God, you have opened my eyes to see you as my Savior and know you as my Lord. Continue to reveal yourself to me through your Word that I may grow in my knowledge of your love and grow closer in my relationship with you. Amen.
Conference of Presidents spring meeting The Conference of Presidents (COP) met for its spring meeting April 8-9. Here are some of the items they discussed or decided: Three new COP members were chosen as COP […]
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Storm update Over the past week, severe weather in the Midwest has impacted many WELS congregations as well as their members and neighbors. Pastor Dan Sims, director, WELS Christian Aid and Relief, […]
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God’s work in Ukraine continues Our sister church the Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC), along with all the citizens of Ukraine, has been experiencing the hardship and suffering caused by four years of a terrible and […]
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WELS Home Missions approves three new mission starts At its spring meeting, the WELS Board for Home Missions approved three new mission starts, continuing its work of bringing the gospel to growing communities across the United States while […]
31 The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, pay attention: Satan has asked to have you all, so that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have returned to me, strengthen your brothers.”
33 He said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!”
34 But Jesus replied, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you deny three times that you know me.”
35 He said to them, “When I sent you out without money bag, traveler’s bag, and sandals, did you lack anything?”
“Nothing,” they said.
36 Then he told them, “But now, let the one who has a money bag take it, and likewise a traveler’s bag. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘He was counted with transgressors.’ [1] Indeed, what is written about me is going to have its fulfillment.”
38 They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.”
He said to them, “That is enough.”
Gethsemane
39 Jesus left and went out to the Mount of Olives, as was his custom. His disciples followed him. 40 When he reached the place, he told them, “Keep praying that you may not enter into temptation.”
41 He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.”
43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 As he was in agony, he prayed more fervently. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling to the ground. [2]
45 When he rose from prayer, he went to the disciples and found them sleeping as a result of sorrow. 46 He said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and keep praying so that you may not enter into temptation.”
Footnotes
Luke 22:37 Isaiah 53:12
Luke 22:44 A few witnesses to the text omit verses 43-44.
14 When the hour had come, Jesus reclined at the table with the twelve apostles. 15 He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, 16 for I tell you, I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”
17 He took a cup, gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves, 18 for I tell you, from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
The Lord’s Supper
19 He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, he took the cup after the supper, saying, “This cup is the new testament [1] in my blood, which is being poured out for you.
One Will Betray Jesus
21 “But look, the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22 The Son of Man is going to go as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!”
23 They began to discuss with one another which of them it was who was going to do this.
Who Is Greatest?
24 A dispute arose among the disciples about which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 But he told them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called Benefactors. 26 But it is not to be that way with you. Instead, let the greatest among you become like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, one who reclines at the table or one who serves? Isn’t it the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You are those who have remained with me in my trials. 29 I am going to grant a kingdom to you, just as my Father granted to me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
Footnotes
Luke 22:20 As in last will and testament. See Galatians 3:15.
1 The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching. 2 The chief priests and the experts in the law were trying to find some way to put Jesus to death, because they were afraid of the people. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. 4 He went away and spoke with the chief priests and officers of the temple guard about how he could betray Jesus to them. 5 They were glad and agreed to give him money. 6 He promised to do it and was looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus to them away from the crowd.
Jesus Celebrates the Passover
7 The day of Unleavened Bread arrived, when it was necessary to sacrifice the Passover lamb. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go prepare the Passover for us, so that we may eat it.”
9 They said to him, “Where do you want us to prepare it?”
10 He told them, “Just as you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters. 11 Tell the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ 12 He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there.” 13 They went and found things just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And on the earth nations will be in anguish, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the surging waves, 26 people fainting from fear and expectation of the things coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. [1]28 But when these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.”
29 He told them a parable. “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 As soon as they are sprouting leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is actually near. 31 So also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Amen I tell you: This generation [2] will not pass away until all these things happen. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Be Ready!
34 “Watch yourselves or else your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the worries of this life, and that day may come on you suddenly. [3]35 For it will come like a trap on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Stay alert all the time, praying that you may be able to escape all these things that are going to happen and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
37 During the days, Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, and each night he would go out and spend the night on the Mount of Olives. 38 And all the people came early in the morning to listen to him in the temple courts.
Footnotes
Luke 21:27 Daniel 7:13
Luke 21:32 Or kind of people
Luke 21:34 A few witnesses to the text read suddenly like a trap. Yes, it will come on all those . . .
1 Jesus looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the offering box. 2 He saw a poor widow there putting in two small coins. [1]3 He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than everyone, 4 for all these put in some of their leftovers as gifts to God, [2] but she, out of her poverty, put in all that she had to live on.”
The Destruction of Jerusalem and the End of the World
5 As some were talking about the temple, how it was decorated with beautiful stones and offerings, Jesus said, 6 “These things that you see here—the days will come when there will not be one stone left on another—every one will be thrown down.”
7 They asked him, “Teacher, when will these things happen? And what is the sign that these things are about to happen?”
8 He said, “Watch out so that you are not deceived! For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 Whenever you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end will not be right then.”
10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places. There will be horrifying sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, handing you over to synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name’s sake. 13 It will turn out to be your opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand how to defend yourselves, 15 for I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, [3] relatives, and friends. They will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all people for my name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By patient endurance you will gain your lives.
20 “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let those who are inside the city get out. Let those who are in the country not enter the city. 22 For these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that has been written. 23 How terrible it will be for those who are pregnant and nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken captive to all nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Footnotes
Luke 21:2 Literally lepta. One lepton was a coin worth about 1⁄128 of an agricultural worker’s daily wages.
Luke 21:4 Or put in gifts to God from their abundance
Luke 21:16 Greek adelphoi. Depending on the context, this plural word may refer to brothers or siblings (including any sisters). See Luke 14:26 where the text literally says brothers and sisters.
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The Conference of Presidents (COP) met for its spring meeting April 8-9. Here are some of the items they discussed or decided: Three new COP members were chosen as COP […]
Under the theme “Rest,” the conference included worship, devotions, Bible studies, and free time for fellowship. Guest speaker Don Patterson, WELS’ South Central district president, developed Bible studies to help […]
Over the past week, severe weather in the Midwest has impacted many WELS congregations as well as their members and neighbors. Pastor Dan Sims, director, WELS Christian Aid and Relief, […]
At its spring meeting, the WELS Board for Home Missions approved three new mission starts, continuing its work of bringing the gospel to growing communities across the United States while […]