UNWRAPPING BOUND CONSCIENCE

by Dennis D. Nelson

Note:  Many thanks to Larry Becker, NALC pastor in southern California and member of the board of Lutheran CORE, for gathering several of the references and resources that are used in this article. 

Last month I wrote an article for the July issue of our newsletter about the study guide from the task force that is reconsidering the 2009 ELCA human sexuality social statement. HERE is a link to that article.  The study guide focuses on the whole issue of bound conscience, which is the term the social statement uses to describe the fact that people in the ELCA hold different views on same sex relationships.  This month I would like to further explore the whole concept of bound conscience – where it came from, whether it has been helpful, is it being followed, and what we might anticipate for the future.

Pages 19-21 of the original 2009 (the social statement was revised in 2025) version of “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” describe four different positions on same sex relationships that people within the ELCA hold “with conviction and integrity.”  It then says, “Although at this time this church lacks consensus on this matter, it encourages all people to live out their faith . . . with profound respect for the conscience-bound belief of the neighbor.”  It is this whole issue of bound conscience that the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted overwhelmingly (708-93) to reconsider.

HERE is a link to a video from the 2009 Churchwide Assembly where Dr. Timothy Wengert explains the whole concept of bound conscience.  Dr. Wengert is professor emeritus at United Lutheran Seminary (Philadelphia) and was a member of the task force on human sexuality.  The whole motivation is clearly revealed in the comment made by the person who introduces him – to build a case that disagreement on human sexuality need not be church dividing.

When Lutherans think of bound conscience, they naturally first think of Martin Luther’s defense in 1521 at the Diet of Worms.  “My conscience is captive to the Word of God.  I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe.”  For Luther bound conscience was not about different people holding different views “with conviction and integrity” and we need to have profound respect for all.  Bound conscience is not personal conviction, subjective sentiment, political pressure, nor group consensus.  Rather it is submission to the authority of the Word of God. 

But Dr. Wengert – in his introduction – spends the larger portion of his time talking about what he describes as a second way in which bound conscience came up during the Reformation.  That second way had to do with specific, practical, ethical dilemmas such as whether to pressure lay people to receive both bread and wine at communion and rules regarding the practice of fasting.  Dr. Wengert compares the Reformers’ approach to these issues to the way the apostle Paul deals with eating meat offered to idols when he writes to the Romans and the Corinthians. 

Because of what Dr. Wengert places greater emphasis upon, he has reinterpreted bound conscience as giving permission for mutually exclusive moral positions.  As I see it, according to his way of thinking, my conscience becomes bound by my opinion of what the Word of God says (or should say), not by the clear message of Scripture.  As a worst-case scenario, the Word of God becomes bound to my opinions (and the values and beliefs of my culture) rather than my conscience is bound to the Word of God.  No wonder Paull Spring (former retired ELCA bishop, later chairperson of the Lutheran CORE steering committee and bishop emeritus of the NALC), said, “In its emphasis on conscience, the task force forgot that Luther was not talking about his own right to his own opinion.  He was declaring his commitment and allegiance to the Word of God.  It is exactly the opposite of the task force’s idea of conscience as one’s personal beliefs.  They are encouraging the strange notion of a bound conscience as nothing more than individualism.” 

There are four points that I would like to make regarding Dr. Wengert’s definition of bound conscience.

1. It does not make sense.
2. It has been rejected.
3. It is not the way the ELCA has been doing things.
4. What’s next?   

First, it does not make sense. 

If one person believes that a certain behavior is sinful and another person believes that it is holy, pleasing to, and blessed by God, they cannot both be correct.  Also, if the Church were to lift up two opposing practices as equally valid, how could or would it have any moral authority to proclaim truth?  Instead of having a prophetic voice, the Church would become a reflection of its culture.

Second, it has been rejected.

 Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) and its predecessor organizations trace themselves back to 1990 when two San Francisco congregations extended calls to openly gay and lesbian pastors, in violation of ELCA policy.  In 1993, the Extraordinary Candidacy Project was created to provide a credentialing process for publicly identified LGBTQIA+ people.   After the ELCA changed its ministry policies in 2009, those who had been ordained outside of the ELCA structure and process were welcomed to the ELCA list of rostered leaders.  Some of these people, as well as many other members of ELM, are in positions of considerable power and influence in the ELCA.

In early September 2022 – shortly after the 2022 Churchwide Assembly which authorized the reconsideration of bound conscience – Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries put out a statement that said, “The ELCA must address our sins of racism and ‘bound conscience.’”  HERE is a link to that statement, which then goes on to say, “Many queer-rostered ministry leaders experience . . . harm in the ELCA with little recourse because of ‘bound conscience’.”  The 2019 Churchwide Assembly adopted a formal letter of repentance to commit to examine the church’s complicity in slavery and to acknowledge “the ELCA’s perpetuation of racism.”  At the 2022 Churchwide Assembly Bishop Eaton formally apologized to the worshiping community of Iglesia Luterana Santa Maria Peregrina in central California for both individual and institutional racist harm done to the congregation and the Latine community.  In the same way Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries believes that “queer people in the ELCA deserve an apology and behavior consistent with repentance for the harm caused by ‘bound conscience’ and policies like ‘Visions and Expectations.’”  This statement then ends by saying, “It is time for ‘bound conscience’ to go.” 

Here Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries basically is equating racism and bound conscience.  Since for the ELCA racism is the worst of the worst, then the provision for bound conscience also must be the worst of the worst.    

No “profound respect for the conscience bound belief of the neighbor” here.  Knowing the high-powered positions of many who are a part of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries, no one with traditional views should feel welcome, valued, respected, and/or safe. 

Third, it is not the way the ELCA has been doing things.

 As I have mentioned in previous articles –

• ELCA youth gatherings have become grooming events for LGBTQ+, transgender, and non-binary ideology. Why would anyone with traditional views want their child or grandchild to attend an ELCA youth gathering?
• The Human Sexuality Reconsiderations Task Force recommended and the 2025 Churchwide Assembly approved by a vote of 742-46 changes to the social statement which they described as “simply editorial,” when actually they amounted to no less than a full embrace of every diverse form of sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Prior to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church recommended and the Church Council approved a number of Continuing Resolutions which are now part of the ELCA governing documents without ever having to be voted on by a Churchwide Assembly. Among these Continuing Resolutions are ones which make every diverse form of sexual orientation and gender identity a privileged and protected group within the church. 

It is interesting that the news release about the November 14-17, 2024 meeting of the Church Council did not give any specific information about the above.  Instead it just stated –

In key actions, the council:

Approved amendments to “Constitutions, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the ELCA” that were drafted in response to the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility (DEIA) Audit.

Recommended to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly certain amendments to “Constitutions, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the ELCA” that were brought to the council by the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC).

We did not learn anything specific until later – six months prior to the Churchwide Assembly – when the Church Council informed Synods of its recommendations.   

No “profound respect for the conscience bound belief of the neighbor” here if that neighbor has traditional views.  All those with traditional views need to realize that their position will continue to be eroded.  

Fourth, what’s next?

 I am going with the assumption that the language of “bound conscience” will be removed from the social statement.  The vote at the 2022 Churchwide Assembly to reconsider bound conscience was so strong (708-93).  Votes taken at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly on matters of human sexuality further eroded any standing that traditional views and those who hold them might still have.  Many people have spoken very critically about bound conscience because of the way they see it as allowing for traditional views. 

There certainly will not be in 2028 the “restraining influence” that there was in 2009 from those who hold traditional views.  They are simply no longer there. 

Some members of the task force have spoken very positively about the quality of communication and high level of trust among members of the task force – even among people who strongly disagree with each other.  Are there other members of the task force who would not say that?  

There definitely seems to be a desire to “get through this” with as little organizational damage to the ELCA as possible. 

On the other hand, if bound conscience is eliminated and some other wording that gives a place of dignity and respect for traditional views and those who hold them is not provided in its place –   

Why should or would anyone with traditional views ever trust the ELCA again?

Will synodical bishops be able to hinder a pastor with traditional views from being able to get another call and/or be able to hinder congregations with traditional views from being able to call another pastor?

Will seminarians with traditional views be blocked in their efforts to be certified for ordination and first call (so eventually there will be no traditional pastors left in the ELCA)?

If a pastor is sued for refusing to officiate at a same sex wedding and/or a congregation is sued for refusing to host a same sex wedding, will there be any backing and support from the synod and/or churchwide?

According to the schedule included in the study guide from the task force –

In 2027 a draft of revisions to the social statement will be released for public comment.

In 2028 the ELCA Churchwide Assembly will take action on any proposed revisions.

We will keep you posted as we learn or hear more. 

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VIDEO MINISTRIES

“PROPHECIES OF ISAIAH FOR MAMAS AND LITTLES”

Written by Hanna FitzGerald – Reviewed by James FitzGerald

Many thanks to Hanna and James FitzGerald for this video review of Hanna’s new book, “Prophecies of Isaiah for Mamas and Littles,” which will be published in August 2026 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau.  Hanna is a former English teacher who is now a full-time mother while serving her church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fulton, Maryland (ELCA), alongside her husband, the Reverend James FitzGerald.  The FitzGeralds are the ones who provide the weekly, lectionary-based children’s messages on our website. 

A link to the FitzGeralds’ video review can be found HERE.  A link to our YouTube channel, which contains seventy reviews of books and videos on topics of interest and importance, can be found HERE.      

Isaiah prophesied about the coming of Jesus: Emmanuel, God with Us.  During the Advent and Christmas seasons, we remember the gift of Jesus as a baby born in a manger, and we wait for the return of Christ Jesus in glory with the Advent of a New Heaven and a New Earth.  Selected scriptures from Isaiah and the Gospels reveal Jesus in the Old and New Testaments.  Included in this devotional are stories of modern motherhood, prayers, and journal questions.  With each adult devotional for mama, there is also a devotional for children to complete with mama.  These shorter devotionals include prayer, scripture, and a family activity.  Grow closer in faith as a family while preparing for Christmas with each turn of the page.

A question you don’t hear every day, but that is what popped into my thoughts after reading John 20:19-31.

We must take a step back to understand Thomas’ reaction. Thomas was despondent after Jesus’ death, and who wouldn’t be? They all were. They had been following him for 3-4 years, watched him perform miracles, heal the sick and lame, raise people from the dead! And then Jesus is crucified…a horrible, traumatic death.

If we go back a little farther in the Gospel of John, we read that John and Peter are told by Mary Magdalene that Jesus is no longer in the tomb. They run there and see the tomb, confirm it is empty, see the linen clothes and the face covering in the tomb—John believed!

On the road to Emmaus, Jesus catches up with two disciples (Cleopas, and ???); they were kept from recognizing Jesus. As they were walking and talking, they were amazed that he (Jesus) did not know of the recent events in Jerusalem. Jesus interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself (Luke 24:25-27).

As they got closer to Emmaus they urged him to stay with them. Because it was evening the roads would get dangerous.  He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them…AND THEIR EYES WERE OPENED, and they recognized him…and he vanished. Only then did they admit/understand that their hearts burned while he talked about the Scriptures. Not like heartburn from bad food…burning like desire for more TRUTH. 

For BELIEF!

They rose and returned to Jerusalem, found the eleven telling them “The Lord has risen indeed…!”

Now, let’s go forward to later that evening. Mary had seen the risen Lord; John, and Peter had seen the grave clothes (and face covering); Jesus had appeared on the road to Emmaus.  There was a lot to talk about! As they were discussing this, Jesus appears.  Imagine their surprise. First, the door was locked…They were behind a locked door because they were afraid.  Afraid because they were followers of Jesus…afraid because they did not want to suffer the same fate.

Jesus enters and brings Peace…Gives Peace…and then He sends them…to forgive sins (or retain them). He breathed on them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then the Holy Spirt opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. NOW THEY BELIEVE!

In Luke, again He questions their unbelief,  “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? (Luke 24:36-40, NRSV).

What would it take for them to BELIEVE? They were witnesses to the miracles and the crucifixion. How could He be alive?

Jesus shows them his hands and feet, lets them touch him so they CAN BELIEVE, and then, does a very human thing…He asks for food and eats.

Thomas missed the first visit so when the disciples tell him, “We have seen the Lord,” he does not believe. Hence the name Doubting Thomas.

But can you blame him?  The others had seen Jesus! He had breathed on them and they had received the Holy Spirit!  They definitely had an advantage.

Let’s think again…WHAT WOULD IT TAKE FOR YOU TO BELEVE?!?

Best friends, with whom Thomas has been for several years, tell him that they have seen Jesus.  He doesn’t believe them. How could it be true? The other disciples didn’t initially believe (or understand) when Jesus told him that he must die and will return in three days, so why should Thomas believe? But they had witnessed so many miracles that Jesus performed. Saw him walk on water and feed 5000 from 5 loaves with 12 baskets left over, feed 4000 with 7 loaves and 7 baskets left over, and raise people from the dead!

Although we were not witnesses to these miracles or the resurrection, we have a Bible! A written account of Jesus, not to mention, Adam and Eve, Noah, David, and more. Once we receive faith from the Holy Spirit, we are able to acknowledge the Truth of the Gospel and start living a new Life in Jesus!  Know Christ. Grow in Christ. Live Like Christ, Serve Like Christ, Share Christ, Have Fellowship with other Christians, and Lead others to Christ!

I appreciated Jeffray Greene’s devotion on Mark 13:37 and found much wisdom in his call for Christians to live intentionally and remain spiritually alert. His reminder that our faith is not merely a reaction to circumstances but a life guided by the Holy Spirit is both timely and encouraging. As I reflected on his words, however, I found myself considering a question that many Christians, especially those who have walked with Christ for decades, wrestle with from time to time: How do we faithfully hold together the many biblical calls to trust, watch, pray, rest, persevere, and remain alert without becoming spiritually exhausted? The following reflection grew out of that question and out of gratitude for the conversation Jeffray’s devotion prompted.

Many Christians know the feeling. Scripture calls us to trust God completely, yet it also calls us to be watchful and alert. We are told not to worry about tomorrow, yet we are warned about temptation, false teaching, and the dangers of this world. We are called to rest in Christ while also being called to pray, serve, repent, study God’s Word, and remain faithful.

At times the Christian life can feel like a spiritual tug-of-war. One moment we hear commands to be vigilant. The next we hear promises of peace and rest. Was the Christian life really meant to feel this exhausting?

From a Lutheran perspective, the answer is no. Much of this exhaustion arises when we lose sight of the proper distinction between Law and Gospel.

Martin Luther called the distinction between Law and Gospel the highest art in Christendom. The Law reveals God’s holy will and exposes our sin. The Gospel proclaims what God has done for sinners through Jesus Christ.

The Law says:

• Be alert.
• Watch and pray.
• Love your neighbor.
• Turn away from sin.

These commands are holy, good, and necessary.

The Gospel says:

• Christ died for your sins.
• Christ is risen.
• Your sins are forgiven.
• You are justified by grace through faith.

These promises reveal God’s saving work for us in Christ.

Problems arise when Christians begin to treat God’s commands as conditions for earning or maintaining salvation. Instead of hearing the Law as God’s instruction for the redeemed life, they begin to hear it as a checklist for remaining in God’s favor.

The focus then shifts from Christ to self.

Am I trusting enough?

Am I praying enough?

Am I doing enough?

Luther knew this burden well. Before the Reformation, he devoted himself to every spiritual discipline available. Yet the harder he tried, the less peace he found. Everything changed when he discovered in Scripture that righteousness is not achieved by human effort but received through faith in Christ.

As St. Paul writes:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

As Martin Luther insisted, the Gospel is not about what we must do, but about what Christ has already done. Christ has already fulfilled the Law. Christ has already borne our sin. Christ has already secured our forgiveness. The Gospel is given, not earned. It is received by faith, not achieved by effort.

This truth helps us understand passages that seem to pull us in different directions. Jesus says, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow” (Matthew 6:34), while Peter writes, “Be sober-minded; be watchful” (1 Peter 5:8).

There is no contradiction. Jesus is addressing anxiety. Peter is addressing vigilance.

Christians are not called to live in fear because God is in control. At the same time, Christians are called to remain spiritually awake because evil is real.

The believer therefore lives neither in panic nor in carelessness.

A simple summary of the Christian life is this:

Trust God completely.
Do your duty faithfully.
Leave the results to Him.

This is not a formula for salvation. It is the fruit of faith.

The Lutheran Confessions remind us that even faith itself is God’s gift. Luther writes in his explanation to the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed:

“I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel.”

That truth brings great comfort. The Christian life does not rest upon the strength of our faith but upon the faithfulness of Christ. The Holy Spirit creates and sustains faith through the Gospel and Sacraments.

This means the Christian life is simpler than many imagine. We remember our Baptism. We hear God’s Word. We pray. We serve our neighbors in the vocations God has given us. When we sin, we repent. When we fail, we return to Christ. When we are weary, we rest in His promises.

The center of the Christian life is not our performance.

The center is Christ.

The Christian is alert because Christ has saved him. The Christian is not anxious because Christ has saved him. The Christian serves because Christ has saved him. The Christian perseveres because Christ has saved him.

The foundation never changes.

The burden of maintaining salvation does not rest on our shoulders. It rests on Christ’s shoulders. Our task is not to carry Him. Our task is to be carried by Him.

That is the freedom, comfort, and certainty found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As our Lord Himself promises:

“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

In Christ,
Paul Flemming

Emmanuel Lutheran Church (NALC) in State College, PA is a dynamic, growing, and multi-generational church plant located in the heart of central Pennsylvania, home to Penn State University. Celebrating 10 years of faith, growth, and community, Emmanuel’s name, God with us, captures the essence of our journey. From the very beginning, we’ve felt God’s presence guiding us as we seek to live out His calling.

Our core values are foundational to everything we do: Grounded in God’s Word, Confident in God’s Grace, and Committed to Sharing God’s Love. These principles shape our worship, outreach, and relationships, as we strive to be a faithful, generous, and enthusiastic presence in our community. A pastor called to Emmanuel will find a supportive and encouraging congregation, eager to partner in ministry and growth. We are committed to providing opportunities for both personal and family development, as well as a welcoming environment for leadership and spiritual growth. As we look to the future, we are excited to call our next pastor; a shepherd who will help guide us in sharing the Good News and extending God’s love in the State College area. Together, we will continue to grow in faith, hope, and mission.

For more information about Emmanuel, see the Congregational Profile at:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/17VNb_7wyQAMPb2-sn8Dj29BxM9_0x8dD/view

A video about Emmanuel is available at:  

Link’s to Emmanuel’s webpage and Facebook page:     

https://www.emmanuelnalc.org

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:1-4).

Theophilus is questioning things.  Luke puts together a Gospel account for those who question.  It is filled with details.  This is done so that you may know the things you have been taught are true.  Ultimately, whether you receive the report or reject it, the report is given so that you may believe.  The world criticizes, but God offers you the truth about these things.  Which will you believe?

Lord, You have given us four Gospel accounts, each with their own purpose, but all saying the same thing.  By grace through faith, You have redeemed us from the rebellion and condemnation that comes from sin.  Help me to understand and believe.  Let me not fall into the trap of constant criticism but believe that You have redeemed me and are making me one who is more like Christ, my Savior.

Lord Jesus, God in the flesh, You have come to rescue as many as will turn to You and have a life as You have created it to be lived.  Guide me in the right way of living which You have demonstrated in Your ministry as reported in this book.  Help me to open my eyes to the large and small things, take them in and watch them as they become a part of who I am in You.  Be the One who opens my eyes to see and understand.  Amen.

PROP: Provide either a plate of different shaped cookies/different types of cookies or a bouquet with different types of flowers.

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning boys and girls!

Pastor: Sammy, what is that smell?

Sammy: Oh! Come see what I have, Pastor!

Pastor: Look at what Sammy has everyone!

Sammy: Yes and after the children’s sermon today, you can all take one with you. I have plenty to share.

Pastor: You know, Sammy, it’s actually great that you brought these to share with us today.

Sammy: It is? I just wanted to share a surprise with everyone.

Pastor: Yes, surprises are great, but what I like about this surprise is how it relates to the text today from the book of Romans. 

Sammy: How’s that, Pastor?

Pastor: Well, you see, Sammy, we are all different. And each of our differences is a gift to the church. Each of us is good at something, and some of us are good at many things. And God uses each gift that we have as believers to advance the Kingdom and for his glory.

Sammy: Oh I see! So it’s just like how each of the [flowers/cookies] that I brought is a little different but they are still all the same: [flowers/cookies].

Pastor: We are all people–

Sammy: Not me. I am a lamb.

Pastor: Right. You are a lamb, but all of the rest of us are people. And even though we are all people and children of God, we are all created different.

Sammy: How did God make you different, Pastor?

Pastor: Well, God gave me [share a gift or talent you have].

Sammy: I agree. Something that makes me different is I am the only sheep in our area that goes to church each week.

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy. Boys and girls, what are some of the differences that you have that make you special?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Great answers, everyone! Boys and girls, will you please pray with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for making each of us different. Thank you for giving each of us gifts. Help us to use the gifts you give us for your glory. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

[And they promptly reported all these instructions to Peter and his companions. And after that, Jesus Himself sent out through them from east to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation] (Mark 16: RSV footnote – this verse is questioned by some as to whether or not it was in the original Gospel, but still useful).

The Lord has allowed this reflection of the book of Acts to be included.  The world looks for reasons not to believe, but the Lord grants witness after witness for those who believe.  The proclamation of eternal salvation has gone to the ends of the earth, but there are always more who have not heard of the saving grace won by Christ from the cross.  Receive the witness and believe.

Lord, I hear so many things and I am often confused.  You have sent the Gospel out for those who believe.  In the simplicity of the salvation which You have given me in Christ, help me to live the Gospel through all that I do.  Guide me to be a messenger wherever I go, living the truth of the salvation which You have made possible through the death and resurrection of Christ my Savior.

Risen Lord of salvation, lead me ever deeper into all that this means.  Help me to live according to the plan the Father has for me so that I too may be a part of spreading the truth of Your purpose for all whom You have redeemed.  Guide me in Your grace in order that I may now, and always, humbly follow where You lead.  Help me to not so much question as to learn how to listen and obey all that You have commanded.  Amen.

“So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.  And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed” (Mark 16:19-20).

The truth changes all our wrong thinking.  Those who fear what this life may bring and live without grace are subject to the winds of the day.  Those who know that the Lord is watching over us all trust that, live or die, we belong to Him and that in Him, though we die, yet shall we live.  Faith brings us into right relationship with our God.  Live the life You have been given and in living, you will be His witness.

Lord, help my unbelief.  You have given me the gift of faith, and in that faith, You have told me that You have a purpose for my life.  I am often circumstantial and want what I want in the moment, and the truth is, I do not really know what I want.  Take me out of the crazy circles of uncertainty in this life in order to live into the life You have set before me.  You have given us the words of eternal life.

Lord Jesus, where I doubt, remind me that You are leading the way.  Where I become conditional, remove the obstacles so that I will trust You above all things, especially my circumstances.  When I fear, grant me knowledge of Your love, knowing that perfect love casts out all fear.  Be the One who is leading me through all of the circumstances that will come before me.  Amen.

“These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:17-18).

Trusting in the Lord is a matter of looking to Him for all things.  He will guide and protect you when you walk in His ways.  Those who believe will do amazing things, but that does not mean that all will.  Some faithful have never cast out demons or have been bitten by serpents and been poisoned.  The point is, in the Lord He will cause all things to work together.  Trust Him and the gifts He gives you.

Lord, the sinner in me says, “Give me the magic.”  Rebuke that, gracious Lord, so that I may trust that as I live and then die in this age, it fulfills Your purpose.  Lead me to know that if You do want a special gift in me, I will know it and it shall be used for the Father’s glory.  Guide me out of worldly thinking in its terms of greed and jealousy to have a new mind that seeks what is right and fitting for every situation.

Lord Jesus, You were crucified. and rose from the dead, preparing the way for all who follow You.  Let me not test You but believe that the Father is always watching over me.  No matter the circumstances, help me to hold fast to the faith You have given me.  Guide me in the way You set before me knowing that all things will work together for good for Your bride, the church.  Amen.

“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.  He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16).

The good news of the Gospel is not something we just sit on and think about.  We are to live it.  Wherever we go, we are an ambassador for our Risen Lord.  We are to grow in the faith we have been given and be a living witness at all times and in all places.  No matter our circumstance, we are to affirm the truth that Christ has risen from the dead and that all who believe will be united with Him eternally.  Walk as one who has been redeemed.

Lord, this is of Your doing and not mine.  All I can do is reflect the light which You have caused to illumine my heart and mind.  Help me to learn that this gift of faith You have given me is not something private, but it is now who I am.  I am Yours.  You have redeemed me at the cost of Your body given for me and Your own shed blood.  You have redeemed me for purpose in Your kingdom.  Help me to learn what it means to be Your witness.

Lord Jesus, You are my teacher.  Coming to faith and knowing that You have been raised from the dead is the narrow gate to the journey of faith.  Help me to embark on this journey following You as You lead me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to understand that only in You is there a true life.  Help me to be a consistent witness of Your grace and mercy so that others may come to You in faith.  Amen.

“Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen” (Mark 16:14).

Does the Lord need to reproach you for your unbelieving hardness of heart?  Do not test the Lord.  He has spoken the words of eternal life, and You have received them.  Be not unbelieving, but believing, and live in the faith which You have been given.  Trust the Holy Spirit to awaken your heart if another gives you a witness of the Risen Lord, knowing that you have received the truth when the Risen Lord is proclaimed.

Lord, living in a skeptical and unbelieving generation I am hammered all day long by those who are hostile to the faith.  Sadly, it too often influences me and doubts arise.  To go to unbelief, I have to deny what I already believe is true.  Help me to learn how to hold fast to the truth that I first received.  Let the truth of Your resurrection dwell richly in my heart, soul, and mind.

Lord Jesus, You have come to save us; and we all need saving.  You have come so that we may have true life and not live in the doubts of this foolish world.  Lead me to live in the faith You have given me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly walk with You no matter what those around me say or do.  Teach me how to be a faithful witness of Your resurrection as You conform me to Your image.  Amen.   

“After that, He appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking along on their way to the country.  They went away and reported it to the others, but they did not believe them either” (Mark 16:12-13).

Since that day, witnesses have gone out and proclaimed that Christ is risen, but many who hear the report will not believe.  Only the Holy Spirit can open the eyes of the blind.  The light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not comprehend it. No matter how many witnesses come, for some it takes a long time and for others, they stubbornly will not believe.  You have heard the witnesses.  Believe, and know that Christ is raised from the dead.

Lord, help my unbelief.  In a skeptical world, there are those who will not believe.  You have opened the eyes of my heart to see and believe.  Help me to not fall back into unbelief, but know that You are the Alpha and Omega, and You have chosen to do things the way You have done them.  Although I may not understand many of these things, I do understand that the grave could not contain you.

Lord Jesus, in the mystery of faith You have opened my eyes to see and believe.  Help my belief so that I too may be a witness of Your resurrection.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to live in the truth, that because You live, I too shall live.  Lead me in the truth of faith to live amidst those who cannot or will not see and continue being be a witness of Your resurrection.  Aid me to live in the true faith.  Amen. 

“When they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it” (Mark 16:11).

They refused to believe it.  The greatest miracle of our age and they would not believe.  Is that not the case in our generation?  Many refuse to believe.  The most unreasonable thing is to become one who does not believe simply because others will not believe it.  Refuse the wickedness of this world, and be not unbelieving, but believing.  Christ has risen and because He has risen, we too shall rise.

Lord God, how often do I believe the pablum of this world but reject the truth which witnesses have spoken to me.  Break my unbelieving heart so that I may believe the truth which You have revealed.  Lead me through every temptation to not reject what You have spoken so that I may live the life of faith which You have granted me.  Guide me by Your Holy Spirit to believe, speak, and do what is right in Your sight.

Lord Jesus, risen from the dead, You have sent witnesses out in every time and place.  Often, their witness is not received, but Your word never comes back void.  Send me out into the world as Your witness that whether or not that witness is received, I faithfully proclaim it anyway.  Guide me in the way of living this life You have given me.  Help me to be bold in witness, always relying upon You, the One of whom I witness.  Amen.

“Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons.  She went and reported to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping” (Mark 16:9-10).

The one who has been forgiven much loves much.  Perhaps Jesus went to the one who was most ready to receive.  He chose Mary (as far as we know) to be the first witness of His resurrection.  Our Lord does things very intentionally.  At that time, in a world that did not accept the testimony of a woman, He chose a woman to be His first witness.  We are to believe the veracity of the report regardless of who speaks it.

Lord, in many and various ways You speak to us.  Should it really matter if it comes from a small child or anyone else?  Of course not.  Truth is truth; but the ideological pollution of this world trains my mind to accept only what the world deems acceptable.  Guide me so that I am willing to hear Your voice wherever and whenever You will speak.  Help me to seek after the wisdom You grant to Your faithful.

Savior of our souls, You have revealed the truth to those who believe.  The unbelieving will not receive the report.  Lead my life such that I become Your witness at all times.  Regardless of how the world presses in on me, guide me to believe in You and act according to the Father’s will.  Help me in those times where I speak what is true, though not received, so that I may humbly proclaim a good testimony, and see to it that I leave to You what You will do with my testimony.  Amen.