“In the midst of life we are in death.” Supposedly whispered in Latin by a medieval monk after he saw a workman fall to his death, the timeless and eternal truth of those words also hits home via a Martin Luther hymn based on them. Rev. William Weedon considers their relevance to ashes placed on our foreheads just last Wednesday (March 9) and also reflects on the March 11 Japan earthquake and tsunami.
by Rev. Ken Lampe A dog was sitting in a railway station inside a large crate. Obviously he was supposed to be sent somewhere, but no one put the crate on any of the trains. Finally, one passenger said to a clerk, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a sadder dog. What’s the problem?” The …
The story, from Daniel chapter 3, of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the burning fiery furnace is not included in the Scripture readings appointed to be read on any Sunday of the Church Year. As a result, it seldom serves as a text for sermons. Most of us are familiar with the story either from Sunday School lessons or from our personal devotional readings. But it is a story that is most appropriate for each of us.
by John Murphy Ball St. Patrick’s Day has little liturgical significance. Outside of Ireland, it isn’t even a national holiday–I don’t know anyone who gets the day off. However, if there was ever a man who deserved to have a day named in his honor, it is Patrick. He was a Christian hero of incredible …
by Rev. Jared Melius A new practice in Lutheranism that has become popular quickly is the Service of the Imposition of Ashes conducted on Ash Wednesday. The sign of the cross is smeared upon the forehead while the words of Gen. 3:19 are repeated: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” …
As time goes by During a recent shut-in call to members residing in the Alzheimer wing, I struck up a conversation with the recreation director, who was entertaining a group of residents, reading stories and telling jokes. After sharing an Ole and Lena joke of my own, I told the director that I had recently …
by Rev. Dr. Greg Wismar Many people keep names and address lists either electronically or in more conventional ways, such as on file cards or in some kind of notebook. These lists constantly change as new people are added to the circle of one’s relationships or old friends are rediscovered as time passes. The Calendar …
by Rev. Herbert C. Mueller Is sin really that big of a deal? Is it just a little screw-up, or is it intentional rebellion against God? That’s just plain wrong!” we say. Though different people may have different measures, nearly everyone will instinctively find that some actions do not measure up. Even those who say, …
by Rev. Dr. Jerald C. Joersz Q. Why is the sin against the Holy Spirit rarely mentioned today in our church? Is that because we fear disturbing people and driving them away to other churches? A. It is difficult to know whether less is said or taught about this sin today than in years past. …
Have we Lutherans missed the mark in parenting our children?
Christians know right from wrong. Do those outside the faith know it too?
Society tells us sin doesn’t matter. Does God really expect us to follow His Law?