Handing on the Word of Truth
With so many Bible translations to pick from, it can be hard to know which one to choose. Which version best drives home what God means to say?
The LCMS
An answer to the question
What has been written on page 23 of the September Issue of The Lutheran Witness contains an improper question and a wrong answer to the improper question. As to the answer given, Luther and Chemnitz are quoted as stating that he practice of a pastor communing himself within the Divine Service of a congregation is
Jesus—the example to follow
In Scripture, we read what Jesus said to His disciples when they had argued among themselves about their importance. “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:27–28).
How to Escape the Christmas Madness
Why celebrate Advent when you’re already surrounded by Christmas trees, Christmas carols, and Christmas presents? Rev. Hans Fiene reminds you of what Advent means.
Pointing to Christ
I devoutly hope that the Canadian church visited by Donna Holmquist (Letters, September) was not a Lutheran Church. How inappropriate for a musical accompanist to interrupt music that should properly set a godly atmosphere for worship with a secular love song of the World War II era. Instead of “Stormy Weather,” far better had this
All Those Translations!
by Dr. Jeffrey A. Gibbs The question is raised by all kinds of people: seminary students, devout church members, confirmation students, and perhaps every single Christian at one time or another. And the question is, “What is the best translation of the Bible?” We have, after all, the KJV, NKJV, RSV, NRSV, NIV, NIVI, JB,
A Different Kind of Hope
“Because God has promised it, I will be blessed with a miracle, whether it be the healing of my body or Christ’s perfect healing.”
Life worth living
In all the years I have been privileged to read The Lutheran Witness, rarely have I had the honor to read a finer essay than Dr. Gene Edward Veith’s “In Praise of Work” (September). The beauty of Veith’s little essay is what he says so simply and elegantly: That there is equal dignity and worth
To the Reader
by Adriane Dorr It’s happened. Already stores are playing Christmas carols and plying you with promises of perfect presents. What happened to Thanksgiving? What happened to Advent? What happened to waiting? Not to worry. The Church does not operate like the world. The Church, in fact, thrives on waiting. It is unhurried, deliberate, thoughtful. So
The Light of the World
“Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word: For mine eyes have
seen Thy salvation, which Thou has prepared before the face of all people: a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel”
(Luke 2:29–32 KJV)
From sniper to shepherd
The September article on Pastor Chehab was truly inspirational. It had special meaning for me, whose primary call for my ministry in India (1954–78) was to share the Gospel with Muslims. Luther T. Engelbrecht Seattle, Wash. Read More Letters to the Editor Send letters to “Letters,” c/o The Lutheran Witness, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road,
Reason or the Holy Spirit?
by Dr. Jerald C. Joersz Many Christian people I know say they have made a decision in their life to follow Christ. Why do Lutherans hesitate to say that people can decide to accept or receive Christ? Photo © iStockphoto.com You are correct in suggesting that Lutherans are uncomfortable with this type of language to