Hallmark, Hollywood, and even some favorite traditions portray angels as chubby, happy cherubs. Why does the Bible say they strike fear in the hearts of those who see them?
Yes, Virginia. There Are Angels! Read More »
After the joy and happiness of Christmas are over, it’s easy to feel a post-holiday letdown. But Dr. Lessing has the cure for your winter blahs: Jesus’ death and resurrection . . . for you!
Your Light Has Come! Read More »
Headed to the first Divine Service of Christmas? Here’s what to expect.
When Half-Spent Was the Night Read More »
Allow this penitential season to add to the approach of Christmas. Wait with us in eager anticipation of the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior.
Lutheran Witness: November 2010 Read More »
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
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,
All Those Translations! Read More »
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).
Jesus—the example to follow Read More »
I really like Portals of Prayer. It comforts me when I’m sad or mad. Keep up the good work. Sincerely, Morgan Irvine, age 9 Sheridan, Wyo. (Although this letter compliments Concordia Publishing House’s Portals of Prayer, The Lutheran Witness’s close partnership with CPH, as well as the age and sentiment of the writer, made printing
Faith like a child Read More »
After reading the August issue, which was dedicated to the Synod’s convention, I was looking forward to seeing similar treatment for the National Youth Gathering in the September issue. Imagine my disappointment when I opened the magazine to see a two-page article instead. The article didn’t come close to capturing what the NYG is about.
This past July, I had the distinct pleasure and honor to help chaperone 39 young adults to our LCMS National Youth Gathering (NYG) in New Orleans. The theme was “We Believe,” yet if there is one thing I believe it is this: With the loving guidance of our Lord (Prov. 3:6), our Church’s future is
The Church’s future Read More »
I thought Dr. Joersz gave a very helpful reply in a recent answer to the question of a pastor communing himself in a worship service. The practice is an adiaphoron, i.e., it’s neither forbidden nor commanded in Scripture. An example by itself does not establish doctrine or church practice, but still it bears some weight
The pastor as Christ’s representative Read More »
Dr. Joersz had an opportunity to offer support to a pastor who was just doing what the LSB Altar Book directed him to do. He was being faithful. Instead, the Q & A gave the members of his congregation support for criticizing their pastor. Thomas M. Winger, Acting President Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary St. Catharines,
In support of pastors Read More »