When I was in confirmation class our pastor lectured us on the anti-Christian action of joining fraternal organizations such as Eagles, Elks, Moose, and Shriners, and especially the Masons. An elder in our church is a Mason, and every Sunday when he serves Communion, I notice the huge Masonic ring on his finger. Have the …
by Ron Nelson Fan Into Flame is different from previous Synod campaigns. The Forward in Remembrance and Alive in Christ campaigns were conducted nationally across the entire Synod. Fan Into Flame is being conducted district-by-district. Below is a summary of where participating districts are in the process. Texas. The district has concluded its participation as …
Some are called to ‘higher things.’ Others are called to move tables.
The Reformation fueled significant changes in many aspects of life, and its effects still resonate with us today.
I have only recently read the article “Is God Green?” and believe it is on target on all accounts. May I, however, share two concerns with you? 1. I wonder how many of your readers are willing and able to dig through and digest the dense theological underpinnings of the article? 2. Should this have …
The answer given to the farmer troubled about missing Sunday services wisely avoids giving a general answer to a question that must be considered individually with each Christian struggling with the question of balancing work and worship. But the answer also fails to re-explain critical truths about how God works in the world, truths which …
The 63rd Convention of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod held in Houston approved one resolution of particular interest to me. “Resolution 1-06 recognizes more than 230 chaplains endorsed by the Synod’s Ministry to the Armed Forces, who “serve in arduous and dangerous arenas on land, sea, and air through lengthy and repeated deployments, separated from home …
After reading the June/July 2007 Lutheran Witness, I am moved to write regarding the “Family Counselor” letter. A pastor was concerned for a family of adoption who struggles with behavior challenges and hence has limited church attendance. We could be that family. We are one of those families. We have lovely children who, when not …
by Dr. William B. Knippa My teenage daughter is difficult to get ready for school in the morning. I find myself becoming really stressed and irritable. What can I do? Your voice joins the not-so-pleasant chorus of many parents of teens who know firsthand that mornings can be stressful. It helps to look at the …
by Dr. John W. Oberdeck Luther planned the Ninety-Five Theses for academic debate. The popular document moved rapidly beyond Luther’s intention and became the rallying point of the Reformation. Soon Luther and the other reformers found themselves making public confession of what they believed and taught. Public confession of faith helps distinguish Scripture’s teachings from …
Through a chance meeting, a pastor discovers firsthand the spiritual benefits of a ‘little’ project on which he had worked.
Developing small groups for outreach can aid and support our evangelism efforts as we speak the Good News to our unchurched friends and neighbors.