Taboo: The Things We’re Not Talking About
You’ll be reminded of Jesus, who sees nothing and no one as taboo, but who loves to forgive and comfort His children.
How does Jesus view the Bible?
It’s very safe and chic these days to say, “I’m agnostic” or “I believe all religions have truth” or to be otherwise uncommitted. Most of the time, these are a safe mask for ignorance of what these religions actually teach and certainly of the actual content of the Bible. If we don’t recognize who Jesus is (and His identity is given us in Holy Scripture in stark clarity), if we are not continually in His Word, the world will have its way with us in all matters, not just our generation’s particular traps (like sexuality). “Lord, keep us steadfast in Thy Word.”
Depart in Peace: Praying for a Good Death
Death is ugly from the outside no matter how life ends, but God looks upon our ugliness and says, “This is mine.”
Genius and Courage
When it is commonly said that America was founded as a “Christian Nation,” that is only true in the sense that the overwhelming number of the founders were Christians, and that they recognized the benefit Christianity affords government.
Lutheran Witness: January 2015
Challenges at the Church Door
Advent Isn’t a Baby Shower
Advent isn’t a baby shower. We aren’t getting ready for a baby to be born in Bethlehem. That train has already left the station.
Joy and Delight
[The angels] wish that there will be peace on earth, and that the kingdom of Christ, which is a kingdom of peace, will flourish on the earth.
The Other Side of Marriage
While those of us who stand on this other side need to be ready to suffer ridicule and mockery, let’s also be prepared to provide a clear and reasoned response to those who mock us.
Unworthy Servants
We know we shall bear the cross in this life, and as Christianity continues to fade from our nation (even as it blossoms elsewhere in the world), the soil will become harder here. But it still remains that God works through means, and He is even now working through us, and the message on our lips, to bring to Himself the full number of the elect.
Music in Service of the Gospel
There is unbelievable freedom in worship (Gal. 5:1). Yet, as St. Paul teaches, we are to use our freedom in service to our neighbor, and we therefore accept limits to our freedom (Gal. 5:13).
Where Is the Church?
Where there is Christ, there is the Church.
Back to Basics in Preaching
It’s time for us to pay attention to the greatest preacher in history, aside from Jesus, John the Baptist and St. Paul. It’s time for back-to-basics preaching.