Kudos to Dr. Albert Collver for his lucid exposition of our present emphasis on Witness, Mercy, Life Together. This theme promises to provide a strong framework, to fire our hopes and to sustain us in our efforts. Compliments are due, also, for the new look that the Witness is sporting. The first impression made is
The article by Albert Collver III on the threefold emphasis of the church (Jan ’11) was very insightful. The imagery is rich and the rationale is solid. However, I was disappointed by the omission of another vital component of the church’s emphasis. Didache or “teaching” was not mentioned anywhere in the article. The church’s role
It was good to see the “In Memoriam” included in the monthly Lutheran Witness with a bit of detail. Now we see only birth and death dates— like cold tombstones. How many of our not-computer-savvy are going to quickly go online to check out greater details on the death of a pastor or teacher? How
Society tells us sin doesn’t matter. Does God really expect us to follow His Law?
Christians know right from wrong. Do those outside the faith know it too?
Have we Lutherans missed the mark in parenting our children?
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.
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 Adriane Dorr Sin is a sticky subject. Whispering sweet, deadly nothings in our ears, the devil, the world and our sinful natures tempt us to believe that sin isn’t wrong, that it can’t hurt us, that God doesn’t really care if we break His commandments. “Did God actually say . . . ?” they
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
Is anger inherently sinful? Rev. Allen Schenk takes a look at this topic, discussing how it can help us settle disagreements and why God gives us the grace to forgive those with whom we’re angry.
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