Weekly Communion Too Common?
In Easter season 1999, I surveyed all LCMS pastors regarding weekly communion. Their members largely feared …
Series
Celebrating the Passover with Melito of Sardis
Certain texts you read at certain times every year. Every Advent, I revisit St. Athanasius’s On the Incarnation.
Jesus’ Medicine
It is not fanatical for pastors and members to desire the weekly opportunity to commune.
The Sacrifice of Isaac with Origen
One thing that makes us nervous about early Christian interpretation of the Scriptures is what we call “allegory” or “spiritual exegesis.”
Do You Always Need it?
This marvelous truth is foundational for Holy Communion: The living Christ, here and now, in the flesh, does this.
Reading the Old Testament with the Early Church fathers
Old books help us see things differently. It’s not to say that old books are inherently better, but they are different.
Are You Fanatical about the Lord’s Supper?
Weekly communion was not widely practiced for a significant part of the twentieth century in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).
Churchly Challenges and God’s Work
Over the last few months, we have talked about problems that afflict us — half-heartedness, slackness, falsehoods, fragmentation, failure to preach the Gospel.
Let It Be Done
“If I knew the world was to end tomorrow, I would still plant an apple tree today.” This memorable quotation is often attributed to Martin Luther.
The Driver’s Seat
God is near. God is “very present” (Psalm 46:1). God is sitting in the driver’s seat of creation. This is what Lutherans believe.
With a Whole Heart
You can tell when someone does something halfheartedly. They lack drive, interest; sometimes they emit an audible sigh. No go, no push, no effort.
Pressing Ahead
Christianity has never been a spectator sport. A spectator watches other athletes run, struggle, fall, triumph.