A season filled with many family and churchly rituals has just passed. These traditions play an important part in our lives shared with others. We learn that Jesus’ family had its tradition of annually going to Jerusalem at the Feast of the Passover (Luke 2:41-42). Such events give shape and meaning to our Christian lives together. We can well … [Read more...] about Finding Joy in Variance?
Pastor, I Have a Question- February, 2023
Question: During several televised sporting events this past year, I noticed a series of ads that talked about Jesus and made many comparisons between His life here on earth and ours. The ad campaign is called “He Gets Us.” I am curious as to the goals of the campaign and who is behind it. What is the “He Gets Us” campaign all about? Answer: A … [Read more...] about Pastor, I Have a Question- February, 2023
Is it Believing or Belonging?
The Essence of Membership in Christian Churches In many parts of Asia and Africa, Christians risk life and well-being to attend church services[i] while in traditionally Christian countries, confessing Christians skip services to protect a little more sack time, some extra work, or the kids’ soccer game. The lack of faithful church membership has … [Read more...] about Is it Believing or Belonging?
Fasting Prepares Us for Feasting
Some people give up dessert during Lent. Some give up TV. Some give up social media. Roman Catholics are required to give up meat every Friday of Lent. Are you giving up anything? While this can be a useful practice, the Bible does not require it. Some suggest that we should rather add things during Lent—more Bible study, more prayer, and so on. I … [Read more...] about Fasting Prepares Us for Feasting
Echoes from ELS Pulpits Past
Justifcation by Grace Alone Through Faith Alone in the Lord Jesus Christ Occasion: Closing Sermon of the Founding of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference, Oberwesel, Germany, April 29, 1993. Excerpted from print: Forget Not All His Benefits – 2007 (The Reverend George M. Orvick) Text: “Being justified freely by his grace through … [Read more...] about Echoes from ELS Pulpits Past
Until ALL is Accomplished
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the … [Read more...] about Until ALL is Accomplished