At the 104th annual convention of our Evangelical Lutheran Synod, we adopted a five-year strategic plan under the theme Tell of Jesus and His Love. It is drawn from this passage in the Gospel of Mark: [Jesus said to the man formerly demon possessed and whose demons entered a herd of 2,000 pigs that stampeded over a cliff into the sea:] “Go home to … [Read more...] about Tell of Jesus and His Love
The Better Question
Luke 10:23-37 (Parable of the Good Samaritan) (Jesus), how many times must I forgive my neighbor when he sins against me? (Matthew 18:21) (Jesus), who will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? (Matthew 18:1) The Gospel accounts are full of Jesus responding to such “bad questions,” questions that are operating from a presumed truth … [Read more...] about The Better Question
Pastor, I Have a Question September-October, 2021
I have a Nelson’s NKJV Study Bible (a well-known Reformed publisher). The footnote to Matthew 26:16 says: “’This is My body’ means ‘This symbolizes My body.’” The footnote on Mark 14:24 states, “’This is My blood’ means that the contents of this cup represented Jesus’ blood that would be shed for our sins.” I am somewhat confused. Though the … [Read more...] about Pastor, I Have a Question September-October, 2021
Dr. Martin Luther in 1521: At the Wartburg, Part 1
The story of Martin Luther’s “kidnapping” has given rise to impressions of intrigue and daring adventure and his ten months at the Wartburg castle near Eisenach evoke pictures of restful solitude—perhaps from Luther’s descriptive names “My Patmos” and “Land of the birds.” The reality is different. The “kidnapping” was prearranged and carried out by … [Read more...] about Dr. Martin Luther in 1521: At the Wartburg, Part 1
Praying the Psalms: Psalm 70
Psalm 70 is traditionally paired with Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan and we usually hear it in our churches during September. We see a man is attacked, robbed, stripped, and beaten. His own people, priests and Levites, offer no help. They pass him by. He’s going to die like this. But then another man approaches. Even though they come … [Read more...] about Praying the Psalms: Psalm 70
Fortifying Believers with a Proper Interpretation of Holy Scripture
Have you ever had a conversation about the Bible only to hear, “That’s just your interpretation”? It’s a great conversation killer. Sometimes a person may not want to get into an argument or hurt your feelings. Or they may not like what you’re saying. After all, some truths can be uncomfortable, especially on subjects like hell, women’s roles, … [Read more...] about Fortifying Believers with a Proper Interpretation of Holy Scripture