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
2021
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
Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary: We Sing and Profess the Faith of our Forebears
We in the Evangelical Lutheran Synod inherited an unbroken and rich legacy of liturgy and hymns that traces back to the Lutheran Reformation in Germany and Norway, back to the medieval and early Christian church, and even into the Old Testament. We sing the words of Moses, David, Mary, Simeon, Ambrose, Luther, Gerhardt, Kingo, Koren, and many … [Read more...] about Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary: We Sing and Profess the Faith of our Forebears
Sharing What’s Really Valuable
So if you have not been faithful with unrighteous mammon, who will entrust you with what is really valuable? (Luke 16:11 EHV) Under God’s grace, we’ve been entrusted with much, earthly wealth being a small portion of his bounty. But knowing and acknowledging that our Lord provides all and cares for us daily is vital to honoring “The Giver of … [Read more...] about Sharing What’s Really Valuable
Pastoral Formation Through the Ages
The development of pastoral education has taken some interesting twists and turns over the centuries. Speaking in broad strokes, the education of the Levites was based on the Pentateuch until the rest of the Old Testament was penned by divine inspiration. Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers formed the core of Levitical pastoral theology. The Prophetic … [Read more...] about Pastoral Formation Through the Ages