The author would like to dedicate this series to the blessed memory of Sigurd Lee (1926-2021), mentor, encourager, and dear friend. In my younger and more vulnerable years, the old-timers gave me some good advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. “Ars Moriendi, Ars Vivendi,” they said, which means, “The art of dying is the art … [Read more...] about Ars Moriendi – The Art of Dying
Crossing Paths…on the Road to Jericho – Part 3
His battery had died. His wheelchair was stuck in the intersection at the peak of rush hour. Commuters were not pleased. “I’ve called about this twice,” one of them said. “When is an officer going to get here?” Prudently, the 911 operator chose not to explain that officers “get there” by automobile—not by parachute or teleportation. “We’ve … [Read more...] about Crossing Paths…on the Road to Jericho – Part 3
To Know As I Am Known
In the recounting of the passion of Jesus, we are confronted with many theological questions like: “Are you the Christ?” (Matthew 26:63); “Is it I, Lord?” (vv. 22, 25); “What is truth?” (John 18:38). They came from believers and unbelievers alike. Even Jesus posed some: “Have you not read … ‘I am the God of Abraham, … of Isaac … of Jacob?’ He is … [Read more...] about To Know As I Am Known
The Joy of Empty
Read Mark 16:1-8 Most often when a thing is empty, it isn’t cause for excitement. When the gas tank is empty, we’re desperate for a gas station or, worse, we’re stranded. When the pantry is empty, we’re scrambling to find food. No one throws a party for an empty bank account. It’s not that these women at the Easter tomb wanted Jesus to … [Read more...] about The Joy of Empty
Pastor, I Have a Question – March-April, 2022
Question: Romans 2:15 states: “They [Gentiles who do not have the law] demonstrate the work of the law that is written in their hearts, since their conscience also bears witness as their thoughts go back and forth, at times accusing or at times even defending them” (EHV). This passage indicates that the conscience relates to matters of God’s Law … [Read more...] about Pastor, I Have a Question – March-April, 2022
The Evangelical Lutheran Synod & the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: What’s the Difference?
The church names, sounding so much alike, are often confused. When reduced to their popular abbreviations, ELS and ELCA, the confusion only grows. Peeling back the covers, we can see some important similarities and some even more important differences. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is the largest Lutheran church body in the … [Read more...] about The Evangelical Lutheran Synod & the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: What’s the Difference?