Defy Everything But Have Faith in Christ
“Let us…commit the affairs of men to God in faithful prayer, and be calm. What can they do? Will they kill [me]? Will…
Looking Forward to Restoration of the Communion Rail
During the Covid-19 pandemic, our congregation has altered the manner of administering Communion from the Communion rail to a line formation. While I…
It’s Time to Start Sacrificing
*Much time, prayer, and effort has gone into this piece of writing. It is much longer than my typical writings because it would,…
Now, At the Last, and Unto Eternity – Advent 2020 Devotions now available – free download, purchase copies at Amazon.
This year we are hoping to use Advent to help Lutherans focus on the Last Things and specifically the comfort that can be…
A Laymen’s Commentary on the Epitome of the Formula of Concord: The Righteousness of Faith Before God
III. The Righteousness of Faith Before God. STATUS CONTROVERSIAE. The Principal Question In This Controversy. 1] Since it is unanimously confessed in our…
The Shame and Disgrace of the Cross
“For where God’s Word is preached, accepted, or believed, and bears fruit, there the holy and precious cross will also not be far…
A Laymen’s Commentary on the Epitome of the Formula of Concord: Free Will
II. Free Will. STATUS CONTROVERSIAE. The Principal Question in This Controversy. 1] Since the will of man is found in four unlike states,…
War and Pestilence: The Missouri Synod in the Year 1918
The year 1918 was tumultuous in the Missouri Synod. It was the year of the climax and conclusion of World War I, where…
Did Her Baptism Take?
Almost two years have passed since I published “One in 1200 and One in the Lord,” which was more widely received than I…
Now, At the Last, and Unto Eternity – Advent 2020 Series – Service Plan
Advent approaches, and it has become tradition here at Steadfast we are releasing information about our series for Advent along with a service…
Cancel Culture: Dear God, Cancel Our Culture
“Dear God, please cancel our culture.” A few weeks ago, I wouldn’t have thought to say this; but, God should cancel our culture….
Life on Venus?
Let me answer the click-bait question above immediately by saying that life has not been found on Venus. At least not yet. I…
Biblical Worldview Conference – 9/26 in Chicago – attend in person or online.
The theme is “The Christian Church amid Seismic Shifts” See these PDF files for more information: General Poster Schedule Presenters
A Laymen’s Commentary on the Epitome of the Formula of Concord: Original Sin
I. Original Sin. STATUS CONTROVERSIAE. The Principal Question in This Controversy. 1] Whether original sin is properly and without any distinction man’s corrupt…
Nunc Dimittis: Seeing God’s Savior and Salvation
Introduction Nunc Dimittis (the Song of Simeon) as a post-Communion canticle is a treasure. It holds deep riches of consolation in God’s Savior…
Cancel Culture: My First Impressions
God forgives sin and forgets. As it is written by Isaiah the Prophet, “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for…
A Laymen’s Commentary on the Epitome of the Formula of Concord: The Summary Content, Rule, and Norm
Comprehensive Summary, Rule and Norm According to which all dogmas should be judged, and the erroneous teachings [controversies]that have occurred should be decided…
Final Sermon: “We Preach Christ Crucified” — Pr Rolf D. Preus
The final sermon of Rolf D. Preus before his retirement from pastoral ministry, August 9, 2020. Following the service, he no longer will…
Worshiping Without Needless Disturbance
During my years in the parish I have spent much effort to teach my board of elders their duties. Of all congregational offices,…
A Laymen’s Commentary on the Epitome of the Formula of Concord: Preface to the Christian Book of Concord
Note: This is the fifth series of posts providing commentary on the Book of Concord adapted from my Lutheran Essentials Class Notes. I…
Indications of a Healthy and Strong Lutheran Congregational Life, Part 4 of 4
This series of articles was included in successive issues of “Der Lutheraner” in the year 1884, under the title “Welches sind die vornehmsten…
New Free Stock Photos for Lutherans
Lutheran Stock Photos is a great idea that has been put into practice. For many congregations (and blogs) finding good stock photos can…
Why the Preface and Agnus Dei? Bonus: Why Pax Domini?
The Service of the Sacrament begins with the Preface. Why? Is it just because we need some way of beginning? Is it because…
Indications of a Healthy and Strong Lutheran Congregational Life, Part 3 of 4
This series of articles was included in successive issues of “Der Lutheraner” in the year 1884, under the title “Welches sind die vornehmsten…
District Conventions in the age of COVID – a CCM opinion – a temptation to disenfranchisement?
The Commission on Constitutional Matters is the LCMS’ own brand of canon law judiciary, interpreting the bylaws, resolutions, etc. of Synod as they…