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…
The Long Chains of Liberation Theology – a paper by Montana District President Rev. Terry Forke
I recently had a paper shared with me that was written by the District President of the Montana District, Rev. Terry Forke. I…
Wash Us in the Blood
Although I am a convert to the traditional Lutheran confessions and believe the historic liturgy is generally the proper form of Christian worship,…
Indications of a Healthy and Strong Lutheran Congregational Life, Part 2 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…
Cultural Marxism and Critical Theory: An Introductory Sketch
***Editor’s Content Notice: This article includes language that is not for younger readers.*** Introduction This article provides an introductory sketch of Cultural Marxism…
Indications of a Healthy and Strong Lutheran Congregational Life, Part 1 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…
Temporal Authority
Luther had already completed his treatise, Temporal Authority: To What Extent It Should Be Obeyed, in December 1522, but it was not published until…
The Top Ten Reasons to use the Historic Lectionary
Written in collaboration with Dr. Jonathan Wessler, Kantor at First Lutheran Church of Boston. Jonathan is a super awesome Lutheran organist who has…
Systemic Adultery and Matriphobia: Our Guilty Silence
A Lutheran pastor friend of mine recently posted this status on Facebook: Be sure, before you get defensive, that you understand the difference…
Faith Works: Martin Luther’s Treatise on Good Works
Lutherans should celebrate the 500th anniversary of 1520 as a much more significant event than publication of the Ninety-Five Theses in 1517. The Indulgence Controversy and…
What Does “Woke” Mean?
The news is full of the word “woke.” Woke people, woke agenda, woke action. Television and internet show woke people burning things down….
A Laymen’s Commentary on the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope: The Power and Jurisdiction of Bishops
60] [In our Confession and the Apology we have in general recounted what we have had to say concerning ecclesiastical power. For] The…