The theme for this year’s Concordia Catechetical Symposium, also known as “Benderfest,” is “Catechesis and Lutheran Schooling in a Hostile Culture.” It will be held June 19-21. You can find more information here. Although I won’t be able to make … Continue reading
St. James says, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (Jam 1:27)” On the evening of Easter Sunday, Aaron Wolf was … Continue reading
This is a bit late, with the deadline fast approaching to send overtures to Synod. But in light of the recent events in our country by lawmakers and judges, wicked antichrists sanctifying the evil act of abortion, and even a … Continue reading
Commenting on Galatians 4:30, “But what does the Scripture say? Cast out the slave and her son; for the son of the slave shall not inherit with the son of the free woman,” Luther gives great insight on the Papacy. In … Continue reading
Many of us have learned the helpful distinction between power and authority. We know that might doesn’t equal right. You might have the power, or the ability, to do something. That doesn’t mean you have the right, or the authority, … Continue reading
How do we know Jesus is God? We know this, not only because the Bible calls him God (Is 9:6; Jer 23:6; John 1:1; 8:58; 20:28; Tit 2:13; 2 Pet 1:1). We also know this because the Bible describes Jesus … Continue reading
A friend from high school recently remarked that you hear a lot of hymns about the second half of 1 Corinthians 11 (Lord’s Supper), but not about the first half (head coverings, headship). He inspired me to write a hymn based … Continue reading
Let me make this clear right off the bat. Obviously all things are pure to the pure, just as Paul says to Titus (Titus 1:15). There are many God fearing Christians who serve as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and scientists. But … Continue reading
Some may be familiar with the history of the ELS and her relationships to the LCMS. After the LCMS began talks exploring fellowship with the American Lutheran Church, the ELS, concerned about the ALC’s loose practice on communion practice as … Continue reading
The following is my first reaction after reading the minutes from the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Board of Regents meeting from March, posted recently on this website. I would like to give my two cents on two motions, which were made … Continue reading
Once in a while, I run across a comment or article from a “conservative” Lutheran chiding us for sometimes being misogynistic. Here is one example from a couple years back. The chide is sometimes directed toward the first person plural. … Continue reading
If you still want to come to the “The Preaching Office,” conference at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca, Solon, Iowa, click on this link. The Conference begins this Thursday afternoon. It is $45 for a room and lunch on Friday. Here is the … Continue reading
To suspend a preacher from the ministry is an act of coercion. It is to force him to stop teaching in the name of the church. I have heard people argue that because suspending false teachers is an act of … Continue reading
Mary and Zechariah are great examples to every Christian. In our modern day, young boys and girls are told to look up to those who are famous and successful in this life. But I can’t think of a better role-model … Continue reading
Is this a ship that has sailed? We shouldn’t allow that! This paper is worth listening to. If you have already heard it, then listen to it again. If you haven’t, I commend to you this great confession against our … Continue reading
In 1777, a German writer, philosopher, and play-writer named Gotthold Lessing published a short article entitled, “On the Proof of the Spirit and of Power.” Lessing had already published many other writings arguing that there is no one correct religion, … Continue reading
John 6:1-15 When Andrew asked concerning the five loaves of bread and two small fish, “What are these among so many?” the question was simple. It is nothing. The bread we provide cannot satisfy the multitudes. In fact, bread, though … Continue reading
Galatians 4:21-31 St. Paul finds the deeper meaning under the account of Sarah and Hagar. He is not denying the natural meaning of the history. It is true that Sarah was Abraham’s wife, and Hagar was her maidservant. It is … Continue reading
Deuteronomy 18:15-19 After the people of Israel heard the law from Mount Sinai, they begged Moses to speak to them rather than God, because they would die if they heard the voice of God (Ex 20:19). God knew that no … Continue reading
Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be | glad with her,* all you who | love her; that you may feed and be | satisfied* with the consolation of her | bosom. (Isaiah 66:10-11) I was glad when they | said to me,* … Continue reading
Iowa District East Symposium 2018 May 31 – June 1 “The Preaching Office” Io-Dis-E-Ca 3271 Sandy Beach Rd NE, Solon, Iowa 52333 The Symposium will be held at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca, 3271 Sandy Beach Rd NE, Solon, IA 52333 on Thursday, … Continue reading
Luke 11:14-28 Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it. These words sum up our Lord’s entire lesson. He teaches us by warning us as well as promising us a blessing. He begins by casting out … Continue reading
Ephesians 5:1-9 Christ suffered on our behalf, an offering and sacrifice to God as a sweet smelling aroma. This entails two things, which cannot be separated. First, Christ has suffered the judgment we deserved because of our sins. Second, Christ … Continue reading
Exodus 8:16-24 The finger of God both casts out demons as well as hardens hearts. The finger of God is another term for the Holy Spirit. The Ten Commandments were inscribed on tablets of stone with the finger of God … Continue reading
I have been writing little meditations on the front of my bulletins for the last few years. Each meditation concentrates specifically on one of the propers for each given Sunday in the historic lectionary. My goal is to have a … Continue reading