The forty-ninth annual Bjarne Wollan Teigen Reformation Lectures were held at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN on October 27–28, 2016. The theme of the lectures was “The Cost of Confessing: Luther and the Three Princes.” The first lecture, given … Continue reading
Kick off your Reformation celebration this year at the annual Reformation Lectures at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN, Thursday, October 27 to Friday, October 28, 2016. This year’s topic is “The Cost of Confessing: Luther and the Three Princes.” Hear what … Continue reading
The annual Bjarne Teigen Reformation Lectures will be held October 29–30, 2015 at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato MN. This year the theme will be Lutheranism and the Arts. These lectures delve into our Reformation heritage with presentations on the history and … Continue reading
What comes to mind when I say the word “lost”? Perhaps you think of a time when you were driving in an unfamiliar area and no longer were certain where you were or whether you were headed in the right … Continue reading
This past week Bethany Lutheran College held its annual BW Teigen Reformation Lectures. The theme was “Lutheranism and Apologetics.” Retired Bethany Prof. Allen Quist spoke on “The Doctrine of Creation in Lutheran Apologetics.” His talk gave a Lutheran approach to … Continue reading
This week at ELS Camp Indianhead, our theme is “For You!” as we hear what God’s Word and the Small Catechism tell us about Christ being present “for you,” “for the forgiveness of sins,” in Absolution and the Lord’s Supper. … Continue reading
Who was the most influential Lutheran theologian in America in the 19th century? C.F.W. Walther? C.P. Krauth? How about U.V. Koren? While lesser known than these contemporaries, U.V. Koren’s legacy looms large in that portion of Lutheranism that traces its … Continue reading
What if Christ has not been raised? What difference would it make for your life? Have you ever considered that question? The great resurrection chapter, 1 Corinthians 15, spends several verses playing out that scenario. “If Christ has not been … Continue reading
Text: St. Matthew 6:13b. But deliver us from evil. (KJV) Prayer: My heavenly Father, I pray that You would save me from every evil of body and soul, property and honor, and that at the hour of my death … Continue reading
Every week at divine service and maybe every day at home, we pray the Lord’s Prayer, but do we realize its meaning for our faith and life and how it relates to Jesus’ redemptive work for us? As a daily … Continue reading
On February 4, Ken Ham, founder of creation science organization Answers in Genesis, debated famous scientist and children’s television host Bill Nye “the Science Guy” on the question “Is creation a viable model of origins in today’s modern, scientific era?” … Continue reading
Text: Psalm 100: 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all … Continue reading
Are you ready for Christmas? By now most of us have our Christmas trees up and decorated. Some of us have set up Nativity scenes or decorated with Christmas lights. Others are finalizing travel plans, putting finishing touches … Continue reading
During the summer I reported that an historical play was performed at the June convention of the ELS. I am pleased to report that this play performance is now on available on DVD. The Oak Trees Still Stand, a play … Continue reading
How will you be celebrating Reformation this year? Why not come to Minnesota for the Reformation Lectures! Since 1965, Bethany Lutheran College and Seminary in Mankato MN have held Reformation Lectures. The first presenter was Dr. Hermann Sasse, and … Continue reading
Following a church merger, a congregation and pastor are forced to go to court to try to maintain claims to a parsonage that has long been property of their parish. Surprisingly, the merger in question here is not the famous … Continue reading
One of the highlights of the ELS Convention each year is the essay, which focuses on some particular doctrine or practice of the church. This year’s essay, connected to the overall vision statement of the synod, “Engage Others With Jesus,” … Continue reading
As one reads BJS lately, you may get the impression that this is an in-house LCMS production. We may not be posting as much lately, but there are non-LCMS contributors and readers, and we, too, will be having synodical conventions … Continue reading
What a joyous, happy event a birthday is! When a child is born, the family rejoices. A birthday is something to remembered in a special way each year. The Day of Pentecost, the 50th day after Easter is a birthday, … Continue reading
On Good Friday, March 29, 2013, Dr. Francis Monseth, Dean of Free Lutheran Theological Seminary, was received into his eternal home at age 71. He earned an STM and ThD from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He taught systematic theology: … Continue reading
When the movie, “The Passion of the Christ” premiered, TV news showed people leaving the theatre either crying or in stunned silence. Those of you who have seen the film may have experienced this first-hand. Does Jesus’ cross make you … Continue reading
Also translated, “Bright and Glorious is the Sky” (ELH 120), this delightful hymn for Christmas and Epiphany comes from the country of Denmark. If you could, by some chance, worship in a Danish Lutheran church this past Sunday, you would … Continue reading
Researching one’s family history can turn up surprises. A couple years ago, a distant cousin of mine researched our family line using a computer program. How surprised I was to learn that my family had been in this country for … Continue reading
A child’s first word is usually “mama” or “dada.” For my son, his first word was “Thank you.” While he pronounced it “Tay-due,” we knew what he meant. We started calling him “Tay-due” for his nickname. What a polite and … Continue reading
Matthew 22:15-22. 15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. 16 And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way … Continue reading