Reformation Lectures Now Online
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…
Author: Pastor Shawn Stafford
Who was this John the Steadfast, anyway?
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…
Reformation Lectures 2015: Lutheranism and the Arts
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…
“The Father’s Grace Toward His Two Lost Sons” A Sermon on Luke 15:11-32
What comes to mind when I say the word “lost”? Perhaps you think of a time when you were driving in an unfamiliar…
BW Teigen Reformation Lectures — Lutheranism and Apologetics
This past week Bethany Lutheran College held its annual BW Teigen Reformation Lectures. The theme was “Lutheranism and Apologetics.” Retired Bethany Prof. Allen…
Steadfast at Camp: “You Are the Man!”
This week at ELS Camp Indianhead, our theme is “For You!” as we hear what God’s Word and the Small Catechism tell us…
Now in English for the First Time, U.V. Koren’s Works!
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…
Jesus’ Resurrection Affects our Life
What if Christ has not been raised? What difference would it make for your life? Have you ever considered that question? The great…
Good Friday Sermon: “Deliver Us From Evil”
Text: St. Matthew 6:13b. But deliver us from evil. (KJV) Prayer: My heavenly Father, I pray that You would save me from…
Lent Resource — The Lord’s Prayer and His Passion: Daily Readings During Lent
Every week at divine service and maybe every day at home, we pray the Lord’s Prayer, but do we realize its meaning for…
Is theistic evolution compatible with the Christian faith?
On February 4, Ken Ham, founder of creation science organization Answers in Genesis, debated famous scientist and children’s television host Bill Nye “the…
“Enter His Gates With Thanksgiving”: A Sermon Based on Psalm 100 and Luther’s Explanation to the Creed
Text: Psalm 100: 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His…
The Three Advents of Jesus
Are you ready for Christmas? By now most of us have our Christmas trees up and decorated. Some of us have…
ELS History Play Now on DVD
During the summer I reported that an historical play was performed at the June convention of the ELS. I am pleased to report…
Bjarne Wollen Teigen Reformation Lectures
How will you be celebrating Reformation this year? Why not come to Minnesota for the Reformation Lectures! Since 1965, Bethany Lutheran College…
“The Oak Trees Still Stand”: Steadfast on Stage
Following a church merger, a congregation and pastor are forced to go to court to try to maintain claims to a parsonage that…
“Engaging Families With Jesus”: ELS Convention Essay
One of the highlights of the ELS Convention each year is the essay, which focuses on some particular doctrine or practice of the…
WELS President Comments on NIV 2011 and New Translation
As one reads BJS lately, you may get the impression that this is an in-house LCMS production. We may not be posting as…
“O Day Full of Grace”: A Scandinavian Hymn for Pentecost
What a joyous, happy event a birthday is! When a child is born, the family rejoices. A birthday is something to remembered in…
Doctor of the Church Enters Glory on Good Friday
On Good Friday, March 29, 2013, Dr. Francis Monseth, Dean of Free Lutheran Theological Seminary, was received into his eternal home at age…
The Cross Shows Us Our Sin and Our Savior
When the movie, “The Passion of the Christ” premiered, TV news showed people leaving the theatre either crying or in stunned silence. Those…
“O How Beautiful the Sky”: A Scandinavian Hymn for Epiphany
Also translated, “Bright and Glorious is the Sky” (ELH 120), this delightful hymn for Christmas and Epiphany comes from the country of Denmark….
Jesus’ Genealogy: Forgiven Sinners
Researching one’s family history can turn up surprises. A couple years ago, a distant cousin of mine researched our family line using a…
“Teaching Children to be Thankful”
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,”…
Living as Citizens of Two Kingdoms: A Post Election Sermon
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…