Reforming The Local Congregation
It has been said before that the church is in need of a continuous reformation. In other words, this call for reformation is…
Category: Steadfast Brethren
Sanctified In Christ; Living From The True Vine
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away,…
Why Do Many Evangelicals Find It Difficult To Accept Infant Baptism?
During my past 9 years of pastoral ministry the discussion with Evangelicals that has resulted in the most confusion, tension, and conflict is…
Questions To Ask Those Who Are Against Abortion ‘And’ Pro-Choice
In case you have not heard the news yet, North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple has signed legislation that would ban most abortions if…
Who Is The World’s Greatest Sinner? Why Is The Answer So Relevant Today?
In Bible studies I have at times asked a provocative question to stimulate discussion, “Who is the world’s greatest sinner? Who is the…
Mercedes-Benzes, Premium Wine, And The Tools Of The Pastoral Ministry
Many people are unaware that before ministry I was a finance and economics major in college. In fact, during my senior year of…
Be Aware Of The Back Door Tactic Of The Evil One
In the book Grace Upon Grace the author, Dr. John Kleinig, describes Satan’s attack on Christians and the Church. Kleinig notes that we…
Keep Watch For The Theological Underpinnings Of Word-Faith Tenets In The History Channel’s “The Bible”
Last night The History Channel aired its miniseries, “The Bible.” It is a miniseries produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett. Leading up…
The Pelagian Captivity Of Evangelicalism—What The Reformers Would Think Of Modern Evangelicalism
Confession time! I’ve had more and more of a difficult time applying the label of ‘Evangelical’ to myself as of late. (Note: When…
Pastors Are Not To Subject God’s People To “Their Laws and To The Works Ordained By Them,” But To God’s Word Alone
Pastors are called to be servants of the flock. The congregation elects pastors. The congregation calls pastors. The congregation ordains pastors. Since this…
Hello, My Name Is ‘Former Evangelical.’ It Is Nice To Meet You!
Several months ago I posted an article titled, “Attention All Former Evangelicals” on Steadfast Lutherans. In this article I announced the need for former Evangelicals…
What Do We Seek At Church?
If we see ourselves as sinners (damned by our thoughts, words and deeds) we will go to church to hear the Gospel Word…
Do We Lutherans Need To Move Beyond The Cross; Is Our Cross Theology Too Narrow?
Many Christians regard Lutherans as being very one-sided or narrow in their theology. The accusation is that we Lutherans shrink the church year…
Advice From A Young Pastor
It seems to me that the Steadfast Lutheran website has had a lot of conversation lately on the age and experience of pastors….
Looking Beyond Just Numerical Church Growth
There is no doubt about it that most American churches have felt the effects of the church growth movement, the pressure to expand…
American Idol: The Search For The Superstar Of ‘Self’
When one thinks about the topic of idolatry it is easy to imagine primitive people groups worshiping and showing their devotion to false…
We Need The Lutheran Confessions Because A Theology Of Experience Is Not Easily Transferable
This past week I had a dialogue with a gentleman on Facebook over a theological topic. Part way through the discussion he asked…
Exposing Ten Myths Of The Church Growth Movement
Brian Orme has an excellent article on the “Church Leaders” website titled, 10 Old Wives’ Tales About Church Growth. In this article he…
Christmas Is For Sinners
Many years ago my family and I had a wonderful time giving my grandfather a lump of coal for Christmas. Yes, that is…
Attention All Former Evangelicals
Attention all former Evangelicals! I am currently enrolled at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in their doctor of ministry program. With my schooling I…
What Is So Convenient About Prevenient Grace?
Prevenient grace is the official doctrine of the Church of the Nazarene, as well as Methodism. It is found in the roots of…
The Theology of Rob Bell: Making Evil Good and Good Evil?
Several years ago there was a lot of buzz on the internet about Rob Bell’s new book titled, Love Wins. The conversation in the…
Legalism, Licentiousness, And Freedom From Reactionary Aversion Theology
I recently posted an article on Steadfast Lutherans and my personal blog PM Notes titled, “Free The Gospel! The Gospel Does Not Lead To…
The Church Of Cain Will Always Attack The Church Of Abel
In Genesis 4 we read of the first murder in the Bible. In this story, Cain kills his brother Abel. Michael Horton in…
Pik – A – Pastor (A Good Laugh)
While we can get a good laugh from the previous cartoon, this causes us to ask the more serious question, “What ‘is’ the…