A Steadfast Lutheran Interview With Pastor Tullian Tchividjian (Part 2 of 2)
In part one of the Steadfast Lutheran Interview with Presbyterian Pastor, Tullian Tchividjian, I interviewed Tchividjian about his background and explored his various…
Tag: Pr Matt Richard
A Steadfast Lutheran Interview With Pastor Tullian Tchividjian (Part 1 of 2)
“He must be a Lutheran; he sure sounds like one.” These were some of the first words out of my mouth when I…
Why Words Are Powerful And Why They Matter
We have all heard the phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Is this phrase true,…
Letters From The “Becoming Lutheran Research Participants” To Lutheran Pastors And Journeying Evangelicals
As many of you know, I have been working on a Major Applied Research Project over the last two years examining the journey…
Is There Forgiveness of Sins In Baptism? Taking A Closer Look At Acts 2:38
“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of…
Why Evangelicals Struggle With Infant Baptism; The Platonic Connection
In a previous article about infant baptism on Steadfast Lutherans, I covered one of the main reasons why Evangelicals struggle with infant baptism….
Liturgy, Neither Alone Nor Neutral
“The liturgy, as a true service, is that which aids both the proclamation of and the hearing of the Gospel for the sake…
God’s Word, A Javelin: An Essay Contending for the Javelin like Nature of the Word of God
Here is an essay that I wrote about the javelin like nature of the Word of God that’s a bit too long for…
Why Popular Talking Points Obstruct The Gospel From Homosexuals
Talking points are concise statements that are used to support a side of an issue. Such statements can either develop through popular use…
Predestination Matters And Here’s Why…
Here is an article that I wrote about Predestination that’s a bit too long for an article on BJS. I’ve included the first…
Attention Lutheran Pastors, New “Becoming Lutheran Catechesis Aid”
Evangelicals face very large hurdles, obstacles, and bring with them several presuppositions that need to be addressed and resolved during their Lutheran catechesis…
If You Dismiss The Sacraments, You Lose Lutheranism!
Early on in my ministry I downplayed the sacraments of baptism and communion. I believed the church growth ideologies that said the sacraments…
Let’s Shed Some Platonism!
So, let’s have a quick lesson on the teachings of Plato. In Platonic thought there are two categories. In the first category there…
What Struggles Do Former Evangelicals Have With The Lutheran Liturgy?
The journey from American Evangelicalism into Confessional Lutheranism is a long, difficult, and sometimes scary road. The journey is neither something that just…
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…
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…