It’s Time to Start Sacrificing
*Much time, prayer, and effort has gone into this piece of writing. It is much longer than my typical writings because it would,…
Category: Theology
A Laymen’s Commentary on the Epitome of the Formula of Concord: The Righteousness of Faith Before God
III. The Righteousness of Faith Before God. STATUS CONTROVERSIAE. The Principal Question In This Controversy. 1] Since it is unanimously confessed in our…
The Shame and Disgrace of the Cross
“For where God’s Word is preached, accepted, or believed, and bears fruit, there the holy and precious cross will also not be far…
A Laymen’s Commentary on the Epitome of the Formula of Concord: Free Will
II. Free Will. STATUS CONTROVERSIAE. The Principal Question in This Controversy. 1] Since the will of man is found in four unlike states,…
War and Pestilence: The Missouri Synod in the Year 1918
The year 1918 was tumultuous in the Missouri Synod. It was the year of the climax and conclusion of World War I, where…
Did Her Baptism Take?
Almost two years have passed since I published “One in 1200 and One in the Lord,” which was more widely received than I…
Cancel Culture: Dear God, Cancel Our Culture
“Dear God, please cancel our culture.” A few weeks ago, I wouldn’t have thought to say this; but, God should cancel our culture….
Life on Venus?
Let me answer the click-bait question above immediately by saying that life has not been found on Venus. At least not yet. I…
A Laymen’s Commentary on the Epitome of the Formula of Concord: Original Sin
I. Original Sin. STATUS CONTROVERSIAE. The Principal Question in This Controversy. 1] Whether original sin is properly and without any distinction man’s corrupt…
Nunc Dimittis: Seeing God’s Savior and Salvation
Introduction Nunc Dimittis (the Song of Simeon) as a post-Communion canticle is a treasure. It holds deep riches of consolation in God’s Savior…
Cancel Culture: My First Impressions
God forgives sin and forgets. As it is written by Isaiah the Prophet, “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for…
A Laymen’s Commentary on the Epitome of the Formula of Concord: The Summary Content, Rule, and Norm
Comprehensive Summary, Rule and Norm According to which all dogmas should be judged, and the erroneous teachings [controversies]that have occurred should be decided…
Worshiping Without Needless Disturbance
During my years in the parish I have spent much effort to teach my board of elders their duties. Of all congregational offices,…
A Laymen’s Commentary on the Epitome of the Formula of Concord: Preface to the Christian Book of Concord
Note: This is the fifth series of posts providing commentary on the Book of Concord adapted from my Lutheran Essentials Class Notes. I…
Indications of a Healthy and Strong Lutheran Congregational Life, Part 4 of 4
This series of articles was included in successive issues of “Der Lutheraner” in the year 1884, under the title “Welches sind die vornehmsten…
Why the Preface and Agnus Dei? Bonus: Why Pax Domini?
The Service of the Sacrament begins with the Preface. Why? Is it just because we need some way of beginning? Is it because…
Indications of a Healthy and Strong Lutheran Congregational Life, Part 3 of 4
This series of articles was included in successive issues of “Der Lutheraner” in the year 1884, under the title “Welches sind die vornehmsten…
The Long Chains of Liberation Theology – a paper by Montana District President Rev. Terry Forke
I recently had a paper shared with me that was written by the District President of the Montana District, Rev. Terry Forke. I…
Wash Us in the Blood
Although I am a convert to the traditional Lutheran confessions and believe the historic liturgy is generally the proper form of Christian worship,…
Indications of a Healthy and Strong Lutheran Congregational Life, Part 2 of 4
This series of articles was included in successive issues of “Der Lutheraner” in the year 1884, under the title “Welches sind die vornehmsten…
Indications of a Healthy and Strong Lutheran Congregational Life, Part 1 of 4
This series of articles was included in successive issues of “Der Lutheraner” in the year 1884, under the title “Welches sind die vornehmsten…
The Top Ten Reasons to use the Historic Lectionary
Written in collaboration with Dr. Jonathan Wessler, Kantor at First Lutheran Church of Boston. Jonathan is a super awesome Lutheran organist who has…
Systemic Adultery and Matriphobia: Our Guilty Silence
A Lutheran pastor friend of mine recently posted this status on Facebook: Be sure, before you get defensive, that you understand the difference…
Faith Works: Martin Luther’s Treatise on Good Works
Lutherans should celebrate the 500th anniversary of 1520 as a much more significant event than publication of the Ninety-Five Theses in 1517. The Indulgence Controversy and…
A Laymen’s Commentary on the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope: The Power and Jurisdiction of Bishops
60] [In our Confession and the Apology we have in general recounted what we have had to say concerning ecclesiastical power. For] The…