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…
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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…
Final Sermon: “We Preach Christ Crucified” — Pr Rolf D. Preus
The final sermon of Rolf D. Preus before his retirement from pastoral ministry, August 9, 2020. Following the service, he no longer will…
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…
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…
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…
St. Catharine’s Seminary Faculty issues opinion…
Seminary faculties often used to express theological positions and advice for the greater Church. In the LCMS this practice has been missing from…
A Laymen’s Commentary on the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope: The Marks of the Antichrist
39] Now, it is manifest that the Roman pontiffs, with their adherents, defend [and practice] godless doctrines and godless services. And the marks…
Singing the Introit
Last Sunday we celebrated the Fifth Sunday of Easter, which is also known as Cantate Sunday. Cantate is a Latin imperative imploring us…
A Laymen’s Commentary on the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope: A Contrast Between Christ and the Pope
32] Accordingly, that Christ in His passion is crowned with thorns and led forth to be derided in royal purple, this signified that…
A Laymen’s Commentary on the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope: Refutation of Roman Arguments
22] But they cite against us certain passages, namely, Matt. 16:18f : Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My…
Gospel Determinism Cases: Paul G. Bretscher — Bultmann Supplement
Since writing “Gospel Determinism Cases: Paul G. Bretscher,” which has been published in a five-part series here on Brothers of John the Steadfast,…
MN South DP Woodford gives a great letter for the Synod in regard to coronavirus and the church.
This is an outstanding letter. Please read it. https://steadfastlutherans.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cornavirus_Letter_Two_final.pdf
A Laymen’s Commentary on the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope: Testimony of Scripture
7] In the first place, therefore, let us show from the [holy] Gospel that the Roman bishop is not by divine right above…
Quinquagesima Sunday – “Mercy Concealed and Revealed”
Quinquagesima Sunday February 19, 2012 “Mercy Concealed and Revealed” Luke 18:31-43 Click here to listen to audio of this…
Sexagesima Sunday Sermon – “God’s Word Does What God Wants”
Sexagesima Sunday Sermon February 24, 2019 “God’s Word Does What God Wants” Isaiah 55:10-11 Click here to listen to…
Septuagesima Sunday Sermon – “Salvation Unto Us Has Come by God’s Free Grace and Favor”
Septuagesima Sunday Sermon February 17, 2019 “Salvation Unto Us Has Come by God’s Free Grace and Favor” Matthew 20:1-16 …
The Transfiguration of our Lord – “Hear Jesus!”
The Transfiguration of our Lord . February 10, 2019 . “Hear Jesus!” . Matthew 17:1-9 . Click here to listen to audio of…
A new site, and a jubilee on comments
The look around here has been freshened up a lot. Since 2018 we have been running on technological fumes just trying to keep…
Christianity in Space
Goofy title aside, this is actually a question for serious consideration. Namely the question of what should the shape of Christian piety take…
The Third Sunday after Epiphany – “The Vengeance of God”
The Third Sunday after Epiphany January 27, 2019 “The Vengeance of God” Romans 12:16-21 Click here to listen to…
Preserving Walther’s Hymnal
When I was a second year seminarian in the spring of 2006, my friend and fellow seminarian Mark Preus gave me one of…
A Laymen’s Commentary on the Smalcald Articles: How One is Justified before God and Does Good Works
Part III, Article XIII. How One is Justified before God, and of Good Works. 1] What I have hitherto and constantly taught concerning…