Gospel determinism has two elements. 1. We know the Gospel. 2. Gospel determines everything. The elements are simple. Together they are total. The Gospel rules all. The elements spawn their implications in two rounds. The first round is their implications … Continue reading
Steadfast Lutherans will soon be publishing a book titled “Be at Leisure: A Lutheran Approach to Outreach.” The book will be available as a free PDF and in print for the cost of printing at Lulu.com. The chapters of the book … Continue reading
One of the many abuses of science is Christians trying to prove Scripture with science. There are many well-meaning Christians who both use Scripture to validate their pet theory but also then try to use their pet theory to validate … Continue reading
I remember a pastor at seminary giving us the terrible advice that you shouldn’t preach against abortion because you will have members who have had abortions—“they might get hurt or be offended.” I said, “So we shouldn’t preach against sins … Continue reading
“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, … Continue reading
Romans 15:4-13 The Bible is the most revered book in the world. People who rarely read it and know little of what it teaches treat it with respect. The Bible is a symbol of tradition, of stability, and of truth. … Continue reading
Two Overtures to the 2016 synodical convention of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod presented questions concerning a paper by Dr. Jeffrey Kloha about ongoing revisions of the Greek New Testament. Overture 4-23 was titled, “To Settle Professor Jeffrey Kloha … Continue reading
What does the Bible say about how people who lived after the Flood could know about the Creation and Fall of Adam? Well, first is the testimony that the Scripture gives about God’s direct revelation to particular individuals: Adam, Noah, … Continue reading
Part 1 of this series set forth the premises and resolves of two overtures in the Convention Workbook 2016 of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod concerning a paper by Dr. Jeffrey Kloha about ongoing revisions to the text of … Continue reading
The Convention Workbook 2016 of the Lutheran Church – Missouri synod contains these two overtures: 4-23 To Settle Prof. Jeffery Kloha Controversy 4-24 To Request Public Clarification of Kloha Paper This article is part 1 in a series triggered by … Continue reading
On one occasion after Jesus finished teaching in the synagogue, a number of his disciples were offended at His teaching and said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” and many of His disciples turned back and … Continue reading
Has fidelity to the institution become more important than doctrine in the Missouri Synod? There are deep doctrinal divisions in the Missouri Synod today, divisions which are particularly evident in worship practices. Pr. Winter is correct: we do not agree … Continue reading
Associate editor’s note: In the part 1, we saw Dr. Becker pit Jesus against Scripture and his dismissal of certain biblical books (Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation), saying that they cannot serve as principal sources or norms for … Continue reading
Associate editor’s note: In the part 1, we saw Dr. Becker pit Jesus against Scripture and his dismissal of certain biblical books (Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation), saying that they cannot serve as principal sources or norms for … Continue reading
Dr. Matthew L. Becker[1] is known for teaching publicly that qualified women should be ordained as pastors.[2] Many wonder how he can reach this conclusion, since they believe God’s Word plainly says pastors should be qualified men. The explanation lies … Continue reading
One of the most frequently abused gifts of God among Christians today is prayer. For some reason we’ve gotten this notion that prayer is always a good thing. It is not. Prayer can easily become an attempt to approach God on … Continue reading
The case of Dr. Matthew L. Becker illustrates defection from Scripture by the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. This defection is not by the laity, nor by a majority of its theologians, doctors, seminary professors, or pastors, nor its President. … Continue reading
“Moreover, I want to point out to you a correct way of studying theology, for I have had practice in that. If you keep to it, you will become so learned that you yourself could (if it were necessary) write … Continue reading
The Church stands or falls on the article of justification. Ask any Lutheran about justification and it won’t be long before you’re hearing about salvation by grace through faith. But follow that question up with, “And from whence does this … Continue reading
Erasmus, over and against Luther’s understanding concerning the authority of Sacred Scripture, places great importance on the interpretation of the church fathers concerning the Holy Scriptures. Before Erasmus begins his discussion on the inspiration of the Holy Spirit upon Scripture, … Continue reading
From The Constitution of the United States of America, Article 2, Section 1: “Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation: ‘I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully … Continue reading
Gegraptai, “it is written.” This was the motto found on the seal of the old Norwegian Synod. It has served as the byline for the Lutheran Sentinel, the official monthly publication for the laity of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, for … Continue reading