Of Reformation confessors, there are many whom we generally do not recognize in the context of the Reformation era itself. However, in that the Reformation was about the Word, and further that perpetuation of the Reformation principles calls for steadfast and bold confessors of the Word, it is fitting that we recognize latter day confessors… August Otto Wilhelm Pieper Read More

As we approach the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, we take a brief look at the lives of some of the most influential and important Lutheran theologians. C. F. W. Walther (1811-1887) was the first president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (1847-1850). He also served a second time (1864-1878). Except for Martin Luther, perhaps no… Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm Walther Read More

As we approach the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, we take a brief look at the lives of some of the most influential and important Lutheran theologians. The foremost person of the Reformation was, of course, Martin Luther. In a previous article we introduced a second Martin, Martin Chemnitz, who lived during the time of… Johannes Quenstedt Read More

HEROES OF THE FAITH (First in a Series) As we approach the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, we will take a brief look at the lives of some of the most influential and important Lutheran theologians. The Lutheran Church is so named as a consequence of the enemies of Martin Luther, who mockingly called those… The Second Martin Read More

Advent is a season of preparation for Christians. Consisting ofthe first four Sundays of the new church year, it is the season during which we prepare to celebrate the birthday of the incarnate Christ. Each year we observe this season by preparing ourselves with prayer and contemplation of the historical fact as well as the… ADVENT AGAIN Read More

Thanksgiving Day is not an appointed church holiday but a national celebration. Nevertheless, the church celebrates it for good reason. Surely, when we consider the blessings from our Heavenly Father from whom comes every good and perfect gift, we have reason to say every day: “Praise the Lord. Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for… Reason to Give Thanks Every Day! Read More

Christ, Thou art the sure Foundation, Thou the Head and Cornerstone; Chosen of the Lord and precious, Binding all the Church in one; Thou Thy Zion’s Help forever And her Confidence alone. (TLH #466:1)   “Beating a dead horse” phraseology may seem to fit, but it does not apply to our subject. This horse is… Beating a Horse that Will Not Die Read More

“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be… Worship Him, All You People Read More

Everyone has a god— even those who claim that there is no God.  American atheists are planning to initiate a TV channel dedicated to god-lessness. We were reminded of this again when we read that American atheists are planning to initiate a TV channel dedicated to god-lessness. According to a spokesman, the purpose and intent… The Fool Who Fools Himself Read More

Graduation is the bestowing of diplomas upon students who have completed the prescribed course of study. Commencement names the same event with the emphasis on a new beginning. The graduates enter upon a new course or new experience in life. Schools invite guest speakers for the graduation or commencement exercise. We suspect that those who… GRADUATION or COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES Read More

The pastoral ministry is, of course, broader in responsibility and scope than preaching. But there is no more important responsibility or privilege that a servant of God has than to preach! It is to be regretted when a pastor becomes so busy or otherwise occupied that he cannot put his best effort into sermon preparation.… Preaching To the Choir — and Others Read More

In preparation for the Lord’s Supper we do well to engage in self-examination. Martin Luther’s “Christian Questions” help in this regard: “Do you believe that you are a sinner?” (Ans.): “Yes, I believe it; I am a sinner….”   “Are you also sorry for your sins?” (Ans.): “Yes, I am sorry that I have sinned… Blessed Reception of the Lord’s Supper Read More

Death is the common denominator among all people. Scripture tells us “Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned…” (Romans 5:12). That is an indisputable, observable truth! There is another indisputable truth of Scripture which, however, is not universally accepted. “For the… Fear On the Other Side? Read More

If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. 19 I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. Read More

“…On earth peace…” declared the angels to the shepherds on the night of the Savior’s birth (Luke 2:14).     How shall we understand the expression “…On earth peace…”? Does the angelic declaration of peace on Earth refer to some millennial peace during which Jesus allegedly returns to set up His kingdom on Earth? Does it… “On Earth Peace…” Read More

As children of God we have been richly blessed. If we have to ask how we have been blessed or how richly, that indicates we are taking those gifts for granted. Above all, we thank God the Father for His love in Christ Jesus. The precious gospel of salvation in Jesus is our greatest blessing, the most secure… Appreciating, With Thanksgiving, the Gifts We Have Read More

When our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified, there was a certain glee among His enemies, for in their minds they had accomplished their goal of being rid of Jesus. But as the Passion history suggests, they could not rid themselves of the nagging thought that perhaps what He said was true. Perhaps He would rise… EVIL CANNOT PREVAIL! Read More

STUDIES IN TITUS “For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God…holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught…”  (Titus 1:7ff) But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person… Final Words to Titus Read More

(Second of two) The claim that the existence of private religious schools—Catholic and/or Protestant—“encourages division and discourages cooperation” bears watching, as it may well bespeak an attitude that will impact our schools. It is significant in that it reveals an attitude toward Christianity that, while not new, is increasingly more strident. We suspect that the… CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS DIVISIVE? Read More

(First of two) In Ireland in June of 2013 the American president said, “If towns remain divided—if Catholics have their schools and buildings and Protestants have theirs, if we can’t see ourselves in one another and fear or resentment are allowed to harden—that too encourages division and discourages cooperation” (emphasis added). Read More