This series offers an overview of the chief teachings of the Christian church. We were returning home and the road ahead included mountain passes that were wet and slushy. As daylight gave way to night, I began having more and more difficulty seeing the road in front of me. There was no rain or blowing… The Clarity of Scripture Read More

In this series we take a look back at some of the most notorious errors and heresies that have threatened the church over the centuries, as well as the subtle (and not so subtle) ways in which those false teachings continue to haunt 21st century thought and theology. Catharism was the inner core in a… Catharism Read More

ERROR’S ECHO In this series we take a look back at some of the most notorious errors and heresies that have threatened the church over the centuries, as well as the subtle (and not so subtle) ways in which those false teachings continue to haunt 21st century thought and theology. Whether learning to ride a… Sabellianism Read More

ERROR’S ECHO In this series we take a look back at some of the most notorious errors and heresies that have threatened the church over the centuries, as well as the subtle (and not so subtle) ways in which those false teachings continue to haunt 21st century thought and theology. Unlike other errors, Donatism did… Donatism Read More

ERROR’S ECHO In this series we take a look back at some of the most notorious errors and heresies that have threatened the church over the centuries, as well as the subtle (and not so subtle) ways in which those false teachings continue to haunt 21st century thought and theology. Several weeks ago, we journeyed… Monophysitism Read More

ERROR’S ECHO In this series we take a look back at some of the most notorious errors and heresies that have threatened the church over the centuries, as well as the subtle (and not so subtle) ways in which those false teachings continue to haunt 21st century thought and theology. The joy of an echo… The Adoptionism Error Read More

ERROR’S ECHO In this new series we take a look back at some of the most notorious errors and heresies that have threatened the church over the centuries, as well as the subtle (and not so subtle) ways in which those false teachings continue to haunt 21st century thought and theology. Humanly speaking, the perfect… The Ebionite Error Read More

COVER STORY – CHRISTMAS The sight, smell, and sounds of a little baby give no reason for fear. Quite the opposite; watching a sleeping baby can overwhelm one’s heart with comfort, contentment, and joy. The world’s noise, wickedness, and danger all fade away when one is gently rocking in a chair while cradling a baby.… Stop Being Afraid Read More

A SLICE OF LIFE IN THE CLC Snapshots of congregations from around the Church of the Lutheran Confession. A Gospel Opportunity “Come to the land of Opportunity and Greenacres,” cried the advertisement in Midwestern newspapers at the turn of the century. Instead, the settlers who came to the Spokane River Valley “found 10 acre plots… Gethsemane Lutheran Church Spokane Valley, Washington Read More

UNDERSTANDING THE CULTS In this twelve-part series we are taking a brief look at some of the major cults, past and present, that have found adherents in the United States. Your pastor can help you if you’d like a more in-depth study of a particular group. The Unity School of Christianity—more commonly called Unity Church,… Unity Church Read More

UNDERSTANDING THE CULTS In this twelve-part series we are taking a brief look at some of the major cults, past and present, that have found adherents in the United States. Your pastor can help you if you’d like a more in-depth study of a particular group. Come, return to your place in the pews, And… Unitarian Universalism Read More

UNDERSTANDING THE CULTS – ROSICRUCIANISM In this twelve-part series we are taking a brief look at some of the major cults, past and present, that have found adherents in the United States. Your pastor can help you if you’d like a more in-depth study of a particular group. In the arena of secret societies, historic… Rosicrucianism Read More

UNDERSTANDING THE CULTS — MORMONISM In this twelve-part series we will take a brief look at some of the major cults, past and present, that have found adherents in the United States. Your pastor can help you if you’d like a more in-depth study of a particular group. Typically, cults are characterized by having an… The Mormons Read More

READY TO GIVE AN ANSWER (Work Righteousness) Passages that will help you respond when people say… “I can do it mySELF!” said the young daughter to her daddy as she made her case for independence. After a few minutes, the first statement seemingly forgotten, and a somewhat impatient girl cried, “Daddy, will you help me?” This… “I try to be a good person.” Read More

READY TO GIVE AN ANSWER (IMPENITENCE) Passages that will help you respond when people say… Our conversations around God’s Word vary. Sometimes witnessing to the truth of God’s Word is new instruction. Sometimes it is correction, and at other times it is offering a new insight or application. Our witness to someone who is impenitent… “I don’t need to repent.” Read More

READY TO GIVE AN ANSWER (PROSPERITY GOSPEL) Passages that will help you respond when people say… Prosperity theology teaches that believers are entitled to financial blessing and physical well-being. Followers are taught that faith, positive speech, and donations will increase wealth. Conversely, if you aren’t rich and prosperous, your faith must be weak and incomplete.… “Living as a Christian leads to earthly wealth and prosperity.” Read More

READY TO GIVE AN ANSWER (DECISION THEOLOGY) Passages that will help you respond when people say… These statements and others like them are examples of what is broadly termed “decision theology.” Decision theology is taught in many denominations. It is frequently encountered in Christian literature and in conversations with other Christians. What can you do… “You can have a relationship with Jesus Christ, just invite Him into your heart.” “I made a decision for Christ last week.” Read More

“I’M GLAD YOU ASKED!” (THIRTY-FIRST IN A SERIES) Pastors Answer Frequently-Asked Questions This question arises frequently, especially since there are certain denominations who teach that the only valid form of Baptism is by immersion—that is, by dunking a person all the way under the water When considering the proper way to apply water in Baptism,… “What is the proper way to apply water in Baptism?” Read More

“I’M GLAD YOU ASKED!” (TWENTY-Eighth  IN A SERIES) Pastors Answer Frequently-Asked Questions Some of the differences in the ways that Christian churches conduct Baptisms are merely matters of custom and logistics. Other differences surrounding Baptism are significant matters of “what does the Lord say?” and are, therefore, stones in the foundation of sound biblical teaching.… “How do confessional Lutherans differ from others regarding Baptism?” Read More

“I’M GLAD YOU ASKED!” (TWENTY-FIFTH IN A SERIES) Pastors Answer Frequently-Asked Questions Whenever a secular group or organization tries to inject a spiritual component into its activities or purpose, there is cause for concern. A secular group is ill-equipped to provide spiritual ministry, leadership, instruction, or worship in a God-pleasing manner. Secular groups may have… “What Are Our Concerns about the American Legion?” Read More