IN SUFFERING FOR CHRIST, GLORIFY GOD
Throughout much of my ministry, I had a number of WWII veterans in my congregations. Though often humble and reluctant to talk about themselves or their service and sacrifice, one always sensed a great pride…
CHRISTIAN WITNESSING, OLD TESTAMENT STYLE
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Location, location, location”? It’s a real estate expression meant to highlight the key to success for many thriving businesses. If a store or restaurant has a prominent location with…
SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT: NUNC DIMITTIS
Ever wonder why we Lutherans use the form of worship we do? In this series we examine the depth and meaning of the various elements of our Lutheran worship service. The three best known New…
CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION IS NOT UNUSUAL
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that…
WHEN GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO BAD PEOPLE
(Please read Psalm 73) Asaph wrote about a journey he took because he allowed himself to be led by his emotions as he compared his life as a believer to how things seemed to be…
THE UNMERCIFUL SERVANT
(Please read Matthew 18:21-35) This parable concludes a chapter in Matthew in which the Lord details the extraordinary relations among members of His Church. In the kingdom of heaven, nothing is valued more than the…
A LITTLE SALT GOES A LONG WAY
When Christians get to feel the world’s hostility—the “hatred” that Jesus said should not amaze us—they are often tempted to withdraw. The urge is to colonize; to seek out your own with whom to work…
SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT: THE DISTRIBUTION
Ever wonder why we Lutherans use the form of worship we do? In this series we examine the depth and meaning of the various elements of our Lutheran worship service. “And as they were eating,…
THE END OF ALL THINGS IS AT HAND
“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’…
HOW TO SLEEP IN PEACE
(Please read Psalm 4) Amid an armed rebellion, and with his life in danger, David was still able to sleep. Why? David Prayed David was able to sleep because he gave his problems to the…