The Adoptionism Error
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… Read More »The Adoptionism Error
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… Read More »The Adoptionism Error
A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING Historically, Lutheran churches have placed great emphasis on the study of the Bible, God’s Word, because that Word… Read More »TLH 337 “Our Lord and God, Oh, Bless This Day”
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT
Most people seem fascinated by contests, whether they be athletic games, car races, or spelling bees.
TV programming has brought us fight-to-the-death encounters between mongooses and cobras, alligators and Burmese pythons. They once even showed a fight between a bear and bull. The poor bull didn’t last long. Holy Scripture also references many animals, including bears and lions. Who would win in a contest between these two opponents?
In one corner are Elisha’s bears. As the prophet was traveling up from Jericho to Bethel (2 Kings 2:23-25), he was met by a gang of young men. They mocked Elisha saying, “Go on up, baldy!” Their mockery was not based on Elisha’s uphill walk, but rather was a reference to Elijah’s recent ascension. Thus, they were challenging God’s prophet to follow suit, as if the ascension were a joke.Read More »Elisha’s Bears vs. Judah’s Lion
STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. For he… Read More »Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
BEST. JOB. EVER! Are you a young person pondering a career? Have you considered becoming a pastor or a Christian day school teacher? This twelve-part… Read More »The Best Job Security
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… Read More »Montanism
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT This past June a statue of Col. Hans Christian Heq, which had stood in front of the Wisconsin state… Read More »Time to Retire Our Name?
One of the blessings that we enjoy as members of a congregation of like-minded Christians is the opportunity for joint prayer. Though the Lord assures us that our individual prayers are both heard and answered, He also encourages us to join our hearts in prayer when we are gathered for worship. He promises that if as few as two of us agree in what we ask, it will be done for us by our Father in heaven (Matthew 18:19, 20).
With this encouragement from our Lord, we ought to value highly the prayers that we say together when we are gathered for worship. These include not only the collects, general prayers, the Lord’s Prayer, and special intercessions for fellow believers, but also the prayers in the hymns that we sing together.
“Abide, O Dearest Jesus” is one such prayer, usually sung at the close of a service. It recalls a simple request spoken by two disciples of Jesus on the day of His resurrection. They were on their way from Jerusalem to Emmaus when Jesus joined them, though they didn’t recognize Him until later. They were troubled by the crucifixion and death of Jesus, wondering how those things could possibly fit with their conviction that He was the promised Savior. Jesus cleared everything up for them by identifying and explaining many Old Testament prophecies of the Christ. They were so thrilled at what He was telling them that when they reached their destination, they asked Him to stay with them, which He was pleased to do.Read More »TLH 53, LSB 919 “Abide, O Dearest Jesus”
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT “How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad… Read More »Beautiful . . . Feet?
STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT “Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs… Read More »Picking Winners and Losers