Christian Science
Some lies are so obvious they can’t be disguised. So, cults rely on a trick the Navy once used when trying to hide ships on the open seas. Vessels were painted in bright, bold colors,…
The Nicene Creed
They think they have identified it, submerged in the clear, shallow waters near the shores of Iznik Golu in modern Turkey. This ancient church was destroyed centuries ago by an earthquake that also caused the…
“Evening and Morning” WS 782; LSB 726
A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING For most, the turning of the year is a time of personal reckoning. We look at where we have been, where we are now, and where we hope…
The “Who, Me?” Syndrome
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT When I was attending grade school, some of the biggest infractions were chewing gum in class, throwing chalk, and running in the hallways. When caught, most kids were quick to…
Don’t Forget Fellow Sufferers
STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.” (Hebrews 13:3) Jesus forewarned us that it wouldn’t be easy being Christians (Luke…
Jehovah’s Witnesses
UNDERSTANDING THE CULTS — JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES 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…
The Apostles’ Creed
“THIS WE BELIEVE” In ongoing observation of the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, we are presenting a brief overview of the Book of Concord. The series will survey the three ecumenical creeds and the…
“All Praise to Thee, Eternal God” – TLH 80
A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING
Have you ever noticed that “firsts” seem to have special interest for us? We remember them as being particularly notable. For example,
• First humans: Adam and Eve, created on the sixth day of Creation.
• First President of the United States of America elected after adoption of the Constitution: George Washington, elected February 4th, 1789.
• First production gasoline-powered automobile: The Benz Patent-Motorwagon, patented by Karl Benz in 1886. It had three wheels, and was powered by a one-cylinder motor producing 2/3 horsepower.
Following God with All Our Heart Begins with Repentance and Faith
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT In the history of the kings that followed King David, those kings are often compared to him. Sometimes it is by contrast: “. . . [Abijam] was not loyal to the Lord his…
Loving God by Loving Others
STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:1-2 ESV) Sometimes, at the end of the New Testament…