Of Ravens, Crows, and Pastoral Concern
In the process of laying out the August issue of the Lutheran Spokesman, including the article which mentions the selfish behavior of ravens, we came upon a quote in which the Reformer Dr. Martin Luther…
GOD’S OBSCURE SAINTS
(First in a Series) Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us…
ILHS-Mankato Graduation 2013
There are milestones, course-changing events, and other momentous days that define our personal histories. These pivotal points may be filled with great joy or great sorrow, significant success or monumental failure, or anything in between.…
The Willing Inquirer Attracted by Something
(Third of a Series) Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?” Jesus answered him,…
Baptism: Mere Ceremony or a Sacrament?
Our title may seem at first to be a silly question,
but assuredly it is not.
In the religious world of our day doctrine is no longer a matter of Scriptural integrity but is rather a matter of popular vote. We have seen this for some time and understand well that our Lord says: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…” (2 Timothy 4:3).
Saving faith in Jesus trusts in the Spirit’s clarity, wisdom, and life-giving power. If God says it, that settles it!
Human reason is the driving force behind much of modern theology. Because of it, we see all manner of deadly practices and teachings. Dr. Martin Luther said it well when he remarked that we should poke out the eyes of our reason and hear only what God says. Saving faith in Jesus trusts in the Spirit’s clarity, wisdom, and life-giving power. If God says it, that settles it!
Let us then consider what our Lord says on His precious doctrine of Holy Baptism. “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism…” (1 Peter 3:21a).
“Read…Ponder…Share
June is subscription month for the Lutheran Spokesman. In that connection the usual appeal went out to CLC pastors nationwide, seeking their help in the promotion of the magazine in their respective congregations.
The latest appeal prompted the following response from one of the pastors regarding “disposal” of the monthly issues.
“’What to do with copies of the Spokesman and Journal of Theology [the CLC’s theological journal] when you are done with them?’
Led by God
Moses prayed for it at Mt. Sinai when he said,
“If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.”
Gideon wanted to be certain he had it, so he asked for the signs of wet fleece on dry ground and dry fleece on wet ground (Judges 6:36ff).
King Solomon knew its importance for himself and his kingdom when the Lord appeared to him in a dream (1 Kings 3:5ff).
Remember Where You Came From
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of
Mercy and Compassion Prevail
And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him.…
THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT
The recent bombings at the Boston Marathon highlight once again how quickly life can be lost. Even most of the unbelieving world would recognize that this act was wrong. Most would also agree that when…