Although I was baptized in infancy, raised in the church during my early childhood, and attended groups and events for Christian children and youth until my adulthood, I still had a powerful conversion experience. In fact, I daily have a powerful conversion experience. It is so, that every time I hear the gospel read, preached, … Continue reading A Call to Preach
John 20:19-23 If you Forgive the Sins of Any…
John 20:19-23 19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then … Continue reading John 20:19-23 If you Forgive the Sins of Any…
Mark 3: 20-35 – All Sins Will be Forgiven
I want to begin today with a story, one you’re likely familiar with. It’s the story of Golem. Not the one beside me, but the one from the LOTR series. Golum, if you recall, was once a hobbit. A peaceful average little fellow. Once known as Smeagol. But somewhere along the way, he came in … Continue reading Mark 3: 20-35 – All Sins Will be Forgiven
Acts 2: Speaking in the Language of Grace
The special “Pentecost text” today, is the text of Acts 2. This text is the account of the disciples meeting on the O.T. Jewish festival of Pentecost, a day set to come together and celebrate the giving of the Old Testament Law, the Old Covenant, the commands. And as is famously known about this event, … Continue reading Acts 2: Speaking in the Language of Grace
Pentecost: The Holy Spirit
I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him, but instead the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith, just as he calls, gathers, enlightens, and makes … Continue reading Pentecost: The Holy Spirit
Baptism of Our Lord – The Desert
Mark 1:4-11 I want to begin today with a story of a man, a perennial common man who could fit the name of every single one of us here today, but for the sake of today lets call him Alex. When Alex was young he had dreams of simultaneously becoming a famous musician, a rich … Continue reading Baptism of Our Lord – The Desert
The New Covenant in Jeremiah
The prophets, both former and latter, have flowing within them the theme of covenant breaking. The old covenant is at the heart of the latter prophets especially, who preached for the purpose of applying the Law formerly given in the administration of the Mosaic covenant. However, the duty of the prophets was not just to … Continue reading The New Covenant in Jeremiah
Inspiration: Ipsissima Verba
The Christian faith is a faith founded upon divine revelation. We confess that divine truth is only to be found in divine revelation. Furthermore we confess that that divine revelation is exclusively located in the 66 books in the Biblical canon (at least in the modern north american Evangelical context). These 66 books are first … Continue reading Inspiration: Ipsissima Verba
The Gospel: Romans 3:19-28
We gather here this morning to celebrate not only the Lord’s Day as we do every week but this week, we celebrate also a special church holiday, Reformation Sunday. Now, based on the fact that this is a Lutheran Church I will go ahead and assume that the majority of you have at least somewhat … Continue reading The Gospel: Romans 3:19-28
The Conservative Deaconess
In the context of the modern conservative church as it spans across several theological traditions, it is often said that having women in the pastoral office is a mark of systemic heterodoxy. While this assumption is generally true it is often mistakenly assumed that therefore having women in the office of the diaconate is likewise, … Continue reading The Conservative Deaconess
