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 lawyer, the … Continue reading Mark 1:4-11
1 Samuel 2:21-25, Matthew 25:1-13
The picture given to us in this text of 1 Samuel is a reflection on the coexistence of the Old and New man within us as Christians in the form of two sons. The first son mentioned here is of a barren woman. She prayed and prayed that God would give her a son, and … Continue reading 1 Samuel 2:21-25, Matthew 25:1-13
Judges 2:16-23, Acts 13:16-25
The people vowed themselves to a renewed covenant in the days of Joshua taking the commands of God freshly upon themselves as their fathers had done, choosing that in that day they and their houses would serve the Lord. But just as their fathers, they did not walk in obedience, they did not obey the … Continue reading Judges 2:16-23, Acts 13:16-25
Transfiguration Sunday
Christ our Lord, is God of all the earth. Perhaps you know this. But do you truly acknowledge it? Do you come to divine service in reverence, awe, fear, and trepidation? Or is this just a Sunday morning routine. Let me tell you this, perhaps you’ve never thought of it in this way. When Moses … Continue reading Transfiguration Sunday
Genesis 22:1-18, Mark 1:9-15 – A Tested Faith
Have you ever had something tested? Perhaps you needed to have your water tested, or your blood tested, certainly if you’ve been through any length of education you’ve had your knowledge tested. In a test, generally what’s being looked for is some kind of quantifiable evidence that something is present, or perhaps not present. With … Continue reading Genesis 22:1-18, Mark 1:9-15 – A Tested Faith
Ash Wednesday – Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
The texts for today have always struck me as odd texts for the service of Ash Wednesday. After all, isn’t today the day that Christian’s disfigure their faces with ash so that others see that they’re fasting for lent? Perhaps that may be the case for some. But that isn’t why we observe this church … Continue reading Ash Wednesday – Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
The Necessary Distinction Between the Lutheran and Reformed Hermeneutics
Intro: As two great and highly influential protestant traditions, the Lutheran and Reformed churches have stood together against Rome, the East, and the radical reformers in upholding the great reformation principles, the most relevant of which is Sola Scriptura. However, these churches agree neither in the meaning nor the application of this prinicple. Their disagreements … Continue reading The Necessary Distinction Between the Lutheran and Reformed Hermeneutics
The Influence of Existentialist Philosophy on the Doctrine of Election
Intro The influence of Existentialism upon modern Protestant theology is unmistakably evident, particularly in the liberal wing of the church. In fact, there are several theological schools that have been stamped with the “existentialist” label, primarily in order to communicate that they are what they are because of their existentialist influence. However, when looking at … Continue reading The Influence of Existentialist Philosophy on the Doctrine of Election
4th of Advent
Advent season this year looks a lot different from those which have come before it. The season once so familiar to us has become a perverse and alien version of itself. What you once remembered as warm drinks, holiday cheer, shopping sprees, Christmas carols, family get-togethers and even special Advent and Christmas services has become … Continue reading 4th of Advent
The Apostles Creed: Article 2
God on the Cross The Apostles Creed is the church’s chief confession of faith. As Lutherans, we confess with Luther, Crux Sola Est Nostra Theologia, the cross alone is our theology. That of course does not mean we only confess the second article of the creed. What it does mean is that the first article … Continue reading The Apostles Creed: Article 2
