Beyond Identity and the Role of Vocation
Unlike the culture around us, which assigns social status based on people’s different roles (celebrities and the rich are given more status than service workers and the poor), we are all alike before God and as God’s representatives in the world are called to treat each other as if we are of the same status.
Practical Theology in the Parochial School
I recently came across a copy of some denominational paperwork I filled out several years ago called my S.E.T., for Self-Evaluation Tool. This tool, which is completed by every pastor in our denomination, consists of roughly three dozen questions about personal practices and opinions regarding ministry. SETs are primarily used by call committees and district […]
What Happens When We Die?
Most of all, the joy and peace that comes from knowing that we will one day be with our Savior for eternity spills over into our lives today, so that we can be always ready to share the reason for the hope that we have.
From “FROM” to “WITH”
There is a different way of talking and thinking about God. As opposed to the transactional view of a God who wants something FROM us, he presented a number of Bible passages that show how God’s main focus in the Scriptures is wanting a people of His own to be WITH.
I Pledge Allegiance to…
In our culture today, we value individual responsibility, but we can be offended at the idea that we might bear any sort of collective responsibility for sin. However, as Solomon’s speech shows us, the leaders of Israel often took the lead in confessing the sins of their nation.
Whose Land Is It Anyway?
This inheritance cannot be anything in this world, so we as Lutherans do not believe that the modern state of Israel has anything to do with the fulfillment of prophecy. Instead, those who are spiritual descendants of Abraham, both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Christ and have faith in Him, will receive the inheritance of a new kingdom in heaven after the first heaven and the first earth pass away.
Always Remember (Never Forget)
Americans are far more likely to choose their church based on their political attitudes and beliefs than they are to have their political beliefs shaped by their church. We so easily lose sight of what Jesus continues to do for us in our everyday lives and the ways we can reflect His love in all we say and do.