Lasting Gifts
It is rare to receive a gift that will last a lifetime. Yet God has given us a gift that will last through eternity. … More Lasting Gifts
It is rare to receive a gift that will last a lifetime. Yet God has given us a gift that will last through eternity. … More Lasting Gifts
During Lent we not only meditate on Jesus’ passion but also apply lessons from Jesus’ passion to our lives. One lesson from Jesus is about suffering.
American society values happiness and contentment. As such, our culture is averse to discomfort and suffering. It’s difficult to find examples in our society where suffering is considered beneficial or a blessing.
This is why it’s essential that we learn from Jesus. Everyone mentioned the beginning of John chapter 11 suffered. Lazarus suffered death. Mary and Marth suffered grief and loss. There is no questioning the pain that they all experienced. Yet their pain had purpose:
First, Lazarus’ death and resurrection foreshadowed Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Second, Jesus said that God the Father was going to be glorified through the suffering of Lazarus.
When we suffer, we do well to reflect on whether God is working through our suffering. Is the Lord maturing our faith? (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5) Is God somehow being glorified?
I am not promoting suffering as a Christian discipline. Not am I suggesting that somehow suffering might make us “super” Christians. I am saying that God can work through our suffering or in response to our suffering. … More Purpose in Suffering
The Gospel reading for this wee can serve as an example for us to clarify whether feelings of guilt or shame are arising from sin. … More Discerning the Source of Guilt or Shame
Since the start of the Reformation some 500 years ago, critics have used Bible passages such as this against Lutheran Christians. They claim that we discount the Christian life while overemphasizing the justification by grace through faith in Jesus. Instead, Lutherans emphasize both being saved by God and serving in God’s name. … More Good Works
Beware of falling into the trap of using worldly wisdom for matters of faith. … More Beware of Worldly Wisdom
Don’t we as Lutherans lose something by practicing infant baptism, as opposed to following Jesus’ practice in calling disciples as adults? … More Called to Follow Jesus
According to John the Baptizer, God the Father spoke directly to him. Given John’s vital role in fulfilling prophecy about the Messiah, this is not surprising. What about today? What should we do if people claim God spoke directly to them? … More Hearing God’s Voice Today
You will likely recognize this Bible passage from worship services. The passage provides a great example of the power of God’s Word. Or, more accurately, how God can choose to work powerfully through His Word. … More The Power of the Word
Embracing mystery and awe can help keep us from idolatry. … More Embracing Mystery and Awe
A fishing analogy can help us better understand this prophecy in Isaiah chapter 7. … More The Purpose of Prophecy