Do Christians really randomly pick and choose what commandments to keep? Sometimes it seems so. A Lutheran pastor here illustrates a method to the sometimes apparent madness (or Biblical wisdom) of knowing which Word of God to apply first or in which circumstance when God’s commandments appear to contradict in a “rock-and-a-hard place” kind of way—Like a pandemic!
Stop Scrolling & Pray Psalm 38
Stop scrolling. Preachers, this one is for you: "…become like a man who does not hear and in whose mouth are no rebukes." Just wait. Read Psalm 38. Psalm 38:13-15, 21-22 (ESV) 13 But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear,like a mute man who does not open his mouth.14 I have … Continue reading Stop Scrolling & Pray Psalm 38
Lent 2020: “Offer Yourself, O Priest!”
"Offer Yourself, O Priest!" Say "priest" and minds tend to go anywhere but Jesus. "Priest" is that guy (probably catholic) wearing a black shirt with a white clerical collar. Hear "priest" and perhaps one pictures a Buddhist sort with shaved head, chanting single syllables or sitting silent in lotus position. Some hear "priest" and think … Continue reading Lent 2020: “Offer Yourself, O Priest!”
Audio Difficulties…Please Stand By…
...while we transition to an updated website for Immanuel Lutheran Church! A number of readers have noted a disruption in the audio feed. The congregation which I serve is updating their website, which hosts my audio vault of over three years of sermons and such. My links to sermons here are likely all broken at … Continue reading Audio Difficulties…Please Stand By…
A Matins Meditation for 11 September 2019
We pray: "Most merciful Father, with compassion You hear the cries of Your people in great distress. Be with all who now endure affliction and calamity, bless the work of those who bring rescue and relief, and enable us to aid and comfort those who are suffering that they may find renewed hope and purpose; … Continue reading A Matins Meditation for 11 September 2019
For the Walls are Not Yet on Fire
What good comes from false teachers' misuse of God's Word and His name? Here's a couple good things... From Luther’s Third Sermon on Matthew 7, p.229-232 2. Christ here proceeds in like manner. When he finished his sermon he warns his disciples and the people and admonishes them ever to remain faithful to what he … Continue reading For the Walls are Not Yet on Fire
“I Will Build My Church”
The Shepherd's Scroll // July-August 2019 The Lord speaks. Stuff happens. So goes it since the Beginning. "I will build my Church," Jesus says (Matthew 16:18). Jesus "the Christ, the Son of the Living God," (Matthew 16:16) that man alone does such building. The Church He builds belongs to Him. The Church is His own. … Continue reading “I Will Build My Church”
LORD of the Pigeons
A somewhat casual devotional thought on Mark 11:15-19... 15 And they came to Jerusalem. And [Jesus] entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not … Continue reading LORD of the Pigeons
Parents in the Household of Faith (Week ending 02.20.2019)
Immanuel Lutheran Church invites parents of confirmation age children to learn and grow with their kids in the Christian faith. To encourage that continual learning and growth, each week of class we post a reading from the Large Catechism or other portions of our Lutheran Confession of the faith here especially for the mothers and fathers. These readings are directly … Continue reading Parents in the Household of Faith (Week ending 02.20.2019)
Parents in the Household of Faith (week ending 02.06.2019)
Immanuel Lutheran Church invites parents of confirmation age children to learn and grow with their kids in the Christian faith. To encourage that continual learning and growth, each week of class we post a reading from the Large Catechism or other portions of our Lutheran Confession of the faith here especially for the mothers and fathers. These readings are directly … Continue reading Parents in the Household of Faith (week ending 02.06.2019)
Isaiah 50:4 Blues 