Bible study: Baptismal blessings
Baptism connects us to our Father in heaven and makes us part of his family. The church has described Baptism as “an individual application of the Word” and the “visible…
The liturgy: Patterns of praise
Our patterns of worship praise our gracious Lord and build up one another for life’s journey. It’s Sunday morning. What are we going to do? Most of us will say,…
Hands off the Bible!
The Bible is God’s Word. He doesn’t want us to pick and choose what we believe. There are few acts in the Bible more brazen than this one by Jehoiakim,…
The kingdom of heaven: God in action
Three parables teach us what God is like and how he treats us. If you had one week to live, what would you discuss with your loved ones? Would you…
Please explain: Why should I be a Christian when I have to suffer?
She was lying in the hospital bed awaiting the test results. She was facing surgery and a long recuperation. As I stood by her bedside, she asked, “Why is God…
Please explain: How do I know whom to believe now that Jesus is gone?
Have you ever found yourself on your own: leaving home to launch your adult life, traveling in a foreign country, or losing a spouse or parent? What did it feel…
Power in the ordinary
By the ordinary means of the Word and sacraments, the Holy Spirit has made us believers and children of God. If only we had been there. If only we could…