A (Lutheran) Case for Character
Can Lutheran doctrine and character formation go together?
Easter 7 • Acts 1:12–26 • June 1, 2014
By Paul R. Raabe Acts 1:12–26 narrates what the followers of Jesus did after his ascension. They remained in Jerusalem as Jesus had commanded (Acts 1:4). Luke names the eleven disciples and then summarizes that they were together in unity dedicated to prayer. “All these were continuously devoted (present participle) with one accord to prayer together with women, also ..
Easter 6 • Acts 17:16–31 • May 25, 2014
By Michael J. Redeker Ascension Day is fast upon us. In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus assures his disciples that, even though he is leaving them, he will not leave them as orphans. He will send them the helper in the person of the Holy Spirit. The helper will comfort, lead, and guide them in truth. The ..
An Essential Theology of Easter
What is the difference between saying “Jesus lives” and “Jesus is risen”?
Easter 5 • Acts 6:1–9; 7:2a, 51–60 • May 18, 2014
By Todd Jones We all like to be a part of a winning team. Up to this point in the book of Acts, the church was the winning team. Yes, there had been arrests and there had been threats. However, the believers were bold, public preaching was well received, and the harvest was bountiful. The nature of “winning” ..
His Resurrection and Ours: Why Easter Matters
There remains no doubt that Easter is very important for Christians. But it is just as important to know why Easter matters
Easter 4 • Acts 2:42–47 • May 11, 2014
By Bruce Schuchard So those who heard and received in faith the testimony of Peter on the day of Pentecost were all that day baptized, all three thousand of them (Acts 2:41). All were added to the communion, to the fellowship, of the saints. And so “they devoted themselves” not only to “the apostles’ teaching” but also to ..
Get Closer to Your DMin with Continuing Education
New ways to engage lifelong learning in ministry
“Gospel of Jesus’ Wife” Redux
The “Gospel of Jesus’ Wife” is in the news again. Here is a summary of the most recent developments; it seems that, despite recent news claims, the fragment is indeed a forgery
Easter 3 • Acts 2:14a, 36–41 • May 4, 2014
By Jeffrey A. Oschwald Dear preacher, please restore this text to the Easter season! For many hearers this text will seem a “stealing of Pentecost’s thunder” rather than a proclamation of Easter’s good news. There is no better way to correct this skewing of the context of our reading than by preaching on it during Eastertide. It is ..
Easter 2 • Acts 5:29–42 • April 27, 2014
By David Wollenburg Collect: Almighty God, grant that we who have celebrated the Lord’s resurrection may by your grace confess in our life and conversation that Jesus is Lord and God; through the same Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen. First Lesson: Acts 5:29–42, Acts 5:29: ..
Re-Imagining the Walking Dead: Preaching an Apocalyptic Easter
Preaching the resurrection among the undead
2014 Summer Workshops
The summer 2014 series of workshops for pastors, professional church workers, and interested laypersons, at various locations across the country
Renowned historian to speak at Concordia Seminary
Continued here: Renowned historian to speak at Concordia Seminary
Cranach: Luther’s Painter
No particular anniversary of Lucas Cranach is near on the horizon, but since Steven Ozment will soon be at the Seminary to lecture on “How Cranach Saved Luther,” it seemed appropriate to highlight a little more information on the famous Wittenberg painter of Luther portraits and … naked women … (separate paintings, of course). See ..
Bugenhagen’s Day
Yesterday was the anniversary of Johannes Bugenhagen’s sleep in the Lord … but yesterday was about waking, not sleeping (Christus resurrexit: vere resurrexit: Alleluia!). Still, Bugenhagen is worth remembering. Pastor at Wittenberg, he was, among other things, a brave soul. If you think preaching in seminary chapel is intimidating, imagine preaching with Luther sitting in ..