Christology Illustrated (from the CT Vault)
From the CT Vault: David Maxwell gives a down-to-earth overview of Lutheran Christology, in particular the three genera (genus) of Christ
Concordia Journal Currents – January 2011
Dr. Jeffrey Kloha walks us through a number of ancient books and manuscripts which can be found in the Concordia Seminary Library
Easter 2 • John 20:19–31 • May 1, 2011
By Robert Kolb Introductory thoughts: The text contains material for at least two good sermons; the sermon on Thomas and his faith and doubt can wait for another year. John comes to the climax of his entire gospel here: he has written in order that readers and hearers may believe that Jesus is the Messiah ..
The Resurrection of our Lord • Matthew 28:1–10 • April 24, 2011
By Rick Marrs Proclaiming the gospel on Easter is a joy-filled challenge. This is the big Sunday in which everyone coming expects dynamic, joyous music and an outstanding, memorable sermon. It is, after all, the resurrection of Jesus Christ we’re celebrating! But the preacher’s hearers are of many types. The regular members, perhaps a little ..
Palm Sunday • John 12:12–19 • April 17, 2011
By Glenn A. Nielsen A Victory Parade—on a Donkey? Goal: That the hearers more firmly believe that Jesus is victorious over our greatest enemies. (The following is one approach that focuses Jesus’s victory over his/our enemies by way of riding into Jerusalem on a donkey.) Perhaps you’ve seen the old movie clips about the welcome ..
Lent 5 • John 11:1–53 • April 10, 2011
By Robert Hoehner When Confronted with Adversity In preparing to proclaim the biblical truths of John 11, the preacher would do well to keep in mind John’s words in 20:31, “. . . these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you ..
Lent 4 • John 9:1–41 • April 3, 2011
By Paul Raabe John 9 is the appointed gospel lesson for the Fourth Sunday in Lent (Series A). The appointed Old Testament lesson works well with the gospel lesson, since Isaiah 42:14–21 announces both God’s promise to lead the blind and his rebuke of ancient Israel for its spiritual blindness. Jesus picks up this Isaianic ..
Lent 3 • John 4:5–26 (27–30, 39–42) • March 27, 2011
By Leopoldo A. Sánchez M. Life is never the same after you drink of this water! The familiar Samaritan woman text is seldom set in the context of the Gospel’s broader presentation of Jesus as the one who bears and gives the Spirit, the one upon whom the Spirit rests and who baptizes with the ..
Lent 2 • John 3:1–17 • March 20, 2011
By Erik Herrmann “For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified…” It was because of the signs that Nicodemus came to Jesus: “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs (σημεῖα) that you do unless God is with him.” So far, ..
Lent 1 • Matthew 4:1–11 • March 13, 2011
By John Loum Introduction In general, you find that in Middle Eastern and African cultures food quite often is used in a time for fellowship, a symbol of hospitality and the welcome of a stranger. In our text, though, we see how the devil uses food to advance his attack on Jesus; something he thought ..
Epiphany 8 • Matthew 6:24–34 • February 27, 2011
By David L. Adams The Text as Text The text is in overall good condition, and the few substantive issues do not materially affect the overall interpretation of the passage. In verse 25 the words “or what you will drink” are of questionable authenticity (but cf. v. 31 where they are clearly original). Similarly, in ..
Epiphany 7 • Matthew 5:38–48 • February 20, 2011
By William Utech Matthew wanted his Jewish readers to know and believe that Jesus is the promised Messiah and therefore shows him fulfilling Old Testament Scriptures. Jesus is portrayed as the climax of God’s grace to his people and to the world. This grace is complete and universal. For example, four non-Israelite women are included ..
Epiphany 6 • Matthew 5:21–37 • February 13, 2011
By Wally Becker This passage is part of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5 through 7. Although, at first glance, the verses in our text appear to be totally law, they need to be seen in the greater context of the life of a Christian—living in response to the gospel. Jesus is not describing ..
Tucson and Port-au-Prince: thinking about words, images, and violence
WILL WE? (Photo credit: Jim Wilson/The New York Times) A stunningly violent shooting in Tucson, Arizona, and we are talking again about violence and violent images. And the war of words has begun. I have to confess that I am frequently bewildered by the violent use of violent metaphors in our public speaking
Winter 2011 CONCORDIA JOURNAL sneak peek
Check out the Winter 2011 CONCORDIA JOURNAL – a partner issue with Lutheran World Relief – to mark the one-year anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti
Concordia Journal Currents – Ted Kober and Church Governance
Dr. Richard Marrs interviews Ted Kober on the topic of church governance. You can find the companion PDF file here