Christian News

Martin Barlau There are some obvious lessons that we can learn from the story of Cain and Abel. But there are also some deeper and more profound lessons there for us. So let’s see what we can learn from Cain and Abel, to guide us in our life with God. “God IS love.” I John … Continue reading Learning From Cain and Abel →

Rev. Daniel Fleischer I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. This pledge dates to 1892. It was first spoken in a school in October of that year. It was officially recognized by … Continue reading The Father’s Pledge—Liberty and Justice for All →

Robert Preus 1. Definition of the TermThe most important theological issue facing our Synod today centers in the use of the historical-critical method. The question is:  May a genuine Lutheran who believes that the sacred Scriptures are the very Word of God and who is committed totally to the doctrine of the Lutheran Confessions use … Continue reading Are Historical–Critical Methods of Biblical Interpretation Consistent with the Lutheran Use of Scripture? →

Roger Kovaciny I spent some sabbatical time in a theological library on Cape Cod. The most interesting thing I found was an unpublished dissertation on the subject of this essay. The holy ministry is a calling, but it is also a profession--much more than a job. But we should distinguish the Christian ministry from, say, … Continue reading What Does a Pastor Do When He Retires? →

Pastor Andrew Preus It has been fifty years since February 19, 1974, the day the majority of the faculty and students of Concordia Seminary staged the famous walkout. It was a protest surrounding the suspension of Dr. John Tietjen from the presidency of the seminary. Almost all the faculty, with the exception of five, left … Continue reading Fire of God’s Word: Dividing, Testing, and Proving →

1 Cor. 9:16–27 We can learn a little bit from sports. Not a lot, since made-up games have no lasting meaning, but God inspired St. Paul to use the illustration of the athlete who competes to win. We are to be even more dedicated and focused in our goal to remain in the faith—though our … Continue reading Training to Win Righteousness →

How many churches turn away visitors, saying: we have enough Christians for now? Not many, that would be to deny the salvation Christ won for the world. Forgiveness is based on Christ’s accomplished work—not the particular person or their past or their attitude. God’s family is never full. Heaven does not run out of room. … Continue reading Enough Christians? →

Why does Pope Francis prefer to fly with S.A.S.? He thinks it stands for “South American Socialist.” For what it’s worth, I think Bergoglio is an antipope and that Benedict XVI was the legitimate one. Since when can the “Vicar of Christ” retire?* That may be why Bergoglio waited until Benedict was safely deceased to … Continue reading Understanding This Pope →

God gives us disciples many encouraging words about prayer. Teach us how.  Luke 11:1 Pray without ceasing.  1 Thes. 5:17  Acts 6:4 Go to the mountain top to pray  Mk 6:46  Mt 6:6 Always to pray and not lose heart  Luke 18:1 If someone is Suffering?  Let him pray.  Jas 5:13 The Biggie! Matthew 6:7-8 … Continue reading Pray Rightly with Understanding →

Rev. Daniel Fleischer “…Be fruitful and multiply…” (Genesis 1:28). [It is the will and blessing of the Creator God that husband and wife populate the earth].  “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s … Continue reading Formed and Fashioned by the Creator →