Roger Kovaciny 30 years ago Ukraine was a peacefully developing post-Soviet country. I was walking eastward [that's important] toward our evening service across the bridge. I could have made it exactly on time ... but as I passed it, right across the street there was a truck unloading into a shop. I wasn't conducting the … Continue reading Hate Mail from God?
Oppressive and Unfair Equity
Worldly safe places prioritize the individual and relegate the Word of God, not allowing it to bravely convict, condemn, and instruct. The values of outcomes-based equity do not square with the judgment of God upon the individual who deserves only wrath due to sin. Mercy is a gift, not a right or matter of human … Continue reading Oppressive and Unfair Equity
The Historic Creeds vs. Passing Theological Fads
How many Lutheran church workers made a formal vow to the Book of Concord, and then promptly start treating the Lutheran Confessions as moldy leftovers? If it lays out the divine teaching, then it can never be irrelevant—because the Scriptures are Christ’s eternal Word to be used. The issues we wrestle are not new and … Continue reading The Historic Creeds vs. Passing Theological Fads
“Why All the TVs? The Death of Attention and Our Loss of Ability to Listen”
The inability to live without the constant distraction of a TV is prevalent. On many of my visits to members or potential members I have to specifically ask for the TV to be turn off. It is taken for granted as an essential white noise for some—destroying attention span and silent reflection upon the Word … Continue reading “Why All the TVs? The Death of Attention and Our Loss of Ability to Listen”
How was David a ‘man after God’s heart’ if he was a polygamist?
One of the main dividing lines in Christianity is over David’s state before God prior to his repentance. Lutherans have historically said he was living in sin without repentance, and therefore unbelieving. Those who have different theological convictions tend to lionize the man, underplaying the great sin of adultery and murder. But despite David being … Continue reading How was David a ‘man after God’s heart’ if he was a polygamist?
“Unborn Human Beings”
The fight for language is the fundamental battle today—because the truth is obvious but not loved. Euphemistic language and mere legality do not change the fundamental situation. Babies do not become babies when they hit the air outside the womb. It does not take a scientist to recognize what makes a living person and how … Continue reading “Unborn Human Beings”
Book Review: The Ends of the LCMS: Reacting to the Diagnosis of Post-Christian America and Recovering
by Joseph Beran, 2023 This book bluntly deals with the difficulties of a shrinking and fading church body—in this case the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. The first three chapters deal explicitly with the multiple downward trends evident and do not pull any punches. It is hard to disagree with the diagnosis. The deficiencies of this work … Continue reading Book Review: The Ends of the LCMS: Reacting to the Diagnosis of Post-Christian America and Recovering
Expectations for a Pastor?
Are the expectations for a Lutheran pastor too low? Some are arguing for pastoral training to be less rigorous and more convenient. But being a faithful pastor is anything but easy. Sheep are to not just to survive materially but seek the pure wisdom and knowledge of God, especially in a world of difficult circumstances. … Continue reading Expectations for a Pastor?
God’s rule is inherently true and doesn’t require that we force it on anyone
The problem is that the unbeliever thinks of the government as the highest power—denying Christ’s superiority and higher kingdom over the believer’s mind and heart. If all is reduced to political kingdoms, the spiritual kingdom is minimized and made less important. That is a grave error in our political season—thinking civil laws matter more than … Continue reading God’s rule is inherently true and doesn’t require that we force it on anyone
Trichotomy or Dichotomy: Some Considerations
Thomas Garrett Isham According to the customary formula, the Holy Trinity is Three in One and One in Three. Church-goers are well acquainted with this doctrinal shorthand. They are less familiar with a second three-fold formula, one that can be called the Trinity of Man or–in my words–Triadic Anthropology. In this second formula, I refer … Continue reading Trichotomy or Dichotomy: Some Considerations
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