And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” (John 1:19-20) The Jews asked John the Baptist a simple question: “Who are you?” It’s a common question. Most of us have been asked it. How do you typically answer? With your name? Your title or position? Your place in your family? John was asked because of what he was doing and what he was saying.
Read MoreLutheran schools are an integral part of many LCMS congregations. In fact, early in our history, any congregation wishing to join the LCMS was required to operate a Christian day school. And why were schools deemed so essential?
Read MoreWorship forms continue to be a talking point within our Lutheran circles. At the heart of those discussions are often disagreements about who is right and who is wrong, which form is best, what Divine Setting is most pure, or what instrument is most proper. Unfortunately, those considerations can get hijacked by intense emotions and we lose the ability to speak in ways that the other can hear or loses sight of what and Who is at the heart of our worship.
Read MoreWe live in what’s called the Information Age. It’s a time when digital opinions, soundbites, diversions, and distractions are everywhere. With just a click of a button we are brought down the path of abundant data and get lost for hours in the mundaneness of a digital universe. Information is all around, but information is not the same as wisdom. In fact, an overload of information brings its own problems.
Read MoreWith November’s election now behind us, we find ourselves in a strangely quiet political time. For a few short weeks before new political battles erupt, we have an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve been experiencing during the past election season, perhaps discerning a few nuggets of wisdom to help guide us in the months and years to come.
Read MoreAdvent is a time of anticipation and waiting. The church year keeps us focused on the life of Jesus. Advent, the first season of the church year, brings us to the beginning of Jesus’ life, where He becomes incarnate—where He came into the flesh—to be born of a virgin, set in a manger, and reared in a family.
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