“Thank You, Father!”
King Herod had thrown a huge party for himself and his guests. As part of it, he “invited” his step-daughter to dance for them. She danced so well that Herod made a rash – and ...
Four Branches – July 2020
Jump to: Exegetical Systematic Historical Practical Exegetical Theology: Rebuilding After Exile II: Putting Home Improvement in Its Place Perhaps the COVID regulations that deemed Home Depot but not public worship to be “essential” have encouraged ...
Did I Sign Up for This?!
“Did I sign up for this?” I know I asked that question on occasion. You too? The Gospel reading for this Sunday is the end of a lengthier segment. Jesus is about to send out ...
Four Branches – June 2020
Jump to: Exegetical Systematic Historical Practical Exegetical Theology: Rebuilding After Exile I: Fearless Yet Concerned for Legality As we return from the brief coronavirus exile, we can find much fodder for reflection in the history ...
Preach the Word – July/August 2020
Volume 23, Number 6 Delivery Matters I can still remember my first real “preaching” opportunity—evening chapel at MLC during my senior year. I triumphantly finished writing my manuscript. It felt so good to be done! ...
Watch Yourself and Your Doctrine Closely
It’s easy as WELS pastors to read the first paragraph of Sunday’s gospel (Mt 7:15-29) and mentally check off this pericope as having no rebuke for us. Jesus urges his hearers to be constantly watching ...
Four Branches – May 2020
Jump to: Exegetical Systematic Historical Practical Exegetical Theology: The Swim in Historical-Exegetical Waters & Acts 17:22-31 Though I fail to remember the source, someone described text study like this: “When you bathe yourself in a ...
Give What You Command, O Lord!
“Give what you command [O Lord], and then command whatever you will.” In St. Augustine’s Confessions, that was his memorable way of capturing this comforting scriptural truth: God himself effectively works in us to will ...
Four Branches – April 2020
Jump to: Exegetical Systematic Historical Practical Exegetical Theology: Easter Triumph, Easter Joy: Exploring the Joy in 1 Peter 1:3-9 The CW Second Lesson for Easter 2 (1 Peter 1:3-9) offers a rare take on a ...
Preach the Word – May/June 2020
Volume 23, Number 5 Go Deep As you know by now, I’m a fan of simple preaching. I love Luther’s assessment of a good preacher: “He’s the best preacher who can teach in a plain, ...