"Deadly Trappings" of Evangelicalism
Several months ago, Joe Carter wrote a blog article titled 'Ten Deadly Trappings of Evangelism,' where he describes his concern for "the way in which evangelicals tend to embrace whatever trends and kitsch happen to be hot sellers at 'Christian' bookstores." As I read his post for the first time this morning, I . . .
The Essence of Salvation by Faith Alone
The Holy Scriptures undeniably describe faith as the only thing necessary for salvation. They also teach that good works cannot justify a person before God or contribute in the least toward the attainment of salvation. The Old Testament says that Abram 'believed the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness' . . .
Still More Luther on Prayer
Luther and Lutherans aren't exactly known for being bold or fervent prayer warriors, which is unfortunate. In fact, quite the opposite is true. We are scorned by many Evangelicals for our prepared collects and carefully crafted prayers...though clearly the Holy Spirit is more glorified by extemporaneous prayers, right? . . .
Luther on Faith and Works
Lutherans are often accused from without of being antinomian, in the pejorative sense, and teaching (formally or at least in practice) that God establishes no moral norms on the Christian believer. This unfortunate reality is nothing more than the result of poor doctrinal instruction mingled with our uncanny sinful ability to . . .
More Luther on Youth Ministry
Martin Luther's ideas shook up the mid-sixteenth century Roman Catholic Church, and they continue to shake up the Christian world today. That said, no one that I know of looks to Luther often for progressive ideas about youth and children's ministry, which is a mistake. For those who aren't familiar with Luther's . . .
Space Shuttle Challenger--January 28, 1986
It was twenty-three years ago today that the United States space program suffered the first in-flight loss of one of our crews when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded one minute and thirteen seconds after liftoff. I will never forget my mother making a special trip to school and finding me in the lunch line at Emerson Elementary to . . .
