So forgiveness pre-requires understanding the mistakes of the past? here hear re this opposing this me-first, America-first, white-first, male-first approach>…
Weekly lessons in theology and public life • Since 2011
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Lesson 3: Hosea
Read MORE: Lesson 3: HoseaAlthough Hosea proclaimed judgment against God’s people at around the same time as Amos, he certainly offered more hope. In fact, his ideas lay the groundwork for Jesus’ ministry. Hosea links divine judgment much more to Israel’s seeking security from…
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Lesson 2: Amos
Read MORE: Lesson 2: AmosLet’s start with Amos. We know very little about his life. He shows up at Bethel in the northern kingdom of Israel, proclaiming God‘s judgment right before Assyria crushes her. Because he is from Judah, the king’s priest tells him…
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Lesson 1: The Prophets
Read MORE: Lesson 1: The ProphetsIn this series, I plan to examine the teachings of individual prophets, paying special attention to what they say about our present political situation. I think it’s safe to say that few of us know much about the prophets. I…
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Lesson 23: Summary of Biblical Stories
Read MORE: Lesson 23: Summary of Biblical StoriesI wrote this series explicitly to examine biblical stories from the perspective of the American political situation. I wanted to test my perception that the Trump administration creates big problems for those who accept Christian teachings. Lutherans are reluctant to…
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Lesson 21: Solomon’s Story
Read MORE: Lesson 21: Solomon’s StoryThe biblical story of King Solomon leaves readers with many questions. It exalts him as the epitome of wisdom, but you have to ask why, if he was so wise, did his policies lead to the revolt of ten tribes…
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Lesson 20: Balaam’s Story
Read MORE: Lesson 20: Balaam’s StoryThis fable-like tale (Numbers 22-24) makes a number of points with great humor. Balak, the King of Moab, wants to stop the invasion of the Israelites. When it is apparent his army is outnumbered, he tries to employ Balaam, a…
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Lesson 19: The Story of Mary Magdalene
Read MORE: Lesson 19: The Story of Mary MagdaleneThe story of Mary Magdalene seeps into non-biblical actions and writings. She is given a significant feast day in the church calendar, Mary Magdalene, Apostle. This is based on the high honor of being the first to receive a resurrection…
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Lesson 18: The Philemon Story
Read MORE: Lesson 18: The Philemon StoryFriends, here is another sermon aligned to the series. Chances are, most of you have never heard of Philemon. One reason undoubtedly is that it is a very short letter, only 25 verses tucked between Titus and Hebrews at the…
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Lesson 17: The Josiah Story
Read MORE: Lesson 17: The Josiah StoryKing Josiah might be the most underrated person in the Old Testament. Only he and Hezekiah are described as righteous kings after David. Yet hardly anyone has ever heard about him. His claim to fame is leading a MIGA (Make…
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Lesson 14: The Story of the Prophet John
Read MORE: Lesson 14: The Story of the Prophet JohnAlthough we usually think of conservative Evangelicals and Roman Catholics as supporting Donald Trump, most of the Christians he counsels are Pentecostals. They are the ones we see gathered around to lay hands on him as God’s chosen. Most Christian…
Recent Comments
An extremely timely topic. Thanks, Fritz!
yes we need to forgive our leaders yet make sure they do the right thing – which they aren’t.