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
Tag: featured
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Lesson 5: The Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 5: The Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small CatechismThis is one of the best statements of Luther’s signature theological principle, justification by grace through faith alone. Implications of the doctrine have permeated every other explanation in the Small Catechism. At this place, we get the full effect. I…
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Lesson 4: The Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 4: The Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small CatechismLuther’s explanation is a beautiful short statement of the Gospel. He conveys the unbounded joy associated with this good news by placing it in the context of an individual hearing it for the first time. All seems to have been…
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Lesson 3: The First Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 3: The First Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small CatechismLuther’s explanation of the Creed’s first article is another classic. He uses everyday language to interpret creation as God’s ongoing action to provide for all our needs, protect us from all dangers, and preserve us through all changes. This is…
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Lesson 2: The Ten Commandments in Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 2: The Ten Commandments in Luther’s Small CatechismI do not intend to examine every part of the catechism. You can do that yourself here. Instead, I shall highlight some of the more important parts of Luther’s explanations, especially emphasizing some of his distinctive insights. He numbered the…
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Lesson 1: The First Commandment in Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 1: The First Commandment in Luther’s Small CatechismBeing that this is the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting the 95 Theses Against Indulgences, I plan to offer two series on the reformer this fall. The second will expand on a lecture I am giving at La Roche…
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Lesson 15: An Advent Sermon Reflecting Revelation Teachings
Read MORE: Lesson 15: An Advent Sermon Reflecting Revelation TeachingsI preached this sermon the Sunday after one of the first major terrorist attacks in Europe. I was attempting to place this in the context of the Advent theme focusing on Jesus’ Second Coming. The sermon also incorporated the baptisms…
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Lesson 14: Gettysburg and Revelation
Read MORE: Lesson 14: Gettysburg and RevelationOne of the questions Revelation raises is, “For what should we give our lives?” Martyrdom is a primary feature from the beginning to the end of the book. The Apostle warns dying for the Pax Romana serves evil. Even though…
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Lesson 13: Reasons for Reading Revelation (Part 2)
Read MORE: Lesson 13: Reasons for Reading Revelation (Part 2)Let me continue mentioning reasons I find important for reading John’s Apocalypse. Close after the Prophet’s broadening our concept of church-state relationships and narrowing our definition of the Christian community, I would place enhancing our understanding of prophecy. A good…
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Lesson 12: Reasons for Reading Revelation (Part 1)
Read MORE: Lesson 12: Reasons for Reading Revelation (Part 1)For approximately half of my life, I thought we all would be better off if the Church had never included Revelation in the Bible. Then a friend, who became ill, asked me to teach his seminary course. Although he had…
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Lesson 11: The Wrath of God in Revelation
Read MORE: Lesson 11: The Wrath of God in RevelationRevelation throws together, without any rhyme or reason, just about every theological vision of the future being discussed in his day. That, of course, entices us to find our favorite and read the prophesy entirely from that perspective. It is…
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.