Cultural Studies
I’m Not So Sure About Certainty
Certainty is kind of a tricky thing. I mean, there are some Bible passages that seem to make certainty something we all should not only strive for, but already have in spades. The flagship verse for certainty is probably Hebrews 11:1. Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do […]
1st and 40
Does it ever feel like you are way behind the chains and moving in the wrong direction? There is hope!
Does Synod Mean Walk Together??
By Justin Rossow I was recently presenting at a gathering of pastors when we went down a brief rabbit trail of a discussion regarding our English word “synod” (as in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod). I thought I was always taught that “synod” came from the Latin for “walking with,” while the other pastor pointed out […]
That One Time I Accidentally Said, “Kiss My A**” Three Times During the Gospel Lesson
I plead ignorance on this one. But the situation still brings up legitimate questions of communication, cultural norms, and offense as a preaching technique that Jesus seemed to use, but maybe we shouldn’t … OK; here’s the situation. I’m preaching on Luke 14, the Parable of the Banquet where the rich guests who were invited […]
Fostering Hearing God’s Word Together, Online
By Justin Rossow Part of any preaching ministry is fostering hearing ears and receptive lives. Scripture invites us to ruminate on God’s Word, to steep our hearts, minds, and daily lives in His promises. In today’s Social Media culture, preachers have unprecedented tools for supporting the mutual conversation of the saints in the weekly lives […]
Hope for the Future and a Bright Red Nose
By Justin Rossow Of course the hood on his sweatshirt is up: the young African American man in the Walgreens line in front of me looks like he is doing his best to fit a stereotype. Late teens, early twenties; jeans below the hip; six inches of stylish boxers showing above a wide, leather belt; […]
My Prodigal Father: A Story to Upset the World
by Michael Zeigler, Pastor, Epiphany Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO In Luke 15 Jesus tells the story of a prodigious, extravagant, reckless, and—in the eyes of some—wasteful father. Of course, the story itself is fictitious; as Jesus was inclined to do, the Lord just made it up. Nevertheless, this story has the ring of truth. […]
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