In 418 AD, the Church held a council at Carthage, today in Tunisia, to deal with a false teaching in the Church. That teaching was called “Pelagianism.” Pelagianism taught that we humans are born neutral before God, neither good nor evil. And because we are neutral, someone’s own choices or efforts get him into heaven. […]
Confession, Absolution, and the Spoken Word of Forgiveness
April 27, 2013 by
Often, Christians are confused about a Pastor speaking God’s forgiveness to others. Some (i.e., Protestants) say that only God can forgive sins. Such a statement is true, but neglects how God chooses to bring His forgiveness of others. This short theological pondering by Pr. Futrell may help someone better understand what God’s Word teaches. […]
What are We to Make of the Perpetual Virginity of Mary?
April 27, 2013 by
What are we to make of the traditional Lutheran position that Mary remained a virgin her entire life? This short theological pondering from Pastor Futrell helps us look at this teaching with historic eyes. From the time of Martin Luther’s excommunication from the Roman Catholic Church, the Lutheran Church taught and believed that Mary […]
Thoughts on Personal Preferences and Worship of God
April 24, 2013 by
From the beginning, when we first see God give His people instructions on worship, we find worship to be liturgical (following prescribed patterns, not free form of one’s own choosing). After giving His people the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), God told them to how to build an altar (Exodus 20:24-26). Then, He told them about […]
Lamentations 3:22-33: God’s Mercies are Ever New
April 21, 2013 by
The life of a Christian is often a hard life. Temptations abound, always trying to lure us away from God. The devil preys on our weaknesses, which are often way too willing to follow him instead of God. And so the book of Hebrews tells us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the source and […]
1 Peter 2:21-25: Living the Life of Christ
April 14, 2013 by
Jesus practiced what he preached. He said: You have heard it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you [Matthew 5:43-44]. Jesus lived as He preached. Others cursed Him, but He blessed them in return. Others hated Him, but […]
John 20:19-23: The Forgiving and Retaining of Sins
April 7, 2013 by
What brings to someone God’s forgiveness? For example, why does baptism forgive sins but not watching a beautiful sunset? Why does the Lord’s Supper forgive sins but not playing a round of golf? And how can absolution give God’s forgiveness when it’s words spoken from a man? How can God forgive in such ways? It’s […]
1 Corinthians 15:19-26: Christ, the First Crop of the Harvest
March 31, 2013 by
“I know that my Redeemer lives” is a confession of faith. Yet, the Apostle Paul asserted a couple of verses before our Epistle reading: “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). But then in verse 20 of our Epistle reading, Paul cries out: […]
First Quarter’s Voters’ Meeting
March 31, 2013 by
Our first quarterly Voter’s Meeting for the year is now on April 4th at 7:00 PM. We’ll also have a potluck supper before the meeting at 6:00 PM.
Isaiah 52:13-53:12: Meditating on the Crucifix
March 29, 2013 by
As Lutherans, we have a long and noble tradition of meditating on the crucifixion of Christ. For example, Luther invited people to use the crucifix as a way to help them meditate on Christ’s crucifixion. Part of that tradition is our services on Good Friday. In the 12th century, a monk, Bernard of Clairvaux, wrote […]
