Some days or years before our first parents bit into the forbidden tree’s fruit, God founded both Church and family. In a love unknown to us and a closeness beyond our imagining, Adam and Eve worshiped God. Though not like we do, to receive His forgiveness and salvation. No, they required none, yet. “Be fruitful […]
Reformation 3: Jeremiah 29:4-7, Romans 13:1-7, Matthew 22:15-22: The Two Kingdoms, Church and State
October 22, 2017 by
Human history is full of people not wanting to fund its government or services. Without both, a nation cannot endure. So, taxes are the costs a country incurs for its civilization. Still, most of us want the advantages of taxation but not the expenses. The first Israelite king recognized people’s distaste for taxes. A Philistine […]
Church, State, and the Voting Booth
October 25, 2016 by
“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God” (Matthew 22:21). Jesus’ words reveal that we live our lives in two kingdoms: The kingdom of earthly power (the government), and the kingdom of God (the Church). The Church is not the state, and the state is not the Church. So, […]
LC-MS President Harrison Testifies Before Congress
February 17, 2012 by
By Adriane Dorr LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison spoke in defense of religion and conscience before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in a Capitol Hill hearing in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Feb. 16. Expressing concern over the Jan. 20 U.S. Health and Human Services ruling regarding health-insurance plans and the recently […]
LC-MS Responds to Governmental Mandate for Religious Organizations
February 14, 2012 by
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In response to President Obama’s announcement Friday concerning an “accommodation” to a previous mandate that health plans must cover all forms of birth control (even those that can kill the unborn), The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) remains deeply concerned. We strongly object to the use of drugs and procedures […]
