How ironic. The day before I leave to care for my parents because they suffer from Alzheimer’s, the book of Hebrews warns us against a spiritual Alzheimer’s. For the Christian Church is a living reality, also with a memory. The book of Hebrews speaks of this memory, telling those in the Church not to succumb […]
1 Corinthians, Lesson 20: How to Deal with Heresy and the Lord’s Supper
May 20, 2015 by
Last week, we heard Paul’s words of censure to the Corinthian congregation: “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup [of the Lord’s Supper].” Paul had directed those words to those who had committed, or were capable of committing, heresy. “Heresy” requires three things for it […]
1 Corinthians, Lesson 7: Community, Holiness, and Covenant
February 1, 2015 by
In the first four chapters, when dealing with sin, Paul dealt with division in the Corinthian congregation expressed by favoring one pastor over another. In chapter 5, Paul switches subjects: he is still dealing with sin but the sin is related to the gift of sexuality. How are Christians living in Christ to live out […]
Augsburg Confession, Articles 10 (continued), 12
May 31, 2014 by
Review on the Lord’s Supper: Closed Communion Last week, we looked at what we believe about the Lord’s Supper (and confession and absolution). In today’s culture, we may have many who will visit our congregation and NOT believe that they are receiving Jesus’ body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. In Luther’s day, such […]
