Join me as I was graciously invited to sit down with the pastors of Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona, Iowa for one of their episodes of "Ask the Pastors" to discuss biblical manuscripts, translation, and how we get our Bibles today. Audio Only YouTube
NEW PODCAST: 02 with Rev. Dr. John Denninger
This episode I'm joined by Rev. Dr. John Denninger to discuss his story in ministry as well as the new SED Lay Deacon Program. Dr. Denninger currently serves as president of the Southeastern District of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and has a heart for reaching people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Available on: YouTube … Continue reading NEW PODCAST: 02 with Rev. Dr. John Denninger
Nothing Compares to the Glory that Comes from God
Before the crucifixion, the people hadn’t seen the glory of God yet. Even after seeing the miraculous signs of Jesus, they hadn’t yet seen him give up his life for the world out of love. They hadn’t seen him defeat death itself. Isaiah stood in the throne room of God, a vision of heaven itself, and he was tantalized by it.
The Hero of One is the Villain of Another but Jesus is the Savior of All
These are all too common responses—postures—when we as humans find ourselves in hard situations. We see it all around us today. The outright villains and the false heroes—designations which are increasingly relative these days. The hero of one is the villain of another.
Podcast – Extended Conversations
Often it takes us time to work out ideas and give real attention to what others are saying. This kind of discovery is a life-long process.
New Video Series: “At the Edge of Faith”
This week saw the launch of the new video series "At the Edge of Faith," which explores the concepts of faith and identity in a nihilistic world. Constantly forced to question what's real, how do we know whom to trust, and where do we fit into it all? Where do you go when your account … Continue reading New Video Series: “At the Edge of Faith”
Holy Week in John (John 12:26–37): Jesus draws us to himself
Jesus, the true light, is counterintuitive to the darkness of this world. Which is so hard for us, isn’t it? When the world is saying one thing and God is saying another, it’s so hard for us to walk away from the darkness even when we know it’s wrong, even when we know it goes against Jesus. Even though Jesus is our beacon—our salvation—we’re constantly drawn to the world’s lies. The only way to fight the darkness is to focus our eyes on the light.
Absent from Each-other, Present with Christ
We can trust Jesus in difficult times. We can trust him in times that we doubt ourselves—in times that we make our own share of mistakes. We can trust him even as we come to him as sinners, who don’t deserve his love. We can trust him in times of change—times of uncertainty. We can trust him as we live in exile—dispersed—even in our own land. And when we need someone to be there. When we are all alone and nobody will come near, Jesus is there. Jesus can’t be quarantined. The 6-foot rule doesn’t apply to him. Jesus is there. He’s not going anywhere.
Holy Week in John (John 12:12–26): We wish to see Jesus
When Jesus invites us to join him, it’s with the promise that he will see us through it. The crowds proclaimed Hosanna, save us now we pray. Well, that’s how he saves us. And even to this day, we pray the same thing. Jesus, save me from my sin. Save me from myself. Save me from all evil. Save me from the darkness of this world. And he does.
