By Scott Keith - A Recap The Reformation was firmly ensconced in the German lands and began to move to other countries. It even reached France. In 1534, Melanchthon was invited to France to defend the Lutheran position to King Francis, who seemed to favor the Reformation. Melanchthon responded that he would do what was … Continue reading Theological Ambassador Part II – France
By Scott Keith - By Order of the Emperor To develop a united front against the Turks, Emperor Charles V decreed that an imperial diet would convene at Augsburg to deal with the "evangelical problem," among other things. The emperor announced that the diet would convene on April 8, 1530. Prior to the diet, the … Continue reading The Birthday of the Lutheran Church
By Scott Keith - Early Days at Wittenberg Contrary to popular opinion, Melanchthon never served as a parish pastor. Unlike Luther, he was not known as a preacher. But as John Schofield points out in his work Philip Melanchthon and the English Reformation, his 1519 Bachelor of Divinity degree earned at Wittenberg and his appointment … Continue reading Work, Work, Work
By Bob Hiller - Your Bible is bursting at the seams with metaphors aimed at delivering God’s love for you in Christ to your ears and hearts. The language of forgiveness, reconciliation, redemption, and liberation are just a few of the big themes that the Holy Spirit has chosen to convey everything God has done … Continue reading Try Not to Judge This Blog
By Jaime Nava – I got a call from a member yesterday. She told me that there was a shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino. This was particularly important to her because her adult child was working only a few blocks away for the same county. A few of our church’s members … Continue reading Peace On Earth
By Graham Glover - (The following was preached during the order of Morning Prayer, at the United States Army Chaplain Center and School, to a group of Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Chaplains) Dear brothers in Christ Jesus, this Saturday, 31 October, marks a tragic day in the history of Christendom. As you all know, … Continue reading The Tragic Necessity of the Reformation
By Joel Hess - Whenever someone accuses me of something, the first thing I do is make an excuse. Like Adam who quickly pointed to Eve and even his Maker, I point to something that either validates my action or hopefully creates sympathy in my accuser. I do it every time! I think we all do. More than … Continue reading Justification: Shut the @*#% Up and Just Say Thanks!
