By Cindy Koch - I know I’m not the only one. We’ve all done it at one time or another. It usually surfaces when we are at a crossroad, important decision, or uncomfortable spot. Sometimes it is in response to something really terrible—a death, loss, or extreme sin we find within. It flashes through the … Continue reading Taking Christ off His Cross
By Scott Keith - As many of you may know, I am a zealous advocate for doing apologetics. Apologetics is defined as the defense of the Christian faith. The simplicity of this definition, however, does not help one understand the complexity of the problem of defining apologetics. There is a great diversity of approaches when … Continue reading Beyond Redemption
By Paul Koch - I will never forget the day I first walked into the great cathedral in Strasburg, France. I was a much younger man and quite impressionable, to be sure. But that building was a shock to the system. It wasn’t just the sights of the grand gothic architecture, or the massive stained … Continue reading Even the Dogs
By Tim Winterstein - If The Godfather did not exist, my list of favorite movies would probably begin with The Apostle. It's certainly the movie I have watched most. Robert Duvall is brilliant and complicated. For a long time after, I couldn't watch him in any other role without thinking of the Apostle E.F. because … Continue reading Augustine to Apostle E.F.
By Paul Koch – Back in 2006, our church body released a new hymnal for use in all congregations under the title Lutheran Service Book. As far as hymnbooks go, and within my limited experience, I think this is one a real gem. The resources bound into this one book are invaluable. As soon as … Continue reading The Tangible Memory of God’s Work (i.e. my Hymnal)
By Joel A. Hess - Many people, even those who are remotely familiar with Christianity, know the popular story of Peter walking on the water. Oh sure, Jesus was more successful at this miraculous task, but we are far more excited about Peter’s experiment, right? Matthew tells us that one evening Jesus told the disciples … Continue reading Stay in the Boat!
By Paul Koch - Churches are strange things. There has always been religion, always been a recognition of something beyond our experience, beyond what we actually feel and taste and hear in our lives. And the various religions of the world have tried to answer big questions of life and afterlife, good and evil. The … Continue reading The Word is Near You
