By Adam Francisco

09/15/26

15mins

Josephus on Jesus

Josephus does not tell us that Christianity is true, and Christians do not need Josephus to tell them that Christ is risen. But Christianity makes claims about things that happened in public history under identifiable rulers, priests, and governors. For that reason, testimony from outside the church matters.

Political Polarization and Cultural Christianity

John W. Hoyum

09/18/26

Political Polarization and Cultural Christianity

Today, the longing for cultural Christianity on both the left and the right hearkens back to an older version of Christendom that was a mixed blessing for the church in the western world. The cultural mediation of Christian views on created order has certainly benefitted the civilization we’ve inherited. But the gospel itself isn’t something that can be reduced to cultural mediation either. Instead, the gospel as a message stands apart from all human accomplishments and achievements, no matter how beneficial they might be.

Geography: How the “Where” Impacts the “Why” of the Biblical Story

Mark Duerr

09/16/26

Geography: How the “Where” Impacts the “Why” of the Biblical Story

The student of Scripture should always have a map open next to their Bible as they read. If possible, they should also travel to Israel, not to make a pilgrimage, but to see the context of the land in which these stories took place. These are not fairy tales made up about fictional fantasy lands; these are stories about real people in real places interacting with a real God.

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Rick Ritchie

02/04/21

Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Spell

Bonhoeffer was in the unenviable position of trying to break a spell. The spell was the Nazi crisis, where the totalitarian state threatened the church, and yet to many, seemed to be saving the culture and nation from mortal dangers.

Katie Koplin

02/03/21

What Do I Have to Give?

Regardless of my experience, my talents, or even my mood, it’s these gifts of Christ that I have to give away. They are all I have, and they are everything.

Blake Flattley

02/01/21

Liturgy for the Unprecedented and the Ordinary

So, what do we pray? What do we say? In times of fear, in times of chaos, in unprecedented times, we pray and say the words that have been written on our hearts.

Peter Nafzger

01/31/21

Gospel: Mark 1:29-39 (Epiphany 5: Series B)

What is Jesus' conception of, “How is God’s kingship made effective?” It would happen through preaching.

John Bombaro

01/31/21

Epistle: I Corinthians 9:16-27 (Epiphany 5: Series B)

Saint Paul recognizes the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus is how the Spirit of God translates people from death and darkness to life and light.

Jeffrey Pulse

01/31/21

Old Testament: Isaiah 40:21-31 (Epiphany 5: Series B)

Even though it may appear otherwise, the LORD has power over all things, Heaven and Earth, and He has and will use that power to save His people.

Bob Hiller

01/29/21

Preaching that Gives Certainty

Your forgiveness means you are in God’s favor, and no matter what tomorrow brings, God’s face is shining upon you, and he is gracious to you. Whether you live or you die, you belong to the Lord.

Chad Bird

01/27/21

The Old Testament and Alcohol: A Short Q&A

The Old Testament mentions wine about 140 times and beer ("strong drink") about 20 times. What can we learn from these passages? Chad Bird provides us with a short Q&A about the Hebrew background of alcohol, as well as a look forward to the Party of parties in the resurrection feast.

Donavon Riley

01/26/21

Catching Jesus' Ear

As a parent listens for the cry of a hurting child, our heavenly Father waits for our cry of weal and woe.

Grant Klembara

01/25/21

Death's End according to Poet John Donne

Out of great pain and suffering often comes goodness, beauty, and truth. John Donne, born on the 22nd of January in 1573, is an excellent example of that for us in his masterful work, Death Be Not Proud.

David Schmitt

01/24/21

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28 (Epiphany 4: Series B)

God’s people have gathered in worship while there is a war going on, and this war has two opponents: The Kingdom of Satan and the Kingdom of God. There is no middle ground.

John Bombaro

01/24/21

Epistle: I Corinthians 8:1-13 (Epiphany 4: Series B)

This Spirit of love permits no Christian to exercise their freedom at the expense of another Christian still troubled by old associations.

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