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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Scott Keith

02/15/19

Meeting Melanchthon

In honor of the anniversary of Philip Melanchthon’s Birthday, the following is an excerpt from Meeting Melanchthon written by Scott Keith (1517 Publishing, 2017).

Wade Johnston

02/12/19

Theology in the Real World

Theology is a practical habit—that is, an aptitude cultivated to be applied in the real world in daily life.

Jason Lane

02/10/19

Epistle: I Corinthians 15: (1-11) 12-20 (Epiphany 6: Series C)

The basis of Christian proclamation is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as a historical event. But what His death and resurrection are as events, now become reality for us, delivered to us through preaching and holy baptism, so all who receive His death and life have the hope of resurrection.

Peter Nafzger

02/10/19

Gospel: Luke 6:17-26 (Epiphany 6: Series C)

Backwards. That is the only way to describe the world Jesus portrays in Luke 6. Consider what He says about blessings. The blessed, He says, are the poor, the hungry, those who weep. It is those who are hated, excluded, reviled, spurned. Who among us wants to be “blessed” like that?

Martin Luther

02/08/19

The Consolation of Weak Saints

I have often stated above and elsewhere that it pleases me greatly and is salutary for us to hear of the weaknesses of the saints, for these examples of weakness are more necessary for us and bring more consolation than the examples of that heroic and very great fortitude and other virtues.

John Bombaro

02/03/19

The "External Word" Is the Authoritative Word of God, Too

The preached word ensured the work of the Holy Spirit, so long as it was the written word of the Gospel. Gospel preaching was the one domain in which we could be assured of the convicting, saving, and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.

Jason Lane

02/03/19

Epistle: I Corinthians 14:12b-20 (Epiphany 5: Series C)

The texts for this week offer great consolation for pastors and preachers. Don’t miss out on preaching this consolation to your people, too. Christ is at work in us, though we are insufficient for such a ministry to save souls from destruction.

Peter Nafzger

02/03/19

Gospel: Luke 5:1-11 (Epiphany 5: Series C)

Much like the Old Testament reading from Isaiah, Luke helps us consider discipleship by inviting us to identify with an individual.

Robert Kolb

01/27/19

Johann Gerhard's Homiletics

Gerhard's preaching categories ring true of descriptions ring true of the ways in which we attempt to communicate the Gospel in the twenty-first century. His words of advice deserve our attention too.

Jason Lane

01/27/19

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13 (Epiphany 4: Series C)

Christians are caught up in the love of God in Christ. In this love they grow together as the body of Christ into mature manhood. And in the struggle and despite all the sin that clouds our eyes, we will see clearly Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. The more we fix our eyes on Him, the more we grow in His love.

Peter Nafzger

01/27/19

Gospel: Luke 4:31-44 (Epiphany 4: Series C)

During Epiphany we reflect on the things God has revealed about the world and Himself through His Son. The Gospel readings, which come from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, serve as introductions to Jesus—both for the people of His day and ours.

Jason Lane

01/20/19

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (Epiphany 3: Series C)

1 Corinthians 12:12-31 is part of Paul’s continuing catechesis on the church. The church as God the Holy Spirit’s own creation through the Gospel is not to be preached or taught as any kind of human organization.

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