The Promises of Advent: Born in the Midst of Suffering
While we do not have an answer, we do have a promise. A promise given to us by a God whose one and only Son was himself slaughtered by those terrified of losing their power.
Contributors
Bob Hiller
Bob Hiller is the senior pastor of Community Lutheran Church in Escondido, CA. He is a baptized husband, father, and pastor. He is the content editor for The Craft of Preaching, a preacher on You Are Forgiven Radio, and a contributor to 1517.
Craft of Preaching
A Look at 1 Peter 5: Peace to All in Christ
You are in a fight, but the victory is guaranteed because it is in the hands of the risen Chief Shepherd.
Protected from Baptism
The real problem with the way we talk about Baptism in particular, and the sacraments at all, is that we are simply afraid of letting God’s Word get us.
The Vindicated Lord
The pain of God’s silence strikes Jesus harsher than any nail ever could. “For you are the God in whom I take refuge; why have you rejected me?
Baptizing the Thief on the Cross
Asking, “Do you have to be baptized to be saved?” is really like asking, “Does Jesus have to save you in order for you to be saved?”
How Can You Be Certain of the Call?
Many sit and wait for judgment day to come, running through their performance in this life, hoping that the electing Judge found some reason to love them like Jacob.
The Craft of Preaching
Scott and Caleb are joined by pastors Bob Hiller and Paul Koch to talk about their new project The Craft of Preaching.
Theses 16-18: Adding Sin to Sin
A part of our series on Luther's, Heidelberg Disputation.
Is James Preaching the Social Gospel?
No matter which side, it’s easy for all of us to build Bible verses into grenades aimed at obliterating the political other.
The Real Threat to Our Preaching
Many Christians are worried—perhaps legitimately—that the state is a short step away from turning the Law of God into hate speech and silencing the legal preaching of God’s Word.
Religion That Helps You Die
Now, resurrection can only follow upon death. The good news is, it will!
If You Don't Go to Church, You Won't Go to Heaven!
Heaven is as near as the Word proclaimed from the mouth of the preacher into the ear and heart of the sinner. It is as near as the bread and wine in your mouth. For, you see, Word and sacrament are where Jesus is.
Good Reasons To Not Baptize Your Baby?
Babies need to be baptized for the same reason that all Christians need to be absolved: All of us are born into and contribute to this sin-wrecked show of a life.
What Happened to God?
In Christ, God is not angry, but is your tender Father Who loves you with an everlasting love.
Preaching That Saves
Good preaching does something for you. It delivers to you a Good Samaritan.
The Ghosts of Sins Past
I hear voices in my head accusing me, telling me these sins will be there on the Day of Judgment unless I make atonement.
Who’s Afraid of Statistics?
These studies can expose some very disturbing truths about Christianity in America.
Pastor, That’s Not Your Wife
The truth is, this church’s eyes wander very easily. You are there to make sure Jesus is clearly and constantly placarded before those eyes.
The Key to Discipleship
The idea is that Jesus has called His church to make disciples, and since the church doesn’t look much like the One they are following, the people need to be changed.
Do You Want to Watch the Game?
In a world so wired by law and rules, judgement is everywhere.
The Promised Future
What if I just hadn’t repented enough? Or prayed enough? Or really, really given my whole heart to Jesus? What if I just wasn’t ready?
Can I Be a Sinner in Your Church?
You can talk to me about how Jesus is really forgiving and how you want me around, but what happens when things don’t change in a month?
What Sort of Father Do We Have?
He reminds them how his love is truly marvelous and unconditional, but then, he looks them in the eyes, and says they ought to do better because of his love.
Preparing for Death and the University
Don’t let anyone tell you the academy denies the concept of truth...good gracious, I hope by the end of the semester they are still alive.
When Old Adam Fences the Table
I grew up with a great deal of guilt. It still keeps me up at night. For one reason or another, I was convinced I hadn’t done enough to be loved by God.
Giving God A Nap
The Word of God wrecked the room. The wise and seasoned pastor along with the smart mouth vicar were all silenced in the fear and awe of a God who can seem so absent at times.