THE METHOD OF APPLYING WATER IN BAPTISM Introduction Most if not all in this essay may be old hat to some. But it is not so long and established to some who call themselves Lutheran. Even so-called Lutherans today deny aspects of baptism that we have held from Scripture as true for long ages. The method of applying water in baptism is . . . read more

A CULTURAL PRACTICE FOR THEN OR COMMANDED BY GOD FOR NOW? Introduction At the outset of this study the tone is set by the Word unmistakably. This is not just lip service, but heart and soul commitment. Since God is the author of Scripture (IIPet. 1:21, II Tim. 3:16), we listen attentively. He is not a God of confusion and disorder, but of peace. . . . read more

ZORN’S BASIC HERMENEUTICAL PRINCIPLES Pastor Zorn, a former missionary in India, had a series of basic principles of interpretation that he followed. These principles directed his exegesis work. l) The Bible must be interpreted according to its own claims that it is the inspired Word of God in all its parts. Therefore it is only the Word of . . . read more

THE KINGDOM OF GOD Introduction When the word ‘kingdom’ is used there is generally connected with it: a realm, boundaries of geographical space, rule of force, an army and police forces to maintain order, a monarch on a throne with all the trappings. How different and greater is the kingdom of God. As we shall see, it is not: buildings, a . . . read more

THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S AND THE FULLNESS THEREOF Ps. 24:1 Introduction A robber may approach us to take from us what is ours and to gain it for himself. He may threaten us, ‘Your money or your life.’ If we don’t give him our money, he will take our life. He uses brute force. Ah, but our God says to us, ‘Your money and your life, . . . read more

SUFFERING Introduction This is a simple title for a complex subject. In this study we search the Word to see what God has to teach us. The perspective of this study we can easily draw from the epistle which instructs so very much on suffering, I Peter. We remember who and what we are and where we are headed. Peter writes that we are born anew . . . read more

HOMILETICAL POINTS – PREACHING THE LIVING WORD Introduction Even now we see in our mind’s eye the apostle Paul preaching at Athens or at any number of other places the Living Word of God which is the very same Word which we possess. And as we picture the scene we thrill to consider the work of the Spirit through the all-powerful . . . read more

FREEDOM IN: FULFILLMENT, FORM AND FUNCTION Introduction In the study of government and politics the age- old tension between freedom and order is readily seen. In our Christian life we also see this. The tension be can be reduced in this area as in any by the intense use of the clear Word of God. Within each of us we must admit there is at . . . read more

FIFTEEN PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION (HERMENEUTICS) l) We work with a translation. Since we work with a translation, the translation is only accurate as long as it expresses the truth as recorded in the original languages. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew with a small part in Aramaic, while the New Testament was written in Greek. We . . . read more

Introduction In the following examples from Scripture we try to learn ways and attitudes which will better enable us to witness of our Lord to others. These examples are drawn from a casual perusal of the Gospels and Acts. It is by no means exhaustive. As with the basketball strategy of ‘one on one’ we are looking at examples of one . . . read more

A THEOLOGY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Introduction As we do our work for Him in His kingdom support and expansion, we have seen in the last years an increase in the number of Pentecostal/Charismatics at work for Him. We don’t deny they have a zeal for God. Some of them though point at us and say we do not have the Spirit. Some of them claim we lack . . . read more

>DEVOTIONALGO, PREACH THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATIONS THE HUNTING DOG (An Investigation into the Launching and Pursuit of foreign missions by Orthodox Lutheranism) INTRODUCTION Introspection is always good as the first step toward improvement.  If we find that we have done wrong, been negligent, and ignored what we aught to have done, then . . . read more

  (The Paradox of Philippians)   l:3-11 What a Fellowship! (TLH ) Hymn 192 st. 1-3   This hymn ends on a high note, an exultant, joyful note. That is also this epistle. It has that high (based on Christ’s resurrection and triumph) joyful, exultant tone. Another old hymn goes ‘What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning . . . read more