by Donavon Riley What do sin, law, repentance, and Gospel have in common? Answer: All of them center on this matter of conscience: As Martin Luther writes in the Smalcald Articles: “The pope and his kingdom do not value these things very much, because the conscience means nothing to them; money, honor, and power mean [...]
by Donavon Riley “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? Matthew 27:46 With these words that describe Jesus’ final hours to us the Good Lord gets a hold of us, works on us, pushes and pinches and presses his way in on us, and forces the question on us: “What kind of a [...]
Savonarola’s banner for religious processions, on display at the Museo di San Marco, Florence. In 1497, Pope Alexander VI (1431-1503) excommunicated Girolamo Savonarola (1452-1498), an Italian Dominican priest and leader of Florence. He was known for advocating religious reform of Renaissance Italy, and preaching vehemently against moral corruption among the clergy of his time. The [...]
Here is a hymn from Johann Andreas Rothe: Now I have found the firm foundation Which holds mine anchor ever sure; ’Twas laid before the world’s creation In Christ my Savior’s wounds secure; Foundation which unmoved shall stay When Heav’n and earth will pass away. It is that mercy never ending Which human wisdom far [...]
(via Christian Today) The Anglican Consultative Council expressed support on Saturday for a project that will explore the ways Anglicans worldwide read and interpret Scripture. The Bible in the Life of the Church project is being launched to build “understanding, trust and respect” among those who differ in biblical interpretations. Formerly, the Anglican Communion had [...]
Almighty God and Father, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You have over-come death and opend the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with [...]
In 1870 CFW Walther delivered an essay at the Convention of the Western District of the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States. The full text of the address, consisting of 13 theses and their exposition, is now available for download thanks to the translation and editorial work of Laurence White, Paul [...]
by Simon Dach (written for the mayor of Koenigsberg Alstadt, Job Lepner) Oh, how blest are ye whose toils are ended! Who, through death, have unto God ascended! Ye have arisen From the cares which keep us still in prison. We are still as in a dungeon living, Still oppressed with sorrow and misgiving; Our undertakings [...]
