“Po-le, Po-le” In Africa, most things happen “po-le, po-le” (Swahili for “slowly, slowly”). “Po-le, pole” applies to the cadence of conversation, the speed of the internet, the rhythm of the day, the tempo at which tasks get assigned, the rate in which they are accomplished, and even the pace by which the Triune God’s Kingdom […]
Not soon after I wrote about Martin Luther’s Evening and Morning prayers and the daily spiritual exercise of “commending all into the Lord’s hands”, we were given ample opportunities to practice it. Such is the life of the Christian. Confessing the faith and living it out, walk hand in hand. No matter how thorough one […]
Finally! After, a busy and bustling number of weeks, we’re on our way to the Lutheran School of Theology in Kenya to serve with Rev. James May and Lutherans in Africa. The preparation for a trip to the African continent is controlled chaos. It’s filled with scattered and coffee stained sheets of lists, tedious double, […]
“I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills.” Out of Africa, Isak Dinesen There is a school in Africa nestled on the edge of the great Rift Valley, at the foot of the Ngong Hills. Here students come from across the African continent to study at the Lutheran School of […]
Blessings to you as we enter the Advent and Christmas season of 2023 and a new year in 2024. How quickly the years pass! The grass may wither and the flowers may fall but the Word of the Lord and the Lord of Word remain forever. (Isaiah 40:8) It is hard to believe that this […]
With Intrepid Hearts is an in-depth study and practical application of the Formula of Concord (the Epitome and Solid Declaration) and it will help Lutheran Christians … … the Truth of the Word of God (in the Scriptures and incarnate in Jesus) in an anti-Christian world. As the Lutheran Confessors declare: … we wish to testify to those […]
The spirit of the age is alive and active. From within and without it attacks the Word (in Scripture and incarnate, in Jesus). Its language is theological deceit. The work of its hands is social disorder and cultural decay. And its end goal is the physical destruction and spiritual death of all of the Triune […]
A blessed Easter season to you and your family. During the Passion week, sin’s wage came due . On Good Friday, the debt was paid . And on that first day of the week, the empty tomb is the resurrection receipt – the Father’s notice to the unholy trinity (the devil, the corrupt world, and […]
A blessed and sacred Holy Week to you. The call of the 40 day season of Lent is to “fix our eyes on Jesus” and “consider Him” so that we might repent of our sins and receive all the gifts that only the Triune God can give. (Hebrews 12:1-3)In order to help you “consider Him” […]
Does it seem like you and your family are being harassed by the “unholy trinity” of … the devil, the corrupt world, and the sinful flesh? Are these spiritual enemies winning the day? Do you feel ill equipped to fight back? During Lent 2023, I’d like to give you some daily and weekly spiritual practices […]
In 1526, almost 500 years ago, Martin Luther visited a number of Saxon churches and was horrified and distraught over the spiritual condition of the people and the clergy. Here’s what he said in the Preface to his Small Catechism … The deplorable, miserable condition that I discovered recently when I, too, was a visitor, […]
Celebrations in the Kingdom of God are sacred occasions to pause, reflect upon and give thanks for the gracious activity of the Triune God. Seasons change, years pass, but the Lord of the Church remains the same! On Sunday, November 6th at the 10 am service, East Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Detroit will be celebrating […]
My mother sends me a text every February 14th reminding me of my baptismal birthday. While reminiscing, she likes to note that I screamed the entire time. I suppose Luther’s introductory words to his baptismal rite were appropriate for me … “flee you evil spirit and make room for the Holy Spirit!” A few weeks […]
For the last couple of months I’ve been struggling with how to teach the Book of Revelation. To be honest, my study of the Apocalypse has been like herding cats. Just when I thought I had everything organized, well thought out and heading in the right direction, a stray theme or vision or symbol came […]
The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! We have been purchased and redeemed by the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Lamb of God that was slain now sits on the throne. He rules and reigns, and we proclaim His Gospel until the Day He reappears to judge the world and make all things […]
