“’The Book of Concord is a book published in 1580 that contains the Lutheran Confessions. The Lutheran Confessions are a summary and explanation of the Bible. They are not placed over the Bible. They do not take the place of the Bible. The Book of Concord is how Lutherans are able to say, together, as … [Read more…]
God our Father has created us in Christ Jesus to do good works and walk in them. Paul proclaims that gospel in to the saints in Ephesus. He illustrates it by commending the work of faith done by the Thessalonians. Ephesians 2 Also you—being dead in the trespasses and the sins, in which once ye … [Read more…]
KOINONIA, KOINONEO, SUNKOINONEO and KOINONOS are the Greek words of rich interpersonal relationships, mutuality and interdependence in the body of Christ. They are the share words of the community of our King—Jesus. Koinonia is translated: communion, community, communication, distribution, fellowship, share and partnership. Intercollegial relationship starts to reflect those share words. But, colleague only indicates being accepted and treated … [Read more…]
The following quote is designed for business readers. But, the truth in it applies to Christians. The Bible is filled with examples of the Genuine, Intercollegial Relationships we are urged to participate in. “Put the relationship before the mentorship. All too often, mentorship can evolve into a “check the box” procedure instead of something authentic … [Read more…]
Etymology is the study of the origin of words, their meaning and how the meaning has changed. In America, those who do not believe in the God of the Bible have reversed the meanings of good and bad. So, saying or writing that the works of the flesh, cited from Galatians 5, are sin is … [Read more…]
New creatures in Christ, children of God our Father, heirs of salvation, brothers and sisters in the Lord, saints—holy ones made holy by the blood of the Lamb, hear what the Holy Spirit says to you and do what the Spirit prompts. God has shone in your heart to give you the light of the … [Read more…]
by haRold Smith a citizen of the Commonwealth (Ephesians 2:19) “And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before YHVH, to be kept for your generations. As YHVH commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.” Exodus 16:33-34 … [Read more…]
The last 4 articles were full of terms of endearment and encouragement Paul and Peter wrote to congregants and Kretzmann commented on. It is refreshing to ponder and apply them. 1 Peter 4 8 Above all continue to love one another fervently, for love throws a veil over a multitude of faults. 9 Extend ungrudging … [Read more…]
What you can do while while sitting or standing in a pew? While sitting or standing in a pew or auditorium seating, your ministry options are severely limited. You can listen, pray and worship, silently agree or disagree with the sermon and put money in the collection plate. Do you know that the word “pulpit” … [Read more…]
From Kretzmann’s Popular Commentary published in 1921-1922 PAUL E. KRETZMANN, M.A., PhD., B.D. FOREWORD Dr. Kretzmann’s Popular Commentary possesses a unique distinction. It is not a scientific or critical commentary in the sense in which these terms are usually employed. It contains no detailed discussions of grammatical technicalities, of etymology, of variations in the manuscripts, … [Read more…]