One of the lay members of the council asked a question in response to reports related to our relationships with Lutherans in Ethiopia and Tanzania, as well as our commitment to the Global Confessional and Missional Lutheran Forum (hosted in conjunction with our Lutheran Week). Continue reading “Why The NALC Is Involved in International Relationships”
The Nature of Christian Relationships – Fair or Unfair Has Nothing to Do With It
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” ~ Matthew 18:15-20
Continue reading “The Nature of Christian Relationships – Fair or Unfair Has Nothing to Do With It”
Jesus Goes Ahead of Us
Easter is not just a day, but also a season — at the very center of the Church year and our life together in Christ. Continue reading “Jesus Goes Ahead of Us”
Order and Peace, Not Confusion and Chaos
“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” — 1 Corinthians 14:33 RSV
At any given time, it seems that about 10 percent of our congregations are in some state of tension or conflict. Continue reading “Order and Peace, Not Confusion and Chaos”
Temples and Priests: Before & After Christ’s Resurrection
Last month, we looked at our care for and the function of our church buildings, the secondary temple structures. This month we look at our care for the primary temple structures, our bodies built as living stones upon the cornerstone of the new temple, our Lord’s body.
Continue reading “Temples and Priests: Before & After Christ’s Resurrection”