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Writing

Explore our collection of theological essays, biblical studies, and reflections on faith and culture.

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Baptism

For the Children’s Sake | An Alternative Angle on the Paedocommunion Debate

The debate over paedocommunion does not seem to have made much headway on either side in recent years. Certainly both sides have made a solid effort to argue for their position. But no resolution seems to be forthcoming in the near future. As a convinced paedocommunionist, I find the church’s…

by Rich LuskNovember 16, 2002
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Covenant

Covenant & Election FAQs

How do covenant and election relate to one another? There are many issues of semantics that enter into this discussion and many issues of real substance, so we need to be careful. If we oversimplify, we can say that election relates to God’s eternal plan to save a people for…

by Rich LuskAugust 20, 2002
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Theologia

Vine, Branches, & Fruit

Shortly after the Last Supper and before his final arrest, Jesus said these words to his remaining eleven faithful disciples: I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit…

by Mark HorneJune 7, 2002
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Deuteronomy

The Gospel of Deuteronomy

Was Caleb saved by faith or works? Caleb is just one of many thousands of Hebrews who entered the Promised Land after spending years in the wilderness being led by Moses. God had delivered the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt and gave them a law at Mount Sinai based on…

by Mark HorneJune 7, 2002
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Romans

Romans and the Role of Israel in the Atonement

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5.7) So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of…

by Mark HorneJune 6, 2002
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Ephesians

Paul's use of the Decalogue in Ephesians 6:1-3

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6.1-3). Honor your father and your mother, that your…

by Mark HorneJune 6, 2002

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Luther’s Deliverdict?

Aulen again, quoting passages from Luther’s Galatians commentary: “To destroy sin, to smite death, to take away the curse by Himself, to bestow righteousness, bring life to light, and give the blessing: to annihilate the former, and to create the latter: this is the work of God’s omnipotence alone. But…

January 31, 2005

Luther’s Deliverdict?

Aulen again, quoting passages from Luther’s Galatians commentary: “To destroy sin, to smite death, to take away the curse by Himself, to bestow righteousness, bring life to light, and give the blessing: to annihilate the former, and to create the latter: this is the work of God’s omnipotence alone. But…

January 31, 2005
History

Rhetoric of Reformation

Explaining how Luther revived the “classic” Christus Victor theory of the atonement, Gustav Aulen points to Luther’s deployment of patristic rhetoric and imagery that had been lost in the Middle Ages: “Luther loves violent expressions, strong colors, realistic images, and in innumerable passages he describes Christ’s conflict with the tyrants…

January 31, 2005

Exhortation, Januay 30

Four times in our sermon text, the writer reminds us that ?there was war?Ebetween Israel and Judah. That phrase becomes a refrain throughout the chapter. Only once, however, do we read of a specific incident in that war that lasted several generations. During the reign of Asa of Judah, Baasha,…

January 30, 2005

Eucharistic Meditation, January 30

?Anyone of Baasha who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone of his who dies in the field the birds of the heavens will eat.?E The dynasties of Jeroboam and Baasha are remarkably similar. Both kings are confronted by prophets; both enjoy comparatively long reigns, but are…

January 30, 2005

A Walk Through the Trinity Liturgy, 2

INTRODUCTION In this session, we will move ahead in our tour through the Trinity liturgy, covering the Confession and Absolution and the ?ascension.?E CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION Confession belongs at the beginning of the service. We enter into God?s house, invited for a meal, and we need to clean up before…

January 30, 2005

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