This one is both very simple, and very difficult.  Live it.  Every moment of every day.  You show your faith as you strive with the help of the Holy Spirit to love everyone you meet.  To treat them the way you would want to be treated, even when they are being a pain in the… Read More »

When I was being installed at Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church in Lisbon (back when they were a mission start) Bishop Phil Hougen presided at my installation. He started his sermon by looking me right in the eye and saying, “You’re not good enough to do this job. ”Ah! Don’t tell these folks my secret,”… Read More »

R.  While I don’t doubt the personal experience that comes from this question, let’s look at whether that experience reflects the reality of Generation X as a whole. According to the Pew Research Center, 64% of Gen Xers absolutely believe in God- almost the same percentage as Boomers (69%).  They also attend worship at almost the… Read More »

R.  The short answer is we don’t know because scripture is virtually silent on this issue.  There are 655 uses of the word “heaven” in scripture.  Sometimes heaven refers to the skies above.  Heaven is also understood to be the place God resides, along with the heavenly court.  Many times, however, heaven is connected to other… Read More »

R. This is a vital question for today. As believers, we affirm the words of Bishop Desmund Tutu that goodness is stronger than evil, and love is stronger than hate.  We also affirm the witness of Jesus and the experience of many faithful people throughout history that love wins when it is true to itself. … Read More »

R.  A lighter question for July!  The answer is, address them however they want you to address them.  However, there are some rules of thumb. Whether in church or in public, you can never go wrong with “Pastor X”.  Most will be okay with you using their first name, so “Pastor Brian”.  Others will prefer… Read More »

R.  That is a loaded term, so let’s clarify a bit.  The word heaven(s) appears in the New Revised Standard version of the Bible 787 times.  So, it is present, but what does it mean?  Well, in both Greek and Hebrew, heaven can mean sky or the abode of God and his heavenly court. However,… Read More »

R.  A great question!  You do this the same way you display your faith and love of God in any other place you are.  You live it freely and openly. Look at the promises we make when we affirm our baptism.  Among them we promise to “Proclaim the Good News of God in Jesus Christ… Read More »

  R. Thank you for this question and for your honesty with yourself and others in asking it. It can be easy for people of good will, especially those in leadership, to let their participation become just another duty/responsibility to fulfill.  I struggle with that problem myself. Here is what helps me: 1)  Breathe- There… Read More »

R. We have communion every Sunday (in fact, almost every time we meet) because we need it. If you look back in your Small Catechism, you’ll see that Martin Luther explains what Communion is and does.  In this meal of bread and wine, Jesus comes to us and brings forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.  … Read More »