Category Archives: For Pastors Only
Grief Observed
A Greif Observed is the title of one of C. S. Lewis’ most poignant books. It’s about losing his wife of only four years after being a confirmed bachelor. Even as a young man it was difficult to read, now … Continue reading
No Novatian or Donatist She
Sorry you’ll have to Google this if you want to readily know what I’m talking about. You could cheat and use the source everyone disses yet uses http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donatist . Shakespeare’s play “Measure for Measure” also treats this ancient tension. I … Continue reading
A Mourning Person
People will usually describe themselves as either a morning or a night person. The Lord doesn’t care for as the hymn says, “Day and night are both alike to Thee.” Some people do, however, care. Lord help you, and I … Continue reading
JDDJ and WWJD
Most confessional Lutherans know WWJD ought to be replaced by WDJD, i.e. “What Did Jesus Do?” should be asked instead of “What Would Jesus Do?” Not nearly enough of us know what JDDJ stands for.
You are a Father!
I cannot call you “Father,” “And be ye not called masters,” Because I’m C. of E., The text announces too; With such un-English customs So, do not call me “Mister,” I strongly disagree. Which also … Continue reading
Exhorting to Frustration
I want to do auto mechanics. I yearn to be able to pop the hood and know what I’m looking at. I want to get under the car on a mechanic’s creeper and say, “Hand me that ¾ inch wrench,” and … Continue reading
Does Order Matter?
The sainted Father Rudolph Kurz pointed this out when it happened. The Lutheran Annual originally listed the names of pastors on the LCMS clergy roster and then listed congregations.
Not Very Comforting
In Army Airborne School in 1976, the instructors would say as you walked out to the plane for your first jump, “The jump isn’t that bad; it’s just that last 2 inches you got to watch out for.” I … Continue reading
A Gospel Word from the Preacher of Vanities
It is fitting that this Gospel Word should come from a preacher (Ecc. 1:1). He says, “What is lacking cannot be counted” (Ecc. 1:15). Take it from one who has spent a ministry counting what was lacking: it is fruitless, … Continue reading
The Papacy with Lots of Beane
No real Texan believes that chili is chili if it has beans. I am no Texan, so I don’t know about chili, but I do know about the papacy and no matter how much Beane is added to it, it’s … Continue reading