The Boomerang Paradox
“You can’t hit happiness by aiming for it.” I’ve been reflecting on this little truism for a few months now, and I think it unlocks a bunch of Biblical truths….
Notes on Chiliasm (Dispensationalism)
Pr Theodore Engelder published as series of five articles against Dispensationalism (which he called Chiliasm) from March to July of 1935. John Stephenson rightly says of Engelder’s articles, “they have…
Lord, Teach Us to Pray (a media book on the Lord’s Prayer)
Here’s a new book that I’m particularly excited about: Lord, Teach Us to Pray, with Video Footnotes. The text is Martin Luther’s explanation of the Lord’s Prayer (from the Large…
Martin Luther’s description of Faith
This is stunning. Taken from his Preface to the Book of Romans, but quoted here from the Formula of Concord IV.10-12, Luther’s description of faith is stunning, and worth contemplating….
Holy Baptism: An Anthology
Here you see again how highly and precious we should esteem Baptism, because in it we obtain such an unspeakable treasure. -Martin Luther, The Large Catechism What are these “unspeakable…
JOHANN VAN DEN ESSCHEN and HEINRICH VOS: The First Lutheran Martyrs
Pr. Jerome Gernander (of Hope Lutheran Church, ELS, Leander, TX) reminded me that this month is the 500th anniversary of the martyrdom of Esschen and Vos, the first two Lutheran…
Wordsworth’s New Testament Commentary
Christopher Wordsworth (nephew of William Wordsworth) was an Anglican Bishop, hymn writer, and Bible Scholar. I’ve found his commentary especially helpful and insightful, so I republished them to make them…
Comfort for Those Tending to the Lord’s Littlest Sheep
Back in 2015 Keri (Mrs. Wolfmueller) wrote a series of three articles to encourage parents with little children in church. These three articles have been very helpful. I’m capturing them…
A few theses on the Divine Estate of Marriage in a Divided World.
These theses were written by Pastor Warren Graff (retired, in New Mexico), in response to recent Twitter conversations about race and marriage. Like all theses, they are intended for reflection…
Luther on God’s Governance of the World
Here is some fantastic insight from Luther on how God governs the lowly. Furthermore, God’s presence in this most humble kind of life should be recognized. Like the other kinds…
Bach’s St. John’s Passion, A Quick-Start Guide
Bach’s St. John’s Passion is a musical setting of John 18-19 (with two verses from Matthew inserted), interspersed with chorales (Lutheran Hymns) and original arias (original poetic reflections). It is absolutely…
How the devil accidentally gave us the New Testament
(Here’s a quick note. Pr Will Weedon was teaching 1 Thessalonians this weekend and pointed this out to us. Thanks, Will.) Remember that 1 Thessalonians is the first New Testament…
Five Critical Questions about Living Together Before Marriage (and Chastity)
The Bible speaks clearly about marriage and chastity. The Christian is appointed by the Lord to pursue the virtue of chastity, to honor the great gift of marriage, and practice…
The Trinity: Four Pages of Biblical Proof
Earlier today I was digging around The Doctrinal Theology of the Evangelical Lutheran Church on the topic of the filioque. The pour pages that follow gave a wonderful outline of…
Filioque: Seven Proofs
In the Nicene Creed, the western church confesses that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. The eastern churches do not. This is a point of longstanding…
Luther’s Theological Last Will and Testament (1528)
In the Third Part of Martin Luther’s Great Confession Concerning Christ’s Supper (1528) he lays out a summary of his doctrine and teaching, like a mini-Augsburg Confession (which came two…
Christmas Meditation: The Marvel of the Angels (with help from Luther)
Luther on Jacob’s Ladder, this is great Christmas preaching! But what is this ascent and descent? I reply that it is this very mystery that in one and the same…
Give Thanks 2023 Calendar
The theme for the Around the Word 2023 calendar is “Give Thanks.” Combining classic Christian art with Bible passages about Thanksgiving, this calendar will be a daily reminder of God’s…
Twelve Thanksgiving Texts
Download a pdf of twelve Thanksgiving Text cards here: