first Sunday in Lent (2024)
contemplating collects
O LORD, mercifully hear our prayer, and stretch forth the right hand of Thy Majesty to defend us from them that rise up against us; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
--Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church
. . .Posted in: lent
Quinquagesima Sunday (2024)
contemplating collects
O LORD, we beseech Thee mercifully hear our prayers, and, having set us free from the bonds of sin, defend us from all evil; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
-- Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church
. . .it's never been about works
salvation has always been by grace
It's a common misconception among Christians: Old Testament believers (Israel) were saved by works, but New Testament believers (Christians) are saved by grace.
Nope. Wrong. Incorrect. Not even close.
Salvation/deliverance/redemption has never been achieved by works or merit. Never ever.
Noah found favor with . . .
Posted in: theology
Sexagesima Sunday (2024)
contemplating collects
O Lord God, Who seest that we put not our trust in anything that we do: Mercifully grant that by Thy power we may be defended against all adversity: through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen
-- Common Service Book of the . . .
Septuagesima Sunday (2024)
contemplating collects
O Lord, we beseech Thee favorably to hear the prayers of Thy people: that we, who are justly punished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by Thy goodness, for the glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
. . .
an outsider's analysis of the UMC split
Dr. Albert Mohler looks at the biggest schism in American Protestant history
Dr. Albert Mohler is the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, and a very prominent Christian theologian, speaker, author, and commentator. He creates a daily podcast called "The Briefing," which describes itself as a 'daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.' . . .
Posted in: umc
what is an Ebenezer anyway?
reflections on "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing"
Yesterday during divine service we sang the familiar hymn "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing." After worship, several folks came and asked me about the line that says, "Here I raise mine Ebenezer hither by Thy help I'm come." In essence asking, "What on earth is an Ebenezer anyway?"
Gold . . .
Cover image credit: http://unsplash.com/@jean_vella
