President’s Office

That evening at sundown they brought to [Jesus] all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons.  (Mark 1:32-34)

Countless diseased, oppressed, and suffering people were healed and relieved. What was it like to receive instant relief? One moment your back is aching and throbbing, the next there is utter relief. One second your body is riddled by misery and disease, the next you’re healed and made well. One instant the devil is oppressing you, and the next you are free and at peace.  

Beloved do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (1 Pet. 4:12).

“Beloved” is a strong word. It includes love, affection, protection, and compassion all rolled into one word. Peter wrote to those who were beloved by God, particularly because so many were enduring suffering on account of the faith and virtuous life they lived in Christ.

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians explains the deep truths of love for Christians. It ends with a familiar verse: Faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor. 13:13). Have you ever wondered why he says love is the greatest? 1 Corinthians 13 is a profound chapter dedicated entirely to explaining the way of love. In it, Paul depicts, defines, and describes love. Specifically, according to God’s perspective, both what it is and what it is not.

And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” (John 1:19-20) The Jews asked John the Baptist a simple question: “Who are you?” It’s a common question. Most of us have been asked it. How do you typically answer? With your name? Your title or position? Your place in your family? John was asked because of what he was doing and what he was saying.

Worship forms continue to be a talking point within our Lutheran circles. At the heart of those discussions are often disagreements about who is right and who is wrong, which form is best, what Divine Setting is most pure, or what instrument is most proper. Unfortunately, those considerations can get hijacked by intense emotions and we lose the ability to speak in ways that the other can hear or loses sight of what and Who is at the heart of our worship.

We live in what’s called the Information Age. It’s a time when digital opinions, soundbites, diversions, and distractions are everywhere. With just a click of a button we are brought down the path of abundant data and get lost for hours in the mundaneness of a digital universe. Information is all around, but information is not the same as wisdom. In fact, an overload of information brings its own problems.

Advent is a time of anticipation and waiting. The church year keeps us focused on the life of Jesus. Advent, the first season of the church year, brings us to the beginning of Jesus’ life, where He becomes incarnate—where He came into the flesh—to be born of a virgin, set in a manger, and reared in a family.

The book of Acts begins with the dramatic story of how the church was birthed in Jerusalem by the Spirit working through the word. The living and abiding word of God bridged sixteen diverse cultures when the apostles spoke the mighty works of God in their own tongues “as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4).

Whenever Jesus begins by saying “Beware” it’s best you sit up and listen. Beware means to be on guard; to get your attention. “Beware” means a warning is about to be spoken. Ignore it at your own risk. One occasion was the sermon on the mount. Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15).