Everyday Lutherans

Playing Rooky: A Tale of Two Kingdoms: The Hunger Games and Harry... : "God has ordained the two governments: the spiritual, which by the Holy Spirit under Christ makes Christians and pious people; and the secu... A friend of mine offers great insight into the recent works of Harry Potter and the Hunger Games.  Check it out, it is very well done.

Within the world there are many religions. A religion "is  a   set   of   beliefs   concerning   the   cause,   nature ,  and   purpose  of   the   universe,   especially   when   considered   as   the   creation  of   a   superhuman   agency   or   agencies,   usually   involving  devotional   and   ritual   observances,   and   often   containing   a  moral   code   governing   the   conduct   of   human   affairs. or  a   specific   fundamental   set   of   beliefs   and   practices   generally  agreed   upon   by   a   number   of   persons   or   sects:   the   Christian  religion;   the   Buddhist   religion.  Each one has it's own understanding a...

Ever wonder about those really big questions about life and the Bible.  Well I had another theologian ask the question: " without saying the person is going to hell, "why do I need to do what the Bible says?".  This question really intrigued me so I simply gave answer and a small conversation followed, and here it is.   My Answer: Well this answer may use different words depends on the situation that the person is in and their age: You do not need to do what the Bible says, however, by studying the Word of God, we are able to hear what God has done for us and understand how it is that we are called into this world.   The theologian replied with:  The question on my mind is that Christians ought to live a certain way, and the problem with society is that most believe in Jesus but do not feel compelled to do anything or change the way they live. Thus, the Bible tells us we ought to do these things. As you  put it "how we are called into this world." Being cal...

The whole concept of church planting was one that I explored while I was in seminary.  I joined in the various conversations and understood many of the necessary things that needed to take place. For often, a new church is started within an area with the help of the synod (the larger church organization that is right above a congregation).  It takes a lot of work and time to build the relationship and organize the various events to invite those who are either never been to the church setting or have been hurt by the church.  Within a church plant, there is often a planting of seed within a given community and hopes that with nurture, the leader would be able to reach out to people and build a sustaining community. . A popular model that has been happening in a number of places as well is that a congregation will actually give birth to another congregation within the same community.  This often comes around when either the facility that current congregation is unable ...

In talking with others, there are a number of people who tried to "market" their church.  I have witnessed campaigns and strategies to welcome and encourage others to come.  I have often wondered though, why are people sitting in the pew not talking and inviting their friends or others to church?  What is it really that they get from the church that they are at? Are they there because it is something to do?  Is it something that they are suppose to do?  Do they feel fulfilled?  Why don't they want to share that experience with others?   Instead of sharing my insights, I want to know what you think. Comment and answer some of these questions about the church or worship community that you are a part of.

I am often amazed to talk to a number of people who sit in the pew on a Sunday morning for worship and find out that they have never taken the time to read the Bible.  I have heard the excuse, "Well, it is so big, I don't know where to begin?" "I started to read it but after Exodus, it was just too boring." "It is so hard to understand."   I will admit that many of the above statements are indeed correct.  The Bible is large.  In fact, it is a collect of 66 books and not actually one book. The Bible was not meant for you to sit down and read it cover to cover.  The Bible is indeed hard to understand because it was written over the course years.  And not even just a few years but over thousands of years.  It was not written by one author with a coherent story line or plot twists to follow but changes dramatically from one book to the next. The Bible is one of those books that was gathered together not to share with you the history of the human race. (al...