Monthly Archives: May 2011

I’m sure I’ve preached sermons that mention that the rapture is a false teaching, but  I don’t think I’ve ever addressed it quite so head on. This week, with Jesus telling the disciples what the Holy Spirit will do, (lead … Continue reading →

Paul Deen has a recipe for English peas.  The comments are incredible.  Of course, the “recipe” itself is pretty incredible.  Check it out here, and be sure to read the comments.  Thanks to Respublica for the link. First Things explains … Continue reading →

When I was a fourth year seminarian (shortly after the earth cooled), I remember hearing of a bright new professor on campus.  He was still working toward his doctorate in church history, so we was only “Professor Rast”.  Within ten … Continue reading →

A few years back, I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Dale Meyer talk to my (then) district about preaching.  It was not so much an evaluation of preaching content, as it was of style.  There are few in our … Continue reading →

One of the great joys of being a pastor is being able to preach funeral sermons.  To be given the task of looking death square in the face and publicly saying, “Where is your sting?” is one of the pleasures … Continue reading →

I realize that length is no indicator of a good sermon.  But we want to avoid the extremes of, on the one hand, saying nothing, and on the other, boring our people so they learn to ignore there pastor when … Continue reading →

A very well written response to Global warming over at First Things.  It addresses the historical, scientific, and religious dimensions of the debate.  Must reading for anyone who is concerned about the future of our planet, of even just our … Continue reading →

So said my nine-year-old son when I showed him the preview for the new Martin Luther Graphic Novel. Answer:  Of course you can.  CPH would love to sell us a copy.   Be sure to get one for the “young … Continue reading →

You have arrived at the end of your training.  Well done.  We are proud of you and your efforts.  You have come through the finest theological training for new pastors anywhere in the world.  There are pastors in other countries … Continue reading →

Subtitle: How I almost failed my vicarage (If my supervising pastor had found out.) Early in my vicarage, my supervising pastor took me around to visit the homebound.  He personally introduced me to all but one of them.  She lived … Continue reading →