Interesting Thoughts on Ascension Day
With respect to Reformed and Lutheran differences in understanding, Dr. Gene Veith has made some interesting observations about the significance of Christ's ascension into heaven. He writes:
It’s odd that the significance of Christ’s ascension is taken in two opposite ways: The Reformed say that it means Christ is . . .
Differences Between Lutheranism and Evangelicalism
This morning (here), Josh has made some keen observations on the differences between Lutheranism and contemporary American Evangelicalism. While he specifically points out the differences as those between Lutheranism and 'what goes on at a megachurch,' his points are spot on with respect to the larger world of Evangelicalism as a . . .
An Ascension Day Confession
Lord Jesus, when you were about to depart into heaven, you lifted your hands in blessing and promised to be with us always. Even though your word confirms your presence in our lives, we are a sinful people, in need of your forgiveness. We confess that we have been indifferent and forgotten your blessing. Instead, we . . .
Poetry--Longing for the Sea
Note: It has been over four months since I have posted any poetry, original or otherwise. I hope to get back to this practice, as poetry, no doubt, is good for the soul.
Sea Longing
A thousand miles beyond this sun-steeped wall
Somewhere the waves creep cool along the sand,
The ebbing tide forsakes the listless . . .
Luther on Loving Our Enemies
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.For if you love those . . .
Education and "Skimpy Knowledge"
Over at Tim Enloe's blog today, which I frequent quite often, he has the following quote from Hugh of St. Victor, a 12th century German mystic:
As in the virtues, so in the sciences, there are certain steps. But you say, “I find many things in the histories which seem to be of no utility: why should I be kept busy with this . . .
Luther on Trusting God
In times of "dark providences" (as a former pastor used to call them), many times our circumstances seem to be in complete contradiction with what we think they ought to be, or even what we have read as promises to us by God in Scripture. No one, I think, experienced this more than Jacob. If there was ever anyone certain . . .
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