I love the way this book on Martin Luther’s theology comes to a close-
Martin Luther was a man who was a theologian and a pastor at the same time.  He wrote with that heart of a man who is communicating to real people struggling in a real world.  He wrote as a man who knew [...]

Continue reading about Martin Luther’s Theology- Wrapping it up all in . . .

Dan on May 18th, 2010

Ok, so in this chapter on Luther there are a lot of heady pieces.  It seems like any time you start dealing with the Trinity things get a little intense.  Maybe that’s why a lot of people just kind of shove it to the side as fancy theo-speak or outdated dogma.  I’ve read a lot [...]

Continue reading about Triune Nature of God and the End of Time

Dan on May 5th, 2010

Ok, so maybe this is merely the thoughts of a kid destined to think too much about such things.  Maybe it was some Lutheran guilt (though I can’t say I’ve noticed Lutherans overall feeling much more guilt than other denominations).  But here’s a story that came to my mind as I was reading my Martin [...]

Continue reading about Living up to the Sermon on the Mount

In discussing Luther’s theology of good works and discipleship Bayer comes to a really interesting point.  People are always having trouble trying to decide what discipleship and following Jesus is supposed to look like.  Is radical discipleship about abandoning everything in the world for more “spiritual” things.  Giving away all possessions, leaving family behind, etc.  [...]

Continue reading about Good Works and Discipleship- Do we hate our parents or honor them?

Dan on April 21st, 2010

This question as to the nature of the “the Church” is as big as it gets in our world today.  This is probably one of the most profoundly misunderstood issues within theology and has had an incredible effect on the way faith is practiced.
There was quote by Bayer early on that seemed to do a [...]

Continue reading about What is “the Church”?

Dan on April 15th, 2010

In this chapter, Bayer examines Martin Luther’s theology of the Holy Spirit.  Obviously this is again a big topic, but I’m always looking for a piece that I think pushes us in today’s world.  The one that I think is so important for us to hear today is what Luther had to say about the [...]

Continue reading about The Spiritual is in the Physical

Dan on April 7th, 2010

Bayer’s chapter on Luther dealing with God’s mercy and love is a perfect piece to come following Easter.  He included some quotes from Luther that I think really help us understand just how radical this notion of God’s grace truly is.
“For human love comes for ones who hold another worthy of love already.”
This is true.  [...]

Continue reading about God’s Love for the Unlovable

Dan on April 1st, 2010

When I read the chapter on God’s wrath and evil it almost made me want to pass on blogging on this topic this week.  Do I really want to focus on God’s wrath this week leading up to Easter?
Yes.  I guess I do.  As things lay out actually, this week we get God’s wrath and [...]

Continue reading about God’s Wrath and Evil- Good Friday and Easter

As we approach Holy Week, I thought I would let this reflection by Luther on Jesus’ passion serve us as my entry on Luther for this week.
“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him
endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the [...]

Continue reading about Martin Luther helps us reflect on the power of Christ’s passion for us

Dan on March 17th, 2010

So what do you think?  How many sins are there?
One.  What would your reaction be to that number?

Continue reading about How many sins are there?