Life in cities can be very complex and simple at the same time. The convenience of having all that you need readily available for you within a walking distance, if you can afford it, makes life in the city simple. However, the noise, the hustle and bustle of living in
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I’m all about being an historic Lutheran. Contemporary additives have never been my cup of tea. But wait! Before you get ready to reply vociferously in the comment box, let me explain. I’m not referring to worship style, church architecture, or how people dress. I’m talking about new attitudes that
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A sentiment that surfaces in the church every now and then is that mission outreach and evangelistic efforts are not necessary. The reasoning goes: God has predestined people to salvation; He will convert whom He will convert; all we need to do is wait for the elect to become part
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If you have never witnessed the impact a Christ-centered 12-step program can have on an individual, it is truly a humbling experience. Vicar Adam Meyer got involved serving in a Recovery Ministry at the Austin Stone early in 2016 and was amazed to witness as people began to encounter God
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What can a 4-foot 11-inch septuagenarian do for global Christianity? Plenty. I witnessed the work of Mrs. Carol Buckman during a visit to St. Louis. The Missouri District of the LCMS was showcasing some of its excellent work in urban ministry. One stop was in the heart of a decaying
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Ten new word and sacrament congregations were planted in the Texas District in 2016, bringing the total of new churches started since 2004 to 113. That means one new congregation has been planted in Texas every six weeks for thirteen years! We praise God for His Kingdom work among us
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“After this the Lord…sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place.” (Luke 10:1) In my travels around the Texas District, I have discovered that most of the missionaries have a partner in their ministry. The obvious answer is that the Holy Spirit comes alongside these
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I had lunch with Aaron today. It was great! We talked about faith and church and next steps in learning. We talked about getting involved in a small group study and connecting in worship. We talked about baptism and the fact that his baptism from so many years ago is
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We tendered to land at a small town named Kailua-Kona, located on the “Big Island.” What a beautiful venue. Some may know this community as the start of the annual Ironman World competition. We were not there to participate. In fact, my wife and I simply took a leisurely stroll
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Messiah Lutheran Church in Houston is a smaller congregation (averaging fewer than 100 in worship each week), but one that is seeking to make a big impact in its community. Its most recent effort was a community Christmas sing-along and evening with Santa featuring free horse-drawn carriage rides, children’s activities,
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