November is a time to think about all the things you are thankful for. When I was in grade school, I remember tracing my hand on a colorful piece of construction paper and cutting it out very carefully. Slowly, the hand turned into a turkey. We would write down all of the things that we were thankful for on its construction-paper feathers: usually mom and dad, brother or sister, a favorite toy, best friends, or the like.
It was almost eerie. It’s attributable to none other than the Holy Spirit, but it was uncanny the way every experience I’d ever had and every person I’d ever met prepared me to a T for...
The bodily resurrection of Jesus is central to the understanding of the Gospel of John. The comfort that Jesus offers twenty-first-century Christians is rooted in His first-century words...
If you don’t know me, allow me to introduce myself. My name is FLAME, also known as Marcus Gray. I am a Christian rap artist who has been on a lifelong journey for biblical truth, and...
Since Concordia Gospel Outreach launched its Food Bank Arch Book Program in 2024, it has truly come to life, now sending Christian children’s books to dozens of food banks and care...
This blog is the second of a series based on topics treated by Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa in his book series on faith and culture.
Food insecurity is a silent battle. You cannot always tell who is struggling with hunger. And too often shame is placed on those who are unable to access food and are under the federal...
When I was a child, Communion seemed to take forever. In an attempt (I suspect) to keep restless kids occupied, an adult suggested that we pray for each person who walked past our pew. I...
As you go about your daily life, you likely see many Christian symbols in architecture, on books, in hymnals, and especially decorating sanctuaries. We've covered why they're a pivotal...
I was giving some motherly advice to my college-aged daughter, listing several different suggestions on how she might handle a situation she was facing. As I talked, my daughter looked...
One of the blessings of being a professional church worker is the kindness and generosity I have received from other church workers and members of the congregations I have served. I have...
Christian symbols are seen throughout history in sanctuaries, books, hymnals, and even architecture. They’re a pivotal part of the faith. Yet, throughout the years, many of their...
When we have no idea what’s going on or what’s going to happen next, we can find our solid ground in the one who is the author of all things, who has a plan for our lives and well-being,...
Every winter, my church works with a local charity and other houses of worship to host a hypothermia shelter. One week a year, each church welcomes a group of our unhoused neighbors into...
What is the difference between believers and unbelievers in God’s eyes? The Father created us in His image, and Jesus carried the sins of every one of us, both believers and unbelievers,...
“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20). This blog is the first of a series based on topics which Rev. Dr....
Saints are well-known figures in Church history. While you might not personally know every saint, their commitment to the faith and contributions are understood by their titles. Just as...
In our day and age, does the church really matter? Several years ago, there was a video making the rounds on social media that claimed Jesus is greater than religion. The whole premise of...
We’re surrounded by symbols in our modern world, from the red octagon that commands us to stop to the golden arches that signal our next meal. Symbols have a powerful way of conveying...
My church friend Liza* and her husband moved into a retirement community over the summer. One of the biggest challenges, of course, has been downsizing. But it has also been difficult to...
