The Communal Shape of the Christian Life: Preaching From, In and Toward Community in an Age of Individualism There is no such thing as an individual Christian if we take seriously one Baptism by one Spirit into one body (Eph. 4:4-6). Indeed, to believe in Jesus is to belong to the community of believers that […]
An Introduction to the Early Church Many people are unfamiliar with the early church and its contributions to what we believe, teach and confess today. Lutherans and Protestants more generally assume that after the time of the apostles, errors crept into church theology and teaching, which only got worse as the years passed. Most Christians […]
Decoding the Apocalypse: Study of the Book of Revelation The title of the last book of the Bible is translated as “Revelation,” but its original title was “Apocalypse.” This word literally means “the unveiling.” The purpose of this book of the Bible is to unveil the purposes of God in human history. For many people, […]
What Can Eighth Century B.C. Prophets Teach the 21st Century? Separated by nearly three millennia and significant cultural differences, the great prophets of the eighth century B.C. — Isaiah, Micah, Amos, Hosea and Jonah — can seem a world apart. Yet the Spirit remains active in the word they delivered that we would be strengthened in the […]
In the Beginning: Studies in Genesis Who hasn’t had questions about creation, humanity’s fall into sin, the first promise of a Savior, Noah’s flood, and the entity Jacob wrestled with all night? And then there’s Joseph’s story. It takes up the book’s last 14 chapters. What’s that all about? This workshop — based, in part, […]
This workshop will focus on what it means to create and communicate as a person of faith. What makes for effective communication? How do we cultivate creativity in our lives? What role does faith play in the creative process? Participants are encouraged (but not required) to share their own work, as well as favorite works […]
It Stands Written: The New Testament Appropriation of the Old Testament Christ and the apostles regularly ground their teaching upon the Word of the Lord given through Moses and the prophets. While the fulfillment of prophecy is regularly cited in the New Testament, that is not the only dynamic. At times, the language of Old […]
The Book of Psalms and the Christ Dr. Adam Hensley Our Lord often quoted the Psalms and said that they testify about Him (Luke 24:27; John 5:39). In doing so, Jesus confirmed the psalter’s prophetic witness about Himself as Israel’s coming Messiah. In this workshop we will consider how the psalter’s arrangement contributes to the […]
Luther’s Soul Care Theology for the 21st Century Many LCMS pastors and church leaders realize that much of what passes for Christian counseling is based on the Law, not the Gospel of Christ. Dr. C.F.W. Walther, the Concordia Seminary’s first president, said that properly dividing Law and Gospel in “private ministrations” is more difficult than […]
Technology and the Church: Promise and Peril The 34th Annual Theological Symposium will explore the opportunities and the challenges that contemporary technologies pose for the lives of individual Christians and for the entire church in life, witness and service. How can the latest technology be used in service to the church’s mission? What dangers do […]
