Baptized Into Christ

How difficult would a marriage be if the husband and wife spoke different languages?  Imagine a marriage in which the husband speaks Greek and the wife speaks English.  How long would the marriage last if neither spouse made an effort to learn their partner's language?  Probably not too long. In reality husbands and wives generally do speak the same language as far as the words that come out of their mouths, but they communicate in very different ways.  Differing love languages, the difference between men and women and varying family backgrounds can all make for challenges in marriage. Think about how you would learn a foreign culture and take the same approach to your spouse, because after all, you do have very great differences.  Don't assume they think the same way that you think or see the world the same way as you see it or understand your actions the same way that you understand them. If you take this approach you'll get to know your spouse in a far ...

I hesitate to write about things like this, because after all, I'm really not an expert.  However, as a pastor I see things that Christians do with social media that I know are not helpful and at times very destructive.  So...here are some basic guidelines, certainly not directly from God, but absolutely guided by the Word of God. 1. Don't post something that puts someone else down. I mean it.  Don't do it. As tempting as it is to get a dig in at your (teacher, friend, spouse, co-worker, family member, political opponent, etc.) taking personal shots at them online is not constructive and by doing so you do not present yourself in a positive light. If you have legitimate political difference, want to point out where a politician is mistaken, or something like that, go ahead.  But remember that we are at all times to give respect and honor to elected officials (and I think the same could be said of those running for office).  You don't have to like them, but...

Lutherans often speak (rightly) of the fact that we are " Simul Justus et Peccator," which is to say "simultaneously justified and sinner" or "at the same time righteous and sinful." This dichotomy speaks the truth of what God has revealed in His Word, that we are justified (declared not guilty) before God for the sake of Christ, yet we remain sinners until the day that we die. (See Romans 7). But there's another dichotomy described in Scripture that people today, especially Americans, tend not to understand.  Since I'm not away of any cool Latin phrases to describe this, "simultaneously an individual and in communion." Here's what I mean: As Christians we are always individuals.  God created each person individually and unique.  This is a very basic part of what it means to be a human. And it is important in the church to affirm the reality of the individual.  In the Apostles' Creed we say "I believe" because ...