“Solid [spiritual] food is for the mature, for…discernment…” (Hebrews 5:14). “Mohammad” is one of our best catechized Persian Lutherans. “I met some very interesting people the other day,” he recently told me. “Two young Americans, maybe 18 or 19 years old. But I have some questions…” “Tell me about them,” I offered. “I was riding … Continue reading Isn’t Salvation a Free Gift?
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16). Last week I attended a German service at one of our Hamburg SELK churches—as a parishioner. As I walked into the narthex, … Continue reading I Need Four Things
“If we say we have fellowship with [the Father] while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John … Continue reading Symbols of Dark Forces
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day…” (Ephesians 6:12-13). … Continue reading Something Strange
Jesus says, “Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to all creation” (Mk 16:15). I recently visited our Iranian congregant Mohammad who is still in a mental facility (see my post from Aug 30, 2024), yet making good use of his time there witnessing to Persian patients. Mohammad introduced me to a young … Continue reading He Has the Words of Eternal Life
“My Word…that goes out from My mouth…shall not return to Me empty” (Isaiah 55:11). After visiting an Iranian parishioner in a mental facility in Hamburg yesterday, I was walking past a lady sitting on a bench. I was wearing my clerical collar. “Hello, hello…!” she called out after me. “Are you a pastor?” She looked … Continue reading Can You Help Me? I am Being Persecuted
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55, KJV). Last week here in north Germany, I was invited to lunch at the home of a local Lutheran (SELK) pastor and his wife. We exchanged stories of our ministries. Somehow, we arrived at the topic of funerals and how … Continue reading O death, where is thy sting?
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Cor 3:6). Yesterday I took the train back to Hamburg from Dresden. A young woman was the only other passenger in the six-seat compartment. About 15 minutes away from Berlin, I wanted a cup of coffee. For some reason, I felt like buying two. Thanking … Continue reading I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth
“For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them” (Mt 18:20). Last week I coached another Iranian preparing for the dreaded asylum interview before the German court. Assisted by a fellow Iranian congregant, who is also a pastoral student at Riga Luther Academy, I spent two afternoons going over … Continue reading There Am I Among Them
The Tiews in Germany 