True forgiveness
Lectionary Blog

True forgiveness

Lectionary blog for Sept. 13, 2026 16th Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 50:15-21; Psalm 103:8-13; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35 We love grace! Can’t get enough of it, really. “Amazing Grace” is…

Tap into your vocation
Theology & Beliefs

Tap into your vocation

Editor’s note: On this Labor Day, we are sharing an article that first appeared in April 2020 that talks about our Lutheran vocation.  What shall I do with my life?…

A loving call to return
Lectionary Blog

A loving call to return

Lectionary for Sept. 6, 2026 15th Sunday after Pentecost Ezekiel 33:7-11; Psalm 119:33-40; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20 I’m just finishing a conference in Philadelphia as I write this. Last night…

Jesus, David and state violence
Lectionary Blog

Jesus, David and state violence

Lectionary for Aug. 30, 2026 14th Sunday after Pentecost Jeremiah 15:15-21; Psalm 26:1-8; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28 I know that I’m out of step with most Lutherans in my belief…

What do the “Four Freedoms” have to do with Lutherans?
Theology & Beliefs

What do the “Four Freedoms” have to do with Lutherans?

Editor’s note: Throughout the summer, Living Lutheran is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with articles reflecting on the church’s role in civic life…

Belief and actions
Lectionary Blog

Belief and actions

Lectionary for Aug. 23, 2026 13th Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 51:1-6; Psalm 138; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20 What’s the best thing about your church? No, think for a minute before…

What is a Christian patriot?
Theology & Beliefs

What is a Christian patriot?

Editor’s note: Throughout the summer, Living Lutheran is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with articles reflecting on the church’s role in civic life…

<i>The Journal of Lutheran Ethics Podcast</i>: Christian nationalism
Living Faithfully

The Journal of Lutheran Ethics Podcast: Christian nationalism

In the latest episode of Ethics Spotlight: The Podcast of the Journal of Lutheran Ethics, host Matthew Best and Journal of Lutheran Ethics Book Review Editor William Rodriguez talk with…

Seeing one another as God sees us
Voices of Faith

Seeing one another as God sees us

“After a moment, Theo spoke. ‘Then I propose that we make a trade. Give me that old picture in your head, and take this new one home with you.’” —Allen…

Give thanks for the present
Living Faithfully

Give thanks for the present

Focal verse “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Reflection Living in Missouri, I’m no stranger to photographs…

A tale of two kisses
Lectionary Blog

A tale of two kisses

Lectionary for Aug. 9, 2026 11th Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 85:8-13; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33 They say that symmetry is tied to perceptions of beauty. Denzel Washington’s…