Dan Delzell
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Which Is the Treasure: Jesus or the Sacraments?
The season of Lent is once again at hand. It is observed by many Christians and receives special attention in Lutheran and Catholic circles. Traditions can often serve a good purpose in our spiritual lives. At the same time, they can also become entrenched in such a way that we are no longer able to view them objectively.
The Winans Family Sparks Revival at Whitney Houston's Funeral
Our nation attended church on Saturday at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, when Whitney Houston's nearly four-hour funeral service was broadcast on national television. Many of those who witnessed it were incredibly touched by the testimonies, the singing and the preaching. The highlight for me and for others was when members of the Winans family sang "Tomorrow."
The Lord's Supper Helps Christians 'Keep it Real'
As someone who has spent all 47 years of my life in Lutheran churches, I am very familiar with Martin Luther's complex teaching regarding the Lord's Supper. I have seen plenty of people over the years struggle to grasp his puzzling perspective that Christ's literal body and blood are located "in, with and under" the bread and wine. Luther's highly nuanced description of communion 500 years ago was a curious twist on the Roman Catholic position.
Is God Glorified When the Preacher Is Impressive?
How do I know if God was glorified and if He did a work in my soul through a particular message from a preacher? Well....did I come away marveling at the preacher, or marveling at God? As a result of the message, am I enthralled with the man or with the Lord? Who stands out more in my mind and in my heart? Who have I been more inspired to talk about to others.....the Lord, or the preacher?
Did John King Hand Newt Gingrich the Presidency?
By opening Thursday's Republican presidential debate asking Newt Gingrich about allegations from his ex-wife, CNN host John King may have inadvertently handed the presidency to Gingrich.
The 'Prosperity Gospel' Is Peddled by Magicians
Have you noticed the significant number of ministers in recent decades who have been promoting magic in their teaching? They truly believe that their very words contain the power to create and change reality around them. They teach people that man has the ability to speak things into existence the same way that God spoke the world into existence. They have been deceived into believing they have this power within themselves and in the words they speak out loud.
Haley Barbour and God's Pardon for All Sinners
Outgoing Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour has stirred up quite a hornet's nest. On his way out of office, he decided to pardon about 200 convicted criminals, including a handful of murderers. Needless to say, it hasn't gone over well with everyone. Now a Mississippi judge has blocked the release of 21 of those inmates.
Tim Tebow Praises Tom Brady and Jesus Christ
Tim Tebow sure knows how to praise others. I guess he is so good at it because he has been doing it for quite awhile now. His highest praises always go to the Lord. After the Broncos defeated the Steelers in their playoff game last weekend, Tim said: “First and foremost, I just want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Tim has never been ashamed to boast about the One who created the world and who died on the cross for his sins.
Christmas Means Everything or Nothing at All
I hope you don't view Christmas as merely a holiday. It is so much more. In fact, Christmas is either a "game changer," or it is a hoax. Christmas means everything, or nothing at all.
Winning on 'Survivor' Takes More than Faith
With another winner being crowned this week on the hugely popular show "Survivor," it seems that more and more of the contestants these days are engaging in prayer and Christian commentary as a way to build their "alliance" with others. One contestant from this latest season even vowed as a "Christian man" that he would not break his promise to those he courted for support. When he eventually went against his word and against those who had trusted him, he was doing what the contest encourages pe