Essay File: Recent submissions
Now showing items 3861-3880 of 4187
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Canadian Lutheranism – Proving Ground for Lutheran Unionism? A Look at the Development of Canadian Lutheran Unionism
(1979)John Berg’s 1979 paper examines the trajectory of Lutheran unionism in Canada, suggesting that Canadian Lutheranism may serve as a proving ground for broader Lutheran mergers in North America. The study traces developments ... -
Sermon Study of a Reformation Text -- John 8:31-36
(1984)Raymond E. Ziebell’s sermon study, presented to the Southeastern Wisconsin District Pastoral Conference in 1984, explores John 8:31–36 through the lens of Reformation theology. Emphasizing the theme of spiritual freedom, ... -
Romans 14:19-15:6
(1984)Raymond E. Ziebell’s exegetical study of Romans 14:19–15:6, presented to the Southeastern Wisconsin District Pastoral Conference in 1984, explores Christian conduct in matters of adiaphora—those things neither commanded ... -
The Connection between the Lutheran Charismatic Renewal and the Frontier-Camp Meeting
(1980)Jeffrey A. Berg’s 1980 paper explores the parallels between the Lutheran Charismatic Renewal—particularly within the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS)—and the emotional, experiential religion of 19th-century American ... -
A Source of Confessionalism
(2007)Daniel Berg’s essay explores how liturgical worship served as a source of confessional identity for American Lutherans in the 19th century. Amid theological and cultural pressures, Berg argues that returning to historic ... -
Josiah – Old Testament Model of the Shepherd as Leader
(1994)Raymond Ziebell’s essay presents King Josiah as a biblical model for pastoral leadership, emphasizing his zeal for God’s Word and his role in spiritual reform. Drawing from 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, Ziebell traces Josiah’s ... -
Present WELS Financial Problems
(1988)Martin Bentz’s 1988 paper analyzes persistent financial challenges within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), focusing on two key areas: the budget setup and the Pre-Budget Subscription (PBS) system. Bentz ... -
Defeatism in the Church: Its Nature, Danger and Cure
(1933)This essay, written at the height of the Great Depression, is a warning for Christians of every era against a sinful, defeatest attitude in the Church, and an exhortation to put our trust in the Lord. -
Statement on Prayer-Fellowship
(1941)In this theological statement, Prof. Paul E. Bente explores the distinction between prayer-fellowship and joint prayer, emphasizing the spiritual unity required for true communal prayer. Delivered at a joint conference of ... -
The Church of the Lutheran Brethren
(1987)Dean Zemple’s essay traces the origins, theology, and practices of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, founded in 1900 by Norwegian Lutherans influenced by Haugean pietism and revivalism. Concerned with spiritual purity ... -
Prayer and Fellowship and the Detroit Conference, 1904
(1904)In this paper, Bente answers the question, “Why can’t we establish and maintain common prayer services with Iowa and Ohio (Synods)?” In the first paragraph of the paper, Bente describes the historical situation as, “At the ... -
The Ministry of the Keys – Its Possessors
(1965)Prof. William G. Zell’s essay, delivered at the 1965 WELS Northwestern College Convention, emphasizes the individual Christian’s role in the Ministry of the Keys. Rooted in the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, ... -
Following the Faith of Our Fathers
(1923)Bente prepared this paper in the year following the LCMS diamond jubilee. After describing how disunity and a disloyal spirit had made a way into their midst, he goes on to recommend a two-fold approach toward reestablishing ... -
EF 3160 Church History Interview with Pastor Edward and Ruth Renz
(2004)This interview by David Bendix captures the reflections of Pastor Edward and Ruth Renz on their pioneering ministry as the WELS’s first European civilian chaplaincy team. From 1973 to 1982, the Renzes served American ... -
St. Martin's Evangelical Lutheran Church and Northwestern Lutheran Academy versus the State of South Dakota
(1983)This paper follows the court case which rose to the level of the U.S. Supreme Court. The case involved the question of whether private, religious schools were exempt from paying unemployment taxes. The paper covers background ... -
A Study of Specific Marketing Strategies in Religious Radio Broadcasting
(1987)This paper by Jon Bendewald offers a historical and strategic analysis of religious radio broadcasting, focusing on three major programs: The Lutheran Hour, Insight for Living, and Message From The Master. Bendewald explores ... -
Exegetical Brief: Romans 16:1,7 Phoebe, a Deacon? Junia, an Apostle?
(2014)In this exegetical brief Professor Zell examines Romans 16 and the context of the words “deacon” and “apostle.” He concludes with these words, “Whether Phoebe actually held the office of “deacon” remains uncertain. Including ... -
The Occult: Five Lectures
(1968)John Benagh’s five-part lecture series on the occult offers a thorough theological, historical, and pastoral analysis of occult phenomena from a confessional Lutheran perspective. In Lecture I: Divination, Benagh examines ... -
Exegetical Brief: Philippians 4:13 - "As to every circumstance I am strong"
(2011)This exegetical brief conducts a quick overview of the common translation (and subsequent misunderstanding) of Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” -
Exegetical Brief: Matthew 16:18 - "The gates of Hades will not withstand her"
(2011)This exegetical brief conducts a quick overview of the Greek and Hebrew words for “Hades,” and considers how Christians, through Christ, are able to storm her gates.