ProtestantBeliefs.com

Prepare This week’s Gospel reading is brief and familiar, so looking back at Matthew’s opening chapters helps us see the context for Jesus’ baptism and the figures who prepared the way. Matthew begins with a genealogy, reminding us that Jesus’ story is rooted in humble beginnings. Then we meet Joseph, who responds to angelic messages with courage—adopting Jesus, honoring his vow to Mary, and protecting the Holy Family from Herod’s wrath. Next comes the Magi, who defy Herod’s orders through civil disobedience, ensuring Jesus remains safe. Finally, some years later, John the Baptist appears in the wilderness, preaching repentance and…

from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director Partial expanded content from Advocacy Connections: January 2026 In our January 2026 issue, find Action Alert, Resource and opportunity updates. Look for a resumption of Policy Notes in our next issue which are expanded in the ELCA Advocacy Blog. Read the current Advocacy Connections here. To receive Advocacy Connections direct to your inbox, sign up at ELCA.org/advocacy/signup.   Receive monthly Advocacy Connections directly by becoming part of the ELCA Advocacy network – http://elca.org/advocacy/signup , and learn more from elca.org/advocacy .   ELCA Blogs

Just finished. It is a good provocative read. It is written in a nice narratival theological style, which definitely works within the spirit and ambit of the Barth style (i.e. engagement with Holy Scripture throughout). Philip re-places a doctrine of the devil into the second article, so, Christology and Soteriology (think Apostle’s Creed) versus the traditional placement as found in the first article with reference to original creation and God’s providence. This reorients thinking the devil from emphasizing him as a fallen angel, and instead sees him primarily in the scenery of the wilderness, as the adversary (of Christ), as…

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from other organizations and institutions. These Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations work alongside the ELCA to support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church. ELCA Worship also features resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers in a monthly blog post. Institute of Liturgy Studies An ecumenical conference on liturgical renewal for the church today. The Feast of Creation – liturgy as creation groans Valparaiso University, Ind. April 13-15, 2026 Registration is now is open. Early Registration: $ 350, ends Jan. 31, 2026 Regular Registration: $ 450 See…

Click on images to enlarge. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, all! Athanasian Reformed

“For what shall we pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here.   Prayer prompts: For an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza,…

“For what shall we pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here.   Prayer prompts: For an end to war, conflict, and violence especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Thailand and…

Penal Substitution Atonement (PSA) theory has been in the news again lately (online/social media). As an Evangelical Calvinist (see V1&V2 of our Evangelical Calvinism books, and my articles-mini-essays on the topic) I have pressed what TF Torrance refers to as the ‘ontological theory of the atonement.’ Many evangelicals and Reformed folks think that PSA in fact is the Gospel simplicter. And so, to deny PSA would be to deny the Gospel itself. But as I have demonstrated over and again at the blog, the background to PSA theory isn’t as prima facie biblical as its proponents make it sound. The…

Hi everyone! Lisa Heffernan, coordinator, here on the blog today. I wanted to share a short note with all of you on last month’s webinar, and offer a link to the recording. On November 17, members of the ELCA Disability Ministries team hosted  “ Creating Accessible Spaces On A Budget”, for lay and rostered leaders seeking budget friendly ideas and tips regarding accessibility in and for their faith communities. Myself, Anita Smallin, and Rev. Mary Ann Harrison were joined by 168 people for this event, and were glad to have Rev. Ed Kay, Senior Director, Discipleship & Inclusive Communities, there…

Hello and a blessed Advent to everyone! On behalf of ELCA Disability Ministries’ advisory and our groups of grant reviewers I would like to say a huge “thank you!” to the nearly sixty congregations and ministries that applied for grants this year. It is wonderful to witness such a response, and all of the creative ways so many are working to make their ministries into places of belonging for people with disabilities. This year we will be funding the following ministries/projects. More info and details will come in a later post. Storyline Community, Milwaukie ,OR: “Re-embody the Body: Sustaining Expansive…