Using the image of a council of heavenly beings, seated before God, getting a lecture about what is right and good, the Psalmist shows that what matters to God is protecting the weak and the needy, and upholding their rights. By Pastor Lars Hammar
You Fed Me with Tears - Psalm 80:4-7
When in total desperation the people turn to God with a plea for help. They acknowledge they’ve done their time, and that God has given them nothing nourishing, but fed them only with tears. By Pastor Lars Hammar
The Groans of Prisoners - Psalm 79:11-13
Our God is so great that even those in prison and captive are not outside his grace. By hearing the complaints of those sentenced to death and sparing their lives, God demonstrates power and love. By Pastor Lars Hammar
Soul of the Dove – Psalm 74:18-23
In a plea for God to protect his innocent people, and not just in their bodies but in their hearts and selves, the Psalmist reminds God of what he’s done in the past, and how letting his people suffer humiliation reflects poorly on him.
Human Sexuality Study part 2 - varied views in the New Testament
A conversation and study of how ELCA Lutherans understand human sexuality, both in the Bible, and in the 2009 Social Statements on Human Sexuality. Part two of four classes, this session focuses on some of the teachings of the new testament, showing the turn from Jesus and Paul to the harsh legalism of the Deutero-Pauline Epistles (ones with Paul's name but not written by Paul) and the Pastoral Epistles.
To download and read the official statement click here: