The Burr in the Burbs

"I cling to my Lord Christ like a burr on cloth." – Katherine Luther

Archive for July, 2007

My Higher Things homily 2007

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Higher Things 2007Text: Matthew 28:1-8 (Eastertide theme) Your sins tangle you in the web of death. You think you can get away with it, but you cannot. You think no one will know, but God sees everything. You have convinced yourself that it’s not that big a deal to look at pornography. [...]

Written by Pastor Scott Stiegemeyer

July 27th, 2007 at 9:18 pm

Posted in Sermon

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Unapologetically Apologetic

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In certain circles (namely, the circles in which I circulate) the theological discipline of apologetics often gets a bad rap. Some belittle the whole apologetic enterprise saying, “you can’t argue someone into faith.” Thus many confessional Lutherans ignore apologetics and the field is over-run by modern Evangelicals (Josh McDowell, Lee Strobel, etc.) [...]

Written by Pastor Scott Stiegemeyer

July 23rd, 2007 at 3:09 am

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Dial M for Metaphysics

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In 1948, Alfred Hitchcock directed the unusual thriller Rope starring Jimmy Steward and Farley Granger. I say “unusual” because it is not typical for Hollywood to include drawn out philosophical reflections in its productions. Entirely played out in two rooms of a single apartment, the opening scene shows two men at the final moments of strangling a [...]

Written by Pastor Scott Stiegemeyer

July 17th, 2007 at 1:32 pm

Posted in Seminary

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Listen. Love. Do Something Good.

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Erin Bode is a young woman who looks like Michelle Pfeiffer and sings like Nora Jones. She has also recently partnered with the Lutheran Church (MS) World Relief to assist poor girls in South Africa. Go here to see what I mean. You will like it. And purchase the CD. [...]

Written by Pastor Scott Stiegemeyer

July 16th, 2007 at 3:47 am

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What Did the Pope Say?

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There has been a lot of press recently about a statement from the Bishop of Rome about how people are saved. First of all, I think it’s important to note that Benedict XVI has said nothing new here. I continue to be amazed, frankly, that there are so many people who are surprised [...]

Written by Pastor Scott Stiegemeyer

July 14th, 2007 at 11:32 pm

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God in the Ghost Movie

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I went with a couple of chums last night to a late showing of 1408, the current film based on a story by Stephen King. It starred John Cusack, one of my all-time favorite actors. I really appreciate a well-written ghost story. This one was better than average but not stellar. A good [...]

Written by Pastor Scott Stiegemeyer

July 12th, 2007 at 12:21 pm

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The Family of a Serial Killer

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Yesterday, I finished reading A Father’s Story by the father of serial murderer Jeffrey Dahmer, Lionel Dahmer. I found it enlightening. Parents look at their children and hope for the best for their future. To what extent, if any, should responsibility (blame?) fall to the parents for the crimes of the children? [...]

Written by Pastor Scott Stiegemeyer

July 11th, 2007 at 11:38 am

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My Pop Media Diet

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I can never just read one book at a time. Lately I’ve been reading: From my interest in movies: Yesterday, after the church council picnic, I finished The Three Stooges: An Illustrated History, From Amalgamated Morons to American Icons. Loved it. Next I’ll take up my biography of Laurel and Hardy. The Kill Bill Diary: [...]

Written by Pastor Scott Stiegemeyer

July 9th, 2007 at 12:53 pm

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Christ Academy – High School

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Friends, the past two weeks have seen the 9th annual successful Christ Academy for high school men considering the pastoral ministry. It’s been a crazy busy two weeks. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: “Christ Academy – High School”, url: “http://www.burrintheburgh.com/2007/07/01/christ-academy-high-school/” });

Written by Pastor Scott Stiegemeyer

July 1st, 2007 at 4:04 am

Posted in Seminary

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