Here's the video interview: https://concordiatheology.org/2018/01/book-blurbs-michael-zeigler-on-christian-hope-among-rivals/ Thanks to Dr. Chuck Arand from Concordia Seminary for making time to talk about my book. Thanks to Dale Ward and the rest of the tech guys at the seminary for making the video. Thanks also to Rod Horton for reading Robert Frost's poem "Birches" at our Bible study that … Continue reading Book Blurb
I am a pastor, but I also have a part time job in the Air Force Reserves. Recently, I was doing some reserve duty in Northern California. To catch the plane home, we flew out of San Francisco. On the drive to the airport, we crossed three bridges. Because it’s located on a 50-mile … Continue reading Priesthood of All Believers
I grew up in a military family. We often observed the Fourth of July at or near a military installation. I struggle to find words to express what these celebrations meant to me as a kid. What made it so powerful was the convergence of many happenings all at once—history, energy, and expectation all gathering … Continue reading The Lord’s Supper
I was raised in the Christian faith. I started having serious doubts in high school. By my first year of college, I was experiencing a full spiritual eclipse. I thought I looked pretty stellar on the outside, but internally I was imploding. I was trying to make the world orbit around me, and succeeding in … Continue reading The Work of the Spirit
The Bible sometimes describes the church, the assembly of God’s people, as “our mother” (see Galatians 4:26 and 6:16). What kind of “mother” was the church of your childhood? I’ll give you seven options to consider. Was she a … Maybe the church of your youth had a humanitarian focus that took her outside of … Continue reading The Church
Imagine that you and I are in a cult-like Star Wars fan community. Can you picture it? We bring ceremonial lightsabers to the conventions we attend. We publish riveting articles on Wookiepedia. We eat, sleep, and breathe Star Wars. Now, let’s say we have some new recruits. And we want them to be as sold … Continue reading The Central Character
The other day I was folding laundry in my basement. I looked up and our dog Archie was watching me, with the keenest interest. I said, “What’s up, Archie?” When we ask Archie a question with a concerned tone of voice, he tilts his head like an Ewok. You get the impression he’s hanging on … Continue reading The Sanctified Life
I first heard of Monty Python’s Life of Brian when I was in high school. I was talking with a friend about Christianity and he mentioned the film: “It’s about a Jewish guy named Brian who was born the same day as Jesus. He was just an ordinary guy, but people thought he was the … Continue reading The Incarnation
What if there were an app for that? [see description] It would be tempting. Think of it: no more nagging; no more hearing about how you’re wrong or insensitive or, whatever. But, you realize what you've done. You've turned him or her into an appliance. Every personal relationship has finality. Think of someone you know … Continue reading God’s Law
Lords Vader and Voldemort are classic villains because once you know their story, you're ready to damn them to hell, yet simultaneously, you feel sorry for them. He butchered the young Padawan's in the Jedi Temple, tortured Leia, froze Solo, dismembered Luke's hand, and choked out countless imperial officers. He thinks he's the master, but … Continue reading Sin and Evil
Teach to Keep 