Melody studies English, Theology, and Creative Writing at Concordia University Chicago. Her published poetry can be found in the CUC journal Motif. She currently plays flute in the university Wind Symphony and leads the campus women’s Bible study. Melody is always up for adventure, including skydiving and studying for a semester in England. As a lifelong Coloradan, she continually craves mountain views and can never quite adjust to Midwest humidity.

Recent Posts by Melody Lipke

Understanding Justification and Sanctification

You’ll find the words justification and sanctification used hand-in-hand in sermons and Christian books, describing what Jesus has done for us. We use these words often, but do we really understand them? The two terms have a nice ring next to each other, but it’s important to differentiate the terms. Keep reading for an overview of what justification and sanctification mean and how both words describe our lives as Christians. 

What are the Means of Grace?

You probably haven’t heard the term Means of Grace mentioned today in the morning news, on social media, or during small talk at the grocery store. It’s not part of most regular conversation, and even the words seem somewhat abstract in contrast to popular language. You hear about Means of Grace in church and maybe in your devotions, but what does the term really mean? There is a simple explanation for what Lutherans believe about these Means of Grace and why they are for you.

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