I can not express how much I longed to believe I was truly forgiven for my sins. I always believed it whole heartily for others and would even confidently tell them that is what the Bible said. It wasn’t until I heard the Confessional Lutheran teaching as an adult catechumen and participated/received corporate and private confession and absolution did I actually understand , trust and have peace from God’s Word for myself, a sinner. The Divine service and liturgy provide such comfort. When I start doubting, I go to the gift of my confirmation verse John 5:24 from my Pastor and also private confession for God’s grace and mercy.
Such true words of joy! When I recite the apostles creed in the morning and at night, as I get to “…I believe in the forgiveness of sins…” I picture my Pastor making the sign of the cross and saying “ I forgive you all your sins”. What a beautiful picture in my head!
This is excellent - thank you. We forwarded this email to our Pastor (because they love that kind of thing, right?) and suggested it might be inspiration for future Bible studies. As new Lutherans, we are eager to see Lutheranism embraced and practiced in it's fullness, and are sad where we see an absence of these beautiful and comforting rites. Anecdotally, we often hear that when Lutherans are re-taught, or have our doctrines reinforced via many of the resources you quote, there is generally a very positive reaction. Thanks again and again so very much for all you do!
We are gods in our own eyes except when it come to giving and accepting forgiveness. In my child like faith, I need to hear that I am forgiven. It is reassurance that my Father loves me.
Thank you for this reminder of the blessings that He bestows and that we should yearn for.
This is a wonderful resource! Even though much is in the Book fo Concord, to have it all in one place in one volume is a great service to the Church!
Other than the Sacraments, I think it would also be great to have anthologies on: Justification, The Two Natures of Christ (although this is kind of included in the Lord's Supper), and Predestination.
I'm not sure how you would do it, but something on the Means of Grace in a more general overview would also be helpful I think, especially for those not used to Lutheran theology.
Thank you for addressing this all-important issue. I have often thought that churches should regularly reach out to parishioners telling them that private confession is available and encouraged, rather than what seems to happen, that in some cases essentially the parishioners figure out on their own that it’s available. I also believe they need to be told that it’s a safe place where they can receive counseling and blessing, essentially being wooed to the confessional.
As it is said in the Lord's prayer is how we are shown how to live. Forgive one and other for this is how we too are forgiven. It then is seen as necessary to speak it out to one and other. Practice. Like a musician at the music stand playing arpeggios scales and melody lines and all the supporting opportunities of expression in the harmony. We all then have a voice in forgiveness. Accepting forgiveness from God as in the benediction and receiving the peace. It is all in the Liturgy of life. After all our whole lives are so biblically intertwined in the word speaking it is for the listener. As speaking, it is to the forgiver so is receiving the peace to the beholder. Receiving is everything. :) Loving our neighbor and ourselves as God Loves us and we he. What is this love at this age of life. As a child reaches up to take their parent's hand in risky situations or when the parent wants to protect the child. All through life we have the liturgy. It sings to us and leads us to praise and honor on both sides giving and receiving. As we give we are given?
Thank you for making Baptism next. My Grandson's are living a hard life because of poverty and other issues and have nothing to do with LCMS or church of any kind, yet they are curious about their baptism. Any help you can give is appreciated.
I can not express how much I longed to believe I was truly forgiven for my sins. I always believed it whole heartily for others and would even confidently tell them that is what the Bible said. It wasn’t until I heard the Confessional Lutheran teaching as an adult catechumen and participated/received corporate and private confession and absolution did I actually understand , trust and have peace from God’s Word for myself, a sinner. The Divine service and liturgy provide such comfort. When I start doubting, I go to the gift of my confirmation verse John 5:24 from my Pastor and also private confession for God’s grace and mercy.
Such true words of joy! When I recite the apostles creed in the morning and at night, as I get to “…I believe in the forgiveness of sins…” I picture my Pastor making the sign of the cross and saying “ I forgive you all your sins”. What a beautiful picture in my head!
This is excellent - thank you. We forwarded this email to our Pastor (because they love that kind of thing, right?) and suggested it might be inspiration for future Bible studies. As new Lutherans, we are eager to see Lutheranism embraced and practiced in it's fullness, and are sad where we see an absence of these beautiful and comforting rites. Anecdotally, we often hear that when Lutherans are re-taught, or have our doctrines reinforced via many of the resources you quote, there is generally a very positive reaction. Thanks again and again so very much for all you do!
What a good way to make Luther more accessible. Thank you. I’m looking forward to my copy.
We are gods in our own eyes except when it come to giving and accepting forgiveness. In my child like faith, I need to hear that I am forgiven. It is reassurance that my Father loves me.
Thank you for this reminder of the blessings that He bestows and that we should yearn for.
I am looking forward to the Baptism anthology. I enjoy your books and I learn much from them. Thank you for all that you do. God bless.
This is a wonderful resource! Even though much is in the Book fo Concord, to have it all in one place in one volume is a great service to the Church!
Other than the Sacraments, I think it would also be great to have anthologies on: Justification, The Two Natures of Christ (although this is kind of included in the Lord's Supper), and Predestination.
I'm not sure how you would do it, but something on the Means of Grace in a more general overview would also be helpful I think, especially for those not used to Lutheran theology.
Thank you for addressing this all-important issue. I have often thought that churches should regularly reach out to parishioners telling them that private confession is available and encouraged, rather than what seems to happen, that in some cases essentially the parishioners figure out on their own that it’s available. I also believe they need to be told that it’s a safe place where they can receive counseling and blessing, essentially being wooed to the confessional.
As it is said in the Lord's prayer is how we are shown how to live. Forgive one and other for this is how we too are forgiven. It then is seen as necessary to speak it out to one and other. Practice. Like a musician at the music stand playing arpeggios scales and melody lines and all the supporting opportunities of expression in the harmony. We all then have a voice in forgiveness. Accepting forgiveness from God as in the benediction and receiving the peace. It is all in the Liturgy of life. After all our whole lives are so biblically intertwined in the word speaking it is for the listener. As speaking, it is to the forgiver so is receiving the peace to the beholder. Receiving is everything. :) Loving our neighbor and ourselves as God Loves us and we he. What is this love at this age of life. As a child reaches up to take their parent's hand in risky situations or when the parent wants to protect the child. All through life we have the liturgy. It sings to us and leads us to praise and honor on both sides giving and receiving. As we give we are given?
Wow! Just Wow.
...and Thank You!❤🙏✝️
Thanks, Bryan. The older I get, the more meaningful Absolution becomes!
Thank you for making Baptism next. My Grandson's are living a hard life because of poverty and other issues and have nothing to do with LCMS or church of any kind, yet they are curious about their baptism. Any help you can give is appreciated.
Looking forward to the Baptism one v