The Worst Things is the Best Thing
and how to set up a custom Issues, Etc. search, and the basic argument of Christianity, and some other stuff
/ The Worst Thing is the Best Thing (Philippians 1:21)
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
It’s amazing to think how Jesus has turned everything on its head. The worst thing that can happen to us: death, is now the thing we long for. (“Deliver us from evil.”) Death lost its sting, its power, its fear when Jesus walked out of the tomb.
The worst thing is the best thing. That’s good news.
/ Set up a custom search engine for Issues, Etc.
Three days late, but I’m making up for it with this tip, how to set up a custom search engine for Issues, Etc. (or any other website).
/ Worship Conference
St Paul Austin is hosting a conference on worship in a few weeks, September 8-10. If you are a church musician, interested in worship and liturgics, or just looking for a conference that will rejoice in the Lord’s Word, this is for you. Click here for all the information.
Seven different speakers covering all sorts of fascinating topics. I’m looking forward to hearing LCMS Chaplain Sean Deanzer discuss “Learning How to Lament” from the Psalms.
Ya’ll come.
/ The Steel Woods
On Our Apologetics Conference Boat Cruise Vicar Davis put me on to this band.
This is a cool song. (The Vicar reminds us: listen to the end.)
/ Christian Basics
I’m working on a little essay (maybe booklet or small book) that will introduce Christianity to strangers. I thought I’d post my progress here. (Maybe I’ll be able to write a section a week.) I’d look your feedback and suggestions in the comments.
Christianity: An Introduction to Strangers
Most people have heard of Christianity, but more and more people are unfamiliar with what it means, what it stands for, and what it teaches. This little booklet is written as an introduction, a summary of the argument that Christianity brings to the human conversation.
1/ Introduction
“Jesus is the Savior of sinners.”
This is the fundamental assertion of Christianity, the basic truth the Christian Scriptures bring to the world.
This assertion stands alongside many other Christian truths. Who is Jesus? What is sin? How is salvation accomplished? And these questions need answers to many more. Who are we? How did we get here? How did things go wrong? How do we know about reality, about God, about the future? Christianity claims to have the answers to these questions, and more.
This text is an introduction to Christianity, designed especially for those who are not familiar with its claims. It covers the basics and presents the argument of Christianity with as much brevity as possible.
We will follow the outline of the Apostles’ Creed, an ancient statement of faith. Christians all over the world use this Creed in their daily prayers. It is confessed by Christians together on Sundays. The Creed is a summary of the major events and theological points taught in the Bible. It reads:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
/ How We Got the Bible
This resource was recommended to us at the Apologetics conference this week. I just started, but it looks well done.
How We Got the Bible (Lutheran Hour)
Remember to go to your pastor's Bible Class this week and, read old theology books. (If you don't have a pastor or congregation, click here. If you don't have old theology books, click here.)
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Thank you, again, for your time and attention, and for your prayers. Please keep in touch.
Lord's Blessings, Pastor Wolfmueller
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
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"a summary of the argument that Christianity brings to the human conversation" Might "a summary of WHAT CHRISTIANITY brings to the human conversation" be less defensive? Maybe more "user-friendly'?
Wondering. . .
It seems like this might be perhaps a mini catechism, but geared towards unbelievers rather than believers. Because it addresses the articles of faith through the creed. But I guess it would have to include the sacraments to be a true catechism?