Comments for CyberBrethren-A Lutheran Blog

Comment on “The Book of Concord should be in every Lutheran home.” Do we still believe this? And if so, what are we doing to make it happen? by Jesse

Jesse — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:59:11 +0000

I have a copy of Concordia but admit that I don’t read/study it as much as I should.

I’ve been trying to get a Lutheran confession bible study going at my congregation but the idea hasn’t really gotten past the discussion stage. Our DCE is interested in teaching such a class, but he’s very busy with all the various youth programs. I think it’s something that should happen and I’ll just keep being persistent and hopefully that will pay off.

Comment on “The Book of Concord should be in every Lutheran home.” Do we still believe this? And if so, what are we doing to make it happen? by Rev Allen Yount (CRSM)

Rev Allen Yount (CRSM) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:53:49 +0000

“Let’s work at getting the Book of Concord in every Lutheran home.”

Amen! If our Lord grants that I return to active ministry I intend to do exactly that.

Rev. Allen Yount
-+-Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio Faciunt Theologum-+-

Comment on “The Book of Concord should be in every Lutheran home.” Do we still believe this? And if so, what are we doing to make it happen? by ptmccain

ptmccain — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:52:45 +0000

Thanks for sharing this comment, James. Powerful story!

Comment on “The Book of Concord should be in every Lutheran home.” Do we still believe this? And if so, what are we doing to make it happen? by Sojourner

Sojourner — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:43:01 +0000

Well said…I couldn’t agree more.

Comment on “The Book of Concord should be in every Lutheran home.” Do we still believe this? And if so, what are we doing to make it happen? by James Donnelly

James Donnelly — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:28:07 +0000

I was confirmed in the LCMS as a child and spent over 35 years as a faithful member of various LCMS churches around the country. I don’t recall ever being taught from the Book of Concord. I was taught from Luthers Small Catechism. Granted, I was a weak Christian and did not study Lutheran doctrine as I should have. However, none of the LCMS churches I attended ever spoke of or offered classes on the Book of Concord (BOC). From my perspective, I had no idea a “Book of Concord” existed. (I believe that is true of my immediate family as well – all Lutherans.)

The past 6 years I have attended a Southern Baptist Church – but am not an official member. It was during a church history class taught by a Southern Baptist that I was told Lutherans believe in single election/predestination. I privately questioned the accuracy of this teaching. I went to the LCMS website and various Lutherans blogs and found out there is this book – The Book of Concord – which clearly spells out Lutheran doctrine and confessions. Wow, what a shock! It took a Southern Baptist to lead me to the BOC. I purchased one right away. I have learned much about the Lutheran faith that I never knew.

Yes, if one is a Lutheran, the BOC is a must have. The LCMS churches need to do a much better job informing and teaching their members on Lutheran beliefs as contained in the BOC. Maybe I was simply an exception regarding knowledge of the BOC, but I doubt it.

Comment on Christ-Centered or Just Religious? Three Ways to Tell by Rev. Matthew Lorfeld

Rev. Matthew Lorfeld — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:02:25 +0000

Regarding #1, there is an appropriate “why?” In fact, Job and David are prime examples of asking “why?” in the midst of suffering that Scripture commends as an example of faith. Even our Lord from the cross cried out “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” But as you point out the why does predicate on you own goodness or effort. There’s the rub… just wanted to highlight the appropriate why?
See especially, Psalm 10, 22, 42, 44, 74, 80, and 88…. the why always put God’s alien work (that is judgement, etc) against God’s proper work (that is his mercy and steadfast love).

Comment on Attack of the Ugly Babies by Tubbs

Tubbs — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:07:28 +0000

When looking for a church of my faith (RC) in a newly developed area (such as the suburbs)—I simply look for the most hideous architecture standing. But I must give our Lutheran Brothers credit > yours is often the second ugliest building.

Yet simplicity and austerity do not have to mean ugliness. I’ve seen some chapels of strict monastic orders, here in the USA, whose plainess would have made Calvin, Zwingli, or even George Fox feel comfy, yet these places have a serene beauty to them.

So why oh why must contemporary congregations build these “ugly babies” that look like a Denny’s, or aTGIF, or an OliveGarden???

Comment on Digital Versions of The Lutheran Study Bible Coming Soon by Shane Anderson

Shane Anderson — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:03:20 +0000

Thanks for all the formats!!! Esp. The Logos app fir iPhone, I have not yet beenable to sync my CPH titles, but hopefullythe switch will be thrown soon!
Thank you! Thank you!

Comment on What Do Unbelievers Frequently Hear in Seeker-Sensitive Churches? by Craig

Craig — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:34:33 +0000

That sounds like a great life! I wish that was my reality, to live like that. Coming from a Mega church I know that these people are inside telling themselves that they are working on it (climbing the latter), almost there (one rung to go), have arrived (looking down on those losers who are not with it like me) or are just out of luck (the ladder it just too steep an my balance is bad). This is another reason why Lutheran churches MUST preach the Law and Gospel every Sunday and offer the sacraments for the full forgiveness of our sins. It’s amazing to think that our mission field is in “churches” who fail to preach Christ. Thanks for the post!

Comment on What Do Unbelievers Frequently Hear in Seeker-Sensitive Churches? by Billye

Billye — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:01:02 +0000

I have failed in the things I have done and left undone. Nothing like packing my bags and going on a guilt trip. The only thing left to do in my despair is to rest in Christ and His saving work. Otherwise I would be screaming with Lars and it would be getting pretty noisy on this blog cause I don’t scream silently.