In his retirement Pastor Emeritus Arthur Schulz, Black River Falls, Wis.,
has perused archived copies of Lutheran periodicals for hymns and poems and shared them with our pastors. This hymn—which may be sung to the tune of TLH #483—first appeared in the Lutheran Witness of January 29, 1946. It was written by Adela Kretzmann Weber of Canton, Ohio.
Many blessings of the Reformation of the 1500’s still affect us today.We could mention having a Bible translation in our native tongue, having many hymns to sing praises to God, putting into practice the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers (that Christ has given every believer—not just to the pope and his priests—the keys to forgive or to retain sins), and parents and pastors using Luther’s Small Catechism to instruct children in the basic Bible teachings.
In the course of time, however, after several discussions you realize your colleague does not believe God created the world in six days, as the Bible says. Then, come to find out, she doesn’t really believe the account of Jesus’ resurrection is to be taken literally. When it really comes down to it, she isn’t even sure there is a literal heaven and is pretty sure there is no such thing as hell.
You finally ask, incredulously, “You call yourself a ‘Lutheran’?”
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing,
but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”
(Matthew 7:15)“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you
will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
(1 Timothy 4:16)
Jesus emphasized doctrine in His ministry. He went from city to city teaching about the coming of the Kingdom of God, preaching repentance and the forgiveness of sins. Jesus was very adamant about corrupt and false teachings that were being disseminated among the people. “He taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes” (Matthew 7:29). He possessed the authority of God, for Jesus was and is the Word made flesh. His Word is true, and only by continuing in His Word shall we be set free from sin, death, and the devil (John 8:31-32).
Jesus’ warning concerning the dangers of false teachers and
A REFORMATION MESSAGE FROM OUR CLC PRESIDENT The troops are withdrawing and coming home. The Wall Street Journal reports that the remaining US combat forces will leave Afghanistan sometime in 2016, after a bloody fifteen…
FAITH OF OUR FATHERS: Brief sketches of other influential figures at the time of the Reformation. Includes Bugenhagen, Melanchthon, Jonas, Cranach, Spalatin, and Chemnitz. [These vignettes of men associated with Luther and the Reformation first…
[These vignettes of men associated with Luther and the Reformation first appeared in connection with our CLC’s daily website devotions during Reformation season, 2013. Pastor David Schaller, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Sister Lakes, Mich., reports that…
CATECHISM SERIES: Studies in The Apostles’ Creed FIRST OF FIVE PARTS OF A SERIES ON THE THIRD ARTICLE “This is most certainly true!” The THIRD ARTICLE installments: 1) The Holy Spirit has called me by…
“Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not…
Dear fellow laborers in the Lord’s harvest field: “I’ve always encouraged my children to consider the public ministry for their life’s work, but now… I don’t know.” That was the very honest comment of a…
