Happy National Day of (unionistic, syncretistic, confusing of the two-kingdoms, thinking it's a means of grace even though it's not, don't mention Jesus and offend the non-Christians) Prayer Gleaned from the nationaldayofprayer.org website.... (my comments in italics) "We are the Judeo-Christian expression of the National Day of Prayer..." Judeo-Christian. Make up your mind. "The National Day of Prayer Task Force exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership." What is the "Christian community"? Ever hear of the church? "The National Day of Prayer was created by an act of Congress and is, therefore, intended for all peoples of faith to pray to the God of their understanding" Sounds just like Alcoholics Anonymous and their anonymous god. I don't pray to the "God of my understanding". I pray to ...
Sermon – Christmas 1 – Luke 2:22-38 Trinity Lutheran, Sheboygan, WI “Depart in Peace” The family is all gathered around. The doctors have given the grave news. “Time is short. Say your goodbyes.” The pastor is called, and he comes to the hospital. He, too, knew this might be coming. This faithful child of God, who had so often heard the word and received the gifts in the local communion of saints... was now going to join the communion of saints that rest in Christ. God's name is invoked. Scriptures are read. Prayers are said. Then the pastor sings a familiar little song, “ Lord now lettest thou thy servant, depart in peace, according to Thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end, amen....
I've begun a study of the LCMS (Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) with our Sunday morning Bible class. One of the topics we will be covering is what outside, non-Lutheran influences have affected thinking and practice in our church body. Certainly American culture is a major one. However, another major influence of late has been "Evangelicalism" . Dr. David Adams makes this very case in his assessment of what divides the LCMS today, a view which I find to be very insightful. Disclaimer: Not everything in Evangelicalism is necessarily bad. We Lutherans do have points of commonality as well as important differences. I'd just like to see an increased awareness of what those are. Most of us in the LCMS have been influenced, somehow or another, by modern American Evangelicalism. With apologies to Jeff Foxworthy , I put together the beginnings of a list... feel free to tack on your own comments. If they're really good I will even include them in the post. ___ YOU...
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