The Way, the Truth, and the Life

“Without the Way,

there is no going.

Without the Truth,

there is no knowing.

Without the Life,

there is no living.”

 

Thomas à Kempis

 

Jesus said . . ., “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 ESV

 

Thanks for teaching God's children His Word!

Teaching Values?

A local radio station plays a set of ad spots for a foundation that promotes "values" (compassion, friendship, overcoming, soul); in the ads we are encouraged to "pass it on." As I listen on my daily commute, I am moved to wonder how those who sponsor the ads and those who hear them imagine that we are able to pass on these values.

We know, of course, that it is possible to coerce actions that are in accord with God's Law, acts that demonstrate "values," though threats or external rewards. While such forced holiness is of some benefit to our neighbor, they are not good works since they are not the fruit of faith. Such works are flawed by resentment against the authority that requires them or selfish motives; they may lead to rebellion or self-righteousness.

Good works are those that God works in us as a joyful response to the Gospel. They are not generated by threat or reward, but by the proclamation of the Good News of God's love for us in Christ. They are truly fruit of the Spirit. They result from teaching God's children His Word.

Thanks for teaching God's children His Word!

It's Good to Be Lutheran!

There is a reason why your church identifies itself as Lutheran.

There is a reason you've decided to be a part of that congregation.

For many, though I suppose not for all, that reason is the distinctive flavor of the theology taught in a

Lutheran church: right distinction between Law and Gospel, emphasis on vocation, and adherence to a theology of the cross.

How can you be sure that those things are taught consistently in your Sunday School?

• Careful selection of teachers who know Lutheran doctrine and are "apt to teach" is a great start.
• Regular and frequent training for Sunday School teachers would be helpful.
• Choosing a solid Lutheran curriculum for use in all classes is an important first step.

I do not claim to be unbiased, far from it. But it strikes me as foolish, dangerous even, to place even the finest non-Lutheran (that is, un-Lutheran) material into the hands of teachers and students in your Sunday School. In the best case, assuming that your teachers are highly skilled, able to edit out the material contrary to the Lutheran faith and edit in the essence of Lutheran Christian teachings, and willing to take time to do so each week, the material that goes home with the student is not likely to support what your church professes. In worst case, you will be training both students and teachers in things that are contrary to the Lutheran Confessions.

Thanks for teaching God's children His Word!