Because there have been recent changes to the wording of the New International Version of the Bible (NIV) staff of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod have given some comments and warnings in the article at this link:
Friday, September 21, 2012
Saturday, May 19, 2012
The last night of midweek classes
We recently completed our midweek classes for the year. It was a busy year, and the kids learned a LOT. I always love hearing them sing the books of the Old and New Testament, and learning the liturgy and some hymns, along with Bible stories and Lutheran theology, doctrine and practice. You should all be really proud of our young people!
We celebrated our last night of classes with the younger kids trying a new version of tie dying. It was SOOO cool!
The kids worked together to help each other put cups inside of a t-shirt, and then secure them with rubber bands.
Then they used Sharpie brand markers and drew pictures/designs inside the circles.
Then, we dropped 8-10 drops of rubbing alcohol on each design.
And then we watched the design spread.
We ended the night with a game of sorting flash cards with books of the Bible. The kids had to sort them into Old and New Testament books. THEN they had to put them all in order! There was LOTS of singing going on, because almost all of them know the books of the OT and NT because of the song they’ve learned. It was great fun to watch!
Thanks to Pastor, Sandy, and Sue for all their work in teaching our kids this year!
Another wonderful group of Confirmands!
Congratulations to Jayden, Luis, Taylor, Trey, Ethan, Georgia, CreeAnn and Kameron! God’s blessings as you continue with the life He has planned for you!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Taylor K. on the 1st Article of the Apostles’ Creed
First Article of the Apostles Creed
The reason I chose the first article of the Apostles Creed topic was because I am thankful for what God has provided me in life. What this talks about is what God has given us in our daily life. In the Apostles Creed it says he gives us clothing and shoes, food and drink, land, animals, wife and children. These common things are what we have in our daily life. Without Gods help and our faith in God there is no assurance that we will receive these things. In our lives it is necessary to have some or all of these things because if we did not have food or water we would die in a short period of time. We need clothing and shoes to keep us warm. We do not necessarily need a wife and children but it does say in the Bible in the great commission to propagate and spread the Gospel, besides the help mate God gives us can and will enrich our lives. To me such things are very important and matter in my daily life. Jesus died on the cross so we could be provided with these things, as well as giving us eternal salvation.
The First Article gives us a clear message of defending us against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil. This he does only out of Fatherly Divine Goodness. Without this goodness we have no merit or worthiness. Our sinful actions and ways we were born and live with everyday makes us unworthy of saving. It is our duty to thank and praise, serve and obey him. I am a sinner saved only through the blood of Jesus Christ.
The gifts and blessings God gives listed in the First Article will be valuable in years to come because when I get a wife and if we are blessed with children Jesus will be supporting me and my family with these necessities. This is just one a part of the Christian life we can only thank God for. I am happy and thankful God was has given me life and all that I have and will have in the future. I am honored to share this with my congregation, and those who have taught me what the First Article means. It has given my faith in Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit strength to recognize and appreciate what I have.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Georgia A. on Baptism
Baptism
Confirmation class of 2012
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16
Baptism. It means to apply water by immersing, washing, and pouring. For most Christians it means having your sins washed away forever. You are accepted by God and he will always love you. Being baptized is a special occasion? and will likely guide you in your faith throughout your life. Three blessings are received by baptism.
The first blessing is forgiveness of sins. The truth is, everybody sins. We are by nature sinful beings and it is impossible for us to never sin. It cannot prevent us from sinning, but it forgives them so we can be right with God. We should also routinely repent or sins and thank God for what he has given to us. That is why baptism is so crucial as a Christian.
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Acts 2:38
The second is resurrection from death and the devil. In this blessing we get the comfort of knowing that we will go to heaven and be with God there. It is very important and also a comforting thought for people to believe.
”He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption , the forgiveness of sins.” Col. 1:13-14
The third and final blessing is eternal salvation. It means that we will always exist with God and never perish if we believe in Him and all he stands for.
“He saved us through the the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5
Most people are baptized as babies. Why? As Christians we want to be baptized as soon as possible so we can start receiving all the wonderful blessings it gives. Babies can have faith and are included in people and need to be baptized.
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” Mark 28:19
When Christians are baptized they almost always have sponsors. Sponsors are witnesses to the baptism. They pray for the person being baptized and guide them in their faith.
“Every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Matt. 18:16
Baptism indicates that we should try to not sin despite our evil nature by being sorry for our sins and repent of them with faith.
“Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” Eph. 4:22
The important words, “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” are regularly remembered in Baptism ceremonies. They are known as the Trinitarian Invocation. It is usually said with the sign of the cross. When we say these words we are confessing and remembering before heaven and earth everything that we a have received from baptism.
“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-22
As I explained above, baptism is important and meaningful. You truly receive some of the most important elements of the Christian faith; forgiveness of sins, resurrection from death and the devil, and eternal salvation. I hope I have represented all the things which baptism offers justly and correctly.
Trey H on the Lord’s Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer is not a prayer to be just said but is meant to be focused on what the words mean and believe their meaning in my heart. When asked why I should pray, I know that God wants us to be close to Him at all times and will hear my prayers and answer them. He wants me to pray together with others in His name and in private by myself. Matthew 6:5-8 says that when you pray you should pray in your room with the door closed and you will be rewarded by Him answering your prayers as His will and as He knows best. Jesus taught the disciples to pray and has taught me to pray the Lord’s Prayer.
First He invites me to believe He is our Father and we are His children and I may ask Him anything without being afraid. In the first petition “Hallowed be Thy name” I ask God to protect me from anyone who leads me away from God’s Holy Word.
The Second Petition tells me that because I believe in Him I will go to heaven and live with Him forever and that I should lead a pure and holy life here on earth. He is the king of power and is king of all things because he rules over all.
As I pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”, I understand that He is protecting me from the devil, the world, and our sinful nature. As well, He will help me be strong and firm in His Word until I die. We pray for ourselves that God’s will, will be done. He wants me to repent and believe in Him.
Next we ask “Give us this day our daily bread,” meaning that He will provide for all my needs to satisfy my body and my soul.
I know that I sin every day and deserve nothing but punishment but in the fifth petition, we ask that God wouldn't hold our sins against us or because of our sins that he won't refuse to hear our prayer. I in turn will gladly forgive and do good to those who sin against me.
God leads us away from temptation and guards us from being tempted by the devil, the world, and our sinful nature. We need God to keep us from being attacked by these things and pray that we can defeat these temptations and win.
We pray “But deliver us from evil.” This means when our last hour comes he will take us from this sinful world to himself in heaven. We will live with him for eternity.
Kingdom is also known as heaven. Power means he rules over us. Forever and ever means we will live with him in heaven forever and ever. I will remember for the rest of my life to pray the way God taught me to. In Matthew 7:7 I will remember “ Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Ethan K on the First Table of the 10 Commandments
The First Table of the Ten Commandments
The first table of the Ten Commandments includes the first, second, and third commandments. All of the Ten Commandments tell you what you are to do and what not to do.
The first commandment: You shall have no other gods. What does this mean? We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.
You should fear God. God decides if you’re going to have eternal life. You should love God. God created us, and loves us more than anyone could love.
And you should trust God. Trust that God will make the right decisions in and for your life. This commandment doesn’t just mean you shouldn’t worship false gods. It also means that you shouldn’t want or need things more than you need God. For example, not going to church because you’re about to beat a videogame, got to a good part in a movie, or if you just feel like sleeping in that day.
The second commandment: You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. In summary this means, we should not swear, curse, or lie in his name. We should not use his name in useless ways. We should use his name only in prayer and when we are in trouble. In this commandment God forbids us to misuse his name by saying something like,”Oh my God.” This phrase has no meaning to it at all. This commandment doesn’t say that we can never use God’s name. We can use his name while praying or telling people about his word.
The third commandment: Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. In summary this means we should not despise or hate God’s word but honor it and use it in holy ways.
Most people think that Sunday is the required day of Sabbath, but God never set aside any particular day to be the day of rest. If we don’t like going to church or despise its teachings we are disobeying the third commandment.
These first three commandments are about God, his name, and his word, and how we should keep them holy. It is impossible for anyone not to sin, but God is forgiving. If we repent we will be saved. Knowing these commandments help you later in life because you will know what to do and what not to do. Following all of the commandments will help you earn God’s salvation because you are following his rules and following his rules will give you eternal salvation in Heaven.
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