Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Glory be to Jesus.

Over the last two days of the church calendar, we have celebrated Reformation Day (October 31st) and today we celebrate All Saints Day and the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (November 1st).  The attached article from Higher Things is a very good summary of the emphasis of the Reformation that is bedrock to Lutheran doctrine and teaching, salvation by grace through faith.  However, I also must add the following paragraph as, as a pastor, I have seen far too many Lutherans who are simply content not to commit any "major" sins like killing someone, but whose Christian life is far too hidden for almost anyone to notice.  This is why society is travelling so quickly down the road of blatant sinfulness, thumbing its collective noses at God, His Church, and His Word, because we Christians have for too long hidden our holiness and the light of Jesus within the doors of our lives rather than opening wide to the world and displaying through good works the free gift of the righteousness of Christ as "the righteous shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38).  The following was posted this morning on my Facebook page.

Yes, it is indeed all about Christ. Our forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life in the presence of God is all about Christ. Additionally, we must also say, as faithful Lutherans, that it is also all about Christ and our 

living life in this world according to His will and not our own. It is all about living as if we truly are saved by the grace of God alone through faith in Jesus Christ alone and not through faith in our own works. It is all about living a faithful life that gives witness to the world that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, not only of us Lutherans but of all people. It is all about being set free from bondage to sin and being slaves to the righteousness of Christ Jesus that is so freely given by our Father to all who believe. (Romans 6:1-14; Ephesians 2:8-10; Hebrews 12:1-16; James 2:18)

For Lutherans, It's Not About Luther!

us2.campaign-archive.com

For our Higher Things friends and supporters, here are some thoughts on how to answer when you’re asked what it means to be Lutheran or what Lutherans believe.