I had JW’s door knock me today. Weather was crap so they didn’t engage in conversation beyond hello. They just handed me a pamphlet and asked if they could comeback. I said no and sent them on their way. Once they left I felt extreme guilt for not inviting them back later and sharing the Gospel with them.

I’m not really sure I know enough about them to have a evangelistic dialogue, but I trust the Holy Spirit would give me the words, and I never want to feel this guilt again. I feel that I failed my Lord.

My question is, is how do other fellow Lutherans deal with JW’s when they come knocking?

How best can I honor my aging parents that seemingly are losing their sense of humor? I’m a serious guy by nature, but I like to crack an innocent joke (not lewd or coarse) every once in a while. I try not to make anyone the brunt either. It seems that as my parents age, I can’t have any lighthearted conversations without walking on eggshells. This makes me want to have less conversation to avoid perceived incrimination. How do I honor my parents in this situation without feeling resentful that I need to limit my freedom of speech in private? Is this just an inevitability I have to look forward to myself as I age?

I know a lot of questions pop up about baptismal regeneration. This one is a BR adjacent. What is regeneration? How is it defined?

Heard a theory that the pre-KJV Bible never said hell specifically and I’m curious your opinions

I'm trying to figure out exactly what the LCMS's view of inerrancy is with regard to textual criticism. My question is a specific one. I know the LCMS acknowledges "apparent contradictions" due to "uncertainty" regarding original manuscripts. Is that to say that the LCMS believes the original manuscripts were inerrant, but that there are possibility minimal contradictions in the text we use now due to scribal errors? This, of course, wouldn't involve any doctrines. An example I have in mind is the difference between 2 Kings 25:27 when it says "27th day" and Jeremiah 52:31 when it says "25th day." Is the LCMS's view, in relation to these texts, that this may be a contradiction in the text we have right now due to a scribal error but the original manuscripts had the same number? (The LXX version of Jeremiah has "24th day," which leads me to think this may be a scribal error).
Thank you in advanced!

Hey everyone, I wanted to share my family's recent experience joining an LCMS church and I hope it helps someone else. Backstory on us I grew up attending Southern Baptist churches and my wife comes from a family of Seventh Day Adventist pastors and missionaries. That being said we pretty much stop joking to church for the better part of the last decade. That didn't stop our scriptural study but we didn't feel comfortable going to any church.

As I studied more and more I came to the conclusion that I liked a historically traditional church that grounded itself in the scripture and that eventually lead me to Lutheranism. I brought my wife along for the journey when we decided to try our local LCMS church.

From our first visit everyone was very kind and welcoming. We arrived just in time for a new members class and they answered all our questions about Lutheranism and it's doctrine. The church has 3 pastors which means they have the time to tend to the flock without being short or forgetful. They each have their own speciality from their experiences which was a huge help with timely responses and gentle guidance. They also have a traditional liturgical, a short during Sunday school, and a contemporary service. They have gone above and beyond to make church approachable and fulfilling to everyone.

We are an interracial family with a severely disabled child living in Texas and that makes us fairly aware of the small things people do when you're different. That being said we got none of that weirdness and this church has truly shown us the love and kindness Jesus tells all his followers to.

TLDR; I know this is a one of one church sample but if you're on the fence like I was please give it a shot. God bless.

I am a 26 year old cradle LCMS Lutheran. I attend multiple churches now because while everyone in the Lutheran churches are always very kind and welcoming, most of the congregations I’ve seen are majority geriatric. I value the Eucharist and traditional liturgy, but feel like I’ve had to go to larger evangelical churches to find community. I am married to a Roman Catholic. We live in a very Catholic area, and he has attended Catholic school his whole life so I’m pretty much the only one of all the friends and family that is not Catholic. Interestingly, all of his grade school friends just aren’t really that catholic. Sexual promiscuity, use of contraception, pro-abortion, do not go to confession, rarely go to mass except for holidays, don’t really follow practices such as fasting, don’t really agree with the Pope/church on certain dogmas (which is supposed to be a requirement). But they will all die on the hill that they are Catholic and want to marry a Catholic and raise their children that way despite not really seeming to care about religion in all appearances. The churches are large and there are lots of young people still attending. I do marvel that Catholic Churches are able to keep up their membership so well. I want nothing more than to see a revitalization of LCMS. what do you think it is about the RCC that keeps people around? What can LCMS do better to get young people to stay?

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVZrfuc4vnE

Gospel According to Luke, 19:28–40 (ESV):

The Triumphal Entry

And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

Overview

Introduction: A word of judgment

Point two: The savior wept

Point three: Blessed is the king

Conclusion

References

Gospel According to Luke, 19:1–27 (ESV):

Jesus and Zacchaeus

He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

The Parable of the Ten Minas

As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”

Acts of the Apostles, 4:11–12 (ESV):

This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Gospel According to John, 3:16–18 (ESV):

For God So Loved the World

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

Second Letter of Peter, 3:9 (ESV):

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Gospel According to Luke, 19:41–44 (ESV):

Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem

And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”

Book of Zechariah, 9:9 (ESV):

The Coming King of Zion

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Gospel According to John, 12:13 (ESV):

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”

Book of Psalms, 118:26 (ESV):

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD.

Gospel According to Matthew, 24:1–2 (ESV):

Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple

Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

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In order to streamline posts that users are submitting when they are in search of answers, I have created a monthly 'Ask A Pastor' thread! Feel free to post any general questions you have about the Lutheran (LCMS) faith, questions about specific wording of LCMS text, or anything else along those lines.

Pastors, Vicars, Seminarians, Lay People: If you see a question that you can help answer, please jump in try your best to help out! It is my goal to help use this to foster a healthy online community where anyone can come to learn and grow in their walk with Christ. Also, stop by the sidebar and add your user flair if you have not done so already. This will help newcomers distinguish who they are receiving answers from.

Disclaimer: The LCMS Offices have a pretty strict Doctrinal Review process that we do not participate in as we are not an official outlet for the Synod. It is always recommended that you talk to your Pastor (or find a local LCMS Pastor if you do not have a church home) if you have questions about your faith or the beliefs of the LCMS.

teach at a non-LCMS seminarr part-time while serving a parish? Assuming the parish is ok with obvi. What if the seminary is with a heterodox denomination, like the United Church of Canada?

edit: i should clarify that I'm asking if this is theologically appropriate, not if it's functionally possible

My wife and I got married a little bit over a year ago now and have been struggling to find a church. I grew up Baptist and she has gone to a couple of different churches growing up. Since we got married we have attended different churches from Baptist to United Methodist and Assemblies of God. None of them ended up working for us for various reasons. Some were too showy while others were too woke for us. My wife decided to start going back to college (A Lutheran College) so we decided to give a Lutheran church a try. I knew nothing about the church before we went besides that it was more traditional than what I was used to. There was a lot to get used to but we were welcomed with open arms. Everyone has been so inviting and we even helped cut down a Christmas tree for the church today! It's the first time I have felt at home in a church in a LONG time. We have been talking to the pastor about joining and have another meeting with him next Saturday. I guess the only question I have is why my baptism from a different church doesn't count.

Thanks for reading my little ramble! If there is anything you would like to share with a new couple wanting to join the church I would love to hear it!

I've heard that some Lutheran dogmatists said that Mary was preserved from current sins, could you confirm this for me?

Just more curious than anything.

Edit: Does the Lutheran Church have it's own contemplative tradition at all throughout history? Thnx

Hello - I'm new to this forum and have tried to read through old posts. Some touched on this subject tangentially, but I didn't see it discussed directly.

My question is: I am looking to hear the experience of other people who converted to Lutheranism from a different Christian tradition that is not "sacramental" in its theology and what that was like for you. Specifically, what happened to you in your experience of changing your mind/heart/beliefs/etc regarding the sacraments (Lord's Supper and Baptism) from your old way to the Lutheran position?

Background: My wife and I (45M) have no prior experience as Lutherans (we were both raised pentecostal, and have spent the last 15+ years together in a non-denominational church in the USA), but have been attending a LCMS church for the last 4+ months. It has been a good experience. This church seems to be a "by the book" LCMS church, as I understand it. We have been meeting to study with our pastor, reading the catechism, and attending Sunday School. We have not partaken of the Lord's Supper here (closed communion) and instead receive a blessing at the altar. We are both previously baptized. I think we mentally understand what the Lutheran positions are on these sacraments, but as of right now, neither of us really BELIEVE it. I have no doubt this is related to our previous practice and received teaching in non-sacramental settings. I am slightly more open to the Lutheran view than she is. We would like to continue in this church, but it will be tough to stay long-term if we are not both aligned theologically. This is why I am looking to hear others' experiences of how that change occurred internally when they encountered Lutheranism. Thank you.

When I was a kid growing up in the 90's early 00's I remember getting in reprimanded as an acolyte for causing to much noise with my fellow acolyte in the back ready room behind the sanctuary. We were reprimanded because we were distracting those who were prayerfully preparing for service.

Now 20 yrs later in our same church the entire congregation talks and loudly socializes the 20 minutes prior to the service beginning making it nigh impossible for those who wish to prepare spiritually for the service.

My question is: Is this common in most LCMS churches these days? Should this be a permissable and acceptable?

It feels wrong to me but maybe I'm overreacting. Would like to hear others thoughts. Thnx

I am a Lutheran who grew up in a ELCA church, and I am having concerns over if I should stay in it. I know the controversy with the ELCA, and I am Theologically against the affirmation of gay marriage and women clergy and the overall theological liberalism. However my specific church doesn’t seem to have any of that. It is a all male clergy, our specific church voted against affirming gay marriage, it has a traditional liturgy, and I’ve never experienced anything in my church that was anything other than the genuine spreading of the gospel. Additionally my pastor and I are close, and as someone who is studying to be a theologian, he has provided me with lots of study materials and wisdom in helping my journey.

Hi, I have a couple of questions about LCMS specific beliefs and practices that I was unable to find online.

I'm currently in a Baptist church hoping to switch to Lutheranism and get confirmed in the LCC (Lutheran Church Canada, which is closely tied to the LCMS) when I go to university (mainly due to better sacramentology and traditional style of worship).

My questions are:

1. Is it common to have the option of receiving the Eucharist on the tongue in LCMS/LCC churches? While I don't think it's necessary, I may eventually want to receive the Eucharist on the tongue out of extra reverence for Christ's Body.

2. Does the LCMS have a stance towards the Filioque? This is fully out of curiosity as I cannot find conclusive evidence towards either position on it and would be willing to be in a denomination on either side of the debate. I know that the ELCA had a joint statement with the Eastern Orthodox Church a few years back rejecting the doctrine, however I couldn't find any position on the Filioque coming from the LCMS/LCC.

Thank you in advance!

I've been told by some of the reformed that these verses clearly teach a regulative form of worship. How would Lutherans interpret them?

Blessings to you all in Christ! I was wondering is any pastors in here could share when and how they knew they were inwardly called for the pastorate?

For context: I've had a few people tell me that they think I should consider the pastorate, but I feel rather inadequate and unworthy of being a pastor. I'm very interested in the Scriptures and theology and helping people spiritually, so it's not necessarily that I don't want to be a pastor, but I also want to make sure it's for sure God's will if I am to ever make that decision.

Thanks in advance and God bless!

Here is a good opportunity to stock up on some good devotional resources, sacred music, and other theology books as well as support our synod's publishing house.

Some highlights are the Lutheran Study Bible being 25% off, a leather bound copy of the small and large catechisms for $20, Walther's Law and Gospel for 30% off, and a personal copy of the hymnal for 30% off.

https://www.cph.org/on-sale/black-friday-sale

Hi everyone!

New Lutheran here (i was confirmed on october 6). I was wondering if it is okay to offer incense to God in my daily prayers. I celebrate the daily offices and I always like a lamp. I would love to offer some incense as well.

Thank you and God Bless!

Unfortunately we have a problem with contemporary (secular) services in southeast Michigan and I can't seem to find a good solution. Every lcms church in my area has gone modern and secular with extremely load, modern music, less Bible readings and more secular teaching. I'm seeing a move to ELCA like exceptance of sinful behavior and an unwillingness follow our traditions, mores and values. Things like our traditional liturgy and hymns are gone and our leaders are more interested in throwing parties than visiting the sick and counseling our members to follow the literal teaching of the Bible. We now have off hour events in the sanctuary were members bring booze to Bible trivia night and there is an overall lack of respect for lutheran values. The music is so loud that one of my children who has hearing issues has to leave. No one sings anymore because no one knows the songs and it's all about instrumental solos and the praise bands vocalists. It's not just one church, it's all of the ones in the area. Most traditional services are very early and it's hard to get teenagers out of bed at 6am on a Sunday to get to them. I've thought seriously of leaving the LCMS, since they're basically ELCA or Non denominational in there teaching. Our leadership refuses to change, even though the traditional service is larger and we're loosing membership. What should I do and where do I go? Should I just leave and go to another denomination?

Why Lutherans don't use oil in confirmation?

Pastors, theologians and layfolk,

I am looking for some help as I read eschatological readings this time of the year. I was raised and trained in dispensational premillenialism. In a lot of ways, it makes a lot of sense to me because it was all I ever knew. I had no idea people thought differently until I got to college! So my initial, knee-jerk reaction to end-times related verses are to automatically see them through my Scofield-shaded glasses. As the church year is wrapping up, you can see the problem I am having in my devotional time!

Any thoughts or advice on reframining my nearly automatic understandings of these things while I read? I have the Study Bible, so I don't necessarily need resource books (but am open to hearing what you'd suggest), but just looking for a little guidance. I admit I am a Newtheran, so maybe just more time immersed in the Church life is needed.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHavMWTNkQw

Gospel According to Mark, 13:24–37 (ESV):

The Coming of the Son of Man

“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

No One Knows That Day or Hour

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

Overview

Introduction: Santa’s coming

Point one: These are the facts

Point two: The fig tree

Conclusion: Therefore be on the alert

References

Gospel According to John, 1:14 (ESV):

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Nicene Creed (From: The Commission on Worship of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. 2006. Lutheran Service Book Pew Edition. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House):

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.

Gospel According to Mark, 13:10 (ESV):

And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.

Gospel According to Mark, 13:25 (ESV, Interlinear Bible):

and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken (saleuthēsontai).

First Letter of John, 4:9–10 (ESV):

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

I'm reading through Chemnitz's Enchiridion, and I'd love to have a pdf of all the scriptures referenced. I'd love the same thing for the Confessions as well. Does anyone know of any resource like this, or how to do such a thing? What I'd love is a PDF will all the verses, in bible order, without redundancy. I'd even pay for a companion volume for the confessions. I know this seems lazy but there are SO MANY references in these works (which makes them great!) and I do a bunch of reading in bed, and dont want to have to carry around a bible with my kindle.

I am looking for a Lutheran Church to attend in the Phoenix area. One of the things I very much value looking for a church is the liturgy. While I understand that most/all LCMS churches have traditional liturgy, some of them take "traditional" more seriously then others. Further, I'm having some trouble figuring out which churches are more traditional just from what is presented on there websites and a lot of them seem to have issues with punctually responding to emails I send asking about this.

Are there any "tips and tricks" for lack of a better term to figuring out which churches are more traditional then other(for example, would calling services the Divine Service instead of simply a Worship service?).

If anyone replying knows examples of more traditional churches in the Phoenix area please feel free to just reply with that

Thank you for your help.

Hello everyone. I have wanted to get a prayer book for a little while now. I was wondering if anyone could help me choose between the Lutheran Prayer Companion and the Lutheran Book of Prayer. There isn't a lot of information online describing the differences. Thanks!