concordia theological seminary
Lutherans to call themselves “Born Again”? And how does the knowledge of your Baptism bring you peace for today and hope for tomorrow? ____________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ St. Paul urged the Church to ground herself in the fruits of Christ’s cross delivered in the sacrament of Baptism. Read his letter to the church in Rome, chapters 6:1-14 and 8:1-17. What do the inspired words of St. Paul tell you about your identity as a born again child of the Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit? _______________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ When the early church faced the challenges of everyday life in this sin filled world, St. Paul urged her to trust in God’s promises and to ground herself in the peace of knowing that Christ was crucified and raised from the dead. He further pointed the early Christians to their new identity as sons and daughters of their risen Redeemer Jesus Christ, an identity given to them in the life saving waters of Baptism, even when life was difficult. When Martin Luther faced the challenges of being human and attacks that came from Satan and his disciples, Luther told himself, “At least I know I am baptized!” Writing on the comfort that comes from trusting in God’s promises, in his “Treatise of Baptism” Martin Luther wrote: “For this reason no one should be terrified if he feels evil lust or love, nor should he despair even if he falls. Rather he should remember his Baptism, and comfort himself joyfully with the fact that God has there pledged Himself to slay his sin for him and not to count it a cause for condemnation, if only he does not say Yes to sin or remain in it. Moreover these wild thoughts and appetites, and even a fall into sin, should not be regarded as an occasion for despair. Regard them rather as an admonition from God that we should remember our Baptism and what was there spoken, that we should call upon God’s mercy and exercise ourselves in striving against sin, that we should even welcome death in order that we may be rid of sin.” How appropriate it is that the theme for this year’s synodical convention is “Baptized for the Moment.” As you, too, face the challenging moments of everyday life and the certain attacks of Satan, what role will your knowledge of God’s promises and the assurance of your Baptism play in your journey through life? The Rev. Jon D. Scicluna (Jon.Scicluna@ctsfw.edu) serves as vice president for Resource Development at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind. May 2013
Calendar of Events June 2013 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– June 17–21 Organist Workshop – Level II for Organists June 24–28 Organist Workshop – Primer Level for Organists and Service Playing for Pianists July 2013 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– July 20–25 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s 65th Regular Convention in St. Louis September 2013 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– September 8 Opening Service, Kramer Chapel, 3:00 p.m. September 9 Fall Quarter Classes Begin September 10 Seminary Guild, Luther Hall, 1:00 p.m. For additional information concerning any of these events, please visit www.ctsfw.edu Holy Land Tour ad:Layout 1 5/21/13 9:25 AM Page 1 or phone 260-452-2100.
SAVE THE DATE! Concordia eological Seminary invites you to join us for touring…
The Holy Land Hosted by Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence Rast Jr.
March 3–12, 2014
Destinations Haifa Tiberias Nazareth Bethlehem Jerusalem
For more information contact CTSTours@ctsfw.edu or (877) 287-4338. 31