Being baptized into Christ is not simply a dedication to the church. If it were, this language here in our text would be misleading or confusing. In baptism, we are buried with Him through baptism, so that we may be raised just as He is. Does this sound like mere dedication and a turning away from sin?
Now, there is surely a part of baptism that has to do with the community of the Church. In addition to being buried with Christ through baptism, you were baptized into the Body of Christ, the church. Why does St. Peter say baptism saves? Because in baptism you received the Holy Spirit, the Author of Faith….For more, click on the title above.
Author: kyriss
The gift of the Holy Ministry
The Word calls, the faithful respond
It is through the continual hearing of God’s Word that God joins together for Himself His Holy Family. That is particularly true of the sayings which Jesus, the Word Incarnate, continues to speak to His chosen family members out of the inspired Scriptures. He is the One Who in every generation, continues to call to the hearers of His Holy Word: “Follow Me.” We are to hear Him, at His Word, and follow His directions…for more, click on the title above.
Catechetical lesson
The Rite of Ordination
The keys to the Kingdom
God still desires to seek the lost and join them at His table
Twice in today’s Gospel reading Jesus teaches, through perfect application of Law and Gospel, those who were grumbling against Him among themselves. They were doing so on account of His welcoming and eating with known sinners. He uses parables to reveal the divine doctrine that was behind His welcoming and having table fellowship with sinful people. The two illustrations Jesus uses, the first that declares a shepherd’s joy over finding a lost sheep, and the second that speaks of a householder’s joyous reaction when finding a coin she had lost, Jesus divinely uses to reveal the joy that God has whenever even one sinner repents of his or her sins and wills to turn from them. …For more, click on the title above.
Are you ready for the banquet?
What happens in God’s Divine Service
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, throughout today’s Divine Service, you will hear teaching points on just what is happening, has happened, and primarily what is about to happen in the service. All Vicars here at Catalina do such a service, as it helps us know just what is happening, and also prepares us for a congregation that perhaps has yet to recover the treasury of certain parts of the service, or perhaps just don’t know why they do what they do. …For more, click on the title above.