In this month’s letter, President Harrison begins a series of three articles on the “Witness, Mercy, Life Together” emphasis for the Church and the world. To find out more about these themes, check out: www.lcms.org/emphasis.
The greatest eras in the history of the Church have all begun with repentance. Those times when the Gospel of free forgiveness by faith in Jesus Christ has shone brightest in missionary witness and expansion—in a burning desire to care for the weak and needy with Christ’s own mercy, and in zealous and creative endeavors in church life and organization—have all begun with the preaching of repentance.
The July 13 election of a man who will serve as the 13th president in the 163-year history of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will bring, in his own words, “tumultuous change” in the LCMS. I pray that as a result of such change many more people will be brought to Christ through our witness to God’s love, grace, mercy, peace, and forgiveness.
One of my favorite childhood songs, now included in the Lutheran Service Book (LSB 588), is “Jesus Loves Me.” In simple words, this song says what the Bible is all about.
What a blessing it is to know that God works in us all—regardless of our challenges or disabilities—to accomplish His gracious purpose.
How joyous it is to recall that above all else, Easter, the festival of our Lord’s resurrection, gives us the assurance of eternal life in Jesus Christ and the certainty of our own resurrection.
‘Throughout our Synod’s history, we have sought to carry out the mission God has given us . . .’
In the context of Ash Wednesday, we see that God’s treasure and heart…are in the same place.
I have come joyfully and thankfully to cherish the words, “This is My body and blood, given and poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins.”
‘Jesus came to bring sunshine to a dark world. What a great picture! Shine on us, O Lord!’
‘Through Christ, God has adopted us into His family. This is the greatest reason of all for us to give Him thanks “at all times and in all places” . . . .’
Though we affirm the demands of God’s Law without reservation, we Christians confess that the sins of the world have been forgiven through Christ’s suffering and death on the cross.