The Lutheran Way - It Makes A Difference? (Series 1 of 9)

An Introduction (part 1)

Practice what you preach. If you’re gonna talk the talk, then walk the walk. Why do we worship the way we worship? Why is our church building built the way it is? How do doctrine and practice reflect each other? Can you separate style and substance, and what does that mean? Is there such a thing as doing things in a “Lutheran” way, and what does that mean? Does it really matter what we believe and/or how we practice what we believe? Questions, questions, questions. Why do we have disagreements over these issues, and are they really important, at least in the eternal perspective?
 

Over the years the above questions have been asked and attempts have been made from different perspectives to answer them, and yet these questions remain and continue today. Perhaps you have heard certain answers and later heard other answers, and perhaps you have your own opinion, as we all do. Maybe you are one who simply wants to “get along,” “not make waves,” and simply avoid any such discussion concerning these issues. So, are these issues important and why might they be important? Peter tells us, “. . . always be[ing] prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
 

It has been asked, “What is the difference between apathy and empathy?” And someone answered, “I don’t know, and I don’t care.” How true this statement is. Why should we care about what others think, and why should we care about the “why” of what we do?
 

As a pastor, I believe that it is important not only to teach the faith but to teach the “why” of the faith. If you do not know the “why” of faith, then you might believe a wrong faith, and God has given me the responsibility and says He will hold me accountable for what I teach. Therefore I teach because:
    ●    I believe it is most important that not only do we believe, but that we know “why” we believe.
    ●    I have heard too many not be able to express the “why” of what we believe.
    ●    Too many people have an inability to express the “why” of what we believe.
    ●    Because too many are unable to give an answer, a defense of our faith (and thus may even be susceptible to believing someone who can articulate some other belief)
    ●    Not caring may be seen as a low level of either acceptance of something false or misleading or seen as no faith.
    ●    God tells us, “So everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33)
 

In the next few articles I will attempt to address, explain and teach so that one can give an answer to the issues above, as well as, others which have been brought to my attention.
 

Over the past few years I have been privileged to present a sectional at our Higher Things youth gathering which I titled, “Why Am I Lutheran?” I have presented much of that material here at St. Matthew in Bible class and on other occasions, and I believe it is important to be able to articulate why we are Lutheran especially when we are asked by those who have a desire to know, and if they ask, we know they will want to listen. I am presenting this material here and will be posting it on my blog so that you will have it and it will be available to others and other churches to use. As I have prefaced my presentations, if people do not ask, it means they do not want to know. So no matter what you say, they are not listening. But if they do ask, they are interested. You not only have the opportunity but also permission to give an answer, and that is the best time to answer and to give a witness. So be ready!