New To Lutheranism

[Hermit76]

Sooo...

We just started attending a WELS church. I had never visited a Lutheran church before because of so many misconceptions (mainly based upon the liberal denoms). What we have found is a well balanced view of grace, faith and works. I grew up Baptist, spent my youth around Pentecostalism (I know, I know), and have been around Anabaptist churches the past few years. I have found those churches that focus on works to be very stressful and controlling to the point of creating a second law. As you can imagine, my family is soaking up Lutheran theology.

My question is this: Are there any unexpected teachings/practices that we might come across? We were isolated out west for a while and were in an Anglican church, so we know about and have studied infant baptism. So, anything else?

 

[Tangible]

I would strongly suggest picking up a copy of Gene Veith's "The Spirituality of the Cross: The Way of the First Evangelicals." This book more than anything else is the reason why I am Lutheran today.

 

[Hermit76]

Just ordered that book. I am reading "Broken" by Jonathan Fisk right now.

 

[ForgivenChildofGod]

Here is a site that you might find helpful. http://whataboutjesus.com/

 

[Hermit76]

I appreciate that website. I have been exchanging emails with the WELS pastor. He has answered many of my questions. I have also read the small catechism and other Lutheran writings over the past couple weeks. There's some great resources out there.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

The Book of Concord is a good read (Unaltered 1580 edition that is).

 

[Arcangl86]

I hear really good things about "The Lutheran Difference" by Edward Engelbrecht. I've read portions of it, and I like the way it contrasts the different denominations, which I think might be especially useful for somebody converting as an adult.

 

[KEPLER]

Get a good Lutheran commentary on Romans (Luther's is great, naturally, but you also need one more current), and read through the discussion on Romans 7. Most of the anabaptist, fundagelical crowd will say that Paul is describing his situation prior to conversion, but Lutheran commentators will say that, on the contrary, the grammar is entirely present-indicative, and that Paul is describing the normal condition of the Christian, i.e. the struggle to put off the old Adam, or as we Lutherans like to say, simul justus et peccator (we are simultaneously justified and sinful).

 

[Taom Ben Robert]

The Augsburg Confession of 1530 would help you greatly , it has certainly helped me.

 

[Searching_for_Christ]

I think almost anyone would certainly recommend picking up the Book of Concord for a fantastic source of Lutheran Theology. I second Tangibles recommendation for the Spirituality of the Cross and I do believe he is actually the reason why I initially picked up that book a few years ago lol.


Random extra book I would like to recommend is "The Hammer of God" by Bishop Bo Giertz.

 

[Hermit76]

Thanks for all your responses an suggestions. Our pastor has been a great reference. Tomorrow we are set to join and commune for the first time.