Non-denominational view of how to get to heaven.

[wordsoflife]

All right. That puts it in the camp of only about half of all Christian parishes, regardless of denomination.

I have attended many, many Churches and have not found this to be the case.

 

[Albion]

I have attended many, many Churches and have not found this to be the case.

I'd be curious to know the affiliation of those churches, in that case.

 

[Albion]

If that is all your pastor is doing, then you are not too far from the non-denominational camp in which the gospel is preached virtually every Sunday and there is no other teaching.

Yes, but he also stipulated that the Eucharist be celebrated.

 

[wordsoflife]

I'd be curious to know the affiliation of those churches, in that case.

Many charismatic and nondenominational churches. Although I have attended just about every church under the sun I haven't found one that preaches the gospel purely like my Pastor does. Usually, I hear topical touchy feel good sermons that satisfy itching ears. Not the pure gospel being preached.

 

[Albion]

Many charismatic and nondenominational churches.

No offense to them, but these are hardly the mainstream of Christianity nor do they represent much of a much of a range of Christian churches. But if we consider the whole range of Christian denominations, most do--yes, really--preach from the Bible and observe the Eucharist.

The Lutheran churches are known for preaching from the Word of God and not making the sermons be of the "how to relate to life" or "what's going on in the social or political realms" kind of thing, it's true. And the Eucharist is held in high regard, so I wouldn't want to take away anything from what you feel about the LCMS. However, it's also true that many other churches are comparable.

 

[wordsoflife]

most do--yes, really--preach from the Bible

I'm not talking about preaching from the Bible. I'm talking about preaching the gospel.

 

[bbbbbbb]

Actually, I have found this to be quite different at nondenominational Churches. What I found there was topical sermons for itching ears on Sunday's and not the pure gospel being preached. Look at what the apostle Paul said:

1 Corinthians 2:2
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

What is the "pure gospel" and is there a particular reason to preach it continually to Christians as opposed to giving the the meat of the Word through teaching?

 

[bbbbbbb]

Yes, but he also stipulated that the Eucharist be celebrated.

That is why I said they were not too far apart, although if one believes the Eucharist to be the essential aspect of a church service, then they would be quite far apart.

 

[bbbbbbb]

No offense to them, but these are hardly the mainstream of Christianity nor do they represent much of a much of a range of Christian churches. But if we consider the whole range of Christian denominations, most do--yes, really--preach from the Bible and observe the Eucharist.

The Lutheran churches are known for preaching from the Word of God and not making the sermons be of the "how to relate to life" or "what's going on in the social or political realms" kind of thing, it's true. And the Eucharist is held in high regard, so I wouldn't want to take away anything from what you feel about the LCMS. However, it's also true that many other churches are comparable.

This is quite true. There seems to be a lot of sound and light emanating from many contemporary churches, but they constitude a minority among Protestant churches in general.

 

[wordsoflife]

What is the "pure gospel" and is there a particular reason to preach it continually to Christians as opposed to giving the the meat of the Word through teaching?

The pure gospel is the good news. Christ crucified for the forgiveness of sins. In my opinion this is the "meat" of the Word.

 

[bbbbbbb]

The pure gospel is the good news. Christ crucified for the forgiveness of sins. In my opinion this is the "meat" of the Word.

So, what is the milk of the Word and why were the recipients of the letter to the Hebrews chastised for remaining on milk (Hebrews 5:11-14)?

Do you see any purpose for teaching and, if so, should it be to unbelievers outside of the church environment or for believers in the church environment? If it is the latter, when and where should it happen?

 

[Albion]

This is quite true. There seems to be a lot of sound and light emanating from many contemporary churches, but they constitude a minority among Protestant churches in general.

Anything's possible, but how would you know?

 

[Albion]

.

 

[Albion]

The pure gospel is the good news. Christ crucified for the forgiveness of sins. In my opinion this is the "meat" of the Word.

Ah, specificity. But if you think that Lutherans are unique in doing THAT, you're wrong.

 

[wordsoflife]

Ah, specificity. But if you think that Lutherans are unique in doing THAT, you're wrong.

I'm sure that you are right and there are other Churches where the gospel is proclaimed regularly. I just have not found them so they are not a part of my experience.

 

[wordsoflife]

So, what is the milk of the Word and why were the recipients of the letter to the Hebrews chastised for remaining on milk (Hebrews 5:11-14)?

I can't rightly answer this question and neither do you know the answer. But, I would say that the gospel is the meat of what a believer needs to learn and know.

 

[wordsoflife]

Do you see any purpose for teaching and, if so, should it be to unbelievers outside of the church environment or for believers in the church environment? If it is the latter, when and where should it happen?

We do have a Sunday School class where there is additional teaching but in the worship service the gospel is always proclaimed along with the Eucharist.

 

[bbbbbbb]

We do have a Sunday School class where there is additional teaching but in the worship service the gospel is always proclaimed along with the Eucharist.

I once knew a LCMS minister who taught a class on Classic Lutheranism, which I attended. He made the point that a good sermon ought to contain equal portions of Law and Grace. I assume from that statement that he meant that to be preaching of the gospel.

If there are no unbelievers in attendance and the believers have heard the Gospel innumerable times at church, what, do you think, is the primary reason for preaching it to the detriment of teaching on other biblical matters?

 

[wordsoflife]

I once knew a LCMS minister who taught a class on Classic Lutheranism, which I attended. He made the point that a good sermon ought to contain equal portions of Law and Grace. I assume from that statement that he meant that to be preaching of the gospel.

Yes, the law and gospel. That is it. My Pastor always puts the law and the gospel in his sermons.

 

[wordsoflife]

If there are no unbelievers in attendance and the believers have heard the Gospel innumerable times at church, what, do you think, is the primary reason for preaching it to the detriment of teaching on other biblical matters?

I think we always can use a reminder of the gospel. As the crucified Christ stands at the right hand of God ever making intercession for our sin. There is great peace to be found in the good news and constant reminders can only strengthen our faith.