Sacrament of Holy Baptism

Suppose for a moment that there was a doctor who had such incredible talent that he could prevent people from dying, and bring those who had died back to life, never to die again. Just imagine how people would do whatever they could to be treated by this doctor! Now consider that in Holy Baptism, God actually does give us the gift of eternal life! Let’s learn more about this marvelous blessing.

Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s Word.

What’s so special about a handful of simple water? Nothing, until God connects His Word to it! In Baptism, that is exactly what God is doing. He combines His life-creating and life-giving Word with the waters of Holy Baptism, and thereby we are born again of water and the Spirit (John 3:5).

The meaning, power and promise of Holy Baptism rest entirely on the One who lived perfectly in our place and who suffered and died as the sacrificial ransom for the sins of the world. He rose victorious over death and the grave. In Holy Baptism, we receive all the blessings of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. Thank God for His gift of Holy Baptism!

Learn more at LCMS.org.

Sacrament of the Altar (Holy Communion)

Our Lord Jesus Christ instituted the Sacrament of the Altar with these words: “This is My body, given for you. This cup is My blood of the new testament, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins” (Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-25). The Lord’s Supper “is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink” (Small Catechism).

We do not try to explain how Jesus is present under the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper, rather we believe, teach, confess and rejoice that He is present. We Lutherans let the words of Jesus stand without arguing about their possibility, or trying to explain how they are true. As Luther put it so clearly, “We maintain that the bread and the wine in the Supper are the true body and blood of Christ”(SA III.6). Everyone who communes receives into their mouths the body and blood of Jesus Christ, whether they believe it or not, be they worthy or unworthy.

Jesus’ Word is sure and certain. The Holy Spirit gives us faith to trust in and believe Jesus’ words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” Faith in Christ’s promise is what makes us worthy to receive His Supper. Christ’s words of institution retain their validity and efficacious power and thus, by virtue of these words, the body and blood of Christ are truly present, distributed and received.

We also listen to St. Paul tell us that anyone who communes should “examine” himself/herself before he/she “eats of the bread and drinks of the cup” (1 Corinthians 11:28-29).

Self-examination involves asking yourself the following questions:

  • Am I a sinner, who trusts alone in Jesus Christ for full and free forgiveness from all sins?
  • Do I believe that with the bread and the wine the Body and Blood of Christ are truly present in the Sacrament?
  • Do I intend to amend my sinful life by the power of God’s Holy Spirit and live as God’s new creation?

All who can answer yes to the above questions are welcome to join in our celebration at the table of the Lord. Anyone who has questions concerning our teaching about the Sacrament is encouraged to talk to the Pastor prior to the service.

Learn more at LCMS.org.