In a recent discussion about what is right and what is wrong, it became clear that there had to be some authority or benchmark according to which to measure the things that were being considered. To say this is "right" or this is "wrong" requires that we ask the question: "Who says so?"
There is a natural moral conscience within all humans. Its a part of who we are as spiritual beings. The source for that conscience is God. God gives every person a conscience. As a "voice" within him it bears witness to God's law.
The observable thing about our consciences is that they are not completely reliable. Even though we all have a conscience, not all of our consciences are equally sensitive or clear about moral decisions. This dissimilarity reveals the fact that as a group humankind is imperfect. A person's conscience, imperfect as it is, is not completely dependable because it may tell him something is a sin which God doesn't say is a sin.
To remove doubt or confusion God gave His Law in another way as well. In addition to writing it on the heart of man, He gave it in written form and had it included in the Bible. A very popular, that is, commonly known and easily understood, summary of God's Law is "The 10 Commandments." The simplest summary of God's Law is set forth in the biblical book of Romans 13:9,10. "The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
As a part of our Lutheran Heritage at Emmanuel and Grace congregations we take special effort to train our children so that they not only know who they are, who Jesus is, and what Jesus has done for them, but we also prepare them for a life long relationship with God and their fellow Christians by teaching them the 10 commandments and what they mean for their lives. We call those classes confirmation instruction, and the course leads them to become communicant members of the congregation.
To help review the materials in our training book, Luther's Small Caechism, this blog will offer opportunities to review, refresh and share the basic teachings of our church. So stay tuned and feel free to ask your questions.
We offer further opportunities to study various topics and subjects at different times and ways as well. Please refer to our web page and monthly calendars for those details.Emmanuel's Page For details about Grace's schedule please call 1-651-283-9876. Pastor Kogler.
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