On October 31st, 1517, Martin Luther nailed ninety-five theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg.
The very first one of the ninety-five reads:
When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, “Repent” (Mt 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.
Repentance (both sincere sorrow over sin and a bold reception of the grace of Jesus) is the distinguishing mark of those who live in the Kingdom of God. No other earthly kingdom or territory speaks this language.
Where else can you hear the following phrases?
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me a sinner.’” (Luke 18:13)
“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” (Isaiah 6:5)
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:15-16)
You won’t hear much of that dialect in the territories of Wall Street or Main Street. It’s not the type of thing you’d hear coming out of the media outlets or entertainment industry. Nor is it the accent that bounces around the halls of congress or the corridors of academia or the blogosphere.
Sadly, to be quite honest, sometimes, you don’t even hear that accent in the church.
Through the work of the Triune God, confession, absolution, and the living out of the baptismal life are at the heart and center of the Lutheran School of Theology.
In the video below, you’ll see how the formation of African Lutherans to be teachers of the faith begins, ends, and forever continues with a life of repentance.
Here’s a conversation with Dr. Gregory Schulz and Rev. James May of Lutherans in Africa.
Video Vlog Update
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Thank you again for your generous support, encouragement, prayers and many kindnesses.
We’ll commend all into His hands. Come what may, we do belong to Jesus!
If you would like to continue to support the Missionary at Large position through East Bethlehem you can either give a charitable donation by check or through electronic giving. Here’s a link that will give you more information … Support Missionary at Large (here).