Dear God, my FRiends! How did this denomination fall so far and so fast? This sort of nonsense seems to be happening more and more. Not sure if we just hear about more of it because of better news transmission or if I should skip ahead in my Bible reading to Revelations.
I will pray and work to keep the ELCA from following this path of apostasy. I know there are other FReepers who feel that the ELCA is beyond redemption, but I know I must at least try.
Keep the faith!
Tell the Story!
Sing the song!
Sing this hymn, which we shall use to begin the Liturgy this coming Lord's Day as we commemorate the 476th anniversary of the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession:
"Rise, Ye Children of Salvation"
by Justus Falckner, 1672-1723
Translated by Emma R. Bevan, 1827-1909
1. Rise, ye children of salvation,
All who cleave to Christ, the Head.
Wake, arise, O mighty nation,
Ere the Foe on Zion tread.
He draws nigh and would defy
All the hosts of God Most High.
2. Saints and heroes long before us
Firmly o this ground have stood;
See their banner waving o'er us,
Conquerors through the Savior's blood.
Ground we hold whereon of old
Fought the faithful and the bold.
3. Fighting, we shall be victorious
By the blood of Christ, our Lord;
On our foreheads, bright and glorious,
Shines the witness of His Word;
Spear and shield on battle-field,
His great name we cannot yield.
4. When His servants stand before Him,
Each receiving his reward;
When His saints in light adore Him,
Giving glory to the Lord,
"Victory!" our songs shall be
Like the thunder of the sea.
The Lutheran Hymnal:
Hymn #472
Text: Jude 3
Author: Justus Falckner, 1697, cento
Translated by: Emma R. Bevan, 1858
Titled: "Auf, ihr Christen, Christi Glieder"
Composer: Joachim Neander, 1680
Tune:
"Neander"