A Stunning Picture of the Emerald Isle shared from Leslie Dixon - 

 Words of a Wise man called Socrates - 

 THE FAMILY ALTAR

October 27.

"Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus

Christ Himself being the chief corner-stone." Eph. 2:20.

Our dear Lutheran Church is not a new church founded by

Martin Luther four hundred years ago, as its enemies so maliciously

maintain; nor is the Anglican Church founded by King Henry VIII. Though the Lutheran Church bears the name of Luther, we do not believe in Luther nor in a single word he said, unless he proves its

truth from the holy Word of God. Luther himself claimed no

authority to teach anything outside of the inspired Scriptures.

He writes most emphatically: aSo Luther himself will not be a

Lutheran, except in sb far as he purely teaches the Holy Scripture."

And again he declares: "The Word of God alone shall establish

articles of faith; nothing else, not even an angel from heaven."

When a question arises concerning Christian doctrine or life, our

Lutheran Church will accept neither the decision of human reason,

nor the tradition of the church-fathers, nor any new revelation,

but simply asks : "What does the Word of God say in the matter ?"

When that question has been answered, then the matter is decided

finally and for all time. We Lutherans can boldly challenge all

our enemies to point out one single article of faith our Church

holds that is not clearly taught in the Bible. The Bible, the whole

Bible, and nothing but the Bible is our rule and guide in matters

of faith, and our Lord Jesus Christ and His saving merit is our

only hope of salvation. We must bear the "nickname" Lutheran

which the papists gave to Luther and his followers, because it has

now become historic. But we really ought to be called Bible-

Christians, for our faith is built alone on the foundation of the

apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner-

stone. With the old confessor of Eeformation days we can say:

"My faith is not built on Luther; he did not die for me; he is

not my God and Savior. And in this sense I am not a Lutheran.

But if I be asked whether I profess the doctrine of Holy Scripture

which Luther has restored to us, then I am not ashamed to call

myself a Lutheran. In this sense I am and will remain a Lutheran

as long as I live." Then here, my Church! my dear old Church!

Thy child would add a vow

To that whose token once was signed

Upon his infant brow: —

Assault who may, kiss and betray,

Dishonor and disown,

My Church shall yet be dear to me,

My fathers' and my own !

NOTE: Hertzberger is obviously a devoted Lutheran, but his theology is purely reformed and one with which we can agree in almost every point except perhaps Sacramental Union. I enjoy his devotions because they are clearly succinct and biblically sound. (JLO)