Bethany Lutheran Church: The celebration of Easter 2008

[Norskyone]

Lutheran clergy are appropriately called "priest." "Priest" refers to the vocation of the ordained office of holy ministry and his role as steward of the mysteries (sacraments, etc..) "Pastor" is a title which refers to his role as "shepherd" of the flock. Priest and pastor are both correct. (Apostolic succession is a totally different conversation which involves valitidy of sacramental consecration, etc.)

[karpov89]

@Norskyone A reason why the word priest should be use is that the ordained and consecrated priest represents Jesus Christ in his function as a "priest forever in the order of Melchizedek". The Lutheran churches which are episcopal and has retained the Apostolic succession (also the Danish church which do not have it and don't want it) do therefore call their consecrated and ordained clergy bishop, priest and deacon.

[bamboorules]

Did he just say I forgive you of your sins? A priest can't forgive sins only Jesus!!!!

[brobren]

Your comment reflects a deficient ecclesiology. Try John 20:22-24

[karpov89]

However he is a pastor not a priest..

[karpov89]

In the sacrament of conciliation the priest can on behalf of Jesus Christ say the forgivness of sins.

[karpov89]

@bamboorules The consecrated priest has become the power to forgive sins on behalf of Jesus Christ according to John 20:22-24. That is in the sacrament of reconciliation (confession).

[JesusLovesRoger]

@karpov89 There is no such thing as a consecrated priest for today my friend. We have a priesthood in the order of Melchizedek now, and only Jesus Christ holds that office. The order of Aaron was done away with when the temple tore in the temple. No man can forgive sins. Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to be forgiven. We must go to the Father through Him, not a Catholic priest.

[karpov89]

@JesusLovesRoger Of course there are priests; even according the Apology of the Confessio Augustana Holy orders clearly may be regarded as a sacrament. Confession is also a sacrament according to John 20:22-24. It is not the person who forgives but the ordained priest who has become the power to forgive in the name of the Father, Son and Holy spirit. So it is.

[Hatethehater]

what the fuck is this? easter is a pagan holiday

[pastorgeoff]

Yes, the origin of Easter is completly pagan and all of our modern day easter symbols have pagan roots, but the meaning today is not like it was back then. However, if we lie to our children and say the Easter bunny is real, then that's the pagan part that God tells us not to have part in.

[karpov89]

A Church who is not catholic in a broad sense is not a church. Luther was catholic himself and did not want to start a new church. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden does still retain the apostolic succession trough the unbroken line of laying of hands of the bishops from the apostle S:t Peter, = a true church.

That Jesus did not use the words sacrament is of no concern whatsoever. Christian faith comes from the Christian Tradition, senses fidei, and the Canon is a derivate from that.

[jlmarsha]

Oh yes and all Protestants aren't Christian's ether. Spoken like a true catholic close minded. We are all gods children weather you are catholic or protestant. But Oh forgive me you are the only ones who will be saved aren't you? I have heard it all my life by the all mighty Catholics I love my lord Jesus as much as you catholics do, get over your selves

[pastorgeoff]

"I was glad when they said to me 'Let us go to the house of The LORD', Now our feet our standing, within your gates, O Jerusalem." I love that part!

[supernatural2029]

the lutheran church is similar to catholic church in some aspects and the holy sacraments are biblic and they are part from the early christian church.. the catholic church is the true and contains the apostolic succession. the lutherans recognize many aspects of the universal councils like mary mother of God

[lukamamatoto]

who are u to disagree on the holy sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ?!! May God destroy all heresies!!

[NorseLuther]

What a wonderful church!

God bless you

[annakim925]

Pagan? Don't say that. These people is not congregation who follow Martin Luther or any other saints. They are just worshipping HOLY GOD and keeping the good custom. Sometimes we must observe and learn from Catholic, but not all of them.

[jensen627]

The Catholic Church is not pegan. The Lutheran worship service is very similar to the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church. Infant Baptism and Official Sacraments are rites instituted by Christ to give us grace.

[pastorgeoff]

Yes, Jesus said take part in Communion, and Yes he said get Baptized, but he NEVER called them Sacraments. There is not a hint of Infant Baptism in the Bible. And Yes the Roman Catholic Church is Pagan. Look at it's history:)

[jensen627]

There is reference in the Bible where whole households were Baptized. How do you know that infants were not baptized in those households? Also why would Jesus have to use the word "Sacrament"? The Bible does not use the word Trinity either. Pastorgeoff return home to Rome and get off your pedestal... or at least come home to organized religion like Lutheranism or Anglican! Find the truth pastorgeoff!

[bamboorules]

Yes, In the Lords Supper he said this is my body given up for YOU!!! NOT ONLY CATHOLICS!! Can't believe that they tthink that way!!

[brobren]

Of course he didn't call them sacraments, in case you haven't figured it out the word is english. Jesus spoke aramaic.

[hillibillycat56]

It looks almost like a Novus Ordo Mass.

[wjweigand]

That says it all... the NO is as invalid as this.