Church / History Lesson 2
This is the second lesson looking at our Lutheran history from Martin Luther to this congregation at Faith Church in Kalispell MT.
We will explore what it means to be "Free. Living. Lutheran."
These three words are helpful descriptions for understanding life as a disciple of Jesus in the context of a local congregation.
First and foremost, when we are talking about being disciples of Jesus in a local congregation the word "free" is referring to spiritual freedom. Second, we are talking about being "free" in the structure and organization of our local church.
This means, each individual who makes the local church has heard and responded to the Gospel. This is a gift of grace, received by faith. This does not mean each believer is living a perfect life. However, the ongoing journey of faith is characterized by repentance; that is, turning away from sin and returning to God.
This also means, for the local congregation, there is no. authority governing the congregation other than God's Word and the Holy Spirit. While we associate with and work alongside other congregations, the AFLC does not have a hierarchy of leadership telling the local congregation what is must do.
Similarly, when we talk about being "living" the first point is a spiritual aliveness. When you are in relationship with Jesus, you get to experience life. A living relationship with Jesus is never the same. Yes, Jesus is the same, but His impact on your life makes it so you are constantly changing. Sometimes you are very aware of this happening. Other times, you don't realize the work that is being done in your soul.
As a local church, we are a "living" organism more so than an organization. While we are organized, we are also able to change as the Spirit leads in alignment with God's Word. This means we don't have to do something "'cuz that's what we've always done." This also means, we don't have to change to stay "on trend" or "to be relevant."
Living individuals make a living congregation. Our identity is rooted in Jesus. We have been called to make disciples, which is a bigger than ourselves. Daily surrendering and trusting God will allow us to continue as a living congregation.
Being "Lutheran" is not so much about the style of worship on a Sunday morning, the particular practices the church participates in during a year, or what translation of the Bible is read.
Instead, it is helpful to understand being "Lutheran" as looking at what the Bible teaches through a particular set of lenses. There are many shades of lenses on a rack of sunglasses at the store. Similarly, there are different lenses that are used to view what the Bible teaches and what has long been agreed upon as "Orthodox Christian teaching."
The "Lutheran lens" makes it clear to see that the Holy Scriptures (OT & NT) are the only source of faith, teaching and spiritual life. The Ecumenical Creeds (Apostles Creed, Nicene Creed, & Athanation Creed) are helpful summaries of what is taught throughout the Bible regarding how someone can come to. salvation. The Unaltered Augsburg Confession and Luther's Small Catechism are good guides for understanding more specific teachings from the Bible; especially regarding what God's Word teaches regarding original sin and the tension of grace and works. For Faith Free Lutheran Church in Kalispell, MT the 12 Fundamental Principles of the AFLC are helpful for the organization and continual activities of the local congregation.
Student & Parent Questions (for the student and a parent to discuss and answer together)
