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“Why We Do What We Do”
“Why?” If you’ve ever raised (or been) a small child, you know the word well. It comes rapid-fire: “Why do I have to brush my teeth?” “Why is the sky blue?” “Why can’t I have ice cream for breakfast?” Sometimes it feels like pure curiosity, other times it’s a clever attempt to delay bedtime. But that little question is more than childhood stubbornness. “Why?” is the question that helps us grow in wisdom, understanding our vocations as Christians, and whom we go to for Help.
The Church always needs to ask “Why?” In 1580, as our Lutheran fathers faced confusion, false teaching, and outright attacks on the Gospel, they asked the same question: Why do we confess the truth of God’s Word so carefully and publicly? Their answer is clearly stated in the preface to the Book of Concord (the confessions to which every LCMS pastor, teacher, & congregation gladly subscribes):
“We should take pains, with the greatest earnestness and our utmost ability, to attend to those matters that promote a) the extension of God’s name and glory;
b) the spread of His Word (from which alone we hope for salvation);
c) peace and tranquility of churches and schools; and
d) the instruction and consolation of disturbed consciences.” (Preface to the BOC, Reader’s Edition, p.10).
Four simple points that still tell us exactly why we do what we do in the Church today. Every time the pure Word is preached in one of 194 congregations, every time a sinner is baptized, kneels at the Lord’s Table, the Word is applied in pastoral care, devotions at school chapels, or prayer around a kitchen table. We are living out the “why” as the body of Christ to give a clear conscience to all who hear! By this Word the Church continues to grow (Mark 4:26-29).
From 1580 to 2025 to the day Jesus returns: this is still why we do what we do.
In the peace of Christ (John 20:19-23)
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