Burden & Blessing

The word “penitence” is related to the word “repentance” and has a two fold meaning: Sorrow over our sins, and trust in Jesus for forgiveness. In some cases people only think of the first of these two parts, but miss the most important. John writes “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9). King David also describes and gives us an example of true penitence. In Psalm 32 David speaks of the LORD’s promise of forgiveness, but also his deep sorrow over his sins. Part of this Psalm is used in the Confession of our sins in our Worship services, and is especially fitting during our Lenten reflections. 

source https://burdenblessing.podbean.com/e/word-of-the-week-penitence/

Why would someone worship Satan? That seems like a pretty strange concept to us Christians. But Satanism is an actual religion that is very real. Whether someone is drawn to this religion because of curiosity over the supernatural or merely identifies as a Satanist as a statement against religion entirely, many people are drawn to Satanism. How can we witness to such people? What about demon possession, should we be afraid of something like that happening to us? In this Podcast, Pastors Mark Tiefel and Ben Libby address the topics surrounding Satanism and talk about what the Christian mindset should be when confronted with this religion. Jesus says of Satan, “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.” (John 8:44)  Even though we once were a part of his kingdom and “once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh”, we now have been saved through God’s Almighty power and truly are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2).

source https://burdenblessing.podbean.com/e/world-religions-satanism/

As we begin the season of Lent on this Ash Wednesday, we learn about the history, meaning and symbolism in the practice of the Imposition of Ashes on Ash Wednesday. It is sad that many see this as a “Roman Catholic” practice and do not make use of it in our Lutheran churches. While this practice has been misused by some, if properly used, it is a beautiful and very meaningful practice that was used in the Ancient Church and has been used in Lutheranism even to this day. It is a clear reminder of our mortality (Law) as well as our Baptism, though which our sins were washed away (Gospel). What could be more clearly Lutheran (or Christian) than that? Lord, bless our Lenten meditations on this Ash Wednesday and throughout this Passion Season!  

source https://burdenblessing.podbean.com/e/word-of-the-week-ash-wednesday/