But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. (1Corinthians 7:7)
There are many different life situations which inspire me to write. I always keep my Bible and concordance handy, and as I search the scriptures for answers and guidance from God’s word, my faith is strengthened. I feel closely connected to God as I write.
I was brought to baptism by my parents on April 24, 1950. I was one month old. My baptism day is very special to me. It is the day I became a member of God’s family. Through Baptism the Holy Spirit puts faith in the hearts of babies who are too little to understand, but who are still little sinners and need forgiveness.
Many people feel that baptism is something we do for God. They opt to let their children choose to be baptized when they are old enough to understand and make their own choice. On the contrary – Baptism is a gift from God to us. Through baptism, (the water connected to the Word) our sins are forgiven, we become members of God’s family, and the Holy Spirit ignites faith in our hearts. Baptism is not just plain water, but it is water used by God’s command and connected with God’s Word… For without God’s Word the water is just plain water and not Baptism. But with this Word it is Baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of rebirth by the Holy Spirit. (Luther’s Catechism pg.9)
My Baptism was just the beginning of my relationship with God. My religious knowledge comes from a lifetime of attending Lutheran schools – from the first grade through my first and only year of college. Beginning in the first grade, I was taught to memorize scriptures. I learned the books of the Bible and can still recite them. I memorized the Ten Commandments from Luther’s Small Catechism (now simply Luther’s Catechism). I also memorized the creeds and I learned to praise God in song.
Each school day began with devotion and a Bible History Lesson. The Holy Spirit gives us faith not only through Baptism, but through the word. All those childhood and teen years while I thought I was simply learning memory work and doing my Bible History Lessons, the Holy Spirit was growing my faith through the word.
The WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod) does not deviate from scriptures in any way. That wonderful background of scriptures has led me to where I am today. I am using that Christian education in my writings to tell others the wonderful things God has done for all people.
There are many different life situations which inspire me to write. I always keep my Bible and concordance handy, and as I search the scriptures for answers and guidance from God’s word, my faith is strengthened. I feel closely connected to God as I write.
I was brought to baptism by my parents on April 24, 1950. I was one month old. My baptism day is very special to me. It is the day I became a member of God’s family. Through Baptism the Holy Spirit puts faith in the hearts of babies who are too little to understand, but who are still little sinners and need forgiveness.
My Baptism was just the beginning of my relationship with God. My religious knowledge comes from a lifetime of attending Lutheran schools – from the first grade through my first and only year of college. Beginning in the first grade, I was taught to memorize scriptures. I learned the books of the Bible and can still recite them. I memorized the Ten Commandments from Luther’s Small Catechism (now simply Luther’s Catechism). I also memorized the creeds and I learned to praise God in song.
Each school day began with devotion and a Bible History Lesson. The Holy Spirit gives us faith not only through Baptism, but through the word. All those childhood and teen years while I thought I was simply learning memory work and doing my Bible History Lessons, the Holy Spirit was growing my faith through the word.
The WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod) does not deviate from scriptures in any way. That wonderful background of scriptures has led me to where I am today. I am using that Christian education in my writings to tell others the wonderful things God has done for all people.
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