<> Ask the Pastor Pastor Walter Snyder Ever get discouraged, wondering if what you do is of any lasting value? Is God really watching? Is the work being blessed by him? Pastors and lay people alike can fall into this trap, but God knows and cares. And if he cares, that's a sign for us to surrender our own cares and get back to the tasks at hand. An example comes from a sermon on the miraculous catch of fish: "All of this should encourage us to follow Peter's splendid example. He held steadfastly to Christ's word, refusing to let other thoughts and doubts lean him astray. If you are a pastor engaged in preaching and teaching your people, and the response hasn't been all that great, don't be dismayed and diverted. Say to yourself: 'God has ordered me to proclaim his Word, and that's what I'll continue to do. If it doesn't always prosper, God knows why; if my work does thrive, it pleases both him and me.' The same attitude should prevail in any other of life's callings. Say to yourself: 'God's Word and will are present, and so I'll go ahead, throw out my net, and let God worry about how full it will be!'" The quote is from "Sermon for the Fifth Sunday After Trinity on Luke 5:1-11," (1533) in Sermons of Martin Luther: The House Postils, Volume 2, Ed. by Eugene Klug (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996), p. 288-289. Q: My wife has had several 'discussions' with a co-worker and is having trouble trying to explain so it is understood why we do not participate in community-wide church services such as on Good Friday. Can you help? A: Although not alone, Lutherans are now in a minority that abstains from joint religious ceremonies featuring clergy from different churches. This is because of a concern for pure doctrine [teaching] that grew out of the Reformation. Likewise, much of Lutheranism still refuses to join the National or World Council of Churches, since this implies a fellowship relationship that does not exist because of doctrinal differences. We do this based on the belief that Scripture commands us not to compromise our stand. We do not want to join the throng that "stands for nothing and falls for everything." As Romans 16:17 says, "Mark those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned and avoid them." Q: 1 John 1:9 states "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from unrighteousness." If we're born in sin and we have a sin-nature, what happens to a baby or young child if he or she dies. Will God automatically take the child into heaven? Will the child automatically be given eternal life since the child is unable to confess his sins? Just recently, these questions came up in our church. A: We turn to God's Word for the answer to questions it forces us to ask. God declares all people sinful, regardless of age. God pours out his wrath on sinners. God forgives the sins of those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior. If one cannot confess consciously and orally, what else is there? What remains is God's promise of regeneration (new life) in Baptism. The Scriptures forbid no one from its cleansing waters because of age. Through water and the Word, the Holy Spirit creates and sustains faith. He presents sin-tainted people to the Father as pure and holy because baptism is the putting on of the garments of the new life in Christ. Baptism is thus not a legal requirement of God's that earns something for us. It is, instead, a means by which forgiveness is imparted because of the grace of God in Christ Jesus. Although none of us can discern the hidden knowledge of God, what he has revealed is clear: "Baptism now saves." If there is eternal life apart from either hearing and believing the word as an older child or adult and then being baptized, or from Baptism alone (and later learning the Word) for younger children, the Bible doesn't tell us of it. We may hope, wish, or pray--and all these have their proper place--but I recommend primarily that we trust in his promise that Baptism is "the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit." By it, even small children are made saints and heirs of everlasting life. The ability to confess our sin is a gift from God, and Holy Baptism is one way in which confession is made and by which forgiveness is obtained. Until next week, when, Lord willing, we enjoy more of your questions, remember to "Ask the Pastor" at P.O. Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; E-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or catch me around town. Pastor Snyder serves St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches, Jasper and Woodville, Texas and is the coauthor of "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1997 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.