In reply to Eric Fazioli.

Hey Eric, thanks for responding and helping me to understand where you're heart is.

And of course, my heart can be sincerely wrong. So, if I'm incorrect in my thinking, I'm open to correction.

First thought: you mentioned the Church needed to get back to feeding the poor and visiting prisons.

I believe the LCMS is already helping their communities, and I too am a part of serving those in need.

And yet, the Lord says we should Love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and love our neighbor as ourself....

For me personally, I fail on every count! It's not our good works that get us a place in heaven. It's totally, by God's grace.

Second thought: you mentioned the Church needed to get back to sharing the gospel and loving one another.

I agree with you again! But, I believe the gospel is most effective, if we share law and gospel.

And this is why...

Right now, in this land there are those who are trying to strip God's law from everything! (Even though, God has placed His laws in the hearts of men so they will be without excuse.)

Lawlessness:
Abortion: a woman's choice?
Divorce: no fault?
Lies: white lies are okay?
Stealing: just don't get caught?
Sex outside of God's marriage covenant: already being ignored?

You get the idea...?

The question is: what does it matter if all of God's laws are wiped out?

Because if there is no law/sin, then why do we need the gospel or a Savior to rescue us from our sinful nature?

And is the world preparing for "The man of lawlessness" to be revealed? He will exalt himself as god. In God's temple.
(2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-4)

Jesus praying to the Father,
"I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
*Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." (‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭14-15, *17‬ NIV)

> All in the love of Christ.