Examination, Conviction and Denomination

I don't want to be guilty of "circular reasoning." I am doing this based on conviction as Lutherans believe with this quote " "It should be remembered that acceptance of the Bible as the sole authority for teaching comes not from rational arguments or human traditions, but is a conviction produced by the Holy Spirit in the human heart. In other words, it is a matter of faith worked by the Holy Spirit through the Scriptures themselves (see 1 Thess. 2:13)!". When I was researching LCMS's website about Holy Scriptures, I saw what I like "the necessity and importance of praying for the Holy Spirit's guidance to properly interpret Scripture as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"

We have to remember that its not the scriptures that are corrupted. Its a man's heart that is corrupted. Intelligence, reason, and choice. Studying the scriptures requires the Holy Spirit which is inward, not outward. The Holy Spirit is within us believers, Christ dwells in our hearts, and "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27) is the burning core of the Christian faith.

Regarding communion and worship, I do understand you are saying. I will fellowship with my Christian brethren "who professes to be a Christian" even though I may not agree with their beliefs. I just don't worship with them and I won't submit to their teachings (beliefs).

There are so many who will proclaim to be a Christian but only few are really Christians. There are millions of professing Christians who "think" they have been justified, who think their sins are forgiven and that they are on their way to heaven, who show no evidence of the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Many Christians are unthinkably horrified when a real sinner is suddenly discovered among the righteous. So we remain alone with our sin, living in lies and hypocrisy.

Speaking of communion, I used to attend a church that encouraged members be part of washing of the saints' feet (John 13:1-17). The purpose of feetwashing is this: Jesus asked us to do. "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet" (John 13:14). When Jesus washed His disciples' feet, He gave an example. It was an example to be followed in practice, not merely known (John 13:12-17). We do this because Jesus set an example because He simply did it. We don't view this as a commandment. It's something Jesus asked us to do, in my view that Jesus STRONGLY encourage us when He said: "ye also ought to wash one another's feet." Another reason for feet washing, is reminds us of our need for daily cleansing from sin. It's a time of introspection and self-examination. Jesus wants us to remember that even though believers have been forgiven for all sin--past, present, and future--we must appropriate His cleansing power and forgiveness on a daily basis. Its a very bonding moment to do feet washing with fellow believers in Christ.

Spiritually, the Holy Spirit, the eternal Spirit of God,who dwelled in Jesus Christ, who empowers the Church, Who is the source of our life in Christ, and Who is poured out on those who believe as the guarantee of redemption. The Church is the assembly of those who have accepted God's offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The spiritual Church is one body with many members, ordered in such a way that, through the one Spirit, believers may be built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God. Christians are called to a committed fellowship of believers in worsihp and communion.

"That if we have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make our joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose." (Philippians 2:1-2).

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16).

I understand and can see why because of this quote from LCMS's website regarding communion.

"The LCMS believes that Scripture teaches that the Lord's Supper is a precious gift of God in which Christ gives us His true body and blood (in a miraculous way), together with the bread and wine, for the forgiveness of our sins and the strengthening of our faith. Because the Bible teaches that this sacrament may also be spiritually harmful if misused, and that participation in the Lord's Supper is an act of confession of faith, the LCMS ordinarily communes only those who have been instructed in the teachings of our church and who have confessed their faith in these teachings."

I understand but I can from my own conviction disagree. Its not a huge issue, its a minor issue which is not worth debating. Christians can work together even when they differ on doctrinal issues. Christian can disagree on doctrines as long as they don't agree on the doctrine of SALVATION and other important doctrines.

Regarding Church's authority, I do and will submit to the Church's authority as long as they are following according to the Word of God. It is very important for a Christian to be identified with a local Church, to come under the authority of the elders, for accountability, and, to come into the ministry for the sake of serving Jesus Christ in that local Church. It is important for us to relize that the pastor/leaders-Church relationship is very sensitive and vitally important issue.