1 Corinthians 11:29 doesn't say to "discern the body and blood". It says to discern *the body* -- that is, the people.
The problem with close communion isn't that you don't commune someone unrepentant or outside the confession of faith; the problem is that you exclude people *inside* the confession of faith, breaking Scripture's command in the name of keeping it.
Well said, Sir.
We have so much work to do.
Than you Ben! May I reprint this? Sometimes congregants need to hear the same message from another pastor.
Go for it. I hope it is helpful.
Sounds like a good reason not to grow your church.
Not sure what you mean by this. My concern is with being faithful to the Bible and our Lutheran Confessions.
The Lord bless and keep you.
1 Corinthians 11:29 doesn't say to "discern the body and blood". It says to discern *the body* -- that is, the people.
The problem with close communion isn't that you don't commune someone unrepentant or outside the confession of faith; the problem is that you exclude people *inside* the confession of faith, breaking Scripture's command in the name of keeping it.