Election, Lutherans, and the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation

Voting falls in line with Christian worship, education, and evangelic ministry. 

This election, many Christians will vote to hold onto religious freedom for the good of all people. 

God already knows the outcome of the election. He knows your heart and mine (I’ll be voting Republican). Read more on a Lutheran view of church and state.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6: 10-11

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 ESV

As a Christian businesswoman, wife, and mother, my focus is on important political issues that allow for freedom to be faithful. I believe children in the womb have a right to live and in God’s perfect plan for marriage.

Don't Be Hating (video) explains the Fifth Commandment. I look to a candidate who will make better choices on Supreme Court Justices.

Tuesday With Luther (video) discusses the Sixth Commandment. I favor a party who respects my right to live my faith in making business decisions that include when and for whom I do creative and artistic work.

Every man must do two things alone; he must do his own believing and his own dying.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/martinluth385320.html

Please vote and pray for our nation and world.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Discernment and forgiveness of sins is for all who humbly confess, repent, turn around and receive Christ’s grace.

Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! Psalm 40:4

I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you. Isaiah 44:22 ESV 

On the Last Day the Truth will be known.

…so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2: 10-11

Meditating upon our Creator’s masterpiece at the Minnesota North Shore on Lake Superior with my sister and daughter. “Every man must do two things alone; he must do his own believing and his own dying.” Martin Luther

Until that Last Day, let’s trust our Sovereign Lord and make every effort to vote for politicians who (and support ministries which) aren’t wooed by activists with itching ears.

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
2 Timothy 4: 1-8 ESV

Speaking of ministry…

Lutherans Celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, October 31, 2017 

Martin Luther stood up for the truths of God’s Word. Read more about the 500th Anniversary of Reformation.

Let’s pray for all Lutherans

• Thank you, Christ, for keeping faithful Lutherans in pure Biblical doctrine and undiluted theology
• Thank you, Spirit, for inspiring Bible teachers who don’t distort your Word
• Thank you, Father, for pastors who lead divine worship, preaching sermons you inspire without veering into unauthorized territory
• Dear God, close itching ears and redirect activist Lutherans who have lost their way and corrupted your Good News 
• Oh, Holy Spirit, encourage the apathetic, protect ignorant members, and exhort leaders of the erring Lutheran denomination

God’s hand was in the timing of Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press and Martin Luther’s Bible translation which lead to the worldwide distribution of God’s Word. Read more.

To mark the reformation milestone, I created printable art for my Christian (LCMS) friends:

Faith, Word, Grace, Truth Luther’s Rose, It’s all about Jesus: Lutheran art is a fresh look at the historical symbol which Martin Luther shared in good friendship.

About the Art of Martin Luther’s Seal with my Design Rendition

Martin Luther personally oversaw the creation of the Luther Rose which is a timeless visual summary of the Christian faith. Luther explained the meaning:

“First, there is a black cross in a heart that remains its natural color. This is to remind me that it is faith in the Crucified One that saves us. Anyone who believes from the heart will be justified (Romans 10:10). It is a black cross, which mortifies and causes pain, but it leaves the heart its natural color. It doesn’t destroy nature, that is to say, it does not kill us but keeps us alive, for the just shall live by faith in the Crucified One (Romans 1:17). The heart should stand in the middle of a white rose. This is to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace—it puts the believer into a white, joyous rose. Faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives (John 14:27). This is why the rose must be white, not red. White is the color of the spirits and angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12). This rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that a joyful spirit and faith is a beginning of heavenly, future joy, which begins now, but is grasped in hope, not yet fully revealed. Around the field of blue is a golden ring to symbolize that blessedness in heaven lasts forever and has no end. Heavenly blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and better than any possessions, just as gold is the most valuable and precious metal.” — Letter from Martin Luther to Lazarus Spengler, July 8, 1530 [WA Br 5:445]; tr. P. T. McCain

Using Adobe Illustrator, I created my own rendition of Luther’s concept covered by a purple banner, “It's all about Jesus”. This is to emphasize the Biblical doctrine that “nothing we do” achieves salvation which is only in Christ. The traditional role of purple used by liturgical congregations during Lent reminds Christians of their daily need to humbly seek to live a life of repentance. “And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him.”—Mark 15:17 ESV. Four words in the gold ring explain Martin Luther’s teaching. Read more about Grace alone, Faith alone, Scripture (Word) alone, Jesus (Truth) alone.

My favorite ideas to use the art: Baptism Onesies and Coloring Pages for Sunday School!

Line art for printing solid 1-color items and Sunday School coloring pages.

Lutheran clip art to create printed gifts that celebrate Baptism and the Reformation.

Luther Rose clip art available in color, grayscale and black and white.

Thanks for reading my post. Seek the Lord who will bless you in the peace of Christ!