This session was abbreviated due to technical problems.

This is the first and opening teaching on our new series based on the book of Revelation. Pastor Rhode gives and introduction to this very important New Testament book. We invite you to join live each Sunday morning at 9:20 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.

We are ending this teaching series, BEING A CHRISTIAN. This session, Sacrament of the Alter (or commonly called Lord's Supper or Communion) begins with an excellent 10-minute summary of the doctrines taught so far in this series and how they are related. Don't miss this opening summary. Pastor Rhode then segues into explaining: 1.) what we are receiving in the Sacrament of the Altar, 2.) what are the benefits of this receiving, and 3.) who is to receive these benefits.

Confession and Absolution is considered a sacrament because it is commanded by God. It is delivered to us by our pastors through the Office of the Keys given in John 20:22-23. Repentance is a key part of confession. Repentance is not just sorrow over our sin, but a serious attack on the old man within us. Repentance returns us to our baptism. As we walk in the new Christian life, our baptism gives grace continually so the new man in us may grow in strength by the power of the Holy Spirit. Repentance comes only from Christ Jesus, our advocate, not our works. Repentance returns us to our baptism. The "ship of Baptism" breaks only if we reject it.

Jesus Himself commands Baptism and tells us that Baptism is water used together with the Word of God. Baptism is one of the miraculous means of grace through which God creates and sustains the gift of faith in a person�s heart and grants us forgiveness of sins. The faith given in Baptism needs to be fed and nurtured by God�s Word (Matt. 28:18-20), or it will die. Lutherans baptize people of all ages, from infancy to adulthood. Since Baptism is explicitly commanded by God, and has His precious promises attached to it, Lutherans are careful not to neglect this important sacrament given us by God.