Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church

Dear members of Salem, friends and family of our confirmands, friends in Christ Jesus;

            Do you ever wonder if the pastor struggles with the idea, does it do any good to confirm a confirmation class?  There is always the old story of the church that had bats flying around, and they could never get rid of them.  Finally the pastor solved the problem, he confirmed all the bats and they never saw them ever again.  I wonder if Edna’s dad ever wondered is it worthwhile to hitch up the horses and take her all the way into Stillwater.  Would he be pleased and maybe even surprised to see that now 83 years later Edna still is faithful to her Lord and Savior? 

            I don’t know if you as a class will remember what your sermon for the day of your confirmation is, but I can tell you, that this text which I have chosen is special to me, because on March 26, 1961, 47 years ago, my father preached on this text for my confirmation.   This text was written by a minister long ago to a young man beginning to serve the Lord, Timothy.  Paul writes, Continue in what you have learned and become convinced of.  Keeping those words before us, I would have us consider, Continuing in our Confirmation. 

I. Remember your Teachers

            When Paul told Timothy to “Continue in what you have learned,” he adds the thought, “Because you know those from whom you learned it.”  Timothy, did not have one teacher, he had several.  We even know them by name, Lois, Eunice and Paul.  His mother, his grandmother and the Apostle of the Lord were his teachers.  No doubt there were other Christians from whom Timothy learned insight into the Christian faith.   

            As a congregation member, parent, what did the class learn from you about the Christian faith and life?  Did you teach them the same that the pastors taught them?  Did they learn the same lessons?  As their pastor I taught them the Third Commandment and taught them not to despise the word of God, but to gladly hear and learn it.  Is that what you also taught them by example?  Did they see from you a desire to come to worship and commune regularly and faithfully or was it only when it was convenient?   One of the key parts of the Christian faith is being forgiven and forgiving?  Have the young of the congregation learned what it means to receive the forgiveness of Christ in communion and forgive another member, a family member or classmate?  Or have they learned how to talk bad about members and cut down and tear down rather than build up another member of the body of Christ? 

            What have they learned about Christianity from their teachers?  Personally I hope my words and actions have never driven a wedge between anyone in this class and their Savior.  I hope that my words will have always drawn you closer to what a precious Savior you have in Jesus. 

II. Remember the Truths

            Because the words and actions of God’s people can be misleading and at times totally contrary to what the Lord wants, there is only one sure guide for life.  Paul reminded Timothy how for a lifetime, yes “how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. {16} All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 

            Each one of you would highly disappoint both of your pastors and your Savior if we would not see you in heaven someday.  It would mean you have thrown away and rejected the most precious gift anyone could have given you.  It would mean that you walked up to Jesus and spit in his face and said, “I don’t need you, I don’t want you, I don’t believe in you and I don’t care whether or not you died for me.”  See the truths of Christianity are not just passages to memorize; it is a relationship to God’s own son, some one you love, you talk to, you follow, you trust to lead and guide you for the rest of your life.  You know that the basis for the message from this pulpit, from your confirmation class room came from the Bible because we knew that the Holy Scriptures are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 

            We however have not had the perfect class.  As we have studied the scriptures we have brought before them the great truths of the catechism, the creed, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the sacraments, Baptism and Lord’s Supper, the great privilege of Prayer, the meaning of confession and blessings shared through the ministry.  You also had to learn the Ten Commandments. 

            Rebuke:  The Ten Commandments are able to rebuke you.  You know how at times your parents have said “no!” to you.  That is what the Holy Scriptures say, NO!  No other god! No Cursing! No Despising Word and Sacrament! No disobeying parents!  No murder! No Adultery! No Stealing!  No lies! No coveting!   Sometimes the whole congregation needs to hear God say to each of us, NO!  Stop that!

            At the same time the word of God corrects us and the commandments tell us, “Do some things.” Do fear, love and trust in God, do pray, praise and give thanks, do gladly hear and learn his word, do honor father and mother…do love your neighbor as your self.

            “Training in Righteousness” I remember helping my children learn to ride a bike.  We had training wheels, to help keep them from falling.  Finally they were able to ride down the block without the training wheels.  These classes in confirmation are something like training wheels in the Christian life.  At this point in your life you have parents, adults and pastors and teachers around you to help you, to keep you from falling.  But we won’t be able to be with you all the time.  This is a training time, a time to help you for the days when you are on your own.  You are not alone, Christ is with you, but now you know the help he can give, the help to make right decision and choices in life, so that it is righteous, God pleasing life. 

 III. Remember to put into Practice

            What is the purpose of confirmation?  Is it not to firm you up in faith and life “so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work?”  This is not the end of your confirmation; it is the beginning, but even more.  It is the beginning of what can be the most exciting time of your life.  Your pastors and teachers can see certain gifts, talents and abilities that God has given you.  But how will you use them?  Is it possible that you will be a blessing, and eternal blessing to another friend, family member, or even the next generation? 

            As a pastor, I wonder is there a future pastor or Christian teacher in the group?  I also wonder is someone here going to be able to give a living testimony of their faith in Jesus at the age of 97?  I do no underestimate the God who loves us and the one in whom we believe.  What joy is to know him and to have the privilege to confess our faith in him and serve him the rest of our lives.  Amen.