I am not a pastor. I am not a teacher. I am not a writer. I guess I could say I ‘m a jack of many trades but master of none. I know that I am a sinner saved by God’s mercy and unmerited favor. I am thankful for that fact each day of my life.
I was born (1951) and baptized Lutheran. After confirmation I left the Lutheran church, but God never left me. After returning from Vietnam in 1972 (USMC) I was feeling a “hunger” for spiritual things. I started reading and studying the Bible. I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to attend a Bible study and my pocket New Testament (Thank You Gideons International) was with me at all times. I had a desire to serve God with all of my heart. I went back to the Lutheran church. Liberalism had invaded the church at that time and I saw nothing of the Christian spirit that was exemplified by Martin Luther. I thought that perhaps I would feel at home in another denomination. After many years of moving all around the “Christian map” and being disappointed by each denomination’s “pet doctrine” or as I call it “doctrine du jour” I gravitated back to the Lutheran church. Being apprehensive and not content to take only the word of a pastor, I searched my Lutheran roots going back to Martin Luther’s writings. I also met a Lutheran pastor who loved God and had the highest respect for Martin Luther and the conservative Lutheran traditions. As time passed I once again realized the depths and richness of our brother Martin Luther’s contribution to Christians of his day and even to us today. That is why I use the phrase “Christian By God’s Grace… Lutheran By Choice.” Each day I desire to grow in God’s wonderful grace and love. I will do so with the help of God.
I also have a 1517 AD website so that per chance someone might find it and be helped.
1517 AD Blog 
Great site! “Lutheran by choice”. I really like that because its more the truth than anyone could possibly imagine.
Blessings,
Mike +
I really don’t think you were baptzed a Lutheran. You might have been baptized in a Lutheran Church, or by a Lutheran Pastor. But I think you were baptized a Christian.
Excellent Site! I look forward to following your blog as I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve read so far.
Thanks for the information.
Byron,
I’m writing to ask for forgiveness or permission for using your graphic… I love it and have included it on the top of a page on my church website called “Why Lutheran?”
If you object to its use, I will remove it… I’m hoping you will give me permission.
In Christ,
Patrick
here is the site: http://www.livingfaithcapecoral.com/WhyLutheran.html
Pastor Patrick,
Full permission granted! I also have the banners in liturgical colors for the church seasons. I have attached all of the banners. You are welcome to use them and pass them on. The banners were created from a lamb graphic I created and from a photograph of a picture of Martin Luther that hangs in my computer room.
All I would ask, if you will, is a recommendation from you on a good reading or sermon on law and gospel that has blessed your life. I am not a theologian so something on the layman level would be great. I have Walther’s Law and Gospel but I wanted to read something a little more basic before I started in on the heavy stuff. I just bought John T Pless’ Handling the Work of Truth.
May God bless you in His service.
Byron Lovering http://www.lovering.com
Byron,
I keep trying to submit a reply but it doesn’t appear. Email me.
Pat
Did you receive my email with the banners?
Sent from my iPhone
Byron,
No… I didn’t.
livingfaithchurch@gmail.com
Pat
I emailed you the banners.