PAGE 1

October 2016

sidebysideministry.com & friend us on facebook at John-Paul Lutheran

St. Paul Lutheran and St. John Lutheran, Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio
Our Vision: To be a vibrant, Spirit-filled people, participating in Gods work in the world.
Mission: Loving God and loving neighbor, we witness to Christs saving grace, that others may believe and find life.

From Pastor Chris

SELF-DISCIPLINE? AARRGH!
Self-discipline is freedom. I came across this quote on Facebook the other day. Aarrgh! Self-discipline
sounds like restraint and responsibility. How can it possibly be freedom? And then examples started popping into my head:

Self-disciplined eating leads to the freedom of health and energy.

Self-disciplined exercise leads to the freedom of strength and endurance.
Self-disciplined focus time on cleaning and laundry leads to the freedom of quality time left for family.
Self-disciplined prayer, worship, & time in scripture leads to the freedom to love God and others more
deeply.
Well, I realize that my self-discipline is not so good. I eat what I shouldnt, I intend to exercise but find excuses, my cleaning and laundry are always behind, and my prayer life is not as faithful as it could be. So, I
may understand the idea that Self-discipline is freedom, but I cannot seem to live it at least not on my
own. So maybe the problem is in the word self.
How does Luther put it? I cannot by my own strength and understanding, believe in Christ or come to him.
I cannot by my own strength and understanding, or my own self-will be freed. Self-discipline is a misnomer
for me. Spirit-discipline is Gods help given to me through Christs redemptive love on the cross. There is a
power within each of us, calling us to be like Christ, to a discipline that frees us from anything that would
bind us away from Gods good desire for us. Luther names our bondage sin, death, and the power of evil.
What is the self-discipline/Spirit-discipline that will lead to your freedom? I have several, but if I prioritize
what will make the most impact on my freedom, it would be prayer. Gods desire for me to be freed from
bondage to worry, fear, shame, anxiety, guilt, sin, evil, and even death itself all begins with prayer, and my
relationship with Jesus Christ, my Lord. That is the core from which grace and freedom can flow.
Now the word, Discipline Disciple notice the similarity? Being obedient to and following Christ is the
way to true freedom. Not my will, but thine be done is freedom. Lord, may it be so for me, for those I
love, for your church and your world. Amen
Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the
Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

PAGE 2

October 2016

Special Events
Youth Mission Trip Information Meeting
Sunday, October 2nd, following worship at St. Paul

Youth (middle school and high school) and parents are invited to a short information meeting about the
possibility of a Youth Mission Trip to Navajo Nation in Arizona through Youth Works. We are looking at
dates in June (1 week), 2017. We need at least five youth and one adult to go (and hopefully many more).
Basic cost is $289 per person plus transportation. (We do have money in our Youth fund to help with this).
For more information, go to the Youth Specialties website at https://www.youthworks.com/trips/navajonation/
Any questions, see Pastor Chris or Hannah Polanco. We will need to have commitments soon to reserve
our spot.

Community Halloween Trunk-or-Treat

Wednesday, October 26, 6:00-7:00 pm, St. Paul Parking Lot

Congregations and Community are invited to come together for a special safe-place to go trick-or-treating.
If you are willing to decorate your open car trunk with Halloween fun and pass out treats, please sign up
on the Events Board (and arrive by 5:15 pm for your location and set up time). Everyone is encouraged to
come in costume. (We have several boxes of Halloween stuff if you need ideas). Our youth will be helping in the planning and preparation for the event. So, pass the word to little ghosts and goblins to come
for the fun!

October 31, Making Reformation History!

On Oct. 31, 2016, we will make history. Lutherans and Catholics from around the world will come together
for the anniversary of the Reformation. The Lutheran-Catholic commemoration will take place in Lund,
Sweden, with a Common Prayer service led by Pope Francis. WOW!

Fall Chicken Dinner, Carryout ONLY

Wednesday, November 9, 4-6:30 pm, St. Paul

There will be more information later. It will be carry out only because of the renovations.

Bible Studies
Wednesday Morning Bible Study Honoring Our Neighbors
11:00 a.m., at St. Paul

Augsburg Fortress, our Lutheran Publishing Company, has created a study on different religions, how we
are the same, and where we are different. The purpose is to better understand the varieties of faith expression, and to grow in our understanding of our own Christian-Lutheran faith.

Sunday Adult Study Group

Unusual Names (from Unusual Gospel for Unusual People, Series on John)

Leader Ruth Scott.

The Sunday morning Adult Class meets by the kitchen coffee pot at 9 a.m. on Sundays at St. Paul. Good discussion for all ages!

Mens Bible Study

1st and 3rd Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.

Unusual Healings (from Unusual Gospel for Unusual People, Series on John)
Leader Steve Young
October 1st at St. Paul; October 15th at St. John
Leader Steve Young. Enjoy great discussion over breakfast to start your Saturday!

PAGE 3

October 2016

Bible Studies (continued)

Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue
October-December

A small group from St. Josephs and St. John and St. Paul have started to meet to connect through a document called From Conflict to Communion. It is our hope in 2017 to
offer this dialogue to additional
small groups, and then celebrate in some way together for the 500th anniversary commemoration of the
Reformation. Anyone interested in being in the next small group study, please contact Pastor Chris.
Those in the first group from our churches include Dave (and Jan) Hirt, Deb White, Shirley LaCumsky, Steve Young, Linda Otermat, and Margaret Stellhorn. Pastor Chris and Fr. Brown will lead the dialogue together.

History RemembrancesSt. Paul Lutheran Church of Danbury, Ohio

August, 2016 (continued from Septembers newsletter)
For the seventy fifth anniversary in 1920, the altar area had major changes; the altar was surrounded with
fretwork and woodwork that covered most of the Good Shepherd window. A near life-size crucifix was
mounted high on the back wall part way on the ceiling. It was high enough that in many confirmation pictures, only the feet could be seen. On the walls on each side of the altar, a statue of St Paul and one of St.
John was mounted. The first of the bronze plaques were mounted in the sanctuary on the wall south of the
pulpit where a door is now located. (The bronze plaques are now in the Fellowship Hall.)
For the 100th anniversary in 1945, the sanctuary was again remodeled. The plaster ceiling was covered with
ceiling tile and the walls were covered with planking.
In 1952, the basement was remodeled. The wood floor and wainscoting were replaced with a cement block
wall and a concrete floor. A larger and safer stairs connecting the sanctuary and the basement was installed
in the northwest corner. New restrooms were installed in the rear of the church.
In 1964, land was purchased on the north of the church to make room for new construction and a parking
lot.
In 1966 new construction included the north narthex, pastor's and secretary's office (now the altar guild
room and the treasurers office). The interior of the church was renovated and a new heating plant was installed. The basement and sanctuary were connected through the new narthex. The outside basement
doors were sealed closed. The entrance is now from the north narthex and the front entrance is used very
little. During this time the crucifix and statues were removed, also all of the old church furniture (pews, altar, lectern, etc.) was removed and replaced with new.
A new gas boiler was installed in 1988.
In 1990 the Fellowship Hall was constructed.
B.E. Lowien 2016

St. John Women of the Church

It has been decided that we will no longer meet for Bible Study at St. John Parish Hall, but will, instead,
meet with the St. Paul Women and share in their study. We are not merging the groups, but will retain
both groups and finances. But we will meet together on the third Thursday of each month (except July
and August) and share in the scheduling of leading the study and preparing refreshments.
The next meeting will be Thursday, October 20 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Pauls Fellowship Hall. Linda Smith will
lead the discussion.

PAGE 4

October 2016

Side-by-Side Youth Page

In St. Paul Youth Group we will try to help others and ourselves grow in their faith while promoting a safe
environment to share our thoughts and ideas. -Senior High Youth

Sunday School9 am
Many thanks to those who are stepping up for
our education hour and nursery needs on Sundays! Many thanks to parents who make their
childrens faith development (and their own) a
priority! Please come it is an investment in
real life and in storing treasures in heaven.
What could be more important? Love, PC
Roberta Gangl, Supt. (w. Betsy Deer)
Opening Music, etc. Candace and Nicki
Geller
Adult teacher Ruth Scott (Dave Hirt, as
needed)
Sr. High teacher Chris Freeh
Jr. High teacher Crystal Chapman
Elementary Gabriell Schenko, Celena
Coles
Pre-K Kndg need teacher
Nursery Cindy Cole, Erik Wadsworth
Subs- Louise Saam, Chrissy French, Janet
Strauss

Side-by-Side Youth
High SchoolNew & exciting happenings
Sundays, 9 am, starting September 25th
Its worth getting out of bed Sunday morning!!
Faith Lens blog looks at current issues in our
world that impact your lives and your future.
Join Chris Freeh in connecting real life with Scripture and Gods action and hope for you and for
the world. (Watch for alternate meeting places
at times like McDonalds)
Wednesdays, 6-7:30 pm (includes a meal),
starting September 28th
The Me I Want to Be by John Ortberg Keep
your faith walk going! Join Seth and Allison in a
book/Bible study and dialogue that will challenge
and feed your Spirit. Plus there will be time for
fun, for service, for just hanging out together.

Community Halloween Trunk-or-Treat

Wednesday, October 26, 6:00-7:30 pm, St. Paul Parking Lot (arrive 5:15 for set-up)
During October, we will work together on plans for decorating your family car trunk, costumes, and other
fun for our Community Halloween Party! Both Middle School & Senior High Youth and friends are invited
to help.

Confirmation Wednesdays, 6-7:30 pm (includes meal) & Sundays at 9 am

Join Pastor Chris and Ryan Chapman on Wednesdays, and Crystal Chapman on Sundays, as we explore The
Greatest Story Ever Told!
Oct. 5,9

Genesis

Read Chapter 3,
Mark It, p. 33

Oct. 12,16

Gods People on the Move, Exodus-Deuteronomy

Oct. 19,23

Getting Settled, Joshua-Ruth

Read Chapter 4,
Mark It, p. 41
Read Chapter 5,
Mark It, p. 50

Oct. 25

Tues., Set up for Halloween Party (basement), 6-7 pm

Oct. 26

Halloween Trunk-or-Treat, Set up parking lot, 5:30 pm; party is 67:30 pm

Reformation Sunday (a look at the 500th anniversary)

Oct. 30

PAGE 5

October 2016

Serving in Christs Name

Website watch for our new look, same webpage at sidebysideministry.com!
Noisy Offering The 4 Miller children, who attend Danbury Schools, who have lost both parents and
are staying with a member of their church family. There is an account at The Marblehead Bank.
Community Garden Thank you to our active gardeners! Please visit the garden and enjoy some
healthy fresh vegetables from the Shared Crop rows (marked) as they become ready. All are welcome. For information contact Emily Glynn 314-517-2402 or Roberta Gangl 330-635-1909.
Next Council Night is October 20th, 6:15 St. Paul, 7:00 St. John.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Meet on first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at St. Paul, beginning October 5th.
Bistro 163 BISTRO 163 is hosting a FREE community dinner on Monday, October 10th, at the
Sutton Center, 1848 East Perry Street in Port Clinton. Serving hours are from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. This
is a FREE public dinner, open to all neighbors.
An "After School Snack & Study" opportunity for school age children will be offered by Bistro 163,
beginning on September 21st. Every Wednesday from 3:00 - 5:00, kids are welcome to come to the
Bistro for a free nourishing snack and help with homework!
Volunteers are need for this Wednesday afternoon program. If you are a retired teacher, a grand
parent, or just wishing you could tutor, please contact Bistro 163 at 419.734.9887. Think of the
good that you could do for children in our community in only a couple of hours a week!

Building Friendships

Dartball Season starts October 17th. Schedule will be available after October 1st.
Not Older, Just Better Singles Group - Monday, October 10th, 11:30 am, meeting for lunch at Bistro 163. Call Marge Bridgett at 419-798-8816 if you have questions or need a ride.

Annual Fall Conference Meeting (for Northwest Ohio Synod, NC Conference)

Pastor Chris is looking for council members and lay leaders to go with her!
The clergy and lay leader fall conference visits with Bishop Daniel Beaudoin are coming soon.
Ours is November 10th at St. John's Lutheran Church in Oak Harbor, 6-8:30 pm (includes dinner).
More info here: http://nwos-elca.church/fall-c onference-visits/
Let Pastor Chris know, and we will RSVP by November 3 to mailto:jennifer.prueter@nwos-elca.org.
DIRECTORY UPDATES OCTOBER 2016
Please clip these corrections, use a glue stick
Send Barb a card to let her know
and paste in your directory. (St. Paul)
we are thinking about her!
New Address:
Barb Batcha
Goff, Amanda (on page 21)
9975 East Bayshore Road
Heartland of Twinsburg
Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio 43440-2608
8551 Darrow Road
Twinsburg OH 44087
Adams, Vince (on page 3)
Living with daughter, Amy Adams
DIRECTORY UPDATES OCTOBER 2016 (continued)
10119 East Bayshore Road
Mullins, Cassandra (on page 42)
Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio 43440
1745 Moore Street Apt. 9
Home Phone: 419-219-0438
Fremont, Ohio 43420-1650
Amys Phone: 567-219-0438

PAGE 6

October 2016

St. john beacon light

For OCTOBER, 2016
St. John Council Highlights
Officer reports were presented and approved.
Curt purchased a new freezer for St. John due to the running condition of the present freezer being suspect.
The parking lot has been sealed and prepared for inclement weather.

October Birthdays
10Brad Prokop

19Anne Merckens

St. John Altar Guild FYI

19Anne Merckens

If anyone notices that we are getting low

on supplies such as wine, cups, wafers
or candle oil please let Curt or Maryanne Laubner know. Those supplies
will then be ordered.

October Baptisms
2Iantha Grove

St. John History Happenings

Reprinted from the Peninsula News. Furnished by Dave Glick
Our ladies were busy.
The Ladies Aid Society of St. Johns Lutheran church met at the Parish Hall Thursday afternoon and knotted
three comforts for the Inner Mission in Toledo. Several layettes were also made for the mission by the ladies. A pot luck dinner was a happy feature of the day. 3/28/1931
The ladies of St. Johns Lutheran congregation met Tuesday and cleaned the Parish Hall. 5/9/1931
The ladies of St. Johns Lutheran Church will give one of their popular suppers in the parish house on May
27. 5/23/1931
The ladies of St. Johns Lutheran Church met at the Parish House on Wednesday and canned tomatoes for
the use of the needy the coming winter.

Thank You
Marblehead Peninsula Library Committee would like to thank St. John Lutheran Church for the use of their
parish hall for the bi-weekly preparation meetings for the fund raiser Good Librations. It was greatly appreciated and we continue to support the Marblehead Peninsula Branch Library.
Dear Pastor Chris and St. Johns parishioners, Thank you so much for the invitation to join in and be a part
of the dedication of the Banner and Stole in memory of Myra. The bulletin was just lovely and I just know
Myra is thrilled with the design and beauty of both items. She loved her church and it was obvious that
love was returned. Again, thank you for including us! Still miss her everyday. Love & Peace, Mimi Turinsky

PAGE 7

October 2016

St. Paul Lutheran Church Messenger

October 2016
August 2016 budget highlights:
General Fund
General Fund income
$13,131.81
General Fund expense $12,306.90

Restricted Funds
Restricted Funds income $ 750.00
Restricted Funds expense $ 722.00

Highlights of September 15th Council meeting:

Tammy Davis made a motion to hire Ralph Swaisgood to fill the position of custodian. This position will not exceed 15 hours per a week unless permission is
granted. Jim Deer seconded the motion. Motion Carried
A motion was made by Shirley LaCumsky and seconded by Fran Chapman to approve the raises for the following employees of St. Paul Lutheran Church, beginning January 2017:
Louise Rogers, organist of St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Callie Kihlken, treasurer of St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Pastor Chris Young, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Motion Carried
Work will begin soon on renovating the pews. Pews will be reupholstered, stripped and stained to match
the woodwork in the sanctuary. Many volunteers will be needed to see this job finished. More information
will be announced.

Please remember in your prayers:

Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (WELCA)

Vince Adams, Barb Batcha, Nancy Berry,

Katie Binkley, Sarah Boleratz, SuAnn Boss,
Pastor Claude Bangbe Amba and the
churches in Cameroon, Karen Carpenter,
Betty Dubbert, Joan Harris, Jan Kimerline,
Nelf Kimerline, Shirley LaCumsky, Joyce
Linder, Alice Peroni, Evelyn Sorgenfrei, Pat
Thursby, Gordon Wahlers, Sally Willis. We
pray for family and all friends in the armed
forces. We pray for all who stand in need of
healing, hope and forgiveness.

On October 11th at 10 am we will meet to assemble the Lutheran

World Relief Kits that go out later that week. Any help is appreciated.
The St. Paul Monthly Project Contributions for October are: macaroni and cheese for the Food Pantry, bath size bar soap for baby
care kits and personal care kits, and 8 x 10 - 70 sheet ruled tablet
for the school kits.
The St. John Food Pantry contribution is laundry detergent.
The Bible study and meeting is October 20 at 2:00 pm with Dee
Warren hostess. Women from St. Paul and St. John are meeting
together. We are looking for imput from anyone who is interested in meeting in the evening.
On October 24th we will go to Riverview to host Bingo and serve
the residents a treat.
On October 29th is the Fall Gathering of the North Central Conference at Solomon Lutheran in Woodville. Registration at 8:30.
Program starts at 9:00. Amy Foley from Findlay, a nationally
board certified Music Therapist, will have a program about her
teaching and Therapy activities. There will be information soon
about registering, See Louise Rogers.
There will be more information later about the Chicken Dinner
on November 9th. This year it will be carry out only because of
the renovations.

PAGE 8

October 2016

St. Paul October Special Dates

Birthdays

Wedding Anniversaries

1 Paul Hallier

2 Perry & Debbie Geller

2 Denise Coles, Cassidy Rhodes

3 Jennifer & Eric Ringeisen

4 Eugene Covey

5 Tom & Stacey Manuella

5 Perry Geller, Jr., Kassandra Oxendale

Richard & Karen McLaughlin

10 David Owen, Susan Smith

6 Andrew & Hannah Turinsky

11 Lisa Monak, Tammy Bartzen

7 Jennifer & Charles Wentzel

12 Nathan Lowien, Mia McDonald

Steven & Rachel Fannin

13 Jack Peters, Kelsey Pepa

17 Scott & Stephanie Bradbee

14 John Christiansen, Abram Sandvick, John Klaehn

18 Doug & Cindy Waugh

15 Betty Hornbeck

21 Charles & Melanie Hallier

16 Luco Manuella

22 Eugene & Shawn Covey

18 Ruth Ann Henninger

23 Joseph & Tammy Bartzen

19 Jessica Mahler, Betty Dubbbert

25 Tim & Debra White

20 Lloyd Dayton

29 Jim & Marge Pahl

23 John Rhodes
25 Charleigh Steinbrick, Stacey Manuella
26 Laura Smucker
28 Dalton Chapman
29 Morgan Scott, Ralph Dubbert, Jr.
30 Betty Biers
31 Dave Hirt, Carson Steinbrick

Baptismal Anniversaries
5 Mark Owen
7 Addison Trang Coles
10 Heather Lambert, Douglas Waugh
11 Lori Urban
17 Tegan Allison
18 Audrey Dayton
22 Eugene Covey
24 Ezekiel French
25 Linda Guiher
26 Mark Sandvick, Tim Stobie
29 Kaitlyn Mackey

PAGE 9

October 2016

Mutual Ministries
October 2

October 9

Greeters

Fran Chapman

Rose Marie Arn

Lectors

Shirley LaCumsky

Vicky Doski

Tammy Davis

Tammy Chrissy

Ushers

Marge Bridgett

Marge Bridgett

Tammy Davis

Bob Strauss

Bob Strauss

ConiAnn Limpert

Tammy
Davis

Janet Strauss

Janet Strauss

Fran Chapman

Nicki Geller

Larisa Kerik

Abby Walker

Matthew Seamon

Zeke French

Daniel Lambert

Acolytes

October 16

Fran

Hospitality
Bulletins

Ed & Fran Chapman

Steeple Lighting

Fran Chapman

Perpetual Light

Fran Chapman

Assisting Minister

Allen Lambert
Beth Lambert

Altar Guild

Stacey Johannsen
Nancy Kihlken

Counters

Oct 23 Oct 30

Shirley LaCumsky
Deb White

Flowers

Need A Ride to Church?

OCTA will pick you up to come to church, if you do not have
a ride. You may call them 24 hours in advance, at 419-8987433, or toll-free at 1-888-898-7433.
What a blessing it is for them to provide this low cost service.

Chrissy
French
Marge
Bridgett

Justin
Daleigh
Tibbels Lerch
Kenneth Ryleigh
Kerik
Lerch

PAGE 10

October 2016

THANK YOU
Thank you to all those who helped with the tear-down in St. Paul Sanctuary in preparation for the renovation!
Thank you to all those who helped make Gods work. Our hands. an amazing day of service in our community!
Thank you to all who gave generously for the purchase of Bible Stix for our military for our September
11th Noisy Offering. Together, our two churches contributed around $800 or 32 Bible Stix to help change
lives!
Thank you to Matt Seamon and Charlie Scott for taking time out of their busy schedules to pick up, deliver and set in place fire-proof filing cabinets (donated by CIVISTA Bank) for the Archives. Very much appreciated!

Another Confirmands Story

Abby Cameron: ...I was born to Lutheran parents. I was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church.
For the most part, my life has been pretty normal.
But, in a lot of my life, I have seen loss and pain that I have always had trouble explaining. We
all look for answers, but sometimes there are no answers. However, for every situation, you
can look to God,
When I was around 7 years old, my father started showing signs of Huntingtons disease, when
I was 9, he was sent off to a hospital, deemed too dangerous to be at home. Not too long ago, a
best friend of mine left after 10 years, for what reason I suppose shell never let me know. I felt
alone. I was depressed. Sometimes I still am. During these times, I thought I had done something wrong. I thought that maybe God hated me. It wasnt until I was brought to church and
confirmation that I learned that God doesnt hate. ...we are the ones that do bad. Its only in
our nature.
...I learned that Jesus saves us, something I only fully realized a few days ago. ...God is good. He
helps us because ...we cant do it all on our own. God loves us so much and we should be very
grateful and loving back.

The whole message to this story is really, no matter how bad it gets, God is always there. ...It is
all a matter of patience and faith. ...It can be scary, faith really does feel like holding a
strangers hand, walking blindfolded down a staircase. But God is no stranger, and you just
have to trust. Because God is good, and God will always be there to save you, even if you have
done something that may displease him. He forgives, he loves, and he helps us. All of us.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge, our strength, ever present help in trouble.

PAGE 11

October 2016

Posts from Germany-------Martins Dilemma

Many have taken the Christian faith to be a simple and easy matter, and have even numbered it among the
virtues. This is because they have not really experienced it, nor have they tested the great strength of faith.
Martin Luther
As we saw last month, Martin was tormented by his fear of not being saved. He had come to the realization
that God would punish him horribly for the wretched life he had lived. Martin became obsessed with Romans 1:17 where Paul talks about the righteousness of God. His scholastic studies had taught him that Gods
active righteousness was an avenging justice which would punish his sins. Martin was not comforted by
this idea. He became angry with God even to the point of believing he hated God.
Martin took a pilgrimage to Rome in 1510 searching for some answers. Alas he found no answers there. Luther even climbed the Holy Staircase (The one believed to be the one that Christ was said to have climbed
up to Pilate). Luther crawled all the way up on his knees, saying the Lords Prayer at each step and kissing
the ground as was the custom. This ritual was supposed to wipe clean the penitents entire record of sin and
allow him to skip purgatory, but Luther felt no cleansing he felt nothing.
Luther was ordered to prepare to teach scripture at University of Wittenberg. It was a new university in a
tiny backward town in the north of Germany. Luthers former colleagues at Erburg had disapproved of him
going there and would not even recognize the doctoral degree
When Luther was forced to prepare lectures on the Bible, he began seeing new meaning in it, along with
the possibility that such meaning would provide an answer to his spiritual quest. In 1513, he began to lecture on the Psalms. Since he had spent years reciting the Psalter, always within the context of the liturgical
year----which centers on the main events in the life of ChristLuther interpreted the Psalms Christologically. When the Psalmist speaks in the first person, Luther took this to be Christ speaking about Himself. Therefore, in the Psalter, Luther saw Christ undergoing trials similar to his own. This was the beginning of his great
discovery. By itself, it could have led Luther to the commonly held notion that, while God the Father exacts
obedience and righteousness, God the Son love us and works for our for forgiveness. But, Luther had studied theology, and knew that such dichotomy within the Godhead was unacceptable. Therefore, while he
found consolation in Christs sufferings, this did not suffice to cure his anguish and despair.
The great discovery probably came in 1515. What happened and what was this great discovery? Tune in
next month.
____________________
Gonzalez, Justo L. The Story of Christianity Vol II The Reformation to the Present Day. New York, New York:
HarperCollins, 2010.