Issues, Etc. Looking Forward to Sunday Morning According to Luther’s Catechisms: Advent 3 – Pr. Peter Bender, 12/8/25 (3421)
Dec 8, 2025
Join Peter Bender, Pastor and director of the Concordia Catechetical Academy, as he dives into the themes of Advent 3. He discusses the significance of John the Baptist and the act of confession, breaking down its two parts: confessing sins and receiving pastoral absolution. Bender interweaves Isaiah's imagery with baptismal themes, illustrating the transformative power of forgiveness. From personal stories of repeated absolution to the marks of the Church, he underscores the joy and strength found in Christ's forgiving word.
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Confession Shapes Advent Expectation
- Confession and absolution are central Advent themes that prepare hearts for Christ's coming.
- John the Baptist's law-and-gospel ministry levels self-righteousness and fills broken hearts with Christ's forgiveness.
Bring Specific Sins To Confession
- Confess to your pastor those sins you know and feel that trouble your conscience.
- Receive the pastor's absolution as the forgiving word of Christ aimed to renew your heart.
Water Imagery Links Baptism And Absolution
- Isaiah 35's water imagery connects baptism and absolution as life-giving signs.
- The blossoming wilderness portrays the renewing effect of Christ's forgiving word in believers' lives.