Confirmation May 28, 2023

Congratulations Confirmands

Read below each confirmand's essay

Addison Besler
I Am Excited to Receive the Lord’s Supper
I am looking forward to receiving the Lord’s Supper because of the blessings that follow. The three main blessings that come from the Lord’s Supper are the forgiveness of sins, the strengthening of faith in Jesus, and encouraging our fellow Christian friends.

One of the many important blessings of the Lord’s supper is the forgiveness of sins. We know this as Matthew states in chapter 26, verse 28, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” God’s forgiveness of our sins guarantees we will spend eternal life with him. Romans 6:22,23 states, “Now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” By giving us his body and blood, Jesus reconciles us to God. Colossians 1:21,22 states, “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.”

Another important blessing that comes with the Lord’s supper is that the Holy Spirit uses it to strengthen our faith in Jesus and the sacrifice he made for us on the cross. Not only does he remind us of Jesus’ sacrifice, but h gives us the very things that paid for our sins: Jesus’ body and blood. He gives them to us in a personal way when he says they are “for you”. Luke 22: 19-20 tells us “He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you, do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood which is poured out for you.’ Yet another blessing of the Lord’s Supper includes the coming together of fellow Christians to celebrate our unity of faith in God’s word. When the Lord’s Supper is received with Christians who confess the same faith in what Jesus says, we are uplifting and encouraging one another in our faith. Hebrews 10:23-25 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another- and all the more as you see the day approaching. “ This shows that as Christians, we must have each other’s backs and be there for each other no matter what.

The Lord’s supper is a blessing for me personally because it reassures me that I am saved by giving me the very things that paid for my sin, Jesus’ body and blood. It assures me that I will get to spend eternal life with the Lord. It strengthens my relationship with Christ and allows me to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s great to come together and receive these gifts from the Lord: the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.

In conclusion, the many blessings that come with the Lord’s Supper make me most excited to receive it. He gives me his body and blood for the forgiveness of all of my sins. He strengthens my faith in what he did for me. He encourages me with my brothers and sisters in Christ and lets me encourage them. These are the reasons I am most excited to receive the Lord’s supper.
By Levi Key
Why is the Bible important to me?
In this document I am going to tell you the three reasons why the Bible is important to me and what it means to me and Bible verses to back up each reason of why the Bible is important to me. Plus, I am going to tell you about what each reason means to me personally and what it means about and why it is important and connected to my confession.

The Bible is important to me because it always assures me and constantly reminds me that no matter what, God loves me. For example, Romans 5:8 says, “But God shows his love for us because while we were still sinners Christ died for us”. “Though we be sinners, Christ sacrificed his life and suffered on the cross for us. This is important to me because if I ever feel like I am unloved I know that God still loves me. Knowing that he will love me no matter what makes me feel pretty good.

The Bible is important to me because it tells me of God’s promise to raise me up from the dead and spend eternity with him. For example, Matthew 28:6-7 says “He is not here He has risen come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.” This is important to me because it reminds me this, I know it is true because God defeated death by rising again and by trusting in him, I will be raised too.it is important to me to know that I will spend eternity with him, and it pushes me to keep going.  

The most important reason that the Bible is important to me is that it tells me of Gods sacrifice for us. I mean he died on the cross for us so we could go to Heaven to spend eternity with him. He was beaten and whipped all over his body after he was choked with chains and beat multiple times thrown off stuff and caught by the chains and then he was spit and jeered at and had salt and wine dumped on his cuts and then was forced to carry his cross and then was nailed to the cross and had the crown of thorns stabbing into his head and was STILL made fun of by the crucified men next to him. And then to top the cake was speared in the side but water came out and splashed the man with the spear. But he did this and suffered, and endured all of this for us and died and rose again so that we can go to heaven and spend eternal life with him!
The Faith I Confess
By Lydia
The Apostles’ Creed. We say it almost every Sunday, but when was the last time we slowed down to think through its deep meaning for our lives? Studying the Catechism is helpful for understanding what we confess in the Apostles’ Creed. The Apostles’ Creed wasn’t just made up, it was written by early Christians so that they could confess their faith together.

In the first article of the Apostles’ Creed, we confess that God our Father is the powerful creator of the universe. I am constantly in awe of the remarkable beauty of where I get to live. Whether I am in the canyon, the hills, the creek, the forest, or even just in town, I love seeing God’s handiwork in all of His created order. Psalm 33:6, 9 says, “By the word of the Lord, the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.” Not only is he the father of our world and universe, but also the people who live in it. He gives each and every one of us unique talents and abilities to use to his glory.

In the second article of the Apostles’ Creed we confess that God sent his Son to die and pay for our sins. God’s Word convicts me of my sin not to beat me down and discourage me, but to reveal how much I need a Savior. I am quick to anger and less than abounding in love. I struggle daily with myself to make time for God in my life. I could never earn my way to heaven. Sin is always a part of my thoughts, words, and actions. Romans 7:18, 19, and 21 sum it up: “I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do–this I keep on doing. So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.” Good thing I have an almighty God who sent his Son to die for me, to pay the immeasurable price that I could not. Ephesians 1:7, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”

In the third article of the Apostles’ Creed, we confess that the Holy Spirit created faith in our hearts through his Word. For me, the Holy Spirit worked first through my baptism, creating the miracle of faith in my heart. Then, he used my family and brothers and sisters in Christ to share his Word with me bringing me up in my faith that I am so blessed to share with them. 2 Timothy 3:15 says this, “From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” I am extremely grateful for my faith, because without it, I have seen how hard life can be. Whether it is running a race, performing in a concert, talking about my faith, or even facing death, I do not need to be afraid. I have seen people tear themselves apart, worrying about what will come next, and if they will be okay. The Holy Spirit has planted faith in my heart, and I know that God is with me, and that he has forgiven me and will someday take me to heaven. And that is the most comforting and important thing I know. In the meantime, he allows me to live in thanksgiving for all he has done for me.

The Apostles’ Creed is a great way to remember how God is in every aspect of our lives. It connects us to Christians throughout history as well as to fellow Christians whenever we speak it together. The Apostles’ Creed allows me to share the reason for the hope I have in Jesus. As I am being confirmed, this is the faith that I confess.
Why the Bible is important to me.
Rhianna Besler

The Bible is important to me because it gives me an opportunity to individually and privately talk with and hear from Jesus. It shows me my sin and forgiveness. In general, it basically shows, teaches, and helps me with everything. Everything I learn I take with me and try to apply it to my everyday life. Plus it takes on a much deeper meaning with me than it does for most people. One thing I appreciated learning is how God teaches me to take everyone else’s words and actions in the kindest possible way. Instead of taking it negatively, I can give them sympathy and forgiveness to loosen up the negative feelings of both when we are given the opportunity.
Why the two main teachings of the Bible, Law and Gospel, are important to me.
Lorie Kolb

The Law and the Gospel, the two main teachings of the Bible, are both essential in our understanding of our need for a savior. By showing our sin, the Law directs us to find mercy and salvation in the Gospel, the news about Jesus. Without the Law and Gospel, we would be unaware of our Savior’s importance.

The Law acts as a curb, mirror, and guide for Christians. As a curb, it threatens punishment for breaking the commandments. As a guide it directs Christians to live according to God’s word. But most importantly, it shows our sins and desperate need for a savior. Frequently, people try to forge their own paths to heaven, relying on themselves and their good acts. But regardless of how hard we try, we will always fall short of God’s expectations. “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin” (Romans 3:20). This passage helps us better understand the Law’s purpose as a mirror. Seeing our sins and imperfections urges us to look to our Savior in the Gospel.

The Gospel is the good news about Christ. After studying the Law and realizing our sins, it is devastating to know that we are condemned to eternal death with no way to redeem ourselves. The book of Ephesians states, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). The apostle Paul compares our sinful nature to being dead; helpless, and unable to change our fate. However, in the same chapter, Paul writes, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4-5). Through Christ, all our sins are erased. We are saved through God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice. After hearing this message, Christians are compelled to do good works out of joy and gratitude, instead of fear and desperation.

While the Law shows me my sins, the Gospel shows me my Savior. The Gospel shares the good news about Christ, and without the Law, I would not be able to wholly comprehend Jesus’s significance. It is through the Gospel that I know that I am saved. Instead of living in terror, I can honor my God knowing he is loving and forgiving. Because of this knowledge, I am moved to do good works in order to thank God for his mercy. The Law allows me to fully appreciate my Savior and what he did for me.
Why Baptism Is Important to Me
Izaac Key

Baptism is very special for many people. This “washing with water” is important to me because it is powerful to create and strengthen saving faith.

This washing with water is important because it give us a new life through Jesus. Baptism, as Jesus taught, is a washing with water connected to God’s powerful Word. First, this means that it is powerful to save me, which is a reason that I should not be afraid of eternal condemnation: 1 Peter 3:21, Baptism… now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is a great comfort to me even though I am a sinner, my baptism connects me to Jesus. I am covered in his perfect life. That is how I can stand before God with a clear conscience. God now sees me as his own. He sees me as he sees Jesus, as if I never had any sin at all.

Not only does baptism save me, but it also strengthens my faith. Paul says in Romans 6:4, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Because of my baptism, I get to live a new life each day. This means I can fight against temptation, and even when I give in to temptation, I have assurance of God's grace and certain forgiveness.

Baptism strengthens my faith by showing me that Jesus washed our sins away, and God has accepted me as his child. Its power to strengthen and create faith, is through the fact that the Holy Spirit enters me through baptism, just as Jesus of his Baptism had the Holy Spirit enter him.

Through Baptism God gives me the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit creates faith in my heart to believe all that Jesus has done for me. Through my baptism, the Holy Spirit leads me to call upon God in prayer, confident that he hears and answers in the way that is best for me.

Baptism does and will always hold a special place in my heart. These are some of the reasons why baptism is important to me.  
Why the Bible Is Important to Me.
Treydon Besler
The Bible is important to me because it teaches us all about our Lord, through the law and the gospel.

God’s desire is for all people to be saved from sin, death, and eternal damnation. He gives us the Bible as a tool to learn about sin and our need for a savior and for the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts. Scripture tells us in 2 Timothy 3:15 “From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” John 20:31 also notes that “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

In the beginning of the Bible it teaches us all about God’s law, and what he wants us to follow and obey. But in the law, it also teaches us that we are sinful, and have always been sinful. Psalm 51:5 states “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me”. This means that we have a sinful nature and it is impossible to be without sin. God’s law is summarized in the ten commandments. The first, second, and third commandments show us how to love and respect God. The fourth through tenth show us how to respect and show love to our neighbor.

Through the law, the Bible tells us that we are sinners and deserve eternal punishment, but the Gospel shows us our Messiah, who is Jesus Christ our Savior. Unfortunately, we cannot live a perfect life and deserve eternal punishment, but God sent us the greatest gift that you could imagine, Jesus Christ, he was born of the virgin Marry and lived a perfect life, which no one else could do. Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins. Believing in him, God gives us credit for Jesus’ perfect life. Romans 6:23 states “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”. God calls us to repent of our sins. This means acknowledging that they separate us from God and merit condemnation before him. It also means believing the complete forgiveness Jesus won on the cross is for me personally.

The Bible teaches all about the Lord Jesus and his whole life story. It tells us about countless miracles, like when he healed the blind man, or when he calmed the storm on the sea of Galilee. One time Jesus even turned water into wine at a wedding. He even raised people from dead, but my favorite miracle of all is that he himself defeated the devil and rose from the dead.

The teaching of the Bible is a blessing to me personally because it helps me to get to know Jesus and allows the Holy Spirit to strengthen my faith. The Bible is also used for more than reading. For example, 2nd Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture as God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”. For me personally, the Bible reveals Jesus to me and all that he has done to save me. Because it is the Word of God without errors, I can be confident that what it says is absolutely true.

To conclude these are all the great reasons why the Bible is important to me. The most important thing the Bible does is reveal God's Savior for me. The Bible is meant for you, too. Take time to read it and see what God has done for you, too.
Why the “Offices of Christ” Are Important to Me
Jorey Clements

The most important offices of Christ are Prophet, Priest, and King. Jesus is our Prophet because he taught us about God and guides us. He is our Priest because he laid down his life for us. As our King he reigns over all things.

As our prophet, Jesus taught us about God and heaven. He taught many young children and adults about God and how they will be saved. He even taught us about how he was Jesus and would sacrifice himself one day for us. He is still a prophet today through us because now we tell others about Jesus. That is how he was prophet.

As our high priest, Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. His death and resurrection are seen as the ultimate expression for his love for us because they paid for our sin. He still forgives us today. This is how Jesus serves as our priest.

Last but not least as king, Jesus defeated sin and death and Satan for us. Today he continues to rule over all things for our eternal good. Because he is almighty, he knows our sin, but he also forgives us. This is how Jesus serves as our king.

These are the offices of Christ: prophet, priest, and king. They are important to me because, as my prophet he guides me with God’s Word, as my priest he sacrificed himself for me and forgives me, and as my king he is in control of all things for me. These are the reasons why the offices of Christ are important to me.
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