# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1950_S699
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
, 1 Cor. 15:58;
By Preswent J. W. Beanxen, D.D.

Dear FRIENDS IN CHRIST:

Three years have elapsed since our Centennial Convention.
They were years of exceptional and blessed activity. God gra-
ciously opened doors of wonderful opportunities for us. He made
it very clear that He wanted our Church, which He blessed
abundantly with purity of doctrine and with inward and outward
growth for an entire century, to expand her mission work, The
reports of our various boards reveal that we have entered many
new fields both at home and abroad. We thank God for permitting
us to be instruments in His hands for the extension of His kingdom!

However, the past three years have witnessed also some diffi-
culties. We have had controversies within our own ranks. Instead
of marching forward as a mighty army, with ranks closed, we have
scattered our forces and weakened our efforts. As a result of it,
some time of this convention must be devoted to controversial
issues. We have reason to repent, to confess our sins, to ask God
for forgiveness, and to address ourselves wholeheartedly to the
work which the Lord has assigned to us. Permit me, therefore,
under the gracious guidance of the Holy Spirit and on the basis
of the text read to you to open our important sessions by focusing
your attention on

Three Important Lessons for Our First Convention
in a New Century of Synodical Work

1. Unwavering Orthodoxy _ 2. Increasing Activity
3. Blessed Assurance

1

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable”
is the first lesson mentioned by the Apostle in his important con-
_ elusion to a very important chapter. What does St.Paul mean?
_ Unquestionably the Apostle wanted the Corinthians to trust Jesus
f . personally and wholeheartedly for their soul’s salvation. But he
- has more than that in mind. The context will help us to get at
the meaning.

St.Paul had reminded the Corinthians that he had declared
E unto them the saving Gospel. He said: “By which also ye are saved
y if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you.” The only con-
dition under which this would fail the Apostle mentioned, saying: