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Come in, We Are Closed
Many evangelicals are unfamiliar with it, don’t understand it, and are often offended when they encounter it, but when it comes to the Lord’s Supper the Scriptures clearly teach that Holy Communion is not for anybody and everybody.
In this short work of fiction Rev. Tyrel Bramwell recalls the questions he had when he first encountered closed Communion as a young evangelical and the conversations he has had as a pastor, in order to dispel false assumptions and provide the Biblical answers to real misunderstandings.
In this short work of fiction Rev. Tyrel Bramwell recalls the questions he had when he first encountered closed Communion as a young evangelical and the conversations he has had as a pastor, in order to dispel false assumptions and provide the Biblical answers to real misunderstandings.
149 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2018
About the author
Tyrel Bramwell
7 books45 followersPastor and author of The Gift and the Defender; Finding the Truth in Story: Grimm's Fairy Tales (Vol. I); Come in, We Are Closed; and The World of the Wazzlewoods. Tyrel Bramwell offers readers a worldview rooted in the knowable and absolute truth, yet full of imagination.
He earned his B.A. in Religious Studies from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan and an MDiv from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Learn more about Tyrel and his writing at http://tyrelbramwell.com
He earned his B.A. in Religious Studies from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan and an MDiv from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Learn more about Tyrel and his writing at http://tyrelbramwell.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 31, 2018
Some people literally think that nothing can be said in defense of Closed Communion. Nothing. They'd slam a door in your face before listening to another word. But, the thing is, for those of us who practice Closed Communion, it's a very positive, loving practice with a wealth of teaching and growth of perspective behind it.
In this novella-length fictional dialogue, a young man is simply able to ask questions about it. Readers may be pleasantly surprised to hear that the narrator himself is not the Closed Communion proponent. Rather, that is a chance encounter with a mysterious older, humble, possibly homeless man. (Personally, I wondered if he would turn out to be an angel in disguise! You'll have to read this book to find out!)
There are long sections of Scripture woven together beautifully to illustrate the Parable of the Wedding Feast, Closed Communion, pastoral care, the Lord's Supper, and more. This was an absolutely heartwarming, soul nurturing thing for me read, and I will read it again. And loan it to my pastor. Probably buy a copy for my church library. See about a book club chat, otherwise talk about it with others, etc. :)
Now, this isn't a super academic book. You won't find a dissertation on the applications of John 6. It's an entirely different genre from that. What you will see, however, is Closed Communion in one of the many ways we can discuss and delight in it.
Read this and benefit from the Scripture and love and earnestness that we can share with others, even as we strive to bring people to the Lord's Table. You know, without having them receive and participate in WAY MORE than they realize!
I don't want to include spoilers, but this book really shed some great light on Scripture. If you want to introduce someone to either a) concepts behind Closed Communion and the Lutheran understanding of the Lord's Supper or b) if you just want to introduce a person to some good lay-friendly theology, this very well may be it!
Read it. Think it through. It's well worth it!
In this novella-length fictional dialogue, a young man is simply able to ask questions about it. Readers may be pleasantly surprised to hear that the narrator himself is not the Closed Communion proponent. Rather, that is a chance encounter with a mysterious older, humble, possibly homeless man. (Personally, I wondered if he would turn out to be an angel in disguise! You'll have to read this book to find out!)
There are long sections of Scripture woven together beautifully to illustrate the Parable of the Wedding Feast, Closed Communion, pastoral care, the Lord's Supper, and more. This was an absolutely heartwarming, soul nurturing thing for me read, and I will read it again. And loan it to my pastor. Probably buy a copy for my church library. See about a book club chat, otherwise talk about it with others, etc. :)
Now, this isn't a super academic book. You won't find a dissertation on the applications of John 6. It's an entirely different genre from that. What you will see, however, is Closed Communion in one of the many ways we can discuss and delight in it.
Read this and benefit from the Scripture and love and earnestness that we can share with others, even as we strive to bring people to the Lord's Table. You know, without having them receive and participate in WAY MORE than they realize!
I don't want to include spoilers, but this book really shed some great light on Scripture. If you want to introduce someone to either a) concepts behind Closed Communion and the Lutheran understanding of the Lord's Supper or b) if you just want to introduce a person to some good lay-friendly theology, this very well may be it!
Read it. Think it through. It's well worth it!
October 31, 2018
This book is a cafe conversation (I know, not my favorite thing to read, but it works!) about Communion. It gives a well-rounded history (church practice and biblical references) to why some churches practice a closed, exclusive Communion and others keep it open. It's really worth a read. It gives you some things to chew on, to discuss in an intelligent, informed way.
August 20, 2019
This brand new resource on the historic and salutary practice of closed Communion from Rev Tyrel Bramwell might be my favourite such resource to date! It is in the form of a narrative: a genuine conversation between a Lutheran pastor and a Christian. C.S. Lewis was fond of saying how stories were essential, to get past "watchful dragons". The matter of closed Communion is one where there tends to be a lot of watchful dragons gathered, preventing many Christians or those interested in joining the Church, from approaching this provocative topic with the right frame of mind. That is why this particular book is so brilliant. The dialogues in 'Come in, We Are Closed' are clearly borne out of real conversation (as Rev Bramwell implies on the back cover); if it was contrived conversation, this could be detected and would not be nearly as useful.
So not only is this book useful for a reader desiring to learn more about the practice, but it also provides a training tool as to how to engage in conversation with fellow Christians on this vital topic, or anyone coming to you with questions.
So not only is this book useful for a reader desiring to learn more about the practice, but it also provides a training tool as to how to engage in conversation with fellow Christians on this vital topic, or anyone coming to you with questions.
November 2, 2018
This short work of fiction is a unique and faithful way to explain the often controversial practice of closed Communion. On a cold, snowy evening, the narrator encounters Shep at the cafe and asks many common questions regarding closed Communion. Through seven different analogies, Shep patiently explains and addresses many common misconceptions regarding this practice. I found myself laughing and nodding in agreement. There were analogies in this book that I hadn't considered before, and shed a new light on a topic with which I am very familiar, both theologically and in practice. Suitable for pastors and laypeople alike, this will be a wonderful tool to help respond to questions from friends and family about why closed Communion matters.
October 24, 2018
If anyone would have ever told me I'd enjoy reading a novel about closed communion, I'd laugh in their faces.
I enjoyed reading a novel about closed communion.
This first person account gives the story of the narrator's conversation with an apparently homeless former pastor about the doctrine of closed communion. It is easily read, poignant, and theologically profound.
I can't imagine a better introduction to what the Scriptures teach regarding this important matter.
I enjoyed reading a novel about closed communion.
This first person account gives the story of the narrator's conversation with an apparently homeless former pastor about the doctrine of closed communion. It is easily read, poignant, and theologically profound.
I can't imagine a better introduction to what the Scriptures teach regarding this important matter.
November 11, 2018
The easiest-to-read and most succinct description and explanation of closed communion that I've ever read.
November 1, 2018
A refreshing fiction book about closed communion
As possibly the first fiction book written explicitly about the topic, Come In, We Are Closed describes closed communion as central to Christian doctrine and challenges the modern reader’s assumptions and experiences. Pastor and author Tyrel Bramwell engages the reader using the Socratic tradition of a fictional dialogue between the speaker (a truth-seeker) and a mentor (who explains closed communion). Bramwell illuminates the chance encounter between the two with vivid sensory descriptions and character development. The seeker asks the questions we all have, and the mentor, who has a few surprises of his own, exudes a warmth that is at once familiar and peculiar. As a skilled storyteller, Bramwell orchestrates the prose to both entertain a wide audience and underscore the message. Come In, We Are Closed is a refreshing story in a field dominated by monochrome theological books, carrying the reader along with the characters as they explore closed communion together.
The title Come In, We Are Closed succinctly describes the goal of closed communion. A church which only distributes the supper to those with a common confession of faith is in fact beckoning visitors to a more complete fellowship, instead of contenting itself with a fellowship consisting in smiles and small talk. The cross does not leave us in our sinful lives, it transfers us to fellowship with his people (the saints) and transforms us into holy people (sanctification). “Believe it or not, closed communion isn’t meant to keep folks from participating in the Lord’s Supper, but to get them to His Table where they can receive God’s gifts” (20). It teaches that doctrine matters, that unity of faith is really possible and that Christ sets apart our lives and relationships as holy. It challenges our western claims of entitlement, equal opportunity and self-determination. Most importantly, closed communion brings Jesus’ body and blood, broken and shed for us, into our mouths and into our life together in order to strengthen our faith and love.
The characters discover that closed communion is an ancient and salutary practice that seeks to communicate the truth of the cross. No matter the reader’s own background or view on communion, Come In, We Are Closed gives an important perspective on the Lord’s Supper: God gives abundant love and singular faith to unite Christians together.
https://benrcrenshaw.com/come-in-clos...
As possibly the first fiction book written explicitly about the topic, Come In, We Are Closed describes closed communion as central to Christian doctrine and challenges the modern reader’s assumptions and experiences. Pastor and author Tyrel Bramwell engages the reader using the Socratic tradition of a fictional dialogue between the speaker (a truth-seeker) and a mentor (who explains closed communion). Bramwell illuminates the chance encounter between the two with vivid sensory descriptions and character development. The seeker asks the questions we all have, and the mentor, who has a few surprises of his own, exudes a warmth that is at once familiar and peculiar. As a skilled storyteller, Bramwell orchestrates the prose to both entertain a wide audience and underscore the message. Come In, We Are Closed is a refreshing story in a field dominated by monochrome theological books, carrying the reader along with the characters as they explore closed communion together.
The title Come In, We Are Closed succinctly describes the goal of closed communion. A church which only distributes the supper to those with a common confession of faith is in fact beckoning visitors to a more complete fellowship, instead of contenting itself with a fellowship consisting in smiles and small talk. The cross does not leave us in our sinful lives, it transfers us to fellowship with his people (the saints) and transforms us into holy people (sanctification). “Believe it or not, closed communion isn’t meant to keep folks from participating in the Lord’s Supper, but to get them to His Table where they can receive God’s gifts” (20). It teaches that doctrine matters, that unity of faith is really possible and that Christ sets apart our lives and relationships as holy. It challenges our western claims of entitlement, equal opportunity and self-determination. Most importantly, closed communion brings Jesus’ body and blood, broken and shed for us, into our mouths and into our life together in order to strengthen our faith and love.
The characters discover that closed communion is an ancient and salutary practice that seeks to communicate the truth of the cross. No matter the reader’s own background or view on communion, Come In, We Are Closed gives an important perspective on the Lord’s Supper: God gives abundant love and singular faith to unite Christians together.
https://benrcrenshaw.com/come-in-clos...
October 29, 2018
Tyrel Bramwell did an excellent job of bringing Closed Communion (which LCMS practices) in a fictional way, but, doing it so it's a lovely conversation in a way that is explained in a very casual way while the gospel is proclaimed throughout. It's an easy read and a book I would be happy to give to my non-lutheran family and friends.
August 31, 2021
Another book that defies my typical review format. In truth, I found nothing I didn't love about this work of "fictional nonfiction." Come again, Dawn? Making up genres now, are we?
Let me explain.
The characters and setting are entirely fictional. But they are only the vehicle for the nonfiction, endearing though they are. Contained within the conversational tone is some serious theology, presented within a friendly interaction, but nonetheless rich in education.
If you aren't familiar with the topic of Closed Communion, Come In, We Are Closed will walk you through it step by step, pulling directly from the Scriptures and instructing you on why you cannot just walk into any Christian church and partake in the Lord's Supper. While to the uninstructed this feels exclusionary, the way Pastor Bramwell uses the narrator and Shep to move through the foundation of Closed Communion is the opposite of unwelcoming. Rather, it is presented as it is: a sign of love and concern for the sinner and that we approach the Lord's Table with a true understanding of what we will encounter there. We're not just bellying up for grape juice and a cracker snack as a hat-tip to Christ here. It is serious and solemn and holy business to Commune with the Lord.
If you are familiar with Closed Communion, there is still a wealth of wisdom and understanding to be gained from this book. I hold firm that not only do we always need to be learning new things, but there is much to be gained from reviewing that which we already were instructed, keeping it fresh, coming at it again and again, with the benefit of a maturing Faith, because nothing about it is "one and done," but instead is deeply layered, providing opportunities to understand more with each pass through.
The book reads easily, and yet I took my time, allowing each chapter to sit for a while before I moved along to the next. This may be my first time sitting in the diner booth, quietly soaking in Shep's wisdom, but it will not be my last. This is one worth revisiting...and I don't even like coffee. ;-)
Let me explain.
The characters and setting are entirely fictional. But they are only the vehicle for the nonfiction, endearing though they are. Contained within the conversational tone is some serious theology, presented within a friendly interaction, but nonetheless rich in education.
If you aren't familiar with the topic of Closed Communion, Come In, We Are Closed will walk you through it step by step, pulling directly from the Scriptures and instructing you on why you cannot just walk into any Christian church and partake in the Lord's Supper. While to the uninstructed this feels exclusionary, the way Pastor Bramwell uses the narrator and Shep to move through the foundation of Closed Communion is the opposite of unwelcoming. Rather, it is presented as it is: a sign of love and concern for the sinner and that we approach the Lord's Table with a true understanding of what we will encounter there. We're not just bellying up for grape juice and a cracker snack as a hat-tip to Christ here. It is serious and solemn and holy business to Commune with the Lord.
If you are familiar with Closed Communion, there is still a wealth of wisdom and understanding to be gained from this book. I hold firm that not only do we always need to be learning new things, but there is much to be gained from reviewing that which we already were instructed, keeping it fresh, coming at it again and again, with the benefit of a maturing Faith, because nothing about it is "one and done," but instead is deeply layered, providing opportunities to understand more with each pass through.
The book reads easily, and yet I took my time, allowing each chapter to sit for a while before I moved along to the next. This may be my first time sitting in the diner booth, quietly soaking in Shep's wisdom, but it will not be my last. This is one worth revisiting...and I don't even like coffee. ;-)
March 28, 2025
Audiobook- A good example of an intra- diegetic narrative where the author wants to teach by using two different characters to teach the lesson.
This meant that the narrative was less than realistic, because it was super smooth, non-problematic, and the main character simply let Shep guide them. It was black and white, objections raised by the main character were not surprising or difficult for Shep, and he flawlessly handled all issues with pipe in hand.
But this lines up well with what I'm assuming is the author's intent, to both shore up LCMS theological practice in an easily digestible doctrinal narrative, and to offer an on-ramp for those who are unfamiliar to "listen in" on an example of the conversational path one pastor might take to lead someone from open communion to closed communion.
As all good Lutheran narratives ought to, there was plenty of coffee mentioned throughout. In the genre of LCMS fiction (which I would argue needs some filling out) this should be the standard.
This meant that the narrative was less than realistic, because it was super smooth, non-problematic, and the main character simply let Shep guide them. It was black and white, objections raised by the main character were not surprising or difficult for Shep, and he flawlessly handled all issues with pipe in hand.
But this lines up well with what I'm assuming is the author's intent, to both shore up LCMS theological practice in an easily digestible doctrinal narrative, and to offer an on-ramp for those who are unfamiliar to "listen in" on an example of the conversational path one pastor might take to lead someone from open communion to closed communion.
As all good Lutheran narratives ought to, there was plenty of coffee mentioned throughout. In the genre of LCMS fiction (which I would argue needs some filling out) this should be the standard.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2020
An excellent little "theological fiction," so to speak, explaining the faithful orthodox practice of Closed Communion within the setting of a winsome literary narrative. Well written, engaging, and inviting. Offering solid catechesis in the Sacrament and the faithful admininstration and reception of the Sacrament in a manner that is both easily understood yet still substantive and thought-provoking. Highly recommended.
March 14, 2026
This is pretty good for what it is and what it's trying to do. It's a pretty ham-fisted and cringey work of fiction. I would be much happier to read a non-fiction work on closed-communion, but I can absolutely see why this would work well for some folks.
Don't rely on the faith of your childhood but dive into Scriptures as an adult. I really liked that bit of advice.
Don't rely on the faith of your childhood but dive into Scriptures as an adult. I really liked that bit of advice.
April 20, 2025
I would say this is a solid entry-level discussion (framed as an actual fictional conversation) of what the Lord’s Supper is and how it relates to the Christian life. It has a good final chapter which wraps everything up with a discussion of John 6.
October 31, 2018
Rev. Bramwell does an excellent job of addressing the topic of closed communion in a loving and friendly way. A pastor myself, one of the toughest questions I get is- "Pastor, I want to visit your church- I can take communion, right?" Bramwell's book answers this question in a straightforward manner through a conversation, one rooted in love, not in a defense of having to be right. The book itself is finely written, and Bramwell keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. This is not your typical dogmatic textbook. This book is accessible, relevant, and necessary. This book should find its way into every pastor's hands. If you have questions about closed communion that you've been too scared to ask, this book is for you. Take Rev. Bramwell's invitation- "Come In, We're Closed."
December 20, 2019
I really appreciated Bramwell's dialogical approach to this issue. I love well-done creative non-fiction and this is an excellent example of that. I think Bramwell's approach to such a controversial and sensitive issue deserves to be replicated elsewhere. This approach allows what can be an abstract and impersonal discussion become concrete and personal. This is how we need to think about teaching on sensitive issues like this.
That being said, I have some strong disagreements with how Bramwell presented the practice of closed communion. I am a strong advocate of closed communion and this is part of the reason why I found his description and defense of the practice to be misguided and counter-productive. I hope that I misunderstood him, but he seemed to collapse the issue of communing non-Christians with communing Christians of a different confession. Based on how he explicated some of Jesus' eschatological parables (e.g. the ten virgins), it seemed that Bramwell was saying that Christians of a different confession will be damned on the Last Day and this is why communion ought to be withheld from them. (This also seemed to be the implication of how Bramwell describes the nature of doctrine.) I don't believe Bramwell actually believes this, but that seemed to be the obvious implication of how he chose to approach this issue. Regarding open communion, he makes no distinction between churches that will commune any baptized Christian and churches that will commune literally anyone. I think this is rather unfair to our brothers and sisters in the faith who practice the former version of "open" communion.
Ultimately, I think the issue boils down to the fact that Bramwell, in attempting to draw his explication of this practice directly from the scriptures, fails to appreciate how much modern denominationalism has complicated this issue. The black-and-white language of the NT's eschatological discourse does not map well to contemporary denominationalism and I believe that failing to appreciate the difference between what the NT is dealing with and what we're dealing with leads to most of the issues in Bramwell's very well-intentioned book.
Finally, I thought that the main character lets Shep off too easily. She seemed to be too easily convinced by Shep and while she does posit multiple objections, I didn't think that she had enough objections. This could have been used to clarify some of the confusing implications of this book that I discussed above.
That being said, I have some strong disagreements with how Bramwell presented the practice of closed communion. I am a strong advocate of closed communion and this is part of the reason why I found his description and defense of the practice to be misguided and counter-productive. I hope that I misunderstood him, but he seemed to collapse the issue of communing non-Christians with communing Christians of a different confession. Based on how he explicated some of Jesus' eschatological parables (e.g. the ten virgins), it seemed that Bramwell was saying that Christians of a different confession will be damned on the Last Day and this is why communion ought to be withheld from them. (This also seemed to be the implication of how Bramwell describes the nature of doctrine.) I don't believe Bramwell actually believes this, but that seemed to be the obvious implication of how he chose to approach this issue. Regarding open communion, he makes no distinction between churches that will commune any baptized Christian and churches that will commune literally anyone. I think this is rather unfair to our brothers and sisters in the faith who practice the former version of "open" communion.
Ultimately, I think the issue boils down to the fact that Bramwell, in attempting to draw his explication of this practice directly from the scriptures, fails to appreciate how much modern denominationalism has complicated this issue. The black-and-white language of the NT's eschatological discourse does not map well to contemporary denominationalism and I believe that failing to appreciate the difference between what the NT is dealing with and what we're dealing with leads to most of the issues in Bramwell's very well-intentioned book.
Finally, I thought that the main character lets Shep off too easily. She seemed to be too easily convinced by Shep and while she does posit multiple objections, I didn't think that she had enough objections. This could have been used to clarify some of the confusing implications of this book that I discussed above.
October 31, 2018
Have you ever had a question on closed communion? I know that I have. Well, Tyrel Bramwell has a great book for you. This book is easy to read, filled with answers, and is presented in a way that doesn't leave one side or the other feeling attacked or beaten up. It's written in the form of a dialogue between two people, and by doing so Tyrel has changed this from an academic topic to the real life of the Christian. This dialogue is real and flows very well. So well that you will find yourself at the end of the book before you realize it. This book is certainly worth the asking price and has earned a spot on my re-read list.
November 26, 2018
This is a book to help believers to understand Closed Communion. An easy to read book and easy to understand. If you have wondered about Closed Communion, this is the book for you.
March 19, 2024
This is an excellent read for anyone, but especially for those who aren't perhaps ready or interested in deep diving into any specific doctrinal studies on Close(d) Communion, yet this book still dives deeply into the reasons behind such a practice in the Church. The novelesque writing approach brings to life a unique conversation, and one that holds the reader's attention from beginning to end. I would highly encourage anyone who thinks lowly or even highly of this particular practice to read this book (as well as Scripture which is included greatly in this book) in order to understand the reasoning behind it, the importance of it, and why it is actually more welcoming than it may appear from the outside. I also strongly encourage anyone to check out Pastor Bramwell's podcast Truth At All Costs.
March 4, 2019
It's hard to say anything negative about this book because it is refreshing to see a book give a faithful witness to the faithful practice of the Lord's Supper (what in my opinion unfortunately is often called Closed Communion, but that's another topic). So I will first acknowledge that it's nice to see some Scripture passages laid out in such a way that shows that our Lord genuinely wants all to partake of His Meal and loves them enough to tell some to wait. My negative reaction is that the conversation presented in this book is way too easy. In my experience people are not so easily convinced. But four stars because at the very least it is helpful to see that it is much more than a few Scripture passages that teach the Lord's Supper.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2025
When we eat this bread and we drink this cup…
This short book opened the door to the life-giving, faith-building teaching on Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper. Far from being a casual “snack,” the Eucharist feeds us Christ’s true body and blood. To look at the bread and the wine - which is what the Scriptures say it is, and know by faith that it is, at the same time, the very body and blood that purchased our eternal redemption, is a comfort to those who need to know that Christ is for us. He has promised that He would never leave us or forsake us. The Lord’s Supper is confirmation of His promise. How sad that there are those who name the name of Christ, yet don’t recognize His real presence at “the Table of the Lord.”
This short book opened the door to the life-giving, faith-building teaching on Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper. Far from being a casual “snack,” the Eucharist feeds us Christ’s true body and blood. To look at the bread and the wine - which is what the Scriptures say it is, and know by faith that it is, at the same time, the very body and blood that purchased our eternal redemption, is a comfort to those who need to know that Christ is for us. He has promised that He would never leave us or forsake us. The Lord’s Supper is confirmation of His promise. How sad that there are those who name the name of Christ, yet don’t recognize His real presence at “the Table of the Lord.”
July 29, 2021
This book is a well-written, quick read. I bought it while I was a member of an LCMS church. This church didn't exclude people from communing, and the pastor gave a summary of who should and shouldn't commune before serving each week.
I have come to understand that allowing the general attendee to commune is not the norm in the LCMS. This book does a good job of clarifying the church's position. Sadly, that position, at least from my viewpoint, is that "we don't want any of your dirt on us". After a while, that was the feeling I got from a lot of the parishioners where I attended, so I'm no longer there.
I have come to understand that allowing the general attendee to commune is not the norm in the LCMS. This book does a good job of clarifying the church's position. Sadly, that position, at least from my viewpoint, is that "we don't want any of your dirt on us". After a while, that was the feeling I got from a lot of the parishioners where I attended, so I'm no longer there.
November 13, 2019
My pastor was talking about this book for several weeks. I think he has been passing it out like candy. I finally picked it up to read it. It is the story of two men in a coffee shop, smoking a pipe, chatting about closed communion. I'm not a coffee drinker nor do I smoke a pipe, but this book is amazing. It is such a gentle conversation explaining the scriptures and how they relate to communion, specifically closed communion. This is a must read!
November 23, 2020
This is a very readable little book that explores why some churches practice "Closed Communion" in a way that is easy to understand. By framing it as a conversation between two fictional people in a cafe discussing this over a lot of coffee, Bramwell keeps the subject matter moving forward in a way that holds a reader's attention better than a more typical paper or exploration of the topic would.
November 6, 2018
Well done good and faithful servant.
A very well done exposition of the essential truth of the Holy Sacrament. As a pastor of an orthodox Lutheran Church, it is my joy to weekly bring God's gift to a closed fellowship. Thank you for applying the Word so gracefully to the Sacrament in terms that all might grasp and be moved to seek the words of eternal life. Bless You!
A very well done exposition of the essential truth of the Holy Sacrament. As a pastor of an orthodox Lutheran Church, it is my joy to weekly bring God's gift to a closed fellowship. Thank you for applying the Word so gracefully to the Sacrament in terms that all might grasp and be moved to seek the words of eternal life. Bless You!
January 3, 2020
Thank you Pastor.
I liked this book a great deal. Full of God’s Word and even though it didn’t need to be entertaining it is. I hope Pastor Shep appears again someday. I want to know where he went that night. More importantly I learned more about our Lord’s great gift and repent of my not rightly treasuring it.
I liked this book a great deal. Full of God’s Word and even though it didn’t need to be entertaining it is. I hope Pastor Shep appears again someday. I want to know where he went that night. More importantly I learned more about our Lord’s great gift and repent of my not rightly treasuring it.
September 5, 2020
The Scriptures have an enriched meaning to me after reading it!
I’ve been an active LCMS member, seemingly forever, born in 1933. Having been regularly fed our Lord God’s Body and Blood with fellow believers at His altar, my understanding and appreciation for such has never been higher. So well stated, Pastor Bramwell. Thank you! Kenneth Johnson, Green Valley, AZ
I’ve been an active LCMS member, seemingly forever, born in 1933. Having been regularly fed our Lord God’s Body and Blood with fellow believers at His altar, my understanding and appreciation for such has never been higher. So well stated, Pastor Bramwell. Thank you! Kenneth Johnson, Green Valley, AZ
November 1, 2018
This book brought me back to why closed communion is so important and why I want to share my faith with others. It combines scripture with a story of conversation between strangers bringing an understanding I have not had before.
November 27, 2018
A wonderful read about a seemingly tough subject
Rev. Bramwell marvelously guides you through the life blood of the church, constantly calling us back to our hope found only in Christ. You will find comfort and understanding in the words Shep shares throughout the story.
Rev. Bramwell marvelously guides you through the life blood of the church, constantly calling us back to our hope found only in Christ. You will find comfort and understanding in the words Shep shares throughout the story.
April 4, 2022
an eloquent explanation of closed communion
Bramwell explains the orthodox communion in quiet logical steps, citing scripture as he takes us through the process. It’s hard to argue with the words of Jesus!
Bramwell explains the orthodox communion in quiet logical steps, citing scripture as he takes us through the process. It’s hard to argue with the words of Jesus!
April 8, 2024
Compelling, easy to read, and sure to bring people over the fence to see the value in closed communion (thankfully, I'm talking from experience). Even if you're already on the closed communion side, you'll learn some things as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews