Cleaving the Darkness

Compensating for our inabilities

2012-01-14T23:02:00.002-05:00

God has done an amazing job at designing the human body. Case in point is when one has an injury that forces you to not use the injured body part, like a hand, leg, or arm. It is amazing how adaptable the human body is because it doesn't take long to be able to do a lot of the things you are accustomed to with only a minor inconvenience. This extends to those with life long infirmities or disabilities. They get along without them because they have to. And most manage fairly well. This human adaptability, a gift of God for those who would be in the fallen world, has another less useful function. We also tend to live with the infirmities that might kill us.

This extends to the flesh as well, or rather the part that is wholly sinful. It is certainly a challenge with evangelism to show others that they are sinful. This is especially true for those who have been Christian nearly all of their lives, having been baptized as an infant, and know nothing but the warm embrace of the Word. The world is used to their suffering, even embracing it. They don't know they are without God, and without the Spirit’s revelation, they wouldn't care. It hurts to work outside of your normal adaptations. Pleasure and vice are pleasing to the flesh; drowning out the nagging thoughts of failure and hopelessness. Without something to counteract the pull of habit and adaptation, the flesh easily rejects the Word and Faith. The flesh feels it can do it on its own. This is where the Law comes into play, beating the cruel reality against the adaptive mind and flesh, showing its inability to achieve salvation by its own works. The Holy Spirit also bangs away, revealing what God has done and does and will do all for the believers by faith. Some stop fighting the Holy Spirit, stop rejecting the gifts of God. Many on the other hand rage on, fighting the Physician who would cure their disease, preferring abject hopelessness. This warfare is the crux and basis of some evangelism opportunities. No amount of human preparation can prepare one for that type of warfare, but none needs to. This is God's fight- our role is simply to be the messengers of God bringing His life giving Word. God has no infirmities. We shouldn't try and compensate for ours when His Word does it all, and has been since before time.

Occupation of the Word

2011-11-18T01:00:00.003-05:00

The "occupy (insert location here)" fad seems to be waning. There is a key thing to take away from the whole episode. I rarely heard anyone discussing the study habits, lectures, or general development of the encamping protesters. I only heard about the chants, demands, and some outrageous behavior. Those demands mostly seemed focused on their interpretation of things and what would make them, the protestors, happy. In the end, the crux of their argument is self-centered. As Christians we are supposed to be outside of this world, to be an example to it. One way we can do this is by studying the Word and occupying our minds with it.

I know I don't normally link to current events, mostly as they are trivial and trite for a vast majority of them. This is just a good example of why Christians shouldn't take their cues from the world (occupy protests, marketing directors, entertainment gurus, metrics on growth, etc) but from the Word. The Living Word occupying our minds and hearts guides Christians to live not as the world lives. This gives no room for the devil, or the flesh, and moves us to better our understanding and service to others to give witness to the Light.

For the service minded

2011-09-27T22:00:00.003-05:00

After a discussion with a co-worker, I thought it would be good to provide a "public service" by reminding those with "service ministries" that sometimes you offend more than you help. The case in point is a deaf ministry. A church wanted to help the deaf, but viewed the deaf community as "disabled in need of help" instead of people in need of a church.

Their misguided methodology stemmed from a serious misunderstanding. The deaf view themselves as capable members of society with no real impediment. The church viewed them as people with a disability needing their help. And somewhat the church's direction. As you can probably tell, the approach was less than winsome. When you and/or your church are looking for those they can help, first make sure you understand their problem. Once you understand the problem, if there is one, you can include them in the discussion and find out how you can serve. Servants don't dictate to masters or guests. They inquire, seek to do the best job, and do it at the best of their ability. This is what a Christian is called to do. So please, treat everyone as you would like to be treated, and ask first. It will save you from wasted effort, and preserve a valuable connection.

Thy Strong Word video

2011-09-12T20:05:00.003-05:00

We are teaching the children this wonderful hymn. I found a youtube video of the hymn being sung and the words from the hymn displayed. This hymn is a fond memory of mine being sung by hundreds of men at the Fort Wayne Seminary. There really isn't anything like that... Regardless- enjoy!

Maintaining the Church in Adversity

2011-09-11T23:41:00.003-05:00

It is easy to forget that the Church does not need a church building to maintain herself. And that one does not need a fancy altar, sacred scrolls, incense, or coffee hour (no matter how Lutheran...) to constitute a Church Service. We have had a spate of natural disasters in my area- earthquakes, floods, severe storms, and a hurricane. Obviously, church was cancelled at least once. And yet services were held- by my family in our house. The smallest unit of the church is a couple (man and wife makes an excellent example). Study and prayer of God's Word with the appropriate praise to God for what He has done on our behalf constitutes the service. How easy it is for familiar and good things to cloud the core. If there is one thing that we have learned from the trails of the past weeks it is that God provides abundantly in trail and in fair seasons. And He does this through His Word, which maintains and strengthens the Church, regardless of the world around them.

Word of Caution

2011-06-21T21:54:00.002-05:00

We have quite a number of freedoms here in the States. One of the most valuable is the freedom of religion. We practice our various religions without interference or direct approval of the government itself. I fear that is changing. Eric Holder, Attorney General of the US, gave a talk at the American Constitution Society. You can view an important aspect of it herhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gife. This sounds well and good, and civil rights do need protection. However, most seem to have missed the most critical portion of the video. It is so critical, Holder said it twice. I will use the quotation from the article (and video), which I will bold the critical aspects.

"We've also expanded enforcement efforts to guarantee that in our work places, our military bases, in our housing and lending markets, in our voting booths in our border areas, in our schools and places of worship. And I mean all places of worship," Holder also said.

What does this mean? It means prepare to see the government ensuring the "civil right of marriage" is enforced at the pulpit of any American church. Crazy? Have I lost my mind? Not really- the act Holder mentions (the "Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act") was enacted to protect against hate crimes based on sexual orientation. This means the right to freely practice your religion will be infringed on for a perceived right of marriage to those your religion may not recognize. This act will be used to force churches to comply or be shut down. I expect this will be used on small churches first to set precedent probably within the next 9 months, then on larger churches, and finally, when it is too late to change the momentum, it will be used on Roman Catholic, Anglican, and any of the other very large church bodies. Be prepared, because the devil is at war against the Church. It appears he might have found a tool with which to persecute her (the Church) even in the USA. I pray I am not correct, but the best deceptions are in plain view.

Pitfalls of VBS

2011-05-01T22:29:00.002-05:00

I get a sales booklet from "Oriental Trading" company, which the latest one was based on VBS. They have all sorts of various props: panda bears, a New York theme and so on. It occurred to me as I am looking at this flier that VBS with all of these cutesy type, secular based themes only serves to ultimately dilute the true reason for VBS. I am not saying they can't be useful, but we do have to remember that the human brain is a great pattern matcher- it even finds ones that are not there. (Remember those 3-D via pattern images years ago?) When you link a Bible story to something secular, like a baseball game or a New York City sky scape, the risk is there that the student remembers "New York" and not the instruction. This risk exists for any combination of secular themes. Why not make VBS an extension of Catechisis? The lessons could involve things much less mundane than rote reading (that only would work for certain ages for a time) and would work to expand on what they have learned up till VBS. Activities would be necessary, but based on the age of the child, that should be a surmountable challenge without a theme (outside of the theme of Christ). Appropriate materials can be procured or made as necessary, but require taking time to do it. That is why there is such a proliferation of "themed" materials to take "the load off" the VBS teachers. Would it be challenging to eschew these things? Of course. But we must take into account setting up VBS and its ultimate goals as it is quite clear now that the modern American Church has serious doctrinal issues. If these challenges are to be anywhere near surmounted, then we need to change how we do things, preferably to the ways that have worked before. Christianity is fairly dull in that regard- everything has been done before, or nearly so. It is also robust in we know how to do it, and a thousand ways of how not to do it. (paraphrase of Edison) Teaching new and innovative things or ways is a fast way to find a heresy. And that is certainly not what you want to teach your kids at VBS...

Dangers of hierarchy

2011-03-28T21:54:00.003-05:00

There has been a debate in the Church on how to manage its affairs. The Roman Catholic has opted for a hierarchical structure in the tradition of a bureaucracy. Others have opted for a less structured, but still hierarchical structure, such as the Episcopals. The LC-MS at its origin kept its Church affairs between it and Christ, the anti-thesis of a hierarchy. The independent church who practices Church discipline and seeks the Truth/Word is closest to the churches Paul wrote about. A hierarchy has the real risk of supplanting Christ's role as head of the Church. The best example of this is the pope, who is the "vicar of Christ", but the pope's word can override the Gospel- an anti-Christ action. This places a man in the place of the Son of God. It is the result of the very human desire to find a "king". This is very similar to the Israelites electing to have Saul over God. It is the sinful human condition, but the search for a king must start and end at Christ. Anyone/anything else is just a poor substitution and denial of Christ.

Meanings of Words

2011-02-24T22:24:00.002-05:00

Confessional Lutherans probably spend too much time on the meanings of words (at least this one does), but it is important to get the words correct. During a Sunday Bible class several weeks ago (I know, slow to write...), the question came up related to what confutation meant in the context of the Apology to the Augsburg Confession. I thought it might be important to post the difference between Confutation and Refutation, especially in light of the Apology to AC. So, based on dictionary.com, here are the differences:

Confutation: Act of proving something false, invalid, defective or wrong via argument.

Refutation: Disproof of, act of proving an erroneous or false opinion. Prove to be in error.

Obviously refuting something is the stronger of the two, and requires pretty solid evidence. While Lutherans like to think they are right (as does the Roman Catholics, Baptists, etc), we can't on this side "refute" much, and probably shouldn't necessarily "shut them down" every time. You can prove, via scriptural argument and reason, an idea is false or invalid (confute). This is why the Apology to AC is more of a confutation of the Roman Catholic assertions than a total refutation. As a side note, it didn't help the Holy Roman Emperor was Roman Catholic and it didn't serve to win the argument by calling the Roman Catholic church in major error across broad swaths of doctrine when you agree with the Scripturally based Doctrine. (That usually is hard to do with brotherly love, while confutation is much easier and proper. ;-))

Doing something right

2011-01-05T20:14:00.002-05:00

You know you are doing something right when the kids ask for hymns (on CD) in the van 10 seconds after you start it up. My oldest son's favorite hymn is "A Mighty Fortress" and my second son (who is 3) informed his mother that he can play "A Mighty Fortress" on a baby piano (one of the little 4-key versions). They are cute at that age, and neither of us will deflate that enthusiasm in the slightest!

I think, and so far experience has borne this out, that immersing kids in the Word (without dumbing it down or changing it to "suit what they can understand") seems to take best. When you use the Sunday School workbooks with paraphrased stories, how are they going to learn them by heart? They don't need to understand it all to know the story. (Does anyone understand God's Word perfectly?) That's the beauty of little kids (i.e. less than like 8-10 yrs). Early on they soak up things to remember. Later on they start to use that basis for their understanding of the world and Word. Lukewarm in, lukewarm/cold out. Consistent, pure in; I expect a deeper, consistent, reverent understanding out. Time will tell, but by the Grace of God...

Advent Hymns

2010-12-31T17:33:00.002-05:00

I saw mentioned on a youtube that Christmas songs tend to make someone sad (I believe it was for Silent Night). As this Advent season went on, I noticed there is a slight melancholy tone to the songs. I thought about it a bit, and came to the conclusion that hymns, especially Advent, are the songs of those in exile. I would imagine exile tends to be a sad and yet expectant state of mind (not having been in exile on earth). Given the additional subject matter of God coming in the flesh to die for our sins, and I can see how some hymns are especially sad-sounding. I am not sure if anyone else noticed it, but it was an interesting observation over the Advent season.

All Hallows Eve

2010-10-31T19:15:00.003-05:00

It is interesting watching the secular world "celebrate" halloween. People dress up as ghosts, demons, and various forms of the "undead" to elicit candy or shrieks of terror. The western world seems especially preoccupied with vampires and zombies. Both are undead, forever damned to walk the earth, and also with a craving for some living sustenance (blood or brains, ultimately the flesh itself). This preoccupation is very interesting because the secular world is pretty much the walking spiritually dead. If you could see their spiritual state, the amount of "zombie-fication" would be astounding and revolting. They would be staggering about, with the flesh obviously rotting, smelling horridly, muttering useless blather and seeking to satisfy one thing or another. One could also be able to see those who have faith, possibly scars on their bodies from sins prior to salvation, but otherwise remarkably "healthy." That is not to say they would necessarily be unmarred as we all sin daily. The difference would be in a healing wound versus a poisonous oozing sore. I won't add the demons or angels to this as either would be terrifying (the former for their appearance and demeanor, the latter for their power and capacity).

Why this gross and disgusting imagery? Because this is the reality. I suspect the secular world focuses on these things because they, deep down, suspect and fear this to be true of themselves. But when the Great Physician comes, they howl in pain and push Him away. They then go back to their stupor, looking to please the flesh and possibly wondering why things are such a mess. In the end, those who reject God are eternally damned, forever rotting in hell. Those who believe in Christ will be fully healed of the fatal disease of sin. Tonight is not the "Devil's Night." He had his a long time ago, and that ended with the raising of Jesus three days later and the start of the end of this nightmare of a spiritual world. Just beware of the world and the flesh- they seek to consume your soul.

Reformation

2010-10-29T23:18:00.003-05:00

This Sunday is Reformation Sunday. The name of the day entitles that which Luther intended when he nailed the theses on the door. Reform. Repentance. Renewal. Instead the Roman Catholic church chose to ignore and punish. Luther was correct in pointing out the failings of the Roman Catholic church, and the Roman Catholic church was wrong to react the same way as the Jewish leaders 1500 years prior. Explaining the Truth (from Scripture) is sometimes hard to take, and sometimes harder to give. As the church year ends, take a few moments to reflect on Scripture. We all fail/have failed and it takes the hard edge of the law and the Word to trim off the excess, corruption and rot. Once you have reflected and repented of those things which are ungodly, also take a look around you and reform what is necessary- family life, entertainment, even your own church body (if it needs it). Recall that the path is narrow, and is not easy. Our sacrifices and toils are enough to refine us and to keep us on the narrow way. Christ is our strength and our hope. Without Him, reform isn't possible, or even beneficial.

Romans and football (kinda)

2010-09-01T22:34:00.004-05:00

I read Romans chapters one and two tonight and was stuck by the clear refutation of not only homosexuality (yes, it is in there) but a lot of what we find in our culture. Verses 28 - 31 (from Chapter 1) give a laundry list of what those who hate God do. It isn't surprising that such a list exists in a letter to the Romans, or that it applies to our country as well. Vices definitely existed in Rome at that time, as they also did in Greece before it. Western culture owes much to both of these empires of history, and they left their mark even in our culture's vices. As Christians we should move away from sinful things, including removing things which provide a poor example or outright bad influence on our selves and children. I know football season is right around the corner, but you (and your family) don't need to see the commercials in between. This probably isn't anything you haven't heard before. But read Romans 1 and 2 again before you flip on the game and the ads that accompany it.

Interesting Story

2010-07-31T21:51:00.003-05:00

This article is an interesting one about people starting to meet in their homes for church. That by itself isn't a wrong approach for a church. The reason for doing it is paramount though- if you are doing it out of convenience or personal preference, then you are acting schismatically. However, if you do so to preserve/continue sound doctrine, then you are working in the old Christian (and Lutheran) tradition. Either way you look at it, it is an interesting article about some trends that exist in modern America.

For what it is worth, my take is most of the people are acting dangerously with "spontaneous" and self-guided approaches with little of Doctrine of the Church (or the theological history of her). I certainly would not attend a church based on those approaches or moving in their direction.

Demon Possession

2010-07-23T21:32:00.002-05:00

There are no proscribed methods in the Bible for detecting possession (that I know of). However, I think it would probably be fairly obvious. It just isn't reported on, at least not outside of the "sci-fi" reports alongside ghosts and mangy dogs. However, this article comes from, of all places, Saudi Arabia. Apparently a Saudi man has a "jinn" (genie, or demon) possessing his son. His son is chained in the basement for his protection. It might just be a trumped up article (since I cannot confirm the truth of it). I did find it interesting a major publication carried the story at all (and numerous other places have also picked it up). If true, I hope the Gospel is preached and the demon excised.

The logic of the world

2010-07-21T23:02:00.003-05:00

You probably saw the article on "Atheists using hair dryers to de-baptize." This is an excellent example of worldly logic and reason. Namely it is neither. The atheist is so convinced they are right, the logic of what they are doing is totally confused. See the following quote (and remember atheists don't "believe" in God, or any god(s)):

"Leading atheist Edwin Kagin blasted his fellow non-believers with the hair dryer to symbolically dry up the holy water sprinkled on their heads in days past. The styling tool was emblazoned with a label reading "Reason and Truth.""

If you don't believe in God or baptism, and you suggest God doesn't exist, why do you need to get rid of the baptism? Logically, if there is no God, there can be no baptism and no need to "de-baptize." This lays bare the real reason they believe there is no God- they wish to take His place. Mr. Kagin did get one thing right: "I was born atheist..." Everyone is. Unfortunately Mr. Kagin is blinded by sin and does not realize what he is doing. I pray God converts Mr. Kagin, and all of his "atheist" friends, so their sins would be forgiven and their eyes, and minds, opened to Truth.

Adult Baptism

2010-06-29T22:39:00.002-05:00

I was visiting my mom this weekend and attended her WELS church service. As part of the service was an adult baptism. It occurred to me that I have seen maybe a couple of these in my lifetime, while I have seen at least a dozen babies baptized (not counting my own). While it is important to baptize infants, I do think that Lutheran's in general have left the generational growth path dominate a little too much in "missions." I haven't been involved of any major outreaches within any of the Lutheran churches I have been a member, and don't recall any efforts off the top of my head. I certainly don't want the watered down, ineffective "gospel" (little g) of the "Church Growth Movement." (why give up the Living Word?) I am not sure how Lutherans (at least the ones I have interacted with) got to the point where we are now. Are there good examples of missionary work within a Lutheran church's neighborhood? Or have we ceded that ground somewhat to those whose message is diluted by pop culture and wavering from orthodox Doctrine? I don't think the latter is necessarily true, but I do think we do precious little when we might be needing to do much more.

Creation...

2010-05-15T21:49:00.002-05:00

The going thing in "science" now is evolution to explain how all the flora and fauna came to be. But that will pass in time. Already Darwinian random chance is giving way to some sort of logic within evolutionary circles. That path eventually ends with design, and ultimately the quest for who made everything. The downfall of evolution might come sooner than I think when you have articles like this which show that the simplest forms of creation, namely plants, use physics we have only begun to understand. Quantum mechanics aren't supposed to exist in macro systems like trees, especially not a sensitive quantum aspect like entanglement. However, this is how photosynthesis occurs. Biologists currently wonder how human nerves can transmit their signals so efficiently. I fully suspect they will find superconductivity as the reason.

Both of these quantum mechanic aspects have only been seen at extremely cold temperatures in labs. We know so little of how the universe works. Only God has the understanding to fully grasp what each nuance means and use it to create trees and animals. Science provides the explanation of how things work. Theology (proper theology to be precise) provides the answers of why it exists at all and how it all started.

Man arrested for preaching...

2010-05-02T22:16:00.004-05:00

A man who preached on a street corner in Britain was arrested because he said homosexuality is a sin. They arrested him on laws that were not originally intended to be used this way, and it appears this is an increasing occurrence. I fully expect this to come to America, if it hasn't already. It is very clear from God's Word that Christians would be persecuted, and this is just another example. Hopefully this means the Last Day is soon, and this strife will end.

Puzzling...

2010-04-30T20:01:00.002-05:00

I have noticed, and found out this is true across the country, that parishioners, once they determine that the church no longer is teaching proper doctrine, still remain in it. The usual explanation for this is that "they don't like change..." That might be true, but I think a bit of legalism is involved. It might not be a main reason, but it occurred to me as a possibility. It might be they are attributing salvation and/or "church-ly functions" only to the place and not the Word of God. I am not sure if this fits, but it might shed some light on the reluctance to leave, even though a church has fallen far from the Truth. Food for thought...

Memory Work

2010-03-28T23:28:00.002-05:00

My children's memory work is from 2 Timothy 3:16. It is a great verse to teach children because of how clear it is. I have included it below, along with the surrounding section. This is a good, clear section on doctrine and its defense. (I copied it in KJV because NIV waters it down.) The defense of doctrine is something confessionals have been too weak on in the last 50+ years. We need to get back to our roots, back to Scripture, back to Luther and defend from there. And do it vigorously at every opportunity. Only then will the tide of ignorance and weakening of the Gospel be dispelled. With no further ado, 2 Timothy 3:10-17:

10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Malachi

2010-03-19T21:22:00.002-05:00

Malachi is almost a forgotten book just before the book of Matthew at the tail end of the OT. I found it very enlightening as I read Malachi several days ago. Malachi contains some very useful links between God's plan for marriage and the church. It also provides an admonition to keep the faith. All of this is within 2 verses of Chapter 2. I copied them below, but recommend reading the whole book (4 chapters- easily done). (Copied text is NIV) The whole book is chock full of great stuff and helps weave together the words of Christ and the OT.

" 15 Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.

16 "I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel, "and I hate a man's covering himself with violence as well as with his garment," says the LORD Almighty.
So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith."

For a Miracle, Press A2

2010-02-07T22:25:00.002-05:00

The sermon for today had a comparison that I thought was very appropriate. It likened man's desire for god to be a vending machine. You put in the right prayer, deed, penance, whatever you think will work, and hopefully your requested item will be dispensed. (I am sure some pagans must feel like we do when the item hangs from its perch, refusing to come down!) This is also where the prosperity gospel also falls in- God loves you, and like a spoiled child we expect everything we ask for to come true (a vending machine that needs no money...). I found it to be a fitting portrayal, and thought I would share it.

God has been kind to us, even with the harsher winter than normal. The third major snowfall (and like 5th storm) has passed, and caused some damage (a magnolia tree that might never be the same), but we remained warm and protected from the storm. God has been gracious, and provides objective laws and guidance to instruct and correct. God is certainly wiser than all the counsel of men.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T22:01:00.001-05:00

There is much to be thankful for this year. Merry Christmas!

In the Still of a White Night

2009-12-19T21:39:00.002-05:00

It is amazing that with all of the sin and tumult of this world, one can still find the beauty of nature. Tonight, with the snow tapering off, a single star visible in the heavens, a downy white tapestry and snowy silence* show that God is a gracious God. How else would this quietness begging for reflection and awe of the beauty exist so long after the Fall...?

*Snowy silence is my phrase for the absolute quiet during/after a snowfall, especially one that drops quite a bit. If you are familiar with snow, you know what I mean. Every breath of wind is noticeable, and there seems to be no sound around. Our subdivision is like that tonight; seemingly in anticipation of the coming of Christ.

The New Religion

2009-11-06T20:11:00.002-05:00

The corruption continues, and man deceives himself. A judge in England has given near-religion status to those of the "Green Movement." The movement is without scientific merit, but those who follow it do so with fervor. And apparently that is enough in England. I am sure those who claim "Jedi" and all sorts of other pantheistic ideas will also be given "true" religion status by the English courts soon. Given the current state of US politics, this may very well be a ruling even within the US within a decade or two. Good Christians- prepare yourselves and your family. The very real battle for your souls is moving from subversive to overt. The End is most certainly near...

Supporting Murder

2009-10-06T20:23:00.002-05:00

Apparently some denominations are requesting gov't funds for abortions, or put it more properly, prenatal murder. The article, which isn't long, is here. The article quotes the letter corporately sent as saying that abortion is "morally justifiable." The list of people who should know better includes rabbis, American Baptist, Presbyterian Church (USA) and ELCA. This is a sad note of how far several denominations have drifted from the Word. If only they would heed Christ and not ignore their Savior. Isaiah 5:20 warns: "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" John 16:2 says "They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." I think we are close to a time where Christians might not be very safe, even in the USA.

We should still instruct these who advocate such detestable things in hopes God will turn their hearts. I pray they repent...

"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. " 2 Tim 4:1-4

God is in Control

2009-09-24T21:10:00.002-05:00

Being a father to four kids keeps me on my toes. Last week, my youngest was injured at home while I was taking a required class for work. While the injury wasn't serious, he did require some corrective (but minor) surgery. All is well now, thanks be to God! God has taken care of us always, it just seems more apparent during the trying times.

We have been teaching our kids different hymns, which we sing (a cappella; poorly in my case...) every evening for about a month. We just started singing "Now Thank We All Our God" (LSB 895). It is one of my favorites for both the tune and text. And songs like this are also good to be able to recall during the trying times, and the celebratory times when the trial is over. I hope to imprint these on our children so they have a ready mental hymnbook no matter the time.

Weedon's Blog

2009-08-27T22:31:00.001-05:00

If you haven't seen this yet, it is worth the read. I saw it a while ago, and just didn't have the time to post it then.

"Why Missouri Stood Alone"

2009-08-24T20:06:00.003-05:00

Here is a link to an essay prepared for the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod's 75th Anniversary in 1922. In it, I sadly find the very reasons I left the LC-MS, but also the promise that this road has been traveled before, and God's Word has prevailed. You can find the whole text in a Google book copy of the book "Ebenezer." It isn't too long, and well worth the read. The doctrinal strife of the past has set up our current issues, and provides clear context for the modern age.

The following is a very short excerpt to leave you wanting more. The General Synod was the main "Lutheran Synod" at the time, and harshly critical of everything from the Missouri Synod.

"Here is the General Synod declaring, "Our principles not merely allow but actually demand fraternal relations with all Evangelical Christians." The Missourians protest, in the words of Luther, "A man who knows that his doctrine faith and confession is true correct and certain cannot stand together with those who teach false doctrine who side with such.""

Martyrs

2009-07-27T21:38:00.002-05:00

In western culture, you only really hear of "martyrs" in the context of sacrificing something less than your life for a cause. The main exception to this is related to the Islamic terrorists that seek to convert by the sword, or, in their modern approach, bomb. However, almost unnoticed in the media was a little story from North Korea. It claims a woman was executed, at least partly, for distributing the Bible. This isn't an outlandish story, it just is almost impossible to verify. From experience, though, I would wager that this happens more than anyone knows, particularly in North Korea. In the west, Christians aren't executed; just maligned, laughed at, and ridiculed. (See any "scientific debate" where someone mentions Creation.) In addition, the culture seeks to normalize Christianity to itself, through introduction of techniques, traditions, and social reforms that sound good and are culturally derived. In the end, they only serve to weaken, divide, and drive Christians to behave more like their unchristian neighbors- self-absorbed, self-righteous, sinful, and otherwise indifferent. In the end, the world wants Christians to be like itself, removing the example, and chalking a win in Satan's vying for souls. Let the story of a modern martyr from North Korea, and of the Saints from millennia before, remind you that evil still prowls. Be vigilant, study, teach your children rightly the Christian faith, and run the race until the end.

Death in the News

2009-07-05T21:08:00.003-05:00

The recent spate of death of famous people serves to remind me, as I am sure most Christians, of our mortality and the payment of sin. The very real consequences of this world and its rebellion play out every day. This is why churches must preach God's Word unvarnished, unwaveringly, and to dispense with trivialities of "church growth movement" related nonsense. The Word is already provided in the most effective manner, by God. It worked for Christ (the Word incarnate), it worked for the Apostles, it will work now, and it will always work. This world needs it now, more than ever, if only due to the number of souls alive today. Why people must mess with what works in such a dire, serious situation is beyond my comprehension...

A post on the blog "Letters from Jeremiah" posted C.F.W. Walther's 1883 address at the opening of a new building at the Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. It is well worth the read.

Double Tragedy

2009-06-01T23:10:00.001-05:00

Thankfully this has nothing to do with my son. (He is doing well btw). The double tragedy is the shooting of an abortion doctor. Murder is murder, no matter how you try and justify it. The abortion doctor was wrong in providing abortions, and he is paying for that now. No one who does abortions regularly can logically or faithfully call themselves christian. To be clear, God forgives even the cruelest man, provided he has faith and repents (turns away) prior to death. However, those who continue to do things abominable to God are rejected. This is one of those times.

There is a second tragedy here, one more subtle. The second, and possibly more grievous, tragedy is the lack of church discipline. This man was an usher in a church on Sunday, and oversaw the murder of babies from Monday to Friday! He should have been excommunicated long ago. Nothing is worth the continuance of keeping one in the fold who goes against so much of what God says. It also reveals a lack of proper instruction within the church, and the list goes on. It is a tragedy that a murder was committed, and the murder of the doctor was wrong. However, the church (as a whole) better pay attention, because those who do not practice proper discipline might end up likewise being rejected. This is true for all churches within the Church invisible, the bride of Christ.

Train a child...

2009-05-25T22:22:00.002-05:00

I ran across an article talking about an award for reciting the 10 Commandments within 20 seconds. This speaks to two areas. One, we have allowed ourselves to do too little study (I am guilty, I am sure we all are...) on what it is we believe, and what it is God expects of us. This last bit is what causes us to seek Him and the mercy within the sacrifice of Jesus.

The other area is how true it is that you must teach your children well. Mine have been memorizing verses and the commandments for a while. We made it part of the evening "bed time" routine. They listen to hymns on CD in the van (they request them vice a radio station!). And they are learning them! We don't have any excuse for avoiding doing this with our children, or ourselves. So quit watching TV or reading the online news (the world doesn't change that fast...), and start reading the Word.

A child should be able to do this challenge easily, and it is sad that the person even felt this was a necessary step. Do you really need $20 grand to start reading the Bible?

Coming Home

2009-05-17T21:43:00.003-05:00

After a long wait, my son is on his way home. He should arrive tomorrow. It has been a long road, but thanks to the vocations of the nurses, the technology we are blessed with, God has taken care of him and we get to take him home. God is good!

Life is Precious

2009-05-03T22:41:00.002-05:00

Most people realize life has infinite value, and respond in different ways to that understanding. However, people are also agile in rationalizing anything. My experiences over the past 6 weeks has revealed, in new ways, what abortion really means. There is no claim to a "woman's body"- the DNA is different between the two and such an argument is entirely bogus without using much logic. If the DNA is unique, then the real question is when is a life initiated. Christians understand this to be conception. (I am suggesting those who do ascribe to Christianity and yet support abortion are at the least misinformed, with very little distance to hypocrisy and disbelief.) The world is having issues drawing the line, as in keeping with a sinful world. I have seen my son at 11 weeks premature, still abortable in some of the late-term abortion regions. He is definitely an individual, unique and loved by his LORD.

So what is the separation? If you were to look at a person's time-line from conception to death some years 70 years later, for example. The only difference between the two is the time and experiences that life would imbue to them. But experience can't discriminate because it is possible to have fewer, if any, experiences, and still constitute value. So the difference is time, but that still cannot imbue value, lest the 60 year old has more value than a 15 year old. This leaves value being a quality of the life, which would be accurate as God used the Breath of Life to cause life to generate, a gift. The use of time in this case is a nefarious version of "allowed murder." Eugenics, infanticide, and racial purity approaches throughout the globe and history all utilize these arguments. Not a single movement dedicated to life has ever based it on time. It just doesn't withstand basic consideration and logic. May this curse be lifted soon.

As for those worried about the minor issues of "ability" or "rape/incest", murder is not allowed if you are unable to make payments on your house, car, or anything else. That is for you to to trust God and deal with. Not one person has ever lived perfectly able to raise children. It is a growing experience, one God blesses you with, and disciplines you sometimes through it. Rape is a crime, but you must trust God brings good from the worst of the earth (see salvation, just about anytime God uses someone to do something to His and other's benefit). Murder would only compound the crime. In the end, there is always adoption in both cases, which preserves life.

Sorry for the long post, but I am learning the concept of fully hating sin with a passion. I am not perfect and sin everyday. But until you understand the evil and corruption (worse than a horror flick) of a single sin, I don't think you can totally understand the evil of the unrighteous and the necessity of the sacrifice of Christ. Praise God for his mercy! SDG

Blackest of Victories

2009-04-10T22:49:00.003-05:00

The phrase you usually hear in movies when there is a succession of kingship is "The King is dead... long live the King!" At first glance this is a strange statement. But, given the context, it makes sense. In the case of Good Friday, the King takes the punishment of the decrepit beggars at his door. The King dies. I am sure Satan paraded around his minons shouting this phrase, assuming he would succeed the King. (Yes, there is no proof of this, and is never alluded. It is just a supposition...) In three days, the King lives again. Satan is defeated. This victory comes through the darkness, though the very evil He forgives. God's way is better than man's way. By far. The words of the common Doxology come to mind: "Praise God from whom all blessings flow..."

+SDG+

Quick Update

2009-04-07T22:55:00.002-05:00

My son is still doing well. There are ups and downs, and he is doing all of the preemie things (forgetting to breathe, heart rate, etc). He recently passed his birth weight and has put on a couple ounces since then. He is taking some food via a tube to his stomach. But he still has episodes where he forgets to breathe or his heart rate drops. We pray for him (and many others are as well) every day at least. We know he is in God's hands and is His child (he was baptized in the NICU on 3/25).

Keep praying for him as the road is long. +SDG+

Update

2009-03-24T23:31:00.002-05:00

My son is doing fairly well. He put on 2 ounces (about 60 grams) in the past 24 hours. This doesn't sound like much, but it is a lot to us. He is on a ventilator now, but it is allowing him to rest and get stronger. He also processed 4 cc's of really basic formula via the stomach (and feeding tube) in 6 hours, another promising development. His color and general vitals are good. Praise God for that.

My daughter went to see him for the second time today. She skipped the way down and was eager to see him. But in the NICU, she was quite serious. A 5 year old has many interesting insights, and she understands this is a serious thing. But she is glad to go. Sometimes, the children give more help to their parents than they sometimes realize.

In keeping with my responsibilities as a father, we are going to have the baptism tomorrow in the NICU. This is a precaution in case things move worse, however this is not an indication of his current trend, just the fulfillment of that portion of my christian duty. We will hold a special service once he is out of the NICU in remembrance of his baptism (I don't think that's the right phrase, but its close enough). +SDG+

Strength in Weakness

2009-03-22T22:50:00.002-05:00

God provides for all of our needs, in ways we don't, and can't, understand sometimes. Sometimes the situation is out of our control, and we only have Him to lean on. This is a true test of faith. This is particularly true of decisions involving children, especially the unborn. This morning I had to take my wife to the hospital at 28 weeks gestation due to preterm labor. As a result, we had to have an emergency c-section to deliver the baby for the good of both mother and child. This is very nerve-wracking and places us with the many unknowns and possible outcomes. In the old days, even as soon as a hundred years ago, this would have been a death knell for at least the child. While our technology is a marvel, and the statistics are good, being that early is always very concerning. It will be at least 72 hours for the immediate "out of the woods", 6 weeks before he can come home, and at least a year of monitoring him to ensure he is healthy. There will be likely repercussions throughout his life.

Because of the weight of these decisions, and the outcome being entirely out of my hands, I was, for all intensive purposes, weak in flesh and mind. There was nothing I could do, and I was helpless. So I prayed. Hard. I learned that to truly pray "not my will but thine be done" is one of the most final, hard things one can do. The sensation to me was similar to the crack of the rifles at a veteran's funeral- complete inability to effect a change, and the total reliance on God. This is the core of faith. This was a situation that takes you beyond your limits, to effect the good of God. Christ's prayers on Gethsemane ran through my mind as I prayed. There is no better teacher than experience, and this is a Lent I won't forget.

Please pray for health for mother and son, strength for the ordeal, and that God's will be done.
+SDG+

Addendum...

2009-03-05T22:08:00.002-05:00

In a rare event, I have posted twice in one night! I just read Pastor Esget's Ash Wednesday's sermon. It is excellent and places the proper emphasis where it belongs. I am always in awe of Pastor Esget's ability to tease out the key aspects and provide them so clearly within the confines of a sermon...

And yes, I am headed to bed... ;-)

Sickness and Lent

2009-03-05T21:40:00.002-05:00

There isn't an intended link between the two, even though sin can be considered a mortal sickness that is 100% transmittable. My family is on the tail end of a round of sickness, and I hope we will be able to avoid the stomach bug which is going around. Please wash hands and get plenty of sleep! (As I write this I am thinking of the coughing and nose blowing I have done for the past two weeks... ugh!)

It is also Lent, a time for remembering our sin and God's sacrifice to atone. Human nature is corrupt and sinful. Only through the mercy of God do we have any hope at all. We should discipline ourselves to not only be aware of this fact daily, but also to seek forgiveness and the strength to resist the temptations. Thank God He had a plan of restoration!

One other note for those who might not have seen it- the LC-MS has dropped the suit on the Issues Etc trademark. John the Steadfast has a couple posts- one on the LC-MS, and one on the legalese behind it. This encapsulates one of the reasons I left the LC-MS. The corporate body of the LC-MS acts as if its only interest is in the "brand" and not the Life-Giving Word of God. I cannot abide such hypocrisy in the Church. It sullies the teaching of the children, provides a disgrace to Christendom, and adds fodder to the humanists and non-believers. I am eternally grateful that God can make good things happen out of bad. I will get off my soapbox, and head to bed for the rest I need to get over this illness.

Where is your trust?

2009-01-24T15:17:00.002-05:00

With the media reports on the inauguration, we saw more than one person exclaim to the effect that "Obama will save us." With the economy headed downward, the action in Afghanistan heating up, and terrorists still at large, I can see where people might be anxious, nervous, and looking for hope. Where is your hope? Where is your trust? President Obama? Congress? Gov't bailouts of the economy? UN sanctions to put troubled areas at peace? Where you seek your security, there your heart is also. The bailouts are a false hope. Suggesting a President will salve economic ills is fallacy. Do you trust your savings account to keep you secure? In truth, our only security is trusting God to provide our daily bread each day. Any other trust, however momentary, robs God of our faith in Him. I pray you haven't fallen into the trap of trusting any man, machine, or bureaucracy for your daily bread. That which sustains you might come from these things, but God provides. If you have fallen into this trust of worldly things, repent and trust God to provide all. Thankfully our God forgives more debt than any country can cover over.

ULMA Meeting

2009-01-17T13:29:00.002-05:00

Last week I went as the Lay Representative to the ULMA semi-annual meeting. (I know, I wasn't a good blogger and took a week to get to it here...my apologies. ;-)) It was good to meet everyone involved, including laity in charge of the meeting(all men from the member congregations) and pastors. It is refreshing to meet a group who use the Robert's Rules of Order for just that- order. It isn't used to control the meeting as it is in some LCMS District meetings. They are very supportive and their focus is on getting the Word of God out, and taught properly, to the congregations. The lay ran the meeting and voted on several issues, including continuing the support to Agnus Dei (which they did). The pastors do not have a vote but provide theological input (which is sought). This is in keeping AFAIK with Walther's "Church and Ministry" and how much of the LCMS operates congregationally, or at least did. It was a good meeting, especially considering the weather moving through.

I am the third attendee from the lay of our mission church. The experience has been helpful for all of us who have attended. It is very helpful in seeing how this runs and to put faces with names. I wish the LCMS churches I have attended in the past let as many lay go to the conferences and not rely on one person.

For those who think pastor Jack Cascione is THE ULMA, I hate to disappoint, but he has a fairly sidelined position with the direction of the ULMA. I think he talked the least of the pastors there (there were 5), with the lead being taken by the laity in organizing and supporting the day-to-day needs of the ULMA.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T14:00:00.002-05:00

I know I am a little early, but I wanted to finally get to post. I had to reinstall Windows XP after a virus/malware caused mayhem. After a couple weeks of scanning, scrubbing and reinstalling, I am finally back up.

I hope you enjoy the coming New Year in your own way, but remember to thank God for keeping you this past year, and to place everything on Him for this next. He has promised to provide, and He will. Remember this especially when times are tough, when it is hardest. Wait for the Lord to do His work. (Psalm 27:13-14, Lam 3:23-26. Isaiah 8:17) And pray that we all stay virus and malware free!

I'm back!

2008-12-13T22:43:00.002-05:00

I know my posts have been few and far between, but I am back now. I took a Masters level course, and it consumed my free time and some not so free time. The class is over and I plan on trying to toss little things up here much more frequently now.

Since the election is over and our President-Elect is Barack Obama, we must all pray he has wisdom and God's guidance. I don't agree with his policies to date, and I personally think he might do more harm then good. But he will be President, and thus the leader, of the USA, and I should pray that he does well. This is a civic duty as a citizen to wish the President and Congress to do well, but it also is my Christian duty. He has made it there because God granted it so. I make it a point to not argue with the Almighty. (Though I do fall into sin regularly, as all do. It still isn't wise to argue with God.) So, no matter what side you are on, pray that God guides Mr. Obama with wisdom. It is the right thing to do.

To the Polls!

2008-11-03T23:09:00.002-05:00

For those who might read this prior to the polls closing, remember to vote. It is your duty, privilege and vocation as a United States citizen.

For Christians, there should be a litmus test that some seem to ignore. They choose who sounds the best, who promises the most tax cuts / social programs, or who looks the best in pictures and movies. In the end, though, a Christian should vote according to conscience based on Scripture. For example, a Christian should not vote for a "pro-choice"/abortionist because of the Fifth Commandment. (There should be no lee-way here.) If there are extensive social programs, they should ring warning bells because they might ignore 2 Thess 3:10b "...we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."" In the end, a gov't official who properly understands their roles in relation to Christ via proper understanding of Law and Gospel will (hopefully) translate to fulfilling their earthly roles with honor and distinction.

Unfortunately, the options we have to choose from might be unfavorable on any side. At that point, all we can do is consider to run ourselves for gov't positions. Crazy? Who else will stand up? The politician? Something to consider as we have plenty of opportunities to serve in the USA. Selecting an office to run for might be crazy, but at the same time we can't blame anyone but ourselves for the politicians and fools that we do elect. Just something to mull on as the mother-of-all-election-seasons wind down. Anyone up for Election 2012?!

Heterodoxy in the Synod

2008-09-18T21:58:00.004-05:00

Heterodoxy is an important issue for any Christian. But most don’t know why, or what it means other than a general “feel.”. First, what is heterodoxy? The LC-MS has heterodoxy defined in the “Christian Cyclopedia” as “Teachings or beliefs differing from a position held to be orthodox.” (For clarity, orthodox is defined on the same site as “orthodox implies conformity to a certain standard.”) Heterodoxy is also defined publicly as “the state of being at variance with established doctrines or beliefs” (thefreedictionary.com). Both of these are in agreement- it is a variation from the established norm. While this is usually not a major issue in most areas of our lives, it is of utmost importance in a church body. Failure to ensure consistent doctrine and belief is the start of error and schism. This is seen in a document on Lutheran Understanding of Church Fellowship. Heterodoxy is a serious affair. So how does this apply to the LC-MS?

For the sake of brevity, I will be short and require you to do a little more reading than normal. However this is good because you yourself must be discerning between falsehood and nuance and the Truth. This means comparing ANY teaching and ANY doctrine against Scripture and Confessions. I am also not going to cover areas I have already posted on, such as the issues within the Synod. The one that promptly pops into my mind that is the most related of previous posts is the inclusion of non-Scriptural “worship elements.” It isn’t wise and goes against teaching only Scripture and the Confessions. And this practice is allowed and encouraged within the LC-MS. This is one item of heterodoxy.

Another item is closed communion. This is proper practice and supports the spiritual health of the congregation as well as her visitors. Those without faith or a proper understanding will drink to their detriment. (1 Cor. 11: 29-30) There isn’t an overt “open communion” policy. But when was the last time you visited an LC-MS church and went to the communion rail without being questioned? Also beware questions of dubious worth that allow the individual to say “yes” without an examination, especially by the pastor. For an excellent post on wiggle words and how this is done “under the table” within the LC-MS, see Father Hollywood’s post on “Word games and communion statements.” Some LC-MS churches with a focus on “contemporary worship” won’t even bother to ask. (Try visiting a couple…see here) This is heterodox error number two, and puts souls in jeopardy.

Syncretism and Unionism have popped in and out of the LC-MS view recently, most notably with the Benke affair right after Sept. 11, 2001. Since then, the LC-MS has issued several resolutions (2004 Res. 3-06A and 2001 Res. 3-07A), and the defense of which hinges on the “civic-ness” of the event. I am all for engaging other denominations and religions, if only as an avenue to teach. That stops when the avenue becomes a “level field” where everything is equal and prayers offered. It does not have to reach the level of a “Lutheran Service” (i.e. page 15 in the red hymnal), but the level of service for any of the presiding erring denominations or pagans. We wouldn’t consider a prayer to a “goddess of a hill” a worship service, but to a pagan, that might constitute a worship service entirely. We would do better to avoid such things to present a clear message. The worming around with the words does not lend clarity. Given Benke was not disciplined (that I know of) and the unfortunate presiding Vice President, Rev. Wallace Schultz, was fired after providing an honest evaluation (after being asked to do so), the LC-MS’s dedication to providing a clear message of Christ Crucified is lacking. This is a troubling case of bowing to pressure to “not offend,” and losing the Truth in the process.

I have provided three clear cases here, evidence from the LC-MS and others, and several anecdotal ones in previous posts. I believe you can see a trend here, even within the past decade towards “not offending” others with the Gospel (by watering down the Gospel and preventing the “meat”), moving towards demographics and market studies (and ignoring the effect and the third person in the Trinity, the Holy Spirit), and pillaging those things which are beneficial (congregational solidarity, unity, and seeking to remove aspects that don’t agree with them- see recent appointments to offices, Issues Etc affair).

I am also not the only one posting on LC-MS heterodoxy. “John the Steadfast” has posted on heterodoxy as well related to a youth gathering in Texas. This is a very serious affair, one the LC-MS is either blind to, or willingly ignoring. Both are bad, but the latter more so.

I have proven that claims that the LC-MS is not heterodox are unoriginal and misinformed. See for yourself! Synod has set herself up as the arbiter of her own rulings. When was the last time a District used Scripture instead of a By-Law to instruct her members? Why does Ablaze use Baptist terminology, invent new words, and seek to be all inclusive while providing a confusing witness to the world? Read Scripture, and the Confessions. And do it again. I firmly believe that you will discover that the LC-MS is a paper-disciple. Looks great on paper, and has all of the i’s and t’s dealt with. But the paper stays in the drawer and practice is something else. And that is the true sign of a heterodox church.

Posting

2008-08-14T21:39:00.002-05:00

If you wish to post comments, I encourage you to do so. However, if you are going to discuss any given thing, don't just say it is true. Back it up with quotes, links, and verses. Those who don't will be challenged. I don't think anyone has time to be wasted trying to prove everyone's opinion for them. I will end with this quote, which I find more than covers quite a few situations like these.

"Sine factus persone istra cum opinione solo tu es."
In English: "Without facts, you are just another person with an opinion."

LC-MS Warning!

2008-08-05T21:54:00.002-05:00

Take heed, brothers and sisters in Christ. It appears foul play is at work in the LC-MS. I don't want to steal any thunder from an excellent post, so here is the link to the article on Extreme Theology: Changing the LCMS Changing the LCMS. I strongly recommend this to anyone in the LC-MS.

Public Confessions

2008-07-16T22:16:00.002-05:00

I am not seeking a “perfect church.” It does not exist this side of heaven, and to seek a perfect church in this world is utter foolishness. What I seek is a church that seeks God. Sadly, that is a rarity anymore in the LC-MS. To paraphrase a saying I have heard, ‘you worship as you believe’. This is why I was led to question some of the actions of the LC-MS.

One of the questionable actions is the LC-MS affiliation with the AALC, which has an official “closed communion” policy like the LC-MS, but is known for its open communion practice. LC-MS as a Church Body has allowed itself to be yoked with another body that does not hold in practice to closed communion. This weakens the Synod’s official stance on Communion and its “conservative” status. The Synod’s public, outward acts are its public confession. This is how anyone is known. LC-MS is also known by who they associate with, which makes the poor doctrine of some daughter churches, members and affiliations detriments to the confession of Scripture. This is spoken of in the Formula of Concord, Section X (about adopting adiaphora and its dangers) and in a “Brief Statement of the Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod” (adopted 1932), Section 28 and 29. I quote 29 as it is directly applicable to the question of public confession.

29. The orthodox character of a church is established not by its mere name nor by its outward acceptance of, and subscription to, an orthodox creed, but by the doctrine which is actually taught in its pulpits, in its theological seminaries, and in its publications. On the other hand, a church does not forfeit its orthodox character through the casual intrusion of errors, provided these are combated and eventually removed by means of doctrinal discipline, Acts 20:30; 1 Tim. 1:3.

Poorly chosen affiliations and a lack of Christian Church Discipline against church growth movement/contemporary services have all eroded the position of the LC-MS as a church body. I am quite concerned that these all affect and decrease the use of Scriptures in the church, provide confusion and a lack of consistency, and will ultimately drive the faithful to other denominations or away altogether. I know of several LC-MS congregations and members who have left (including going to non-Lutheran denominations). I also have a deep concern for my children, who would figure out the divisions and wonder why they exist in the Synod. They will have poor understanding while young and in the early stages of doctrinal understanding, but that will provide an inlet for Satan to sow doubt and unbelief. Since I must give an account, I could not remain silent on these issues (nor should any Christian in the Synod). I am seeking God and His Truth, not a perfect church or happy Synod. Because of the issues, I sought a way to have an orthodox doctrine, confessional church in our area. But anyone who reads this blog knows how that turned out.

An Explanation

2008-06-07T19:11:00.003-05:00

Someone had suggested I explain a little more why I left the LC-MS, and I am finally getting around to writing a little. This will most likely take more than one post, as the issues are complicated, long, and carry a lot of weight. I hope to list this out clearly and concisely. I will include the correspondence quotes unchanged, including typos.

One of the most glaring reasons I grew very concerned on the focus of the Synod is the following quote from correspondence with the South East District (SED). The context is a discussion on desiring a confessional, orthodox mission congregation in our area (rapidly growing) and the one LC-MS church that is here is not confessional and introduces it's own variations of services (against Formula of Concord Section X, more on this later).

"In addition, we do not plant churches so that a small group can be more orthodox than other LCMS churches in the area. Our new congregations are Great Commission efforts. We plant to reach the lost for Jesus. This is our primary purpose by direction of our District convention and BOD. We do that in the context of solid Lutheran doctrine. "

Pay close attention to the focus on "Great Commission efforts" and "plant to reach the lost." While those are true, every church has those same goals. The phrases brought to my mind the Baptist revival movement and works, not Grace for the sinful. The approach seems focused on the "lost" and not on preserving the "found." I have no problem about solid Lutheran Doctrine (the whole point of desiring a confessional mission), but to exclude orthodoxy as a future option is quite limiting. It tells me that the "orthodox" or "confessional" is not wanted to form churches- they only want those with Ablaze (another poor adaptation of American Protestant revivalism) leanings. I found it also telling that he doesn't suggest this is due to Scripture (although the Great Commission does make a link), but explicitly though direction of the District and the BOD.

Another, later email contained this:

"Together, we look at a lot of factors - demographics, the need for a Lutheran presence, local support (e.g. parenting congregation), available resources ($, leadership, etc.). The primary focus of our congregations is on mission to the lost. "

I don't know of a church who's mission is not in search of the lost (in addition to the studying and learning of the Word). However, I also don't find a mention of demographics, need for a presence, or available resources in any of the missionary work within the New Testament. Christ sent disciples out without money, Paul went wherever he was asked or the Spirit lead him, and the list goes on. Not once do they study for demographics. I sincerely doubt there was a statistician or accountant on Pentecost holding back the disciples from preaching in the Synagogue because the majority there were not followers of Christ. The Spirit goes where it will, and, in my mind, limiting that to what we ourselves can do betrays a lack of trust in God. The explanation for the First Commandment is "We should fear, love and trust in God above all things." This includes pocketbooks, demographics, etc. Focusing on the "need for a Lutheran presence" while "seeking the lost" is like asking a family who needs food if they prefer stuffed turkey or hamburgers, then leaving when not satisfied with the answer! The "lost" need the Word! The believers need it too! Who are we to deny them this? Because there aren't many "Lutherans" around? This is what makes this ridiculous. So what if there aren't many "Lutherans" around? The Word is to be preached to all people (Great Commission). If Lutheran Doctrine is the Word, then what is the issue?

This was one of the highly troubling aspects of my discussion with SED. They talk about the "Great Commission", but then say that the demographics need to support it. Why not trust God and try? It is a hard concept; truthfully a nearly impossible one. But the Church lives on the Word of God and the faith God imparts. She must trust that God will lead in all cases (and all true Christian denominations). If God wills it, will man prevail? I think not.

I will continue with more of my reasonings later as this is longer than I expected, and my short time to write is coming to an end. God's blessings.

Proper Discernment

2008-05-11T13:05:00.003-05:00

While I was contemplating leaving the LC-MS, I was told I shouldn't judge other's intentions. I agree with that statement. But all too often admonitions not to judge the heart are shortened to include admonitions to not judge at all. We are supposed to, and encouraged to, judge actions. You know who someone is by what they do, since we cannot see the heart. Actions by LC-MS hierarchy have not been wise, and their actions to not match their words. For this alone they should repent and turn back to using Scripture alone.

Decisions on missions and church starts should be done by need for the Gospel, not on budget. I don't suggest anyone ignore the reality of the pocketbook, but I don't believe that is the sole basis of stewardship. Stewardship means trusting God's promises to provide for our needs. Just because the pocketbook is narrow doesn't mean you stop preaching the Word where it is needed. Faith requires you to lean on God through plentiful and through scarce. This is the tack I am taking- I am trusting God to provide for our mission, regardless of the wisdom or sense of man or demographics.

Moving On...

2008-04-20T20:24:00.003-05:00

I have moved on from the LC-MS. I don't think anyone would argue that the public LC-MS doctrine has not been diluted, Synod-wide practices unified, or even that the Synod has presented a good face recently. I hope that the Synod returns to its roots and confesses the confessional doctrine it has officially on paper without embarrassment. Given the refusal by the Synod to tend to the needs of the flock in denying a confessional church and for varying from Scripture and the Book of Concord, the choice was made for me. This is a difficult path that I have been walking for the past 4 or 5 months, and I have finally made the decision to leave.

If you are curious, the group we are affiliating our congregation, Agnus Dei, with is the United Lutheran Mission Association (ULMA). They seem to be the most confessional group out there and are headed by a church in Decatur, Ill. They willingly provided (after prayerful consideration of course) a missionary-at-large for our pastor and we had our first service today with him presiding. Our congregation is focused on proper worship of God and hopes to be a beacon to the area of confessional, proper Christian doctrine. We especially want to help those in the LC-MS who want to focus on God, not numbers or bureaucracy, return to the historical position of the Christian Church since the beginning. Sola Dei Gloria (to God be the Glory)!

Truely Sweet?

2008-04-05T19:56:00.002-05:00

Buried in the March issue of the LC-MS Reporter is the following two paragraphs:

An Aug. 18-20 theological convocation on Congregation — Synod — Church is set for the Marriott St. Louis — Airport, where some 250 Synod leaders — including representatives from each district — will take an in-depth look at the 22 theological principles.
Sponsored by the COP and the CTCR, the convocation will feature a presentation on the theological principles by the presidents of the Synod's two seminaries. Also on the schedule as a presenter is Dr. Leonard Sweet, a theologian, author, and church futurist who was voted "one of the 50 most influential Christian leaders in America" for 2006 and 2007.

This sounds all well and good. However, a quick check on Dr. Leonard Sweet can lead you to the following site. The site has exceptionally un-christian, heretical statements that liken faith and Christianity as one path to a type of enlightenment, unionism, and the list goes on. This man will be talking to the LC-MS?! What has the LC-MS done?! This is to provide clarity?! No clarity can be had outside the Word. I am incensed that this is even possible. Even the Pope doesn't consider Christianity a path in the same line as Hindus, Muslims, or any other theology or cult!

This should be an outrage, but since this is a buried comment, I sincerely doubt anyone even knows who this joker is. Be wary, Brothers...

The "Issue" with Synod

2008-04-01T20:33:00.002-05:00

For anyone who has somehow missed the latest unchristian approach by Synod, the conservative, and quite popular, radio show "Issues, Etc." was unceremoniously canceled the Tuesday before Easter. The two pastors in charge were fired, and one of their wives is gravely ill. I won't attempt to redo the work of many fine bloggers. See all of Pastor Esget's blogs, Whey Lay's comment, the well reasoned comments on CyberStones, and the insight at Kyrie Eleison. This whole issue stinks. There is no other way to put it. While we are supposed to put the best face forward, let us not do it to cover actions that are in opposition to the right thing to do, the proper thing, the Christian thing. Firing Pastors without cause, without proper discussion, and with only consideration for programming and budget is WRONG. There is no sugar coating possible.

At the very least, Strand should be fired for ineptitude (not having recent numbers for all listeners, firing without consultation of the board, etc) as he would in the commercial world. Others involved should be fired, and very serious questions asked about the theological considerations for stewardship. Wasting money is very bad for stewardship. However, the church is supposed to rely on God for its sustenance. If a program is doctrinally sound, what good money reason is there for canceling it? I ask the question in light of the $5 million for Ablaze, but not $650k for Issues, Etc. Why is the LC-MS spending money on a program that is questionable with dubious theological underpinnings and canceling conservative, orthodox programs?

I have been told by the South East District that they won't allow any new "more orthodox" churches than the closest congregation. They revised this to "confessional" from orthodox, but the point was clear to me. Ol' Mo is in serious trouble.

New Words

2008-03-14T19:22:00.002-05:00

I know it has been a while, but here goes another post. In some reading lately, I came across an Ablaze document titled "Covenant Churches." I figured this would be interesting to peruse. I found a new word in there that is troubling. It is "incarnational." No, not "incarnate" as in "incarnate God." Here is a quick quote:

The cross of Christ heralds the incarnational, expansionary
movement of the reign and rule of Jesus Christ in the hearts
and lives of people also today.

The usage of "incarnational" becomes problematic when you consider other english words with the "-al" ending. Those words usually mean "act of" or "being" such as confessional (act of being in confession), functional (having function) , and internal (being inside). What does "being incarnate" mean? Let me pull another variation of incarnate used.

This “Gospel imperative” spoken to the disciples as the
representative leaders of the church summarized the
will of God that the reign and rule of Jesus Christ in the
hearts and lives of people on earth (the kingdom of God)
be incarnated, expanded, and lived out in communities of
the faith, confession, and mission.

Catch the use? Since incarnate means "embodied in flesh" and "personified," and include that with the Christian verbiage about Christ as the Incarnate God, you are opening up a place of confusion. Are we "little incarnate christs"? Or are they trying to mean "living in the way of Christ"? I think the intention is probably the latter, but the lack of clarity leaves this too dangerously close to the edge. Creating new words in english is a dangerous proposition, as it is in any language.

I won't even start on the legalistic tone of the document. There are Baptist/Pentecostal type calls for service and the insinuation of a requirement to do something. This is not going to help churches expand the ministry. What helps is the Word of God spoken clearly and taught properly. Anything else is a weakened place to start missions from.

Proper Teaching

2008-01-24T22:37:00.000-05:00

We have been reading the Catechism at night to my children. My eldest at least recognizes the Ten Commandments in order and can recite most of the Apostle's Creed. This has shown me the necessity of proper teaching of our children. It isn't the Pastor's responsibility. It isn't something that will just pop into their head. Parents must teach it consistently. This is a failing point of many Christians, not limited to just LC-MS, Roman Catholics or some "other denomination." If you aren't teaching your children, the best you can hope for is a mediocre appreciation and very little to fall back on in times of temptation and testing. For anyone who ends up reading this (if there is anyone at all), please teach your children the basics of Christian faith. It is imperative that they understand and learn these things early. It is the basis that allows a deeper understanding of what the Bible is really about.

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T00:08:00.001-05:00

It is 2008 and I just read an essay called "Strangers in our father's house" by Dr. Laurence White. It goes over the history of the LC-MS and contains quotes by Walther and Pieper (among others) that promote and require that the Synod must reject false doctrine, poor teaching in all places if the Synod is to remain strong. Alas, looking around at the LC-MS, orthodoxy is a minority and error is allowed to "preserve the peace." I hear from a lot of orthodox, good Christian people that they are working to "change from the inside." After getting some more in depth understanding of where the Southeast district, and thus a portion of the Synod, sits, I think my response will be "So when was the last time you/your church rebuked error in the Synod?" True Christians cannot tolerate theological error any more than mathematicians can tolerate lax arithmetic and symbology. A church body should seek to remove error whenever it is found, even if it is within itself. Perfect churches don't exist, but pursuit of a true understanding of God's Word does. This should be the aim of the Synod and every sanctuary within it. This doesn't seem to be the case, but I will expound more on that at a later date, when more information is available.

May God bless your New Year.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T06:56:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to everyone. Verses taken from biblegateway.com, Isaiah 9:1-7 (KJV):

1Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.

2The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

3Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

4For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

5For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.

6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Troubling...

2007-12-10T22:18:00.000-05:00

I know is has been a while since I blogged, but time has slipped away lately. I do want to post something that was troubling from Sunday, 8 days ago. My family was all ill with a very bad cold (we are still on the tail end after 2 weeks), so I decided to go to the local LC-MS Church. The service was uneventful, and the sermon less Scripture and more pep talk. The part that was most disturbing came at the end. In the narthex, in full view of the main door was a listing of the Ten Commandments. They were, however, the reformed version (4 God centered and 6 worldly, with the change from "Thou shalt not murder." to "Thou shalt not kill."- a big difference). I brought up that this was not in keeping with Lutheran Confessions (what all LC-MS churches are supposed to follow), I got a weak, noncomittal reply from the senior paster. The response was, paraphrasing, that a member had given it "in love" and, well, they just didn't have the "guts" to let this member know that it wasn't right! He willingly and knowingly let incorrect teaching exist because he, as he claimed, didn't "have the guts"! This is appalling. This is also why I drive an hour one way every Sunday- to ensure my family are properly taught good Doctrine.

I am troubled that Pastors are allowed this lee-way and who allow poor doctrine to invade the church. I think this is a fundamental problem within the LC-MS church- a lack of discipline within the church. No amount of "Ablaze" or Church Growth Movement will stem the flow of dissatisfied church goers who simply wanted the Word or are enticed by shiny "worship" baubles pandered by other, larger churches. If the LC-MS doesn't enforce some discipline among the Pastoral office, she is in for a rough future.

Good Article on Gov't and Authority

2007-11-11T20:06:00.000-05:00

This was a pertinent article by Pastor Stiegemeyer on the authority of a government. Enjoy Pastor Stiegemeyer's article- it is a very good one.

The rancor in American politics is frighteningly high. We also just had an election day last Tuesday and the Presidential debate has been going on for about a couple weeks shy of eternity (alright, closer to a year and a half..). It is understandable that some of us has our government on our mind. We also read of politicians saying strange things, like this one from Cuba's Vice President "a president's legitimacy stems not only from his election by voters ... he must also be legitimate in the exercise of power." This is in opposition to the authority given by God to serve and protect the people. Legitimacy comes from God alone.

However, our first allegiance is to God. In a world of political correctness, a man can be seriously incriminated for simply implying some sort of discrimination. In Finland, a Lutheran Pastor has been brought under charges for sex discrimination for not conducting a service with Communion with a female pastor. He is following God's design and is in trouble. I stand behind his decision because he did what God directed, not what man, or in this case a woman, wanted. If you don't think it won't happen here in the US, just wait a couple more years. I wouldn't be surprised.

Soft versus Hard

2007-10-22T20:41:00.000-05:00

I work in the Aerospace and Defense business, and there are two types of "kills" in a military mission. There is the "Hard Kill" where something explodes, disintegrates, or otherwise dies in a fairly certain fashion. A "Soft Kill" is a result that renders the target unable to fight, but not necessarily dead. This "soft kill" is hard to figure out if it has worked in most cases, leaving the slight doubt that the target might still be able to shoot. It occurred to me that this is analogous to how people in general view sin. They haven't done the "hard sins" of praying to budda, allah, or some other deity. They haven't stolen from a bank, shot anyone, committed adultery, or used God's name in vain. Often, however, the "soft" sins are committed with abandon. They deny God's deity through evolution and trust in their 401k and job security. They steal what is other's due by skipping payment here or there. They support murder through abortion and murder in their hearts by wishing evil on another. They lust after pictures of women/men as long as they "look but don't touch." They hit their hand with a hammer and the next words are "G-- D--- IT!" These "soft kills" are just as deadly, even if they seem less dangerous. Just a different way of terming it, but the end is the same. Thank God for the sacrifice of Christ!

Victor's Parade

2007-10-07T18:23:00.000-05:00

Pastor's sermon today spurred an interesting thought in my mind. The background are verses discussing Christ's return to heaven at Ascension. One of the verses Pastor used was from Psalm 24:7 "Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in." There is a "challenge and response" methodology in Psalm 24. One demanding the doors be opened, and the challenge being "Who is it?" The response between the two is a victor's style request of a king returning from battle victorious. It reminded me of the parades Rome would put on when a general returned from a successful campaign. The general would parade through Rome's streets, trailing behind him the spoils of war. Usually captives, treasure, and exotic beasts would be behind him, showing a sample of the spoils for the emperor. It occurred to me that Christ, upon returning to Heaven's Gate, was doing the same thing. He was returning as the victor. He paraded through the gate to show the victory and the spoils. The spoils were Himself as the resurrected Christ- the first resurrection of any man.

I found it to be interesting the duality carried even to Heaven with the Ascension, as it has to if Christ is truly raised man and God in one. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised, but one is always learning and finding new things in the Word.

Thorns of the Soul

2007-08-23T20:54:00.000-05:00

Drudge Report carried a link to a Times article on Mother Teresa, or rather her "Crisis of faith," as exposed in her letters and confidential writings to Priests and confidants. First, she wanted those writings destroyed, but she was overruled by the Vatican and her request ignored by the recipients. Her main concern was the focus on herself and not Christ, and I think this is an important point they overlooked. But, given that these writings exist, the article is interesting and actually fairly decent. Obviously you miss the context of the writings, but it is clear from some of it that she couldn't "feel" God's presence in her life and was "tortured" by that. Some of the text of "conversations" with Jesus sounds a bit like Satan to me. They include an emphasis on works and doing something for God, which is what leads me to that conclusion. They also have a "passive aggressive" tone that I don't find Christ using anywhere in the Bible.

The article is also startling in how it shows the danger of emphasis on works. I don't think she ever felt like she did enough. I also noticed that all of the people who conversed with her never mentioned (at least in the article) the promises of God. To be sure, that was probably assumed. However, don't we all need to hear that from time to time?

It is a good read and I recommend it simply for the perspective it places. The article does have a section near the end that includes the assertion that faith isn't a feeling. I am sure this is news to Charismatics and contemporary worship devotees.

I just wish the people who she confided in would have gone a little farther and mentioned the promises of God, and if they did that it had been included in the article. I think that portion of the Gospel would have been the salve to her soul, as well as anyone else traveling in "the shadow of the valley of death..."

Sin Rights

2007-08-12T21:35:00.000-05:00

If you read through the Old Testament, you will come across the phrase "..did what was right in their own eyes..." a significant number of times, relating to Israelites and their disobeying of God's Word. Sometimes it reads almost like a broken record where the punishment and the straying are only verses apart. This same phrase comes to mind when I see fellow Christians wallowing into areas they don't belong with reckless abandon. A case in point is the ELCA looking to "accept" homosexuals, even to the point of ordination! For those who wonder what the fuss is about, see this excellent post from Cyberstones titled The Power of Naming an Enemy. Rebellion against God is the essence of sin. Homosexuality rebels against the order God has made, the nature of the blessings of marriage, and the marring of those two aspects in the imagery of Christ and his bride, the Church. We want to "not offend" and let people do what they think is right. But a Christian must call a sin a sin, lest he grow blind to it.

The devil always says "Did God really say....?" because that is one of the most effective weasels he has. God has said "Thou shalt not commit adultery." We twist that around to any number of meanings. Our flesh cries out "I have a right!" God, if He so cared to, could respond (rightly) "To do what?!" We wouldn't have a great answer to the Creator of all things. Our flesh just wants the right to sin. The warfare we face to beat back this devilish impulse is intense and we will fall a multitude of times. Only God fighting for us keeps us from falling forever. Thank God He has the right to choose to fight on our behalf!

Soldiers and Heaven

2007-07-29T20:20:00.000-05:00

The Life of the World (a publication of the LC-MS Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN) had the theme of chaplains for its current issue. An article titled "What does this mean?" discussed Luther's arguments that a soldier is not in peril of eternal damnation due to his vocation as a soldier. And I agree with this article. However, I cannot seem to rectify myself to full satisfaction the difference between soldiering in ancient times and the American methodology. Previous generations were conscripted (drafted in modern parlance) to fight when there was an enemy. The only other source of soldiers were mercenaries who fought for money. The modern American soldier is a "volunteer", which means they sign up for service without being directly "asked" to do so. While this is a proper vocation as it is an arm of the government emplaced by God, does the vocation take on a slightly less proper hue when the soldier is a volunteer versus a draftee? I don't think it would, but I can't seem to reason out the solution. Thoughts on the subject are welcomed.

Plug

2007-07-20T22:37:00.000-05:00

This is a quick plug for my Pastor's blog. You can find it here and I will be adding it, when time permits, to my sidebar. Enjoy!

As an aside, I think time will be more permissive for posting soon as I am changing jobs which will reduce the commute (at least 30 minutes one way!). But, I have a paper to write, so until Aug. 1, I will still be spotty. Then I will pick up with some stuff on Ablaze.

Still Here

2007-07-07T16:18:00.000-05:00

My apologies for not posting lately, but life has been fairly busy. I have spent a large amount of time between family, house repairs, changing jobs (official in two weeks) and an assortment of other duties. I hope to post more in the near future once the new job starts. Until next time, God's blessings.

Persecution of the Church

2007-05-16T20:38:00.000-05:00

I wanted to bring some examples of persecution of the Faith through direct and indirect means. I am not sure how much you see, but these came across my screen in the past day or so. The Devil is alive and well, and assaulting the Church anywhere he can.

Read about the Taliban giving Christians until this Thursday to convert to islam or face bombings. Obviously the Christians are concerned, but apparently not the government officials. Hopyfully they stand firm in their faith, even to martyrdom. I am sure many churches in the US would also provide sanctuary for those leaving town/country. I wonder if there is anything we can do through our missionary channels.

Hong Kong is pondering giving the Bible an "indecent" rating. I guess it has too much sex and violence for the Chinese to distribute directly. This is probably a means to censor and track those who buy it. I doubt that people are genuinly offended by the sex and violence, but the parts about "Thou shalt..." and their sinful flesh.

One last one, and this one is self-inflicted. Can you imagine your pastor dressing up as a... clown?! Niether can I, but I came across this and I couldn't believe it. This is self-inflicted by inciting derision of the church through crappy theatrics. The pastor has this to say in response. He ends by saying "So, those of you pursuing us, God bless you! See you in heaven! Lord, thank you for being the judge for us, so we don't have to judge others." He has no idea what he is doing. This is a prime example of being so doctrinally lax, your faith falls out. The phrase "Doing what was right in their own eyes" comes to mind. I pity the congregation and their pastor. If their souls aren't in danger now, they most certainly will be in the near future.

Pray for all believers. We are in a war to end all wars in the spiritual sense. Gird yourself with prayer and faith for the battle is long, but the war won.

Rebirth!

2007-05-02T19:44:00.000-05:00

This has been my first opportunity to post, but my son was Baptised last Sunday. A new Christian and a new man (in baby form of course). Childbirth is an amazing thing. Rebirth into Christ even more so. Praise God!

Sadness...

2007-04-17T20:50:00.000-05:00

This is the first opportunity that I have had on writing since my last post. This weekend has been a roller-coaster. My son was born Friday morning after a relatively uneventful labor which changed dramatically with a footling breech birth that had to be delivered via c-section after the water broke. I was just recovering from the birth when the news reached me yesterday about the shooting at my alma mater, Virginia Tech. Anytime news like this reaches me, it just generates such sadness and a loss to even understand. This is even more so when it is somewhere I know, and really do love to be at. Man is sinful, and that is why these things happen. Americans aren't good, no one is. That is why Christ had to save us. Pray for those who lost loved ones and those who have been wounded. God bless those affected, and those on campuses around the country and the globe.

Repetition

2007-04-15T21:10:00.000-05:00

This blog will be short because my third child, a son, was born on Friday morning and I have been fairly busy with other important matters. I had to put this out because it puts in clear focus the reason for those "repetitive, boring services" that are the same week after week. You learn them! Doubt it? I don't. Last night, while dressing my two kids for bed, my daughter started saying a phrase that I couldn't help but wonder at. She was saying "very God of very God..." over and over. She was reciting part of the Creed without studying it! I explained where it came from and the next couple lines before she lost interest, but she knows part of the Creed. She is 3!

The service is the basics of the Word, and the Readings and the Sermon should include the meat. But the point of the repetition is to teach the service, the psalms, and the important aspects without the need for fancy classes. It is placed in the rote memory. It is just there. If you toss that out for ever changing services, there is no continuity. You deprive yourself and your kids from the consistency and the rote memory of the Church. It isn't a catch all for preventing apostasy, but it is a great spot to start. If you don't have a doctrine, how do you know if you have left it?

Bumper Stickers

2007-04-04T20:16:00.000-05:00

You can learn a lot from bumper stickers. I saw one today that, I believe, is used by pro-abortion supporters. The sticker said "Keep your theology off my biology." Catchy, huh? There were also several budda references and Eastern mysticism stickers. My thought was "without "theology" (ie God), you wouldn't have a biology." People think they can force God out just by saying "I don't believe in you," as if God is an "imaginary friend" that you can wish away. It is sad, but it is a fact of the fallen human nature. Sometimes what people stick on their bumpers (or email signature or whatever) gives you better clues as to who that person is than actually meeting them. I try to avoid stickers myself- I don't want to peel them off later on when they are faded. Plus, if I put a Christian sticker on, then violate a law (regardless of intending to or not), I might cause someone to fall. So my car is boring.

So, what's on your bumper?

Steeped in the Secular

2007-03-26T19:34:00.000-05:00

Many of us view our Church as a sanctuary from the trials of life. And it is, for the most part. However, how many of you look closely at how the Church body has slowly absorbed the world? Suffrage for almost everyone in the church is a new, "American" thing. Suffrage for women is controversial because, given the nature of the Church, some of the votes might involve matters of theology. Since the wife is to be submissive to the husband in Churchly things (Eph 5:22-33), this poses a theological dilemma. If you thought this was easily corrected, try to change it. The reaction would be more strenuous than if you asked to change the Creed! (Sad state of affairs)

There are other encroachments that depend on the Church body. Some liberal churches want "current music" (another way of saying they want to be entertained). Some Churches still have the American Flag flanking the altar. (It belongs elsewhere.) The avenues are many, varied, and muddy the line between Church and the world. So please be careful, and teach people the meaning of the Churchly things. Hopefully then you can remove the secular without resorting to a divisive conflict.

Sex still sells...

2007-02-26T20:32:00.000-05:00

If it didn't, the proliferation of escapades wouldn't be in the news and on the commercials every moment. One particular headline caught my eye today. The headline was "Sexually Suggestive Sermons From Michigan Pastor Leave Some Hot and Bothered." The part that piqued my interest was the story was on a Lutheran Pastor. Thinking it was a crazy ELCA thing, I clicked on the link. Nope- it is a LC-MS Pastor! I had to investigate further. The hubub is about the sermon topics the pastor has chosen.

The pastor has a whole series of sex-related topics for Lent. While there is something to be said for educating the congregation on proper sexuality, I don't think it has to do with Lent. This is a time to recall the direct path to the Cross and our sins, not on "Puresex." (BTW if you want to see the intro movie that has caused the commotion (it is not explicit for those who are wondering), click here.) The sermon topics should, at the most, be studies in Scripture. I have some familiarity with the Pastor, and he tends to the liberal side and most likely views the entire service as something secondary and adjustable.

To his credit, their "About Epic" part of the webpage (Epic is the name of the church) is pretty much on the theological mark. My concern is where they say "Through music, video, performing arts, and the spoken word – our desire is to create an engaging community where you can discover both who God is and how you can connect your story to the epic story of Jesus. We’ve made every effort to eliminate all of the nonessentials that take away from God. No getting dressed up because God cares about our hearts, not our appearance. No long boring sermons filled with terminology you don’t understand, just messages that relate to real issues in your life!" What have they thrown out? Apprently the historical Liturgy has taken a blow. They claim to include the "spoken word," but I would hazard a guess that "the spoken word" might be open to (significant) interpretation.

Now I have nothing wrong with exploring the use of more "modern" technology in the Church. It just shouldn't be done in the Service! The Liturgy IS the WORD, and to that end is not a "nonessential." Even if this Pastor is 110% always on Scriptural cue and Doctrinally sound, churches that suffer the loss of their Doctrine in the Service usually fall away/fail within a generation or so. I hope this isn't the case, but history is a harsh teacher. Proper Theology is not a cure for improper practice. See Luther in the Small Catechism on Prayer for an example. The true comfort of the Service is not in fun songs, but the sureness of the Forgiveness, the WORD, and the Sacraments. Anything different (song, epics, and/or charisma) only dilute and dispel the good things God gives.

Compromising Duty

2007-01-23T20:02:00.000-05:00

I am in the South-East District of the LC-MS, which includes the Carolinas, Virginia, and Maryland (I don't think it has much if Georgia, if any). I can count the number of confessional churches on one hand, and I dare say it might be as, or more so, liberal as California and Massachusetts. Being in the Bible Belt and Baptist country, there is a lot of influence on the SE District from those aspects. This is a challenging District, if only for those reasons.

Given the fairly universal influence, I am not terribly surprised that some of the Pastors let things bend one way or another in a limited (or sometimes extreme) fashion to accommodate the expectations of the congregation. However, I would expect a higher level of attention to detail at district meetings. I have it on good authority that a majority of the Pastors balk at a full service with communion for the meeting. They wanted a shortened version without a lot of the parts of the service that set the stage for communion. I do not know their reasoning, but a failure to practice the full service (and the Word that the service uses) indicates a greater reluctance to the more important things. I am not surprised at this, but it is disheartening. If the shepherds of the flock act like "hired hands," what does that say for the hope and direction of the flock? I dare say it will scatter (John 10:11-13).

This is also one of the objections I have to "incorporating" and entailing business-like terminology. It robs the church of the history and Biblical references that Shepherd and Servant give. I think being a Pastor is less of a career choice and more of a commitment to something above and beyond yourself. I know I am counter to the "second" and "third" career Pastor terminology (which I have used myself). However, I think leaving the vestiges of the business and worldly terminology has its own benefits which outweigh growth charts, market studies, and other man-made junk.

The Kantorei

2007-01-01T20:21:00.000-05:00

I was privileged to go to the Kantorei service on Dec. 31 and my family was able to host two fine Seminarians that night. For those who are interested, Pastor Stiegemeyer posted their schedule here. They are quite good and worth a decent trip to hear. For those who are unable to hear them in person, I know they have CDs that are accessible via the CTS bookstore website.

The Seminarians we hosted were about my age. One was a 4-year student who should receive his first call this spring and has a family similar to my own. The other was a first year student and isn't married yet (he is engaged though). Both were conservatives, and it was interesting talking about how they got to be a conservative and theology in general. It was a late night, but worth the time. I certainly hope I can keep in contact with these new friends as they enter the official position of Pastor. If you get the chance to host a Kantorei or Seminarian, don't only ask them about the new Lutheran Service Book (LSB), but ask who they are. I found the whole discussion to be enjoyable and will do it again if the opportunity presents itself.

As a side note, I have started looking at the Ablaze propaganda to attempt to figure out where the root issue starts. So far my impression is there is something wrong, I just can't stick my finger on it. I have found things that display a stunning lack of forethought, but I will save those for an Ablaze only post. I want this post to simply point out the Kantorei's ability and the men that make it up. Conservatism isn't for old guys anymore.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T18:19:00.000-05:00

I wanted to wish everyone out there that comes across this small blog a Merry Christmas. I hope you remember the real reason for this season isn't the Macy Parade or Santa Claus or football. The real reason comes in a few months in Easter. This is merely the warm up for the "advent" of the ultimate gift- salvation. Something to think about if your church isn't astute enough to remind you already.

Reason for the Season...and the Universe

2006-12-04T20:06:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Advent season. This is a two parter.

The first part plays off the common saying this time of year- "Jesus is the reason for the season." While this is entirely true, it does gloss over the reason Christ had to come in the first place- our sin. Trite and catchy sayings cannot catch the essence of our faith. I would argue these sayings only hurt Christianity in that it provides a shallow message to the world, one often sullied by inappropriate actions. (How many cars with a Christian symbol have you seen drive dangerously and/or illegally?) If it takes God the entire Bible, why should we think we can narrow it down further? It might be a bit gloomy to consider that this season is simply for the tree that we nailed Christ to with our sin, but what greater joy than one that compares our hope with the price paid? A sober celebration is important this time of year. So please, dispense with the endless, pointless mirth. Look at yourself in relation to your sins. Then look to the cross- and thank God for His mercy!

The second part is an article on whether to calculate a universal constant based on the premise that if it was wrong, humans couldn't exist. (Click here for the article) Normally this is a counter-intuitive, even blasphemous, idea in science. The most interesting thing is that the calculation based on humans is almost exact, while the best of quantum physics is off by 120 orders of magnitude! (that is like the bank estimating you have a penny in your account when you actually have 10 billion trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion dollars- i.e. a lot) This almost screams "Design by God!" The chances of an evolutionary universe is pretty remote then. The argument could be made that it is simply by chance- we couldn't exist otherwise to calculate a different value. I would counter by pointing out that there are now only two options- a very very narrow random chance or a God. Given that the chance is narrowed significantly more when you factor in evolution and all of the other variables, you end up with two choices- God or a chance universe so remote that physics currently estimates that constant better!

I know this is probably over most of your heads, but I put it out there for you to consider. Without knowledge, we can only sit on the sidelines and not provide an answer for our faith.

Some Links to Share

2006-11-29T20:59:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving. It is getting to be that hectic time in the year, but I wanted to put some links on here that I found interesting. I won't provide much commentary, only some lines to give you an insight into my thoughts.

The first grouping appeared within a week or so, but I found them interesting because of what the two implied.

Human Genome is more different than previously thought

Neanderthal matches 99.5% of the human genome

These two don't mean much apart. I don't believe in evolution, and the human genome being more different than we thought really doesn't impact our daily lives. However, the new human genome research shows we can be as much as 12% different from other humans. Compare this with the Neanderthal being "99.5% human" and you could have a case for removing the "Neanderthal" classification. Maybe Geico is right- they never disappeared and live among us even now! All joking aside, the other aspect of the Neanderthal is that they "disappeared" around 30,000 years ago. The thought in my mind was a simple theory- Neanderthals are really humans, only with different physical characteristics, and the reason they "died out suddenly" was a small thing called the Flood. There isn't any evidence to back the theory up, and I don't really expect there to be. But until you look at those articles in that manner, you won't think of these connections. It is possible to see where science might be missing the forest for the bark imprints.

Aetheist Scientist vs Christian Scientist (a man, not the religion)

A good read and fairly interesting. The aetheist ends up slightly affirming that a god is a possibility, but one he doesn't think is valid. I think Christians should spend a little time thinking about these aspects, and science in general, and being aware. Science is an area I think Christians in general do not do well in. Theology is by far more important, but I find the world around us also provides a brilliant tapestry of God's handiwork and adds to our faith. It's one thing to know there are sparrows or lillies; it is different to look at the complexity and beauty of the design. God really does know what He is doing on a whole different level than us. Thank God!

Rocky the "Christian Warrior"?

I never thought about this and I am not a fan of the Rocky movies. However, there is a quote that I think is a good summary of lives as Christians. Stallone said "I feel the same way about Christianity and about what the church is: The church is the gym of the soul." Profound isn't it?

Hubris

2006-11-07T18:44:00.000-05:00

It has been blogged and articled to death, but the fall of Ted Haggard should be seen as a warning to us all. He believed that he didn't need to hear of his sins often, and he probably thought he didn't sin all that much. It is a common lie we tell ourselves, especially those of us in regular contact with Baptists (of all flavors) in the "Bible Belt." Many people consider Lutherans to just be depressing, wallowing in our sins. But what better way for a dose of reality than to know that we can't do what we naturally want to do? If you read the necessary sacrifices in the Old Testament, the temple had to have been awash with blood. The ground was most likely reddish with the tint. We rationalize that our sins are "minor" or light. Christ paid the ultimate price for each of them. This is why Christians are to remember their sins, then praise God that He has provided the perfect sacrifice for them. If we aren't reminded of them often, we forget too quickly and merrily fall off that tall cliff. We are most definitely sheep; in need of remembrance and grace.

Busy Busy Busy

2006-10-27T23:27:00.000-05:00

I have been rather busy the past few weekends and I am still playing some catch up. I am thinking of things to write on, but I need to do a little research on it first. I wish all of you God's blessings.

Something to think about. Scholars have said in recent years that the sea the Israelites crossed when they left Egypt for the Exodous was miswritten as the "Red Sea" when it was the "Reed Sea" (think a swamp). However, Isaiah 51:10 says:

"Was it not you who dried up the sea,
the waters of the great deep,
who made a road in the depths of the sea
so that the redeemed might cross over?"

I thought it was interesting since it mentions "the deep." The "Reed Sea" isn't much deeper than about 2 meters (around 10 feet). I don't know if that qualifies as "great deep" in Hebrew. I don't know any Hebrew, but I think it would be interesting to compare some of these phrases with the actual word for the sea they crossed. I suspect it wasn't shallow like a "reed sea." Anyone out there with training in Hebrew willing to look this up?

Can I get a testimony?

2006-10-06T19:59:00.000-05:00

These are words found more often in Baptist churches and rarely in Lutheran. However, this past weekend I visited my mom and my family went to her church, which is a WELS congregation. They are starting up some "new" thing where someone gets up at the end of the service and mentions how God has worked in their life. They didn't call it a "testimony" I don't think, but that is precisely what it is. On the surface, it might sound good. Some good, relevant comments from parishioners might be useful in providing reassurance to other communicants, right?

The part where this goes all wrong is, at the end, it becomes something that focuses on what we did for God... sacrificed a car, a house, a marriage, billions of dollars, etc. (and, oh yea, God made it work out ok) But the focus is still on self! What has God done for me? The fact I exist and am at church should say it all. Remember the parable of the rich man and the beggar? When the rich man asks for Moses to send the beggar to his brothers, the reply states (paraphrased) "If they don't believe the prophets, they won't believe someone who rises from the dead!" Why do we need "current" examples? Why won't the Bible fit this role? The reason, I think, goes to the fact that the Bible is, at this point, objective to us. We don't know anyone in there (other than Christ), we don't live in the area, and for the most part it exists outside of ourselves. However when your example is someone you know, it is easier to rationalize and justify, and even puff yourself up. These become pharasaical "sharing." This is a dangerous introduction. It would be far better to include an additional reading from the Bible, perhaps of one of its many examples, than it would be to have these subjective talks.

Has anyone else seen this? This was a first with a Lutheran church of any type. Thoughts are welcomed as I am still a bit puzzled and definitely concerned.

Correction and Clarification

2006-09-24T19:23:00.000-05:00

An anonymous commenter for the last post pointed out some issues with my post on the passing of Prof. Marquart, and I wanted to address them here because of their importance. I must ask for your forgiveness for these Omissions.

First the reader took me to task on the phrase "Jesus Christ was the Word incarnate- LAW and GOSPEL. There is no dividing the two- they are one and the same." He referenced two latin phrases: "opus alienum" and "opus proprium." Unfortunately, I am a lay person and have no experience with Latin. I did some checking and as best as I can get this to make sense is, respectively: "someone else's deeds" and "a deed I have done." His comment was "Is the law opus alienum, or opus proprium?"

This is where I omitted the important clarification, although I did allude to the calrification. Because of this omission, it changes everything, and I was in error due to it. I am going to go about it the long way so it is very clear where the error was.

There are two important doctrines of salvation (capitalized for clarity)- LAW and GOSPEL. These aspects are quite different and are separate. The LAW shows us our sins, and proclaims to us our inability to do anything to warrant any blessings of God. The LAW, while it is good, will damn us to hell. The GOSPEL is the wonderful news that God has given us mercy through the sacrifice of Christ. Christ takes our place and has fulfilled the LAW, allowing us to live eternally with God. This is where the latin comes in- "opus proprium" applies in the LAW (works you do mean zilch for salvation) and "opus alienum" applies to the GOSPEL (works of Christ provides for our salvation). In failing to be precise and clear (what I even suggested in the post), I am in grave error and must beg your forgiveness.

The intent was to point out that Christ is the Word made Flesh. He embodies both LAW and GOSPEL- they are combined in Him. He was under the LAW and fulfilled it, becoming our salvation. Since both LAW and GOSPEL complement one another perfectly, they are the two halves of our salvation. The LAW drives us to seek God, and the GOSPEL provides the mercy of God. I was looking at the LAW and GOSPEL as the two parts that make us Christian and provide the whole package for our salvation. As C.F.W. Walther says in Thesis I of God's No and God's Yes, the Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel "Both are equally necessary. Without the Law the Gospel is not understood; without the Gospel the Law benefits us nothing." The intent was to suggest a better phrase is "Word of God" since the secular/baptist translation often just means the GOSPEL and not the LAW (which is at odds with the Bible and Lutheran teachings). This was the intent, but the post fell far short.

The poster also took issue with my peeve of doing something "in someone's honor." The genesis of this peeve is the ubiquitous listings, at least in the southern US, of "driving (or another activity) in the memory/honor of ." This is blantantly wrong on so many levels- namely you do not drive in memory of someone, but to get to work, school, or another location. It only belittles their memory, even if they were pious. Let me get to what the poster wrote:

"You also have this problem, namely, the Lutheran Confessions in fact teach us to honor the saints, and imitate them. Before you are so quick to judge those who would honor this great servant of God, perhaps you might want to consider whether you yourself in fact have a full and complete grasp of the teachings of the Book of Concord. You might start with CA XXI and Ap XXI. Prof. Marquart was a very humble man, and did nothing for his own honor. But it is not right for you to teach such un-Lutheran ideas in a post about him."

First off, I did not intend to in any way relate this to Prof. Marquart. He has the respect of everyone I know who knew him, and my own, even though I did not know him or take classes under him. I know him simply by reputation, which was spotless. I was simply reflecting on a single passage in an article about his passing. I am sorry this was understood in such a way, but it was not my intent, nor did I say it directly or otherwise.

Secondly, a humble man will not, by definition, wish you do anything in their name or to honor them. That is the definition of humility! I take issue with the poster on this point due to the obvious contradiction. I sincerely doubt Prof. Marquart would want anyone to do anything but believe in God wholeheartedly. Even Luther cringed at the thought of the Lutheran denomination being named after him. I hope the poster can and does provide clarification on this point.

Thirdly, on the articles that the poster references, they mention two articles from the Augsburg Confession and the Apology to the Augsburg Confession that deal with the Invocation of the Saints. These were written in response to the Roman Catholic teaching of praying to the saints (Mary, the Apostles, and others). In Article XXI of the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the article seems to relate to saints as the Roman Catholic church understood them, not as the Lutheran doctrine of simultaneously sinner and saint. That difference not-with-standing, there is a clear prescription for honoring the saints.

The Apology says there are three ways we should honor the saints (sentences 4-7) in Article XXI. The first honor is to thank God for their examples of mercy, because God wishes to save people, and He has given the Church gifts (teachers are called out specifically). Second honor is the strengthening of our faith in that God has forgiven them of their sins and will forgive ours also. The third honor is to imitate their faith, and then their other virtues in our vocations. As I read and understand that, you honor the saints by 1) praising God for their example, 2) using that example as reassurance we also have salvation from God and 3) use our faith to be an example to others. Since faith is ultimately God's work, ultimately this boils down to: we are praising God for his examples and asking that we would in turn be those examples to others. The focus is on God alone.

While the original intent of the author of the article might have been to suggest we honor Prof. Marquart's memory by being faithful, I would argue that a line was crossed when the following was written "honor the blessed memory and legacy of Kurt Marquart is...redoubling our efforts and even more energetically advancing the cause of authentic, genuine, confessing Lutheranism..." Why do we confess our faith and keep it genuine? Is it because of Kurt Marquart? Or that which God has done, and does, for us? This point isn't as clear as it should have been, making the rememberance seem more than it should be- turning Prof. Marquart's example into a rallying cry.

I hope the anonymous poster will review this post and provide corrections and/or some form of acceptance that this is proper doctrine. I am a layman, and I am human. I will get some things really wrong, and other things slightly so. I can only correct error when it happens and I am made aware of it, and ask for forgiveness. I hope those who read this blog will provide me with the necessary correction when necessary.

It is my desire to use this blog to defend the faith, and in times of correction, grow in it. I only hope that this provides some benefit to those who read it as well.

Ft. Wayne Professor Passes...

2006-09-19T19:12:00.000-05:00

It is unfortunate that I must include the news that Professor Marquart at the Fort Wayne Seminary has passed away. I won't include the details, but you can find them here.

I do want to briefly touch on a quote from the link because it shows something that is troubling- the loss of the distinction of Law and Gospel. First, the quote:

The greatest way we can, and will, honor the blessed memory and legacy of Kurt Marquart is by holding fast to the confession and tradition that he passed on to us and redoubling our efforts and even more energetically advancing the cause of authentic, genuine, confessing Lutheranism -- the cause of the pure and unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ.

What stands out in that sentence? It is certainly well meaning, but something else is there, or rather not there. I don't want to pick it to death, but the phrase "...cause of the pure and unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ." is missing the LAW! Jesus Christ was the Word incarnate- LAW and GOSPEL. There is no dividing the two- they are one and the same. It shoud read "... cause of the pure and unadulterated Word of God." (The Word is Christ.) This isn't just a technicality. By removing the Law from the Gospel, you have removed the very essence and power it entails. This is the secular/Baptist type saying, which has unfortunately also entered the lexicon of the Lutheran church. Gaurd your mouths and fingers (in the case of blogging) lest someone misunderstand the unadulterated Word. We should seek clarity, simplicity, and accuracy in all things lest our answers be unclear.

I also want to point out as more of a peeve that if Marquart was a confessional Lutheran (by all accounts he is - yes IS; he is just in a much better place), he by no means would relish anything done in his honor. That is another American/Baptist-ism and we would do well to avoid it. Want to do something in memory of someone? Go to Communion!

Rest in Peace, Brother Marquart.

Discipline

2006-09-16T19:01:00.000-05:00

My son is getting to the age where he can associate results from actions. So this means discipline starts. My daughter is also trying her bounds to see what her parents will do and allow. So we are a household full of learning moments. Sometimes this is the part that parents really hate- your kid(s) do something against the rules or something you have said to do and they are being coy about it or are just pushing a little and something inside you says "eh, it wasn't that bad..." If you are a parent, you rember the rules and the punishment and you carry it out. Anything else is a disservice to both you and the kids.

It occured to me a couple nights ago that some people associate punishment with pain. Others associate it with teaching violence. Some punish little, if at all. Others punish excessively. Both believe that doing so is the right thing. But none of these thoughts are true.

Punishment and discipline, when done in the proper context, will, of necessity, inflict some amount of discomfort and pain. The point is to knock off a burr, smooth a rough spot, purge the dross from the child. You do it to render the person better in the end. Parents forget that Satan has already started on their children before they (or you) were born. They look innocent, but their heart is dark and their ways are corrupt. Until Baptism in Christ, they have no redeeming qualities when it comes to eternity, or life here on earth. They want to do whatever suits them. So we start with a rough, corroded heart and we must polish, pound, and even burn off those behaviors they will try in order to teach them to be a benefit to society and how to be a Christian. This is our Christian and parental duty. God does the same things in our lives- He presents us with opportunities to learn, be disciplined, and grow in faith. Children is simply God's way of showing us what He does.

I don't want to read too much into the role of parenting and what example it shows- mainly because there is such a plethora of failed families out there that the meaning would be lost on many people. Those who it wouldn't be lost on probably already understand this. I could be wrong. Suffice to say, anyone who loves their kids will discipine them. Anyone who doesn't only hates them. I have great pity for the kids of those who are too caught up in themselves to care about their children.

Good stuff

2006-09-14T18:57:00.000-05:00

Get Religion has some good items. The one I will reference is by Mollie entitled "God of Nice Things" about a Time Article on the "Just Believe and all will be well." I think the last quote sums it up nicely. If I copy it here, I won't spoil the ending I don't think.

“Who would want to get in on something where you’re miserable, poor, broke and ugly and you just have to muddle through until you get to heaven?” asks Joyce Meyer, a popular television preacher and author often lumped in the Prosperity Lite camp. “I believe God wants to give us nice things.”

Let's see... I want something in this life that corrodes, can be lost or stolen, and that will only distract me from God OR I can have Heaven, which won't pass away. There is a tough one! I feel it's only right to end this with "May God have mercy on their souls..."

A new link

2006-09-06T19:33:00.000-05:00

I wanted to point out that I have added a link to "Get Religion", specifically with Mollie Ziegler. She is an excellent writer and a good Lutheran. I know because she goes to my church. I recommend her blogging, and her other articles she writes. Her name will change soon (getting married) so I will update that once I know what it is! ;-)

What you see is what you get!

2006-09-03T22:31:00.000-05:00

My coauthor and myself have submitted our paper's first draft. I have a lull and can put down something that has been banging around my mind for a couple days.

The thought relates directly to the "Christianity Lite" and the recent abduction and release of the Fox News people in Gaza. First, "Christianity Lite", also known as the "worship celebration," the "don't-bother-me-with-words-just-good-vibes" or, my phrase, "marshmellow services." What do you really get here? A sense of community? A discount at a spa? Maybe the church you go to isn't that far, it just has a contemporary service, maybe some more "upbeat" music. Yea, the music is low on substance, but it has more pep that some of the older hymns. Maybe the only thing that bugs you is how things seem a little off, but you can't put your finger on it. I know the last part- I have lived that one myself. Something is off, and you can't figure it out. It most likely is NOT the theology- or at least not directly. Surprised? You should be. The theology in these churches is, more or less, on. They read and try to adhere to the Bible. But what is the theology? Where is the error?

Think on it while I go to the next aspect- kidnappings in Gaza, and the Middle East as a whole. The Fox News people were held for about 2 weeks in an unusual abduction. They were released alive, in keeping with previous kidnappings. But something HAS changed in that warfront. The journalist from the Christian Science Monitor, these newspeople, and the latest from al-quiada all have something in common. Conversion. If you don't convert, well thats too bad for you. Never mind the conversion happens at the end of a gun (or willingly for that matter, as long as it happens). As long as you aren't currently attached to the wrong end of a weapon or its projectile, a conversion seems to be a "willing" conversion in islam.

Back to Fox News- both of their correspondents claimed to have "converted", but pulled a "fake out." (term from the 80's related to lying for those less than 18) They said they didn't mean it. Granted, I have never had a muslim put a gun to my temple and start reading the koran. I have not had the pleasure of sitting in their version of the "Hanoi Hilton." I pray everyone who reads this does not also experience this. Hoewver, given all that humans can do and say, the words of Christ come to mind "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it." (Mark 8:35 NKJV) There is a lot of pressure to follow the easy path in prisons such as these. This is why the Christian is to trust God always. "Convert" to save your life? You might well loose that which you should mind above this life. Your life here is temporal. This is exile. Why do we grasp it so? (good Christian answer: old adam and sin!)

How does this relate to the question above? America has had a wonderful state of prosperity and peace. Our homeland has not been invaded by a foreign army since the War of 1812. (Mexican minor incursions not withstanding- I am talking about actual invasions. Civil War doesn't count- that was us on us.) Our religious freedom is unprecedented. This sort of conversion is not something we are used to. What does "kumbaya" give you to fall back on during such conversions? Where does the "happy clappy" fall into the Lord's Prayer? How much do you really keep to use in time of stress and trouble? This is the error- they have theology, but it is liquid, weak, and not providing the strength for battle! Read that again- the theology is "correct", but weak. "How can God's Word be weak?" I hear some screaming. God's Word is never weak- only faith of individual people. The "lite churches" revel in spiritual immaturity. They only want milk, suckling long past their time. Doubt this happens?

12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:12-14)

Those "lite churches" do not provide the sustenience to "fight the good fight" or run the race. They provide sweet milk, but watered down. Think of it as spiritual formula- kinda like the real stuff, just no where near as good. I know this sounds harsh, but in the end, you will have to stand and defend your faith. It might be at the end of a kid with a gun anywhere, a muslim with a sword (gun, etc), or the guy who says "it's all the same isn't it?" No! Again- NO! It is not the same! Fight the fight- defend your faith! Eat the meat of the Word, do not dwell in the nursery! The milk can leave you guessing. It is the meat that sustains, leaves no doubts. Do you want to doubt when the time comes to know?

Maybe I shouldn't watch action movies prior to posting. ;-) On the other hand, the movie I watched has a chilling image of the current situation. I watched "Chronicles of Riddick." It was an action flick, but the arch enemy either converted you or killed you. It sounds a lot like some words from the koran. The interesting thing is they destroy a muslim planet. Some irony, huh?

Tagged....

2006-08-26T22:16:00.000-05:00

Whey Lay tagged me, and I hadn't forgotten. Let's see... I will go grab the list from his site and answer the Tag.

1. One Book that changed your life: I think the unspoken one on Whey Lay's site, but the one I will list here is the Bible. Without it I know I would have no hope, and probably wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today. The second best book I guess would be Luther on Vocation. Excellent book. The rest that I have read for fun don't compare to the value of the Bible or Luther on Vocation.

2. One book you've read more than once: I don't think I could list these. I was quite a bookworm until college, when time became a scarce commodity. I once took 14 books home from a library in High school and had them read in a week! I think it was something like 3000 pages of text total. I can't say I remember everything, but it was fun! ;-) Anyway, I think I have read half of my library at least twice. And that isn't a small collection- we have about 6 bookcases in our house, and need to buy another one. So in the interest of keeping this short- Genesis.

3. One book you'd want on a desert island: Besides an NKJV Bible, a book on a million ways to prepare seafood and coconuts. (I don't need a book on boats. ;-))

4. One book that made you laugh: Hmm... I think the last one I read was More Riddles by Bennett Cerf. This is one of the old "Beginner Books" series with a "Cat in a Hat" logo with a copyright of 1961. I was reading it for my daughter, but there are some nice silly riddles in there. Sometimes the best humor is the simplest.

5. One book that made you cry: The only book I could have cried on was Executive Orders by Tom Clancy. No- it wasn't the story line or the death of a character. Just at 1200 pages, it took me almost 2 years to finish! I wanted to cry- mainly out of frustration in the long delay from start to finish.

6. One book that you wish had been written: Heh... Why Relative Morality Causes Your Brain to Melt. Or something along those lines...you get the drift. Reminds me of the egg-frying, brain-on-drugs ads of the 90s.

7. One book that you wish had never been written: Anything by Karl Marx or any other socialist. Their arrogance and insistence on a godless culture is appalling. So many have died and been misled by their ideology. It is quite sad.

8. One book you're currently reading: Unfortunately, not really anything for pleasure. I am reading a book, but the title is upstairs. I will amend this list with the actual title. It is an entrepreneurial book that I am reading out of interest in the topic. I hope to pick up something from #9 shortly though.

9. One book you've been meaning to read: Anything by C.S. Lewis- I have been meaning to pick up some of his stuff, but haven't got the time- yet!

10. Now tag someone else. Hmm... who can I tag? I don't know- this will take some looking. I might have to answer this one later on.

Well, 9 out of 10 isn't bad I think. I hope this means my blog won't be hit by any nasty bad luck, viruses, horrible dislocations of bits or any other normal internet curse. ;-) (Sorry Whey Lay, I had to toss that in there. ;-)) All in good fun. Now you all know I read too much, but now I do too much. If I ever retire, I don't think I will ever notice. (Current trends means that retirement age will be about 152 years old by the time I can retire...)

Self-Deception

2006-08-24T20:58:00.000-05:00

I have been trying to write about this off and on, except I kept forgetting the point just when I sat down to write it! I am going to keep it short, but I think you will get the idea.

To a Christian, it is easy to see that sinful man wants so badly to run his own salvation. It is a little harder to see, but still evident, that man also blames his actions for his failures. What a contradiction! You want to be saved by the same things you first blame when something goes wrong! "What did I do to get cancer?" "Why did I get into the car wreck? I must have done something wrong." "Katrina hit New Orleans because of ." God does allow for punishment in this life for things we do. However, isn't it also the defninition of insanity to also rely on e gloomy and deprethose very same works to save you? Thank God for His Mercy!

I think this probably isn't anything too deep to think about for the Confessional Lutheran. However, it bears repeating because it is so basic and easy to fall into the traps and lies we tell ourselves. It is a practice in self-deception that we can save ourselves, that we really "aren't that bad," or that we are ok anyway. If you don't come out of the service sobered (not drunk with your sinful self), then you either didn't hear the proper preaching of the Word, weren't paying attention, or any number of detrimental aspects. You should be sober and realize that you can't do it yourself, everything you have done is "vanity" (as in Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon), and your only hope is in Christ. To expect to either be happy and joyful, or on the flip side gloomy and depressed, is to expect vanity in place of real worth. It is something to think about and be wary of. Our works mean nothing in the grand scheme of things. Only the work of God (whether through us or not) is what matters. True self-deception is using the boards of the bottom of the boat to bail it out. It just doesn't work.

Exciting News

2006-08-13T19:37:00.000-05:00

This post isn't a rant, but a blog of Thanksgiving- my wife has just found out that we are expecting our third child! Praise Him from whom all blessings flow! The tenative due date is April 26. I will periodically give updates as things progress.

Two posts in a day...

2006-08-12T21:13:00.000-05:00

This is a record for me. I wanted to post this separately because it is so much more different than the other post. I just wanted to throw this out there.

Anyone who knows me, also knows that I hold modern science just above pond scum in its ability to reason. Evolution, global warming, and other concepts are, in a phrase, a pipe dream. (Ok- the why: pipe dream refers to the hallucinations of someone in an opium den- not only is it considered unreliable, but those "dreams" are also usually scary/horrifying and entirely fictional.) My thought relates to those who try to tie the Bible in with modern science and the creation story. They try to include evolution and say "Well God must have meant many years and used evolutoin to make the creatures of the earth." While that might SEEM reasonable at first blush, it violates the most basic principles of the Bible. First, that God doesn't lie. Second, if the Garden was perfect, why would animals need to die and mutate to be perfect? This adds contradictions and removes "original sin." (doubly bad) Third- if you are that unsure on the Word of God, why do you try and marry it with bad science? Evolution is so pitiful, I was able to destroy it twice in my biology class in 10th grade. If a 10th grader can see through it, it has some pretty big holes. Marrying that junk to the Holy Writ should be incomprehensible to anyone who cares about the Word of God.

Alright, I will end the rant. Just keep in mind that modern science still requires a team of people to do simple heart surgery due to the complexity. We still don't understand basic physics, and biology just now figured out that genes can work for multiple functions. This is not possible by chance- only by God. The more I see and understand, the more in awe I am of His power.

Teaching the Why

2006-08-12T20:55:00.000-05:00

No, I didn't mean "The Who." How many times have you heard people say "I don't know why I do this this way..?" There is a mayor of a small town (I am not sure where the internet article is that I read this) that has stopped mowing his lawn. His reasoning "Why do we do it?" This led to a deeper thought that this touches on while I was doing my own mowing today.

The answer for mowing your lawn goes back to the late 1800's and early 1900's. It was quite fashionable to have a lawn of tall grasses. That is until they discovered that the insects (i.e. mosquitos, gnats, etc) and pests (cockroaches, rats, mice) that carry disease all love tall grasses. It didn't take long to connect that with plagues and the spread of disease, and those lawns weren't so fashionable if you ended up with a contagious disease (even the flu was deadly then). So the push mower was born, and the rest was history. Now why is this on a Lutheran blog site? Well, since people no longer know WHY you mow your lawn, they think it's purely ornamental. So you either get 1) no lawn mowing or 2) inane and anal mowing restrictions (such as your lawn must not exceed 2.1756380 inches in height.. (ok so thats a little extreme in measurement, but you get the idea). Alright, here is the tie in.

How many times have you heard "We don't need such an old tradition/method/etc for..." and you can fill in the blank with whatever is the topic du jour: abortion, gay marraige, contemporary worship, Lord's Supper, etc. They aren't taught the "why," and so are left to make it up. This is evident in everyday life when anyone teaches another person any task, method, or morality. They remember to teach the mechanations, the rules, and the expected outcomes. But hardly do they teach the "why." "Why don't you play with guns?" You/others get shot and die. "Why don't you drive drunk?" You and/or other people will get badly hurt and/or die. "Why don't we marry gays?" (Do I really need to spell this one out?) "Why do I have to...?" Every parent and Pastor has to keep this in mind when they teach their children/flock. First you explain the rules, and then the why. (I try and do this with my children regarding ledges and other dangerous/important details.) God has done this throughout the Bible, and provided not only the why, but the who, what, when, where, and how. If only human teachers were so effective.

Next time you hear someone asking "why" (or one of the many variations that mean the same thing), provide the "why." "Why don't we sing newer more upbeat songs?" Because they aren't founded on the Word, they are not beneficial to the congregation, and "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" will continue to be sung to the end of time- this pop-rock song won't make it till next week! Provide a why, and the questions usually end. Provide the why, and cause the doubt to wither instead of the faith.

A little sparse...

2006-08-08T20:23:00.000-05:00

I apologize for the sparse posts, but I have been very busy lately, only to be compounded by a paper I am co-authoring with another engineer. So what little time I have is now less/non-existant. I will get back as soon as the time presents itself.

I did want to post a little thought provocation before I get too busy. In the USA, there is an "expectation", usually referred to as a "right," of privacy. My question is this- is it truely a right? Before you start to wonder how this applies to a Christian blog, think of it this way. Is our "desire" for privacy simply the fear of the publicly unknown things in our lives becoming well known? If there is nothing to hide, why hide? I think this goes back to the fallen man placing clothes on in the Garden of Eden. It isn't because it's needed, it's only because man wants to feel "protected and secure" from the sins he knows are there. (Knowing isn't necessarily a conscious knowing.) Anyway, I put this out to make you think, and possibly post your thoughts. This will be most "offensive" to Americans simply because it is such a part of the culture.

As a sidenote- privacy isn't explicitly stated in the Constitution. The only reason it exists is due to a Supreme Court ruling... interesting, huh?

A Little "Off Topic"

2006-07-18T19:49:00.000-05:00

I figured I would post a little info on myself. I am still figuring out the "blog machine" in my spare time, so I apologize if this is a ponderous method instead of the profile. (This might very well make it in there some time.) I am an Aerospace Engineer, the result I think of too many sci-fi movies and books. I like to read, but being an adult and a father limits the time I have to enjoy printed words. I enjoy paintball, but it's expensive and there aren't many fields around, so I don't get out very often. My music choice is quite eclectic, and I pick and choose based on my mood at the time, or the need to stay awake. (I have a long commute, so driving at 5 am is not conducive to "easy listening"!)

I hope this has been somewhat informative to the few people who read this. A fellow blogger, Pastor Stiegemeyer, is considering a call to be an administrator to the Ft. Wayne, IN LC-MS Seminary, so for those who don't read his site (which is here), please pray for him.

Anyway, that's all for tonight. Since my commute starts early, so does the bedtime routine. *sigh* I am naturally a night owl, so this schedule is not the most enjoyable. Any prayers for continued safe driving is always appreciated. Till I get a few minutes to write again, I guess I will sign off as "Caffeinated in VA." ;-)

Going Back to the Future

2006-07-16T20:28:00.000-05:00

No, no Marty McFly here- just something for those who read this blog to think about. Part of what is causing so much of this mess in the LC-MS, and other denominations, is a lack of knowledge of the core teachings. The poor preaching/teaching starts with the Bible and goes from there. How many LC-MS Churches will go through Romans for the 3rd time in 2 years in their Bible class, and not touch the Book of Concord... or the Augsburg Confession.. or the Apology to the Augsburg Confession? All to often its a light study on Christianity pressed through some pop/secular Church grinder, which is merely breezed through with cursory readings of the Bible and a paragraph prayer each Sunday. How many know how to pray the Psalms? Anyone? I know I haven't been taught (and still don't rightly know, although sometimes I can see how it might be done). Anyone know what Article 14 (or XIV) of the Augsburg Confession says? (For a refresher, see here) How about Luther's Large Catechism explanation on the Apostle's Creed? Anyone know who wrote the Augsburg Confession? (No, not Luther- Philip Melanchthon!)

Our failings are in our theology- but they are deeper than that. They go into our teaching. We have failed miserably at this. We must first teach our families rightly. Then start by suggesting a class on the Confessions, if your church doesn't already. I am sure those churches with no love for Christ won't stand for the absolutist position Luther takes on any of the Commandments. Those which remember their true love will soon find those who press for contemporary worship either fleeing, or making the biggest rukus you will ever see. (If so- press them back and out! Get rid of that leaven!)

As far as I can tell, this is the only way to stem the tide- with the Word of God and proper teaching. If we want to spend time doing something useful on this earth- something that will last a while, we can only delve into God's Word. Anything teaching less should be unacceptable. Know your religion, or stop pretending.

Not Shying Away from the 'Blaze

2006-07-11T19:17:00.000-05:00

Anyone affiliated with the LCMS has heard of the "Ablaze movement." Simply put, it's a "bait and switch" Church Growth operation. This means they provide some things that satisfy the flesh (songs, creature comforts, etc) and hope somewhere along the way you pick up some of the Word of God. One of the many problems with this approach is to satisfy the flesh, you have to remove the Offense of the Cross- i.e. all of the stuff that makes us Christians! Some people don't see a problem with this. DON'T LISTEN TO THEM! They are snakes in the grass, wolves in sheep's clothing. They want you to do like the Church in Ephesus that lost it's true love in Revelation (Chapter 2:1-7), be like the "undead" ("I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.") in Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6), and lukewarm to God like Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22). Beware this trend- it will lead people astray, passing "marshmallows" as the "ultimate food" for Christians. It is nothing but air and sugar- pleasing but worthless.

It's also interesting to note that almost every time the word "ablaze" is used in the Bible (NIV translation), it is in the role of judgment. I post the following verses for you to consider:

" 30 The LORD will cause men to hear his majestic voice
and will make them see his arm coming down
with raging anger and consuming fire,
with cloudburst, thunderstorm and hail.

31 The voice of the LORD will shatter Assyria;
with his scepter he will strike them down.

32 Every stroke the LORD lays on them
with his punishing rod
will be to the music of tambourines and harps,
as he fights them in battle with the blows of his arm.

33 Topheth has long been prepared;
it has been made ready for the king.
Its fire pit has been made deep and wide,
with an abundance of fire and wood;
the breath of the LORD,
like a stream of burning sulfur,
sets it ablaze."
Isaiah 30:30-33

" 1 Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down,
that the mountains would tremble before you!

2 As when fire sets twigs ablaze
and causes water to boil,
come down to make your name known to your enemies
and cause the nations to quake before you!

3 For when you did awesome things that we did not expect,
you came down, and the mountains trembled before you."

Isaiah 64:1-3

8 "While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully.

9 "As I looked,
"thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow;
the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels were all ablaze.

10 A river of fire was flowing,
coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
The court was seated,
and the books were opened."

Daniel 7:8-10

"7The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.

8The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, 9a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed."

Rev. 8:7-9

At the least you would think the "Ablaze" people would have checked this out. But apparently such things were not checked- how much of their theology is from their minds and not the mouth of God?

As I close, I leave you with one more aside. If you search for "Ablaze" on Google, you will get a ton of answers. The first one is the LCMS "movement." The fourth is a book called "Ablaze!: The Mysterious Fires of Spontaneous Human Combustion." I think this says it all.

Don't worry- I will have more on the Ablaze group as I find time to research it. The main thrust here is anything that attempts to supplant the Word and usurp the worship service as things we do for God (instead of what God does for us) is a lie and a blasphemy!