Train a child...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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?

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

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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!

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 LCMSChanging the LCMS. I strongly recommend this to anyone in the LC-MS.

Public Confessions

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

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

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.