Romans and football (kinda)

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

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

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

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

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...

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...

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...

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

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

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

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

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

In the Still of a White Night

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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.