Advent of our Lord

The season of Advent is well underway. Most of us are looking to Christmas with a mix of anticipation and dread for various reasons. We see the manger scenes and christmas trees. There are festive songs on the radio. We have decorations and plans all drawn up to maximize the holiday. All is well with the world, isn't it? Not really. The signs of the second Advent of our Lord are everywhere. Natural disasters, wars, rumors of wars, corruption, greed, and insidious movements within christian churches endeavoring to steal the Word all show that the world is groaning, waiting for the coming King. While you are baking or shopping this season, ask yourself if you are truly prepared for the coming of Christ. Are you ready to face your Lord? He won't be in the manger, sleeping while swaddled in cloths with cute rosy cheeks. Christ will be leading the armies of heaven, the visible wounds of Calvary on his hands and feed as He comes in judgement. Our Lord is coming, and I hope you are taking the time to reflect on His Word, lest you be caught unaware.

Role of Faith

Christians often take the opportunity to reflect on Christ on the cross and the cost of our sins. This sacrifice paid our debt, removing the guilt of sin, and bringing the promise of Eternal Life to humanity. This blessing is facilitated by faith given by God, and usually the example of a gift is used. There might be another way of looking at it that helps clarify what’s going on.

Christ talked about His yoke being "easy" (Matt 11:25-30). The yoke, being a tool to enable hard labor to be performed, is rarely light itself. We are all born with the heavy yoke of original sin. The guilt of sin and the burden it causes weighs down the sinner, creating progressively harder yoke. Some grow to love the sin and the burden it causes, loving the impossible task and enslaved by their sin. Others find the Gospel, and faith flourishes. They find it lightens their load, and the world is no longer hopeless. Christ carried our burden to the cross, paid the debt we owed, and laid the yoke of sin's guilt to the side, replacing it with His yoke. Forgiveness is always available from Christ, although we continually sin. We put the sinful yoke on, add the guilt, and wonder why things are so difficult. When we receive forgiveness through the Sacraments, Faith takes replaces the yoke with Christ’s yoke, relieving us of the burden. Granted, we eagerly pick the sinful yoke back up at the first opportunity, but God is patient with us. Faith pulls the sinful yoke back off, sometimes after we have experienced the painful burden to remind us. When one rejects the Faith, they usually grab ahold of some sin over time, burden themselves with it, and add to it as often as they can. They push God's "hand" away, preventing God from removing the burden they grew to love. They no longer seek the Sacraments, or forgiveness. They feel the weight of their guilt, and hold on to it. Over time, Faith no longer removes the burden and leaves the sinner alone. The devil, world and flesh gleefully add to it, knowing the yoke will remain even though it bites into the shoulder and breaks the soul.

Only the Faith generated by the Holy Spirit can lighten the yoke. We cannot reach the bindings to free ourselves, only the places to grasp more firmly to the yoke. We can only add to our burden and never able to loosen it. That God-given Faith loosens the straps, lifts the yoke off our shoulders, and bids us rest with Christ’s yoke. When we do so, our yoke is light because Christ has carried the burden. There is no more debt to repay. No more of the yoke that destroys but the light yoke that builds up and saves. Faith removes that which damns and destroys and replaces it with bondage to Him who has risen from the dead. You must be bound to a master- the one who craves your death, or the one who did it all for your life.

Plugging Along

I have been a little overwhelmed with important matters lately. I have also been pondering what the Evangelical Lutheran church bodies seem to have lost. More precisely, it seems that they tend to grow the church, one family or baby at a time, and leave the fallen and dying world to others. There seems to be this "we belong  over here, they are over there..." mentality when it comes to evangelism. I suspect the historical hierarchical structure leaves parishioners with the false sense of "there's a committee for that" when it is really their duty to evangelize. I also suspect the Roman Catholic (and similar) have similar challenges in a general sense. Baptists, Enthusiasts, and Mormons are determined to bring the "lost souls" in, but the known theological issues almost negate the additional bodies in the pews/chairs. So one group has fallen off the "limited evangelism, heavy theology" side of the horse, while the others have fallen on the "unlimited evangelism, light theology" side. So how does a Confessional Lutheran (or just conservative Christian) church evangelize without sacrificing theology and avoiding "mega-church-itis" programs? This is what I am considering now as its becoming apparent that the Church is becoming very luke-warm, unwilling to risk a small persecution by declaring God's Word openly, everywhere.

I was directed to this blog entry by my pastor, and I share it because it is helpful to understand the why behind the prohibition of women pastors. Why I changed my mind

Good Post

A good post from Rev. Juhl. His topic is Matt 22:1-14, and it looks like his Sunday sermon. Well worth the read.

The Place of Marriage

I have been listening to the Bible on CD while going to work and came across this clear reason for marriage in Malachi. With all of the popular culture focus on marriage and "who should be able to...", keeping perspective is quite important. First, the Word from Malachi, Chapter 2 (NKJV):

¹⁴ Yet you say, “For what reason?”
Because the Lord has been witness
Between you and the wife of your youth,
With whom you have dealt treacherously;
Yet she is your companion
And your wife by covenant.
¹⁵ But did He not make them one,
Having a remnant of the Spirit?
And why one?
He seeks godly offspring.
Therefore take heed to your spirit,
And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.

Clearly written is that God desires godly offspring from marriage, which is in keeping with other passages discussing the blessings of children, such as Psalm 127:3-4. This keenly and clearly illustrates the 6th Commandment "You shall not commit adultery." (Ex 20:14). If the purpose of marriage is to be blessed with godly offspring, then anything not towards that end (relations outside marriage, homosexuality, and so on) would be unrighteous and sinful. Note, though, that this wouldn't include those who cannot bear children as "adulterers" because the opening of the womb is God's doing. They can be faithful, even while barren, if they are following God's direction. 

It is important to note that the use of marriage is an inherently religious term, and should not be confused as a secular one. Secular life entails "civil unions" in the form of a contract. Even a "marriage license" you have to sign from the state at your wedding attests to this fact. You can be bound as man and wife (or some other collection of nouns) outside of the Church, but because it is done in the civil realm doesn't make it righteous, proper or even a good idea. Christians should strive to the example of Christ and the Church and eschew even worldly vocabulary if it muddies the clear meaning of Scripture. This is always our challenge. 

"Trinity in Unity"

We recited the Athanasian Creed last Sunday (Trinity Sunday). I know it is long, but I think we should recite it more. It encompasses the identity of God as well as the mystery of three Persons in one God. The part that stuck out most to me this past Sunday is the text that says, quite bluntly, "Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled; without doubt he shall perish everlastingly." This is clear profession of what the other creeds do not explicitly say, but is implicit. This warning goes back to 1 John 4 (NKJV):

¹Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ² By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, ³ and every spirit that does not confess that^[a] Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

The test to determine if a spirit (or thought or creed or anything else) is from God is to determine if it holds that Christ is the Son of God come in the Flesh (incarnate). Explicit here is the warning that failure to hold Christ in proper orientation with God is evil. The Athanasian Creed holds likewise, and also provides a similar warning. This is why it is important to guard against the devil, the world and the flesh. This is especially true in "safe haven" such as a church body. Why should we be so cautious? Because warnings like 1 John instruct that is both wise and prudent. The Athanasian Creed brings that to remembrance, which makes it something we should often review and ponder.

Sola Fide

Sola Fide "Faith Alone" is one of the tenets of the Reformation. Faith alone is what saves. As part of our ongoing Catechesis, I asked my daughter where faith comes from. She correctly answered "God." This is a sticking point for some because they can't, or won't, allow that they have no part in their salvation. They must have accepted Christ, for how else would He enter their life? The same way He entered the world for our salvation- by His action, and His alone. There are many Scriptural passages that support this, but one I recently found was striking to me because the Promise is wrapped up in a critique of Israel as a people being "stiff necked." God does it for our sakes, not because we merit it, but because He chooses to. The passage is the first six verses of Deuteronomy 9. I have copied verses 5-6 below because they make the point so precisely. I highlighted the sections to pull them out of the surrounding text.

⁵ It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the Lord your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. ⁶ Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.

 Before we Christians get puffed up, knowing what the Israelites did in rejecting God over and over and how they messed up time and again, take a look at verse 5. God specifically calls out "account of the wickedness of these nations". We, as Christians, are also a "stiff necked people." We too have been wicked, perhaps more so than the Israelites were. And yet Christ still died for your sins. The Old Testament holds chastisement for all the descendants of Abraham. What you think doesn't matter- only the Word that proceeds from God. Sola Scriptura "Scripture Alone" 


"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."  1 Peter 5:6 NIV

Harrison now apologizes...?

This is just strange. LCMS President Harrison has apologized for the media distorting the issue. This is now a strange debacle where a proper action is being apologized for because some people took offense who were not involved. After this apology, I have to agree with Harrison- he is not leading like he should. It was right to ask for an apology from Pastor Morris. It is even right to ensure the details are in the open so everyone can see what transpired due to a public event. However, you should never apologize for doing the right thing. That does the same thing as the original offense- it equates correct action with incorrect as if there is no difference. It is a tenant of leadership that you don't apologize for proper action. To do otherwise just erodes your ability to lead and the weight of your word among those who follow.

I am sure there is a line of thinking and consideration on this I might be missing. If anyone can point it out, I am more than willing to ponder it and accept it. At this point though, this is looking more like Harrison trying to not offend people, and ignoring any potential offense to the Word. This brings this full circle back to the original error of diluting the Word. This is another example that the LCMS as a body is more lukewarm than hot. That isn't a good place to be...

Pastor apologizes for interfaith service

Pastor Morris had an extremely difficult position to deal with. He is a new Pastor only in Newtown several months and had to bury a little girl from his congregation due to a tragic act of violence. He chose to participate in the interfaith service soon after that horrible event. For those who remember the 9/11-Benke affair, it was a sense of deja vu. In this instance, Pastor Morris apologized for his participation. To his credit LCMS President Harrison originally asked for the apology and accepted it. The methods being used are markedly different than Kieschnick and Benke, which laid bare the divisions in the Synod many years ago. Harrison is choosing a more proper path. However, the devil is never far away and launching his arrows at the affair. Unfortunately they come from Kieschnick and Benke in addition from among secular and non-believing sectors.

This event still shows several misunderstandings of ministry persist in the LC-MS. It also shows that both Kieschnick and Benke need to be further instructed on both professionalism and proper doctrine or shown the door. I am willing to let Pastor Morris consider, be counseled and understand why what he did was over the line, even though his "apology" is fairly open to interpretation and weak. Kieschnick and Benke know better by now and need to be provided the opportunity to find another Synod or denomination to back-bite. Their behavior is more akin to a 6 year old than a church worker or official, and has been for some time. Church discipline is required, and I await to see if Harrison is up to the task.

For those who might not understand, the interfaith service was not, and could not, be about evangelism. It was an event supposedly to reassure and comfort a grieving town. However, modern society does not seem to understand that grief is personal and private and must be dealt as such. The grief of a church or town should be done from the confines of the Church and the Word, latter of which is the only balm for the woes of this world. A "service" where everyone speaks/preaches is only a platitude, showing we are all "the same." The Church is never the same as muslim or any other non-believer, even the Jews. This alone makes it over the line- there must be a clear distinction made in times like this, for this is the clearest time for witness. Yes, witness is done by choosing not to participate. The world sees the muslim, the christian and the jew at the same service and says "how nice- they are all together as one (and there is no true religion)." Then the world turns back to its lusts, untroubled by their deeds because no one is different. Now place into that mix a Pastor who holds a separate, clearly Christian service. The world would lash at it "Why are you so different? Why can't you be with them?!" The clear light of the Gospel, unblemished by the cloud of unrighteous teaching, is a two edged sword; when the Word is hidden by untruth, it is as prophesy without interpretation- "a clanging cymbal." That is why the world loves the "hypocrite" excuse. They want reassurance that there is no Judgement, there is no difference between Christians and themselves. Providing any suggestion that isn't a true division is less an offense to Christians than it is to the Word, which is Christ, and to the world, which needs to know that Christ is "the way, the truth, and the life." There is no division, no proper distinction if Christians share the pulpit with non-believers or cults, which undercuts evangelism and witness. That is why it was wrong to do so, even when in the midst of such tragedy.

Again... Really?

After the tragedy in CT, LCMS pastor Morris attended the interfaith service. This does a disservice to the Word by placing it as equal to unbelief! I doubt the LCMS will discipline the pastor. *Sigh* The LCMS became what it is now by holding fast to the Word despite the other synods and denominations. Now they can't seem too flexible... Warnings against being luke-warm, denying the faith and others come to mind.

A little behind

I haven't forgotten about the blog, but I have been busy lately and had to do some much needed computer repair just before the holidays. I will try and get a post together in the near future, provided I don't have any more drags on my time.  +SDG+

A new look

There is a new layout system for blogger and I have finally gotten around to "updating." I know the new look is similar to the old look, but I try to keep things simple. I am open to suggestions on blog layout and such. Examples are great if you have them.

I am going to be working on a "series" as it were. Mostly because there are two aspects that need to be treated differently. That and together the two posts will probably will be longer than any given blog should be.

The first is how to deal with someone in a debate/discussion who refuses to claim or defend any position. Unfortunately this is found inside the church as well as a common tactic by non-believers. So it will have a section by itself since it is a more universal consideration.

A more lengthy second article is based on a recent discussion on abortion with a non-believer. It won't be a "blow-by-blow" but an evaluation of the arguments presented with the appropriate logical and theological issues those arguments entail. This one is a little more nuanced since we still must provide a good witness and argue a point we, at least partially, believe based on faith (which is something they don't recognize). This can sometimes be a sticking point to argue something well in an area partially outside of Christendom. It can be done, and I would argue is a form of defending the faith. I believe this is true because by showing our faith not blind devotion but a mind/body/soul interaction requiring thought and study, we defeat a common perception and remove a barrier. It also provides nice tie ins to lead to the Word, which is the desired end result.

Happy Father's Day

It seems fitting to quote Luther's Small Catechism on the "introduction" (it isn't named) to the Lord's Prayer: Our Father who art in heaven. What does this mean? God would thereby [with this little introduction] tenderly urge us to believe that He is our true Father, and that we are His true children, so that we may ask Him confidently with all assurance, as dear children ask their dear father. Luther's Small Catechism May all fathers emulate their Father in Heaven in raising their children. Also may all fathers emulate children asking God, their Father, for all help in their vocation as father.

Army of One

This is the recruiting motto for the US Army, but it fits our Lord during Holy Week. Here Christ, without armor, fights the toughest fight, the fight of all time. It doesn't seem like much perhaps- brutal but without major battles, swords, or battlefield honor. No- those are the things of the world. Jesus comes as his ancestor David came, without armor and "meager" weapons. Christ marches up to death, accepts the penalty for our sin dealt by the superpower of the time, and passes into hell. The war is now over in one swift stroke; but now comes the occupation by Christians. On Easter Morning Christ revealed the extent of the victory. It wasn't just victory over the Romans, the kind that the populace longed for. It was victory over the dragon and all his followers, including many elements of Rome as well as our own flesh. It was the better victory, by a better soldier than anyone can ever hope to be. Here is the model of a Christian soldier, fighting the demons who wage a guerrilla war. The demonic forces hope to eek out another small victory against the impending flood of Christ's return. Every hour they grow more desperate, knowing that at the time of His choosing is growing near and the rebellion will not only be over, but crushed forever. The Word lives. Christ lives again. Death and the devil do not. Hallelujah!

Compensating for our inabilities

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

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

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

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

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

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.