Christ is Risen!

Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is Risen! Our hope is in Christ conquering death and providing the sacrifice for our wretched sin. Gone is the sure death of hell. Those who die in the faith sleep for a while, then rise on the last day to be with their Lord. Those who rise without Christ do so on their own, and suffer the wrath of a God who provided all and was rejected. Praise to God for all He has done. Praise the Lord!

"We are all Jews here"

Fairly recently there was a series of articles where the phrase "We are all Jews here" was uttered by a POW US MSgt in order to protect the Jews in his command from the horrors of the Nazi death camps during the waning days of WW2. With Lent, the phrase seems to have a different meaning. During the first Lent, when Christ was flogged, beaten, tried, convicted, and killed, we were truly "all Jews" then. Our sins were just as cruel as the Israelis and Romans were while killing the Messiah. We certainly didn't cast a stone or speak a word, but still our rejection of Jesus was as complete as the Israeli people's at that time and place. After the wonderful miracle of Easter and the Resurrection, the phrase "we are all Jews here" doesn't have any meaning. The previously rejected Christ returns, bringing salvation to all people who have Faith. It is no longer just the Israelis that have God's Word, but all people. The only thing that eternally matters is "Child of God." The WW2 phrase saved lives in the horrors of world war. But it is the saving act of God that saves us for eternity.

The reality of the "force"

All over the media is the latest Star Wars movie "The Force Awakens" which had a massive opening weekend. Personally, I enjoy the movie series, perhaps a little too much given the time I spent on it in my younger years. The idea of the "force" is intriguing- something that moves throughout all things in the universe that you can control. The reason why it is so intriguing is what it represents. And no I am not talking about the weird mitichlorian explanation. It is the desire of man to be his own god. Think of the aspects- the force is everywhere, allows you to sense things anywhere or any time, and you can control it for life or death. If you follow the movies and books, it is even rumored to allow a resurrection of sorts. All of these things are attributes of God, and not of man. They are the powers sinful man covets, which is why it is so enticing. The mysticism included in the jedi ("good") and sith ("evil") sides of the force (think yin and yang) provides enough of a structure that there are literally "jedi churches" and I suspect also "sith" variety as well. There are people worshiping a religion based on a fictional book for powers they cannot attain. Unfortunately, without Salvation through Faith, they will discover all too late that it was the work of the devil and the flesh that led them down the "dark path" to hell.

The Star Wars series is an enjoyable movie to me, but I also know what the false religion is that hides behind it. I strongly urge you to talk to your kids about it so they can learn about it. I also suggest waiting until your kids are old enough to have a clearer understanding of the fictional world and the real world. That distinction is quite important when dealing with matters that leech into critical understanding like Faith and sin. This might be a great opportunity to teach and enjoy a movie, so long as it is kept a movie and not a way of life.

Excellent blog post

"Sellers of Purple" has an excellent post about the difference between legalistic, man centered social churches and churches with the life-giving Word preached. While she mentions the LCMS, there are other church bodies with the same focus that are just as pertinent.

Vocation of Citizen

Lutherans teach a concept called "vocation" in which God utilizes us in this world to do His work. Luther wrote extensively on it, and I suggest reading his words and explanation as they are much clearer than can ever be posted on a blog. Some examples posted by the LC-MS are here, and there are books that can be ordered with further developments that I won't list here due to length. In the United States, Nov. 3 is an election day. Not all states have elections as each state has its own cycle. Virginia votes on local elections this year, and I believe at least a few others do as well. In any case, if there is an election for you, it is part of your vocation as a citizen to vote. Many people don't "get into" anything that isn't a major election, like governor or President. The truth is your vocation obligates you to weigh the candidates and vote accordingly regardless of the level of the election.

Please fulfill your vocation and vote if you have the opportunity.  If you don't, you can still fulfill your obligation as a citizen to encourage those who can vote to do so, and to be current on the issues important to your local, state, and national level government. Each level has different concerns and responsibilities, and those need to be weighed with thoughtful Christian consideration for what is the wisest course of action.

Sadness and Prayer

This morning's killings of two reporters on air by a deranged killer shocked and saddened most everyone. The media will turn to various experts decrying this issue, that injustice, this systematic failing or some other issue. While these things might have some sort of impact, the root cause is sin. As shocking and brutal yesterday's killings were, there is no difference in God's Law with any other sin. The tortured deaths of Christians and others in ISIS controlled lands is just as evil as the on-air killings or those committing adultery with the Ashley Madison site. The claim that hinduism and Christianity are just shades of the same is as sinful as coveting your neighbor's possessions or simply stealing gum. A Just God requires the same from all. Thank God that He is also merciful and has provided a means of Grace. All of the sins we daily commit, intentionally or not, are covered by the sacrifice of Christ. To have that gift in spite of our flesh's daily rebellion is joy unbound.

Prayers for the families of the slain and the unfortunate killer. May God use this to the betterment of the Kingdom in His own way.

Sherpherds, Hirelings, and Wolves

This is a very short excerpt from "Sermons of Martin Luther" edited by Lenker, Vol 3-4 from the sermon for the Second Sunday after Easter focused on John 10:11-16.

There are three kinds of shepherds: good or true shepherds, hirelings, and wolves. Good shepherds are like the good Shepherd Christ, who tends the sheep, goes before them, cares for those that are sick, scabby, or have the snuffles; who does not flee when the wolves come, but "who giveth his life for the sheep," as Christ here in this Gospel describes. It is not enough that we preach correctly, which the hireling can also do; but we must watch over the sheep, that the wolves, false teachers, may not break in, and we must contend for the sheep against the wolves, with the Word of God, even to the sacrifice of our lives. Such are good shepherds, of whom few are found. ... This the hirelings do not; they care not for the sheep, they receive temporal wages, riches and honor, and feed themselves; yet they are good to a certain extent and Christ also preaches through them; but they are not true to the sheep.... This is clearly seen, when trouble comes, when the wolves break in there is no one who remains faithful to the sheep."

This is what I see in the LCMS and other church bodies. They are staffed by hirelings and not shepherds. True, shepherds are more rare. But the encouragement of hirelings over shepherds dooms a church body to eventual heresy and falling away. The Church is always under assault by wolves, and the hirelings do little to counter the wolves, running away from the "controversy." The reason doesn't matter, whether it is riches, pensions, or even not wanting to be inconvenienced. Ultimately it scatters the flock and subverts their office as specified by Christ. Take heed, then, that your shepherd is a true shepherd, and not a hireling just earning a paycheck.

Planned Parenthood as organ dealer

It's on the news with two horrible videos where Planned Parenthood employees are discussing the sale of fetal organs. Ironically this undercuts their whole premise to scared new mothers that it "isn't a baby but a fetus." If it wasn't human, why are you selling the organs? Planned Parenthood really just are butchers of the unwary and unprotected. I pray the nightmare of legal abortions is snuffed out soon. God have mercy on these unfortunate souls.

Rich Man and Lazarus

Many of us covered the Rich Man and Lazarus recently in church services talking about faith of the individuals in the parable. We nod our heads and inwardly scoff at the rich man for being so callous. We then head home, pop lunch in the microwave, peruse Facebook and maybe turn on the big screen television for a sports show. Not once do we consider the problem with the Rich Man while doing many of the things he would never dream possible or affordable. This isn't an article, though, on how riches are evil but the danger of cares of this world. His goods and riches didn't force him away. But they did distract and dissuade him from faith and a life devoted to God. Immediately following the parable, Luke 17:1 has the following: "Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come." The parable and this verse brings the parable of the sower to mind recorded in Luke 8:

¹³ Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. ¹⁴ The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

Why the Rich Man was faithless is irrelevant. Lack of faith is eternally fatal without regard as to why. I wanted to caution you to be careful lest the world carefully snatch your faith, smother it under the cares and entertainment of this world, and replace it with the useless gods of this age. Guard yourselves carefully as the devil and the world have been deceiving since the Fall. Which is more important- Pintrest or Bible study? We might know the answer in our heads, but our daily routines would likely argue against our soul.

The Point of Work

Sometimes you hear people complaining that if God was really all powerful He would do this or that. Or perhaps it is worded as "Works don't merit salvation, so why do I have to..." The root of the complaint is really the speakers desire to do what they want, which is to rebel against God. Using the common Biblical comparison of a parent and children, the tasks we have to accomplish in a day sometimes are assigned as chores for children. It isn't because we can't do them. Its to teach them how to do the chore properly and to help them grow mentally. A lot of time the children really don't like the chore, but the action of working through the chore teaches them. It isn't for the parent's benefit, but the children's. So when you hear the complaint, ask what it is they think God is trying to teach them or why they are rebelling. That might cause them to think a little harder about the task, and less about the chore.

Martyrs

According to recent articles, IS (ISIS/ISIL) came into an area in Iraq where there were Christians. IS demanded they recant Christ and pledge their loyalty to Mohammed. Four of the children refused, and IS beheaded them. This is the brutality of the group, and now there are (at least) four more Saints before the throne praising God for eternity. A reminder for all of us to append our Advent services with "Come, Lord, return and bring us home!" Only that will end the madness.

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.