Romans 14:5-9: To whom do we belong?

One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. Romans 14:5-9

"So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." One of my pastors, Matthew Brooks preached a sermon, The Beauty of Belonging, based on this scripture from the book of Romans. Pastor Brooks reminded us that our children belong to the Lord and asked us to reflect on what we will do with our children this year. It was poignant for him to ask this question of his flock considering that he had buried his infant son, taken by sickness unexpectedly, just days earlier. He certainly takes joy in the fact that his son was never really their own and belonged to His heavenly father. The Brooks' deeply treasured and enjoyed their days with their young son, but they also mourn the loss of the days on this earth that they wouldn't be spending with him. I took Pastor Brooks' challenge to heart; it is a topic that has been on my mind since the day I became a mother: What should I do with my kids?

That question presents a seeming contrast. On one hand, scripture instructs parents to train their children in the way they should go and promises that they will not depart from those ways when they are older. On the other hand, scripture reminds me that children belong to the Lord. In my Evangelical days, I was taught in no uncertain terms that my children's salvation was in my own hands. As a Lutheran, I am taught that God works faith through His proclaimed Word like the unrelenting waters of a hurricane flood. I am to continually point my children ever to the Word for their conviction and salvation.

What should I do with my kids? I desire for my kids to recognize their sinful state, learn the JOY of their salvation, grow strong in the faith that is Christ Jesus and live contented and meaninful lives. My husband and I bring them to the Word and surround them with the Word, provide catechism at home, school and church, love and pray for them. Yet, far too often, I become discouraged. They sin and I become discouraged; we, as parents, sin and I despair. Satan then uses that discouragement and despair to pull us away from the Word, as I start to use my reason to determine that my childrn actually need me to explain to them how awful they are. As if God needs my help in explaining that to them! Quickly, reliably and lovingly, God restores my faith and trust in Him as the owner of us all. We belong to Him. In many ways, I am my children's sister in Christ, as much as their earthly mother. I, too, am a sinner in need of a Savior. My job as their sister in Christ is to herd them back to the Word, in that loving and enticing way that only a parent knows how to do.

In his preface to the Larger Catechism, Luther discussed my very attempts and failures. He also reassures me that even he still needed to study every day. He wrote:

But for myself I say this: I am also a doctor and preacher, yea, as learned and experienced as all those may be who have such presumption and security; yet I do as a child who is being taught the Catechism, and every morning, and whenever I have time, I read and say, word for word, the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Psalms, etc. And I must still read and study daily, and yet I cannot master it as I wish, but must remain a child and pupil of the Catechism, and am glad so to remain.

In his sermon prefacing the Large Catechism, Luther begins:

This sermon is designed and undertaken that it might be an instruction for children and the simple-minded. Hence of old it was called in Greek catechism, i.e., instruction for children, what every Christian must needs know, so that he who does not know this could not be numbered with the Christians nor be admitted to any Sacrament, just as a mechanic who does not understand the rules and customs of his trade is expelled and considered incapable. Therefore we must have the young learn the parts which belong to the Catechism or instruction for children well and fluently and diligently exercise themselves in them and keep them occupied with them.

Therefore it is the duty of every father of a family to question and examine his children and servants at least once a week and to ascertain what they know of it, or are learning and, if they do not know it, to keep them faithfully at it. For I well remember the time, indeed, even now it is a daily occurrence that one finds rude, old persons who knew nothing and still know nothing of these things, and who, nevertheless, go to Baptism and the Lord's Supper, and use everything belonging to Christians, notwithstanding that those who come to the Lord's Supper ought to know more and have a fuller understanding of all Christian doctrine than children and new scholars. However, for the common people we are satisfied with the three parts, which have remained in Christendom from of old, though little of it has been taught and treated correctly until both young and old who are called and wish to be Christians, are well trained in them and familiar with them.

Luther goes on to list the things that a parent should be sure to instruct to his children, at the bare minimum: the Ten Commandments, the Creed and the Lord's Prayer. Luther's Small and Large Catechism are tools that every part should use! You can read them online and/or order a copy for your home.

I once wrote to my pastor regarding parenting advice and he responded with the following:

Blessings in Him who was the perfect child and through whom we have access to the perfect parent - our heavenly Father - Jesus!

What does the Bible say about parenting? Your first and primary responsibility is wrapped up with the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20. Before we give our children anything else, it's bringing them to the Means of Grace, the Gospel in Word and Sacrament, and the working of the Holy Spirit.

The very best thing I ever did for my 5 children was bring them to the waters of Baptism. Honestly, I could give them the best of the whole world, but everything, everything pales in comparison to bringing them to Jesus and Jesus to them. "What does a man gain if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul..." Jesus says (Mt 16:26).

The sole of parenting is really attached to the soul. I believe that governs everything. How will this effect the eternal soul? is a good question always to ask. That governs setting definite expectations and consequences, communication - use of Law and Gospel,marital example, Christian example, etc., etc.

In Rev. 14:13 it mentions that we will rest from our labors and our "works" will follow us when we go to heaven. What can we take with us from this earth - PEOPLE, especially the ones the Lord's entrusted to us in our homes.

Thanks to excellent teaching from my pastors, I am able to find strength in parenting teens. I am able to say to my kids each day:

I am a sinner. You are, too. Together we are hopeless and will keep sinning for the rest of our lives. We belong to God, but are separated from him by our sin. We are bound for hell because we can't enter heaven unless we are perfect. However, God still loves me and you. He desires to spend eternity with Him in heaven. In an incredible and unfathomable act of love and grace, he gave us His son, Jesus Christ, as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. We have been saved! Rejoice! We can now enter heaven! Share this good news with others!

Living Among Mysteries: God is Telling You to Loan Me a Book and Take a Potty Break

I wish I had learned this twenty+ years ago; it would have saved me and others many years of confusion, despair and impedance (is that a word?). . Living Among Mysteries: God is Telling You to Loan Me a Book and Take a Potty Break

Living Among Mysteries: The Given Life

Not long after becoming a confessional Lutheran, I started to search for other people like me. I suppose that is just human nature. That search goes on and I have found another very interesting person who keep a blog entitled Living Among Mysteries. It is written by a recent Lutheran convert, Jeremy . Stories like Jeremy's are the reason that blog-keeping appealed to me and fueled my search for more stories like mine. Jeremy writes:

So why another blog when ten zillion are already out there? I'll be honest: it's mostly for my benefit. I plan to float ideas and ask for feedback because the way I learn is by interaction with other people. Writing (warning: I'm not too good at it) is my self-test for understanding. I don't believe I understand something until I can explain it to others. I also have an inordinate love of books and reading. I plan on passing on some recommendations along with thoughts inspired by my reading. Though I'm no scholar, I have an interest in Lutheran theology. I'm also a wannabe agrarian. My first post will be the story of Rachel's and my conversion from fundamentalist Pentecostalism to Augsburg Evangelicalism (hat tip to Here We Stand), aka Lutheranism. Hope you enjoy.

In a later post he writes of his conversion:

My wife and I were both raised in independent Pentecostal Holiness churches (henceforward PHC). The first order of business must be to explain what those churches believe since they have no formal confessions. First, they are classical Pentecostals, i.e., they are not charismatic or Word-Faith. They believe they have remained true to the Azusa Street revival at the turn of the 20th century without falling into the excesses of much of the rest of Pentecostalism. They believe in the Baptism of the Holy Ghost as a second (or, possibly, third) work of grace, the evidence of which is speaking in an unlearned, “unknown” tongue. This speaking in tongues, which ought to be the regular experience of those baptized in the Holy Ghost, is a completely unconscious experience uncontrolled and uninitiated by the speaker. They believe in nine gifts of the Spirit as enumerated in 1 Corinthians 12-14 that remain in operation today. They believe healing is a part of the atonement and is the right of every believer, though they deny that God is obligated to heal as many Word-Faith teachers believe. Their worship services are, theoretically, without a set order. The worship is spontaneous and exuberant. The Holy Ghost may “fall” on one or more worshipers and a “move of God” may take place. This means that the rest of the service may be occupied with worshipers dancing, running the aisles, praying, speaking in tongues, being “slain in the Spirit,” etc. There may be no preaching in these services. In fact, it is very often said that “the service was so wonderful that the preacher didn’t even get to preach.” They are firmly within the revivalist tradition with all of its concomitant practices such as altar calls. They are also independent churches, i.e., they have no denominational affiliation. There is a Pentecostal Holiness denomination out there, but they are not connected in any way to the group I am describing.

Secondly, they are the “Holiness People.” In fact, many of them refer to themselves primarily as Holiness rather than Pentecostal. This is due in part to many PHC’s belief in a second, definite experience of sanctification a la Wesleyanism. Mainly, though, the name Holiness refers to their belief in “standards.” These are very specific rules of dress and behavior. Let me name a few: women should have long, uncut hair; men should have short hair; women should wear dresses or skirts only and they must be at least knee length; no shorts; no sleeveless shirts; no makeup; no jewelry, including wedding rings; no television or movies; no secular or contemporary Christian music. The list could go on. There are variations in strictness between churches but the list would be pretty standard. Furthermore, they did not believe these were optional rules but God’s own requirements and to violate them was to sin. There is some question among them whether those who do not know about these rules can be saved but folks like me are almost certainly out.

So know you have an idea of what the PHC is like. Until my mid-twenties (I am now 28) I enthusiastically believed all of it. My wife and I were well respected and some believed we had a bright future among the PHC. I was editor and main contributor of a newsletter and sometime adult Sunday School teacher. A few even thought I should enter the ministry. We were quite happy where we were, but my voracious reading and curiosity is what did me in. Actually the internet was also a key factor since it introduced me to people I would have never known otherwise.
Be sure to read on: Living Among Mysteries: The Given Life

Issues, Etc. inteviews Ted Haggard

I listened today to Pastor Wilken interview Ted Haggard on Issues, Etc. Unbelievable! Right off the bat, he eliminates Lutherans from his definition of evangelical because of their stance on one's ability to ask Jesus into one's heart. If I had nothing better to do, I would make a list of every false statement he makes. My list would be very long, but I don't want to give the man any more attention. Here is my short list:

• The Willow Creek movement was God speaking to his people
• Os Guiness is a prophet naming things of which some are guilty
  

One good thing he said was that in his pastoring of 11,000 souls in Colorado, only about 30 had asked him for a doctrinal statement. He went on to say that this is not good and that it is a strong indicator that people today choose their church by how it makes them feel and not on its teachings. He rightly said that this practice leaves people open to heresy.

McCain: Today is Holy Cross Day

Check out Pastor Paul McCain's post on Holy Cross Day, if only to view the beautiful painting. He writes:

Today is Holy Cross Day. The day in the church year set aside to reflect and ponder the most essential truth and reality, not just of the Christian faith, which it is of course, but all of life, all things in heaven and on earth, both visible and invisible: the reality of the Most Holy Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let’s focus our hearts and minds on this day with our reading from 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.

ELS President's Newsletter: September 2005 - the calling of one of our pastors

President John A. Molstad's newsletter for September 2005 can be found here. It contains the sad and wonderful news of the call and acceptance for one of our beloved pastors, David M. Russow. The newsletter states:

With the acceptance of the home mission call by Rev. David Russow and with the recent purchase of land, the Board for Home Missions is eager to move forward with its exploratory work in the area of Rogers/Otsego, MN. If you know of any names of people interested in worship services in the NW Minneapolis metro area, please contact Pastor Russow.

As I said, this is sad news and yet wonderful news. Our congregation is sad to bid him farewell, but excited for the plans. King of Grace is close enough to this new congregation that some in our church may follow Pastor Russow there to help. Until the new congregation is established, Pastor Russow and his family will stay on as members. Although he lost him as his confirmation teacher, my son gets the added benefit of having Pastor Russow and his wife as his Sunday School teachers. I've never seen an 8th grader happy to go to Sunday School before!

Book review: Luther, the Reformer

Luther, the Reformer, by James M. Kittelson, is a book on my reading list. Northwestern Publishing House says:

A powerful and readable life story of the great reformer. This single-volume biography has become a standard resource for those who wish to delve into the depths of the REformer without drowning in a sea of scholarly concerns.

My pastor, David Russow, writes:

Of the many books about the Reformer, this is one of the best! It reads in an understandable, engaging, friendly, and flowing manner. The only drawback for some might be the Latin terms that appear now and then; but they are explained. This book would be a great gift for those who appreciate the message and the man, and for those who would benefit from learning about both!

From Wels Relief.org...

WELS news release • September 7, 2005
WELS assessment team in Baton Rouge

A WELS assessment team has arrived in Baton Rouge, La., to meet with local WELS congregations to determine the needs of its members and how best to utilize the donations and volunteers that have come through WELS Kingdom Workers.

The assessment team consisting of WELS President Karl Gurgel, Media Communications Director Steve Zambo, WELS Kingdom Workers administrator Pastor Richard Warnecke, Pastor Phil Schuppman from WELS Committee on Relief, and Builders for Christ volunteer Ed Nelson, will be in Louisiana through Thursday and will be reporting their findings through daily Imprint blogs on the WELS Web site. Due to the unknown communication conditions of the area, most of the blog postings will be available in audio (Mp3) format and can be downloaded to your computer or portable listening device.

In addition to the assessment team, WELS schools are currently working to do what they can to help survivors of the hurricane. Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, Wis., is currently working with the Red Cross to provide WLC students as tutors and homework assistants to children who will be housed at Wisconsin State Fair Park.

Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, Wis., has been working with the Red Cross to offer temporary housing for families left homeless by hurricane Katrina. Four to six families are able to be housed at LPS should the need arise. LPS President Mark Schroeder also reports, “LPS has also been in contact with our WELS pastors in the south. We have offered to enroll any high school age student who is now unable to attend school because of the devastation in the south. We understand that families left displaced by the hurricane may not want to send a child away to school at such a time, but we wanted to make the offer for those who might need such an option.”

Manitowoc Lutheran High School in Manitowoc, Wis., is currently offering free tuition, room, and board to any high school aged student affected by the hurricane as well. Principal Dennis Steinbrenner reported that at least ten MLHS families have already offered to open their homes to displaced students and says the school will take as many students as possible.

Continue to visit the WELS Web site, www.wels.net, for the most up-to-date information on the aftermath of Katrina.

What can you do to help?
Donate money for disaster relief to the area. Checks should be made payable to WELS Committee on Relief and sent to WELS, 2929 N Mayfair Rd, Milwaukee WI 53222. Donations can also be made online at www.wels.net/jumpword/donations. These donations can be made either by credit card or electronic fund transfer. Please select Gift Designation "Committee on Relief." If you are a member of Thrivent, please visit www.thrivent.com to obtain the form for matching gifts or call WELS Ministry of Christian Giving at 800-827-5482 for assistance.

Will Thrivent match gifts donated to the Committee on Relief?
Yes. Through the Individual Member Response, gifts that Thrivent Financial for Lutheran members make to the WELS Committee on Relief will be supplemented $1 for every $2 given, up to $300 per member (e.g., if a member gives $600 to a relief organization, Thrivent Financial will provide that organization with an additional $300.) A Thrivent Financial Hurricane Katrina Response Form must accompany the member’s gift. Go to the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Web site, www.thrivent.com/fraternal/katrina.html, for more information or to download the form.

Where can I get more information?
The homepage of the WELS Web site, www.wels.net, has links to more information.

For further information:
• Questions about volunteering: WELS Kingdom Workers, 1-800-466-9357; fia@wkw.wels.net.

---

How to Contribute:

By Telephone:
If people wish to call and provide their information over the phone you may reach Pastor Roth's staff at 1-800-827-5482 between 8 and 4:30 Central Time.

By Mail:
Committee on Relief
2929 N Mayfair Road
Milwaukee WI 53222

On the web:
On our web site we also serve people by accepting Electronic Fund Transfer, Electronic Check, American Express, Discover, Visa, and Master Card.
CLICK HERE

Weedon's Blog: Questions for the Day

The Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt Van Rijn, 1662
Oil on canvas
The Hermitage, St. Petersburg

Introducing Weedon's Blog, written by Pastor William Weedon. I found his blog through his Vicar Lehmann, aka Chaz. His recent post: Questions for the Day, helps me in my quest to answer my question, "Is God Angry?". My pondering of this question leads to why God is angry, how he still loves us and what he did to gather us back to Him. The true gospel message is NOT what I can do to reconcile myself back to God, but the OVERWHELMINGLY good news that God loves me so much that He provided atonement for my sins. It is He who reconciles us to Him, never the other way around. That little key bit of information is how to determine whether the message my pastor preaches is true or false.

2 Corinthians 5: 11-21: The Ministry of Reconciliation

¹¹Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. ¹²We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. ¹³If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. ¹⁴For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. ¹⁵And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. ¹⁶So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. ¹⁷Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! ¹⁸All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. ²¹God made him who had no sin to be sin^[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Pastor Weedon writes:

Did the cross *change* God's disposition toward us or *manifest* His disposition toward us? Think of the difference it makes.

Did our Savior die to reconcile God to us or to reconcile us to God? What does 2 Cor. 5 actually say in that regard?

Is the problem that God was our our enemy or that we were HIS enemies?"

Read on for a learned discussion of this topic. Thank you also to Vicar Charles Lehmann for linking to Pastor Weedon's blog. He also has a good post on this topic.

Vicar Lehmann writes:

Luther always understood the "righteousness of God." But before he was given to understand the Gospel, he understood it only in the way of the Law. That God is righteous was terrifying to him, because Luther was a sinner! How can a sinner stand before the righteous God? But then Luther came to understand Romans 1:17.

He wrote, "Then I finally came to understand what God's righteousness was, that the righteousness of God does not mean I must be righteous like God is or He will damn me forever, but when I finally understood that the righteousness of God means that God does the righteous thing for me - because His Son has paid my debt already, He now pardons me from all my guilt and declares me innocent and not guilty."

Chaz, you are blessed to be in such a congregation; furthermore, any soul pastored by you will hear God's Word and our joyous gospel proclaimed rightly.

Thanks to all pastors (and vicars) for taking the time to bolster the saints through the blogosphere.

More on God's anger/God's love can be found here.

Is God angry?

Following up on the children's Bible discussion, I've had these thoughts...

Regarding the concept of God being angry at sin and the undeserved gospel of grace, that certainly played a big part in my eventual desparation of American Evangelicalism. I could sense God's wrath and knew of his wrath through his Word; my knowledge of my sin nature rose above me like a towering giant and I knew I would never be good enough for God (let alone my fellow Christians). I had certainly heard part of the gospel, but since it was always tied in with my requirements, it was never really "good news". Simultaneously, my old ELCA mega-church was rapidly changing to reformed teachings and I couldn't stay any longer. The summer I spent meeting with a confessional lutheran pastor and going over what the Bible truly teaches about God, sin and salvation was life-altering and faith-saving.

The problem I am having as the parent of teenagers is how to help them realize their sin nature in typical teen behavior without driving them away from me. I fall back easily on the evangelical-God-playing model by thinking it is my job to make them aware every time they sin and to make them believe. I've got one who is very aware, but one who appears not make the connection between being sinful and being forgiven. I keep bringing them to the Word and fight myself off in trusting the Holy Spirit's presence in proclaiming God's Word. God save my children from me (said with tongue in cheek)!

Beggars All: American Evangelicalism: Always Winter and Never Christmas?

This is why I missed Tim the Enchanter!

FALSTAFF: 'Fore God, you have here a goodly dwelling and a rich.

SHALLOW: Barren, barren, barren; beggars all, beggars all!

King Henry IV, Part II

We certainly don't want a barren place here at Beggars All, and so, to also quote Samwise Gamgee, "Well, I'm back!"

Read on:Beggars All: American Evangelicalism: Always Winter and Never Christmas?

Love and Blunder on finding a children's Bible

Devona at Love and Blunder blog posts about finding a children's Bible that accurately reflects what scripture says. She writes:

The book that we have now says, "God was not angry with Adam and Eve, He was disappointed." That's a flat out LIE! I was so surprised to see that. God didn't say, "Aw shucks, they can't live in my cool garden anymore. That's so disappointing. I took a lot of care making it." No God said, "Now you will surely die." That sounds pretty angry to me. Read on: Love and Blunder

Be sure to read through the great comments to her post.

One Salient Oversight: FBI investigates "Evangelical child killers"

I'd better just tell you upfront that this is a joke. Neil uses humor to creatively and effectively illustrate a point. Neil writes:

"The FBI is investigating the leaders of a controversial new Christian Fundamentalist group that has been encouraging Evangelical Christians to kill their own children.

Although no charges have been laid yet, at least 52 parents from Christian churches throughout America are being questioned.

Known as the "Child salvation" movement, it is based on the understanding that children are without sin, and are automatically granted entry into heaven when they die." Read on: One Salient Oversight: FBI investigates "Evangelical child killers"

Hurricane Katrina - some ways to help

The situation in New Orleans is growing more horrendous as the hours and days go by. I assume I'm like most people who are still in the denial phase, just barely starting to realize how bad the situation truly is. In my narrow little world, corpses do not EVER rot on the street...not in America. Gangs with guns don't roam the streets...not in America. Of course, my narrow little world has only existed for 44 years during a relatively calm and properous time in America. I have much to learn.

I honestly don't know what to think or do next, especially up here in the north. I will contribute money next paycheck, I will pray, I will read and feature stories, like those found in the collection of Lutheran posts on Lutheran Carnival Special Edition: Hurricane Katrina.

From the ELS website and President Molstad:

Information for ELS members about hurricane relief donations

Our prayers ascend to the heavenly Father on behalf of all who are suffering in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The Gospel of Christ ultimately is the real help and hope for all who encounter suffering, and we ask that God would use this epic tragedy to work soul-saving results in his kingdom.

There are several WELS congregations in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, including a congregation in the city of New Orleans. The WELS Committee of Relief has already begun its efforts to help people in the affected areas. Below you will find the WELS press release regarding this work.

If members in our synod wish to contribute financially to the relief efforts, they may direct their gifts to: ELS Hurricane Relief, 6 Browns Court, Mankato, MN 56001. We will then transmit the funds collectively to the WELS Committee on Relief.


From Wels.net:On Aug. 30, the Committee on Relief, WELS Kingdom Workers, the South Atlantic District Hurricane Relief Committee, South Atlantic District President John Guse, and pastors whose congregations were affected by Hurricane Katrina participated in a conference call to discuss an action plan in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The main items that were discussed follow:

A small First Response Team from the South Atlantic District is planning to arrive in the Mobile, Ala., area with a supply trailer around Sept. 1. The main objectives of this first team are to assess immediate needs of affected congregations and set up local contact people and access to relief funds. This emergency response team will offer assistant to the pastor and members of Saving Grace in Mobile. Accompanying the team is a supply trailer stocked with generators, chainsaws, cell phones, tarps, cash, etc. to aid in any way possible. The team will also assess the needs of the pastor, congregation, and community in Mobile. If possible, they will attempt to reach Abita Springs and assess the damage there as well. Continued relief efforts will be organized in cooperation with WELS Kingdom Workers. Eventually a similar team will be sent to New Orleans once travel becomes safe.

Damage from the storm is extensive and severe. While assessments need to be made, it is likely that there will be substantial work for able and willing volunteers. In order to maintain a productive and organized effort, individuals and groups wishing to volunteer should contact either WELS Kingdom Workers or South Atlantic District Hurricane Relief Committee members Nathan Nolte or Joshua Kesting. It is essential that volunteer efforts be well coordinated and planned so that they can provide the most benefit instead of adding to logistical problems.

After the First Response Team has reported the initial assessment, Pastor Richard Warnecke from WELS Kingdom Workers and possibly Pastor Phil Schupmann from the Committee on Relief will arrive to offer further assistance and organization. Once they have organized a local team, they will form a ministry plan for the next weeks and months. This local team will have access to WELS Committee on Relief funds and will disperse funds as they see fit to aid those in the congregation and community.

WELS Committee on Relief has authorized the release of $100,000 for immediate aid. Part of these funds will be sent to an account already in place in South Florida to be dispersed as needed and a new account will be set up closer to the area affected by the storm.

We praise God for the way he moves our brothers and sisters to give generously in times of need. At this time, it is impossible to identify what specific material items would be most beneficial to the relief effort. Until more assessment can take place, monetary donations will provide the most useful assistance. Individuals and congregations are encouraged to send donations to the WELS Committee on Relief.

Thankfully, Pastor Dave Sternhagen of Crown of Life in New Orleans was able to join us on the phone call. He is safely waiting in Memphis to return to New Orleans. He anticipates a wait of a week or more. He has heard from some of his members but not all. Pastor Joe Dietrich of Trinity in Abita Springs has not been contacted. Telephone, power and cell service are all out in the area. Pastor Bill Greenlee of Cross of Glory in Baton Rouge was spared major damage and still has power and phones. He will be attempting to drive into Abita Springs to locate Joe. Harmon Lewis reports loss of power, phones, fence, shingles and siding but he and his family are safe. All the members he has contacted are likewise safe.

We ask for the prayers of all, first for the victims of this disaster but also for those who will be working to serve the victims of this disaster. The Lord bless our humble efforts and turn even this terrible event to work for good in the lives of those who love him.

Humbly submitted,
Pastor Joshua Kesting
Principal Nathan Nolte

Thrivent matching gifts
Through the Individual Member Response, gifts that Thrivent Financial for Lutheran members make to the WELS Committee on Relief will be supplemented $1 for every $2 given, up to $300 per member (e.g., if a member gives $600 to a relief organization, Thrivent Financial will provide that organization with an additional $300.) A Thrivent Financial Hurricane Katrina Response Form must accompany the member’s gift. Go to the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Web site for more information or to download the form.
Wels Relief
The Committee on Relief works as a humanitarian aid fund, considering requests for disaster assistance. A non-budgetary committee, relief efforts are accomplished solely through monetary gifts. Current disasters are detailed on the expanded site. To donate, please click below ---- The Committee lends help to many areas through our world missionaries. More about disasters can be read on the easy-to-navigate expanded web page. The expanded site contains photos and news stories relating to recent disasters.

Established as a response following the 2nd World War, Committee on Relief members - appointed by the synod president - customarily serve six-year terms. In addition to these four men, a system has been established with pastors of the conferences. While actively promoting the Committee, they also inform the Committee of relief needs following local disasters.
Again, anyone wishing to donate to the WELS Committee on Relief, may do so online through the Committee on Relief’s web site. Those who prefer to give information by phone are asked to call between 8:00 and 4:30 (Central time). The number for such gifts is 1-800-827-5482

Read more at www.welsrelief.org

The masks God wears

All our work in the field, in the garden, in the city, in the home, in struggle, in government--to what does it all amount before God except child's play, by means of which God is pleased to give his gifts in the field, at home, and everywhere? These are the masks of our Lord God, behind which he wants to be hidden and to do all things. --Martin Luther, "Exposition of Psalm 147" from Masks of God blog

Our pastor and his wife recently buried their young son. During his four short months on this earth, struggling to overcome a heart defect, his parents kept on online journal. One entry, made on a more hopeful day, struck me deeply:

We are so thankful to see God working and to see Him hiding Himself behind the vocations of cardiologist, neurologist, anesthetologist, surgeon and nurse. Doctor is one of the masks God wears.

This young pastor also wears a mask of God, and his wife as well. Even in their deep and utter grief, though they were both emotionally and physically near exhaustion from the death of their sweet firstborn son, God's love could be seen beaming through in their eyes, their smiles and their touch. They were not spiritually exhausted; they were reaching out to all of us, hugging everyone and reminding us of the joy of salvation that sweet Hugh has now obtained through Jesus' death on the cross.

I had never seen a pastor at the funeral of one of his own. I had never been at the funeral of a baby nor a child. Now, I don't base my faith on what my eyes have seen and I can't believe in God just because of how my pastor and his wife gave clear account for the joy that is in their hearts; but seeing them doing so confirmed what I already knew to be true through the witness of the Holy Spirit. God has provided a clear and joyous salvation from this fallen creation - where little boys are born with heart defects- through the atoning sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God. He has prepared a place for all who believe this is true. As if that wern't good enough, God has also sent his Holy Spirit to plant the seed of faith in the hearts of all who are washed in the waters of Holy Baptism and to grow and strengthen the faith of all who hear His Word preached and partake of Holy Communion. My pastor taught me this and he didn't run from it when his own little son died. Pastor and wife are one of the masks God wears.


During this last week, I have struggled fruitlessly on my own to defeat the evil plot of a computer programmer who has used his God-given talents for understanding numbers and computer programming to trick people, steal their money and corrupt minds and souls. He or she is faceless and nameless to me, but not to God. He is wasting his talent and rejecting God's urging to come to Him. Just when I was ready to give up, I was led by my ISP provider to a young man who also has great God-given talents for understanding the same things as his evil counterpart. He uses those talents to continually learn more about viruses and trojans and hackers. He freely gives his time for no pay to companies in exchange for learning more. To date, he has spent three hours straight on his phone dime, doing the work of a entry-level computer support person while also searching for an elusive hidden trojan virus. Sure, he is compensated in others ways and hopes to one day invent a little device to clean your machine in five minutes! But, he's got a long way to go and on his way he has helped countless numbers of people rid their machines of trouble and get back to work. Computer programmer,"geek", forensic network specialist are also masks God wears.

Pastor Snyder recently posted about the new Lutheran Carnival and the confessional Lutheran blogosphere: Ask the Pastor: Lutheran Carnival III and Beyond. He wrote:

"Lutherans are among those rare few who realize that even when we talk of “ships and sails and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings,” we also are talking theology. While I’m pretty sure that there will be plenty of theologizing from blogging pastors I’d be interested not only in lay theological perspectives about jobs, careers, marriage, and other vocational areas, but also reading some of the “daily grind.” Many of the bloggers I read, including Love and Blunder, Kiihnworld, and Pastor Steve Billings let me see much of their hearts and their theology through windows opened into the “ordinary” in their lives."

Yes, pastor mentioned me in his last sentence and it really touched my heart, but that is NOT why I am mentioning his post. Blogs have been taking a bad rap lately, especially among out own. That deeply saddens me because writer/blog-keeper is also a very honorable vocation. I began writing not thinking that anyone would ever read. I wrote to make sense of my life and faith. About two months after starting my blog, I did a random search for confessional lutheran blog, thinking I would find nothing. With great surprise and delight I clicked on The Random Thoughts of a Confessional Lutheran and my world changed. From that blog, I discovered so many others, Confessing Evangelical and Bunnie Diehl were among the firsts and are still my favorites, although I've met so many more fellow saints since then. For the first time in months I realized that I wasn't alone in coming to the Lutheran confessions. Now how else would I have found other confessional Lutherans to strengthen my faith - mutual consolation of the saints, as the wise Wildboar once wrote.

Writing about my very ordinary life through the lens of my faith in God has helped me to be able to be able to more easily give account for the joy that God placed in my heart. And I'm not talking about blogging, I'm talking about my everyday REAL life. Writing about my faith is helping me to be open about my faith to others. I used to save my "Christian comments" for fellow Christians; now I can more easily leave God in His rightful and natural place in the world and include Him in my conversations with people. I attribute my ability to account for the joy to God; His Holy Spirit has planted it in my heart. I do believe that He also expects me to find and know good preaching, so that I learn more and practice saying and writing it down.

To you, dear reader, and to all the established, burgeoning or just-learning writers who decide to keep a blog, I thank you. Blog-keepers also wear a mask of God. I can't possibly begin to name those of you that have blessed my faith and my life, but I will try: Pastor Snyder, Rob and Devona, John, Bunnie, Scottius Maximus, Daniel, Elle, Dan, Glen, Bob, David, Jason, Floyd, Mutti, Brian and Matt, Pastor Steigemeyer, Chris W., Prof. Chris, Terrie, Vicar Lehmann, Michael and Timotheos, Pastor Brandos, Pastor McCain, Rev. Klages, Ron and Erica, Twylah, Josh S., Wildboar (wherever you are), Suzi and Tim, Monergon and Theophorus, Worthy Woman, Rick, Michael S., Rev. Chryst, Minister2B, Maria, Webcritter and Mr. Critter, and the many others that I've probably missed (probably because you don't have an RSS feed. If your name isn't here, email me and I'll ADD it! I've thanked you before and I'll thank you again for sharing your life and vocation through your blogs. It is a blessing to me. God be with you today and always!
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Lutheran Carnival III

Be sure to check out the fine essays submitted for the third Lutheran Carnival up at Intolerant Elle:Lutheran Carnival III

Lutheran Jargon: vote for the most dangerous telepreacher

Minister 2B has a blog! I just discovered it and would like to highlight it here. Be sure to vote on which telepreacher causes you the most concern: Lutheran Jargon My vote was for Robert Schuller, hands down!

Rev. H.A. Preus' 1893 address to the ELS Convention

The ELS website has a fascinating collection of ELS convention addresses, including 18 speeches given by Reverend Herman Amberg Preus.

In the 1893 address in Chicago, Illinois, Rev. H.A. Preus has a message to us in the future. I am not making any specific statements by highlighting his comments; I just find it fascinating that, indeed, there is nothing new under the sun. Our battles of today in keeping false teachings, often disguised by Satan as well-meaning attempts at unity for the sake of Christ, out of our churches are nothing new. Our forefathers also fought this battle. Our children and great-great grandchildren will also fight the same battles, so we need to teach them well and in love.

If by the grace of God the Norwegian Synod also in the future will remain faithful to its lofty task: to be a faithful witness for delivering souls, then it will never be able to enter into any union of churches with a church body which will not purify itself of such gross errors, even if a person wants to attempt to build the union over a many-sided, deep ditch which was supposed to cover over differences of belief.

...At this moment an extremely dangerous current is flowing through the various church bodies nearly everywhere in the world. It is a current which even if not always intended by its leaders and their followers, yet, however, by the instigator, Satan, the tempter, aims at nothing less than emancipating from the absolute, divine authority by the rejection of the doctrine of God’s Word concerning the inspiration of Scripture, that is, that all Scripture is inspired by God and is therefore the Word of God. As you know, at the present time not one theological seminary is to be found in “Lutheran” Germany which holds on the old Lutheran doctrine of inspiration. Similarly, unfortunately, it is discussed among leading theologians in the church of our dear fatherland as a theory abandoned long ago by everyone capable of forming an opinion. It is true, a clear testimony on the other side is heard in Germany from one or another old-Luth-eran pastor, just as in Norway there surely are also found many among the older clergy who do not want to be along in this apostasy from the Lutheran Church but who hold fast to its doctrine in this chief point.

This sentence, giving a picture of days long gone, also caught my eye:

And here, we will always remember with thanks to God the faithful help and support which the Lord gave us in the older, much experienced, Missouri Synod.

The entire speech is a great history lesson, as are many of the speeches. If you, like me, are less than knowledgeable about the history of the Norwegian Lutheran Synod, you can match the speeches up with this timeline.

"We want them to experience a relationship with God"

An article in the Chicago Tribune (free registration required, but worth it for the articles) caught my eye while on vacation there recently. On the surface, the story about some young newly-ordained Protestant pastors using their God-given gifts to bless other people is heart-warming:

The lights are dim, and the musicians are young and Latino, twenty-something dreamers creating magical jazz fusion sounds on bass, bongos and drums. The college-age crowd rocks to the beat, and the fresh-faced band rocks with them, improvising tunes that fill the small Pilsen cafe.

Few in the audience know that the performers are not just musicians, but newly ordained Protestant pastors, passionate men of God using music to bring their message to the music lovers and would-be artists in this traditionally Catholic enclave of Chicago.

This is a beautiful description of vocation- using our God-given gifts and talents in our daily lives, whether at work or play, freely sharing the joy of the gospel as the situation fits. Scripture tells methat only the Holy Spirit can work faith in the heart of anyone I meet; scripture also tells me to be ready to give an account of the joy I have in my heart.

They don't mention God during their performance, but Eli Orozco, Sam Menesses and Tony Escobar hope to spread the word of Christ to enough cafe patrons to cultivate a few potential congregants by October. That's when Community Christian Church, a Naperville-based "megachurch," hopes to launch its first urban satellite here

CCC leaders, aware of the potential for controversy, downplay the idea of competition. John Ferguson, one of the pastors, said the church is not coming to Pilsen to "impose our evangelicalism" on Catholics. Instead, he casts the young pastors' work as helping people "establish a personal relationship with Jesus."

Now the story of these young men and their work in the community takes a sad twist. They've gone into the community saying that they aren't trying to change the faith of the Catholics, yet they are clearly drawing a line in the sand with their definition of a true Christian. For many evangelicals, it is firmly (and falsely) believed that you will only enter the kingdom of heaven through your own act of establishing a personal relationship with God. That kind of reversal of grace, a misunderstanding of Romans 10, is an excellent example of what drove me to despair after twenty years of evangelicalism. God, in my despair, drew me to a church that showed me a God who cannot be contained. I learned of a God who is jealous for His own and ceaselously seeks them out like water seeks any hole in a cup. I learned of the power of His Word to save us, even as we attempt to deny it; His Word works on our hearts whenever it is proclaimed. I also learned that He works through the Water, as He promised He would, planting a seed of faith in the hearts of those who are baptized.

Noel Castellanos, president of the Latino Leadership Foundation and an evangelical pastor, said he thinks Orozco's technique is original and bound to be effective.

"They're saying, `We're going to come in and integrate into the social fabric of the community, and that's going to provide opportunities to engage with potential members,'" Castellanos said. "I think it's working."

The young pastors say their mission is to reach people who might be alienated from their own church, whatever the denomination, by getting to know them in a casual atmosphere, befriending them and inviting them, eventually, to a group function during the week.

"We're trying to get unreachable people, the ones who are burned out, disgusted and haven't been to church for years," said Escobar, the bongo player.

"We don't go there and preach," Orozco added. "We see them at the cafe, and then we meet in a small group later on in the week. It could be a sporting event, an art exhibit or Bible study. We might say, `Hey, let's go to the movies.' It just depends."

The young pastors techniques are hardly unique; they are doing what any Christian should do and I commend them for that. Luther also encouraged Christians to do the same 500 years ago. In Luther's Large Catechism, he introduced the fourth through tenth commandments in this way:

Thus far we have learned the first three commandments, which relate to God. First that with our whole heart we trust in Him, and fear and love Him throughout all our life. Secondly, that we do not misuse His holy name in the support of falsehood or any bad work, but employ it to the praise of God and the profit and salvation of our neighbor and ourselves. Thirdly, that on holidays and when at rest we diligently treat and urge God's Word, so that all our actions and our entire life be ordered according to it.

Likewise, here is my advice to anyone who wants to share the gospel with people: Start a band and share the joy of the gospel with your community as you sing. Get to know people because you love them with a love that comes from the joy of your own salvation. Find out why they don't attend church. Share with them the good news of our salvation through Jesus. Encourage them to take joy in their salvation and rejoice in the baptism of their youth. If unrepented sins weigh them down, remind them that scripture says we are to confess our sins and we will receive absolution. But please don't tell them that they must experience a personal relationship with Jesus. Work with the faith that God has already planted in their hearts through the word and the water; if none has yet been planted, continue to proclaim the good news and don't save it for later on. God's Word does not come back empty-handed. I also encourage those bright young pastors to find a new organization. From their home church website I find the following:

About a Relationship with God

Our inability to reestablish our relationship with God leaves us dependent on God's mercy. God graciously provided the means to reconcile this relationship through faith in Jesus Christ. Our relationship is re-established when we make a commitment to accept Jesus as God's son and our Savior and Lord. Through faith in Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven, and we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal life. Practically speaking, this acceptance is demonstrated through both a private and public commitment. We demonstrate our commitment privately by faith (acting upon our belief that God has the power to save us) and repentance (turning back to God and depending on Him to control our lives). At the same time, we publicly express our commitment by confessing our acceptance of God's salvation and submitting ourselves in Christian baptism.


Here is what SCRIPTURE actually says:

Romans chapter 10 tells us that if we have faith, we can profess with our mouths and believe with our hearts that Jesus is Lord. Scripture also makes it clear that faith is a gift from God that we cannot possibly give or attain for ourselves. Share those passages that tell us that faith is not a decision we make (or a personal relationship we "experiene"), but a miracle worked in us by the Holy Spirit whom God gives to us as a gift of his grace: 1 Co 2:14, Ro 5:5, 1 Co 12:3, Eph 2:8.

Romans 10: 5-13

Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: “The man who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile–the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Tabletalk will be held outside tonight!

Join Us At The Table!

Today is Tuesday which means that it will be our mass gathering of confessional Lutherans in the chat channel I've told you all about, TableTalk. Since it is so nice outside, we will move it outdoors at the picnic tables behind the lodge under the great pines, the setting sun, rising moon and twilight stars. Fine cigars are always welcome, beer in moderation; young and old alike are welcome. It is sure to a good night for mutal consolation of the saints.

While the channel is always open, we're trying to gather specifically on Tuesday nights for great discussion. If you're interested in dropping by (9 p.m. EST 6 p.m. PST), the instructions are here . We used to keep a list of the blogkeepers and blog readers who have already stopped by, but the list grew too long! Hope to see you there!

Beckfest: Touching Really Old Things

One of my favorite Lutheran moms, Mutti Beck, posts on their recent summer trip to Ireland. She writes:

While we were in Ireland, we visited a lot of ancient ruins, like this Baptismal font in Fore Abbey. I would touch the walls and stones of these ancient buildings from the 1100's and 1200's and just basque in awe at the thought "these things are so old". Read on: Beckfest: Touching Really Old Things

New Blog: Lutheran Carnival

This is a great idea that was just waiting for two souls to take on the task. Daniel and Elle are up to the task, thankfully. A carnival, from what I understand, is a parade of essays on a certain topic or from a certain point of view. I've never been brave enough to participate in the famous Christian Carnival for fear that my thoughts would be rejected because of my adherence to scripture in the tradition of Martin Luther. This carnival is designed for Lutherans:
Your submission may be on any topic as long as it is written from a confessional Lutheran perspective and should be your best, favorite or otherwise notable post from from the previous week.
I can't wait to participate! Thanks to Daniel and Elle for helping to solidfy the renaissance of Christian writing, albeit through a keyboard. Read more here: Lutheran Carnival

Words from Jesus...

Words from Jesus are found here and not here. How sad for this woman and her followers. She has the blessing of the priest that Jesus "told" her was the one chosen to guide her: And she has the Vatican's blessing: .."she met with a Vatican official who reviewed the messages and affirmed her and the messages."

I can only wonder who is talking to Jennifer. I KNOW, however, that Jesus said:

^{Matthew 6:5-15
5}"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. ⁶But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ⁷And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

⁹"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹Give us today our daily bread.
¹²Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.^[a]' ¹⁴For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

The Lord's Prayer is a model prayer. It is not only a prayer for us to repeat; it is a lesson in how to pray and what to pray for. It covers all our needs of body and soul, but it is also concerned about the needs of all our fellow Christians and of all the uncounted millions who do not yet know the Lord Jesus as their Savior. It is an appropriate prayer on every occasion that calls for prayer. It puts first things first, but it leaves nothing out.

From the Matthew commentary by G.J. Albrecht and M.J. Albrecht from the People's Bible Series.

Jesus said this, too:

Matthew 7:15-23

A Tree and Its Fruit

¹⁵"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. ¹⁶By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ¹⁹Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

²¹"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²²Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' ²³Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

False prophets direct people through the wide gate and along the broad road that leads to eternal destruction, so Jesus tells us to watch out for them. This implies that we should be able to recognize them and to keep them from leading us astray. They will not be easy to recognize at first glance, because they look harmless, as though they belong among us. They may even be gentle and perfectly sincere. They may be convinced in their own minds that they are proclaiming God's truth on the basis of the Holy Scriptures. And there will be some who claim that they have received special revelations from the Lord in addition to the truths revealed in scripture.

From the Matthew commentary by G.J. Albrecht and M.J. Albrecht from the People's Bible Series.

The reason that this person appears, to me, to be a false prophet is that she leads people away from God's Word. She says that God is still talking and that he is talking through her. That confuses the faithful and will lead them astray. That's this mom's take on it. What do you think?

Note: this post was compiled from the actual website and from an interview with her on the radio this morning.

Take the ELS poll on top Lutheran "fears"...

I visited our synod's website and found this funny and insightful quiz: My top two Lutheran fears are...

The top two fears I chose were my pastor receiving a call and missing orblowing a chance to give witness to Jesus Christ.

Preachrblog: Issues, Etc. radio program on Lutheran bloggers

Preachrblog posts on Issues, Etc's recent program on Lutheran bloggers. I recently discovered this program. Coming from the ELS, it is amazing to me to think that a synod would have their own radio station, but the Missouri Synod is that big. I plan to go through the show's archives and find shows of interest to me.

It was fun to hear the voice of Pastor Scott Steigemeyer, author of Burr in the Burgh blog. I suppose that is the first time I've heard the voice of a blogger (except for the voices of Northern Alliance Radio Network bloggers!). I don't know Sandra Ostopowich, author of Madre's Missives blog, but she had some good comments to make also. I was confused and disappointed to hear the show's moderator, Todd Wilken, take a cynical tone toward bloggers. I suppose the bad bloggers among us has colored the view of some people, but I think that blogging is here to stay and that the responsible ones will continue. Whether you blog in a magazine format, a diary format or as an apprentice writer, I encourage you to continue! Be responsible, always accurately research your topic and remember that real people read your comments (maybe even the person you think you are secretly writing about). Read the post here: Preachrblog

Ask the Pastor!

I've highlighted posts by Pastor Walter Snyder who keeps Ask The Pastor blog. He's added more and more great posts and this blog is on my list of favorite spots to read. Pastor Snyder does a great job of responding to questions in a clear manner without dumbing down the answer. I am thankful for Ask The Pastor.

Here's a list of his most recent and intriguing posts:

• Confessional and Orthodox Lutheranism
• Lutheran and Baptist Compared (Briefly)
• Non-Proverbial Proverbs
• The Book of Life
• Binding Demons
• Resurrection, not Reincarnation
• Satan Cast from Heaven
• The Unforgivable Sin
• Logos
• Contemporary Application of Revelation’s Church Letters

Wretched of the Earth: Aquaphobia

A pre-seminary student and Confessional Lutheran blogger, Ryan at Wretched of the Earth, aptly expresses his doubts of being a "good enough" pastor and also is able to encourage us all:

Voicing my reservations to God about this path he has me on, I'm reminded of a simple fact: it's not about me. And it's not about you. I've always felt like I had to put on a show for people 'cause we're all so concerned about impressions, and to be a religious person you have to keep up the grandest show of all. But I can't do it. None of us can do it, and it simply isn't worth the effort anymore. God has loved us in spite of ourselves, and made us sufficient in the sacrificial work of Christ. We are but earthen vessels, busted out clay pots whose weaknesses can only point to the strength of a gracious God.Read on: Wretched of the Earth: Aquaphobia

Ask the Pastor: What Is a Confessional Lutheran?

Since I sometimes refer to Confessional Lutheranism, I thought I'd post this explanation written by Pastor Walter Snyder: Ask the Pastor: What Is a Confessional Lutheran?

We’re familiar with “conservatism.” In Christianity, it means those unwilling or unlikely to make hasty change, who are connected to their past, and who interpret the Bible assuming that it is God’s revealed, true Word. We officially reject those who call the Bible a human invention, or a mixture of the divine and the human.

The word “confessional” is not so commonly used. Normally, we think of a confession as an admission of guilt. “Confess” has a root meaning of “acknowledge together.” In matters of error, we state that we have, indeed, done what’s wrong — we “fess up.” But confession also has positive application: It can be used to declare faith. Read on...

Sceleratissimus Lutheranus: Talkin’ ‘Bout My Generation

Wildboar at Sceleratissimus Lutheranus writes:

I was in church recently and noticed that one of our elderly members, a woman named Marie, was in a wheelchair. Not unusual for some of the senior citizens in attendance, but I’d never seen her need one before. I didn’t get a chance to talk to Marie that day (her daughter wheeled her out the side door while I was still in the receiving line) but I received word the next morning that she had been hospitalized.

So I drove over to St. Joseph’s to see how Marie was doing. Thankfully, it was nothing serious, but it was causing her some serious discomfort. In the course of our conversation, she told me that the pain had started the day before, in the morning, before church! I asked “why didn’t you go to the hospital right away?” and she said “Oh, I wouldn’t miss church. I know how badly I need it.”I was astounded. Marie’s generation really seems to get what church is all about. Read on:Sceleratissimus Lutheranus: Talkin’ ‘Bout My Generation

Tired of hearing about sin?

Someone very dear to me recently asked why our pastors preach so often on the topic of sin. She's got one foot still in the door of our church, but her other foot is in the door of a modern, "evangelical" ELCA "lutheran" church known for its praise services and focus on joy and love. She said that the pastor in her new church is just as good as our pastors, but he doesn't focus on sin so much. She told me she is tired of hearing about sin; she wants to focus on joy and love. Funny thing is that the more time she spends at that church, the less joyful and loving she has become. I say "funny" sadly; I know that irony of trying to achieve love and joy too well. I have walked down that very road and have tried to warn her of the dangers such a church will bring to her faith. My loving warning received accusations of lack of love and judgmentalism. I know that I spoken those things to other Christians in the past. My human heart is so unfaithful; I am so thankful that God has a sure plan to bring me into His holiness someday. My own plans for perfection certainly didn't work!

The more focus a Christian attempts to put a focus on joy and love as a discipline - as the actions and attributes of the good Christian life - the more those things slip right out of your hands. It took me too many years to learn that the only way to become more loving and more joyful is to be totally, completely and daily confronted by my own sinful nature and utter helplessness to become the person I wish I were. It is only at that point that the Holy Spirit can whisper to my soul of where my help comes from. The apostle Paul knew this. He wrote:

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!

And so my dear friend, if Paul himself knew that confession and absolution of sin must come before we can shout out for joy upon hearing the good news of our salvation, then how is it that your church is telling you otherwise?

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Jesus reminds us of where we can find rest from our sins and the gentleness and humility that we seek to own. Yesterday in church, my pastor reminded me that the ability to become loving, gentle and humble is a result of hearing the the law pronounced to me so that I understand that I am sinful; and hearing the gospel - the good news of my redeemer- and clinging to my king in desparate thankfulness. Jesus then shows me how to become that loving person I wish I were by taking His yoke upon me and learning from Him.


Even the Old Testament convicts of of our sin and points us to the Savior who will save us from our sins. This is why we can rejoice. Our king comes to us bearing our salvation!

The Coming of Zion's King

⁹ Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!
Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and having salvation,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

¹⁰ I will take away the chariots from Ephraim
and the war-horses from Jerusalem,
and the battle bow will be broken.
He will proclaim peace to the nations.
His rule will extend from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.

¹¹ As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you,
I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit.

¹² Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope;
even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.

The scripture for church yesterday is among my favorites. When Paul writes of his own sinful nature, he makes it clear that even the most "accomplished" Christian can not save himself and will not achieve holiness on this earth. But does this message discourage him or us? No! It is the source of our joy! Scripture is clear. We cannot know or experience real joy and love apart from the knowledge that God comes to us with the salvation that we are never able to achieve by ourselves. To tire of hearing about sin is to deny that you have a sinful nature and need a savior. A church that doesn't remind you that you are, indeed, sinful has no way to proclaim the good news that you have a savior. A joy-and-peace-only church is a church that doesn't need Jesus and cannot strengthen Christians. For the rest of us sinners, we need to hear about sin and we need Jesus.

The Burr in the Burgh: Back From Christian Worldview Conference

I knew I'd regret not going to this conference! Thankfully, we have an intrepid reporter in Pastor Stiegemeyer: The Burr in the Burgh: Back From Christian Worldview Conference

Ask the Pastor: Premarital Sex, Living Together, Ceremonies, and Marriage

This is just too good to leave on Pastor Synder's blog. I'll post it here, too! We humans are very sexual and, in certain moments and situations, we can come up with the darndest and creative excuses! This post is funny, sad and helpful all in one.

Q: What Scriptures say to refrain from sex — not adultery or fornication, as one has to be married to commit these sins — between those who love each other and intend to marry? I can’t find anything against sex between two who love each other and are monogamous.

Q: Does having sex before the ceremony make it wrong? Do you become married in a spiritual sense when you have sex for the first time? Is the real seal on the marriage the first sexual experience, and not the ceremony itself?

Q: Is it a sin to have sexual relations with someone if we’re both not married? My mother and I are having a heated discussion about this. I am 51 years old; my husband passed away 2 years ago. I don’t intend to marry again. I want to be faithful to the Lord but to have complete abstinence seems a little old-fashioned to me.

Q: Could you tell me about sex before marriage? I’ve been racking my brains for ages with this issue; I know it's wrong but I want to be with my partner like that and I want to be a Christian. We aren't planning to get married for a long time, and I don’t want to wait that long to be intimate with him again. Can I still be a Christian?

Q: I have fallen in love with a woman I want to marry. She loves me as well. Previously, we had spent the night with each other in the same bed several times. After deciding that this may be a practice frowned upon by God, we were contemplating either living under the same roof without sexual relations and without sleeping in the same bed (in other words, as roommates) until the marriage.

Q: I asked my love to marry me and she accepted. Our parents agree. The problem: I cannot be with my wife for two years since she lives overseas. We met while she was in America for school. Before she returned home I proposed. At this point we became one, not through intercourse but through love. I’ll see her only once again before being able to wed her legally. But in heart and soul we are already in wed lock. My question is, if a man and a woman commit to marriage in all aspects of mind, body, heart, and soul, is intercourse a sin at this point?

For the answers, read here: Ask the Pastor: Premarital Sex, Living Together, Ceremonies, and Marriage


I'm also posting the answers here, just in case.

A: Adultery is marital infidelity. Fornication is general sexual sin. including consorting with prostitutes, homosexuality, or moving from sex partner to sex partner, with or without marriage.

A general implication is correct: Ceremony doesn’t make a marriage. Commitment establishes the relationship. Yet Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:16, “He who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her. For, as it is written, ‘The two will become one flesh.’” Consummation seals the commitment. Thus, both a public declaration and a private action are part of marriage.

Sex defines and determines with whom you are “one flesh.” The commitment of your sex organ is final, no matter who your partner. Thus, you are, in God’s eyes, married when you have sex with another. One questioner specifically mentions monogamy: Monogamy means “one marriage” or “one marriage partner.” The Bible establishes no particular religious or civil rite and many governments recognize “common law” marriages, wherein living together, having sex, or merely representing themselves as husband and wife legally bind a man and a woman.

When a man and woman engage in sex without publicly representing themselves as married, they lie about their relationship. This happens among young people who may not be ready for the legal commitments or who want to maintain parental support while indulging their sexual desires. It also includes older people who live together without a public declaration or ceremony or a state license. They may do this so as to not lose pensions or possessions.

Paul wrote, “‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be enslaved by anything. (1 Cor 6:12)” Married is married and single is single. There is no trial period, no “test drive.” There is no benefit, rather loss, in dallying with another outside a lifetime commitment. Be married or be single — but be truthful. Without the public confession of unity and commitment to remain united, it is easier for one or both partners to enter the relationship casually — then to throw it away just as casually.

It isn’t easy to be one flesh with one person: Commitment and focus are difficult to maintain even when bound by vows, witnesses, and laws as well by sex. Secret or private relationships are even harder to sustain, since you lack the benefit of the support of family and society. For the young man wondering about beginning the sexual relationship before the vows, God said, “A man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh (Genesis 2:24)” Until ready to live together, man and woman should remain apart.

To the couple wondering about living together without sharing a bed and without sex, I ask first of all if you think that you can resist the temptations of proximity. Then consider your public testimony: What will the world assume about your shared living? What witness will it give about the Christian life? “Abstain from every form [appearance] of evil,” Paul advised (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Even if an action isn’t wicked, can it be interpreted as such by an outside observer?

One questioner knows that “it’s wrong” to have premarital sex, then wonders if she can do so and still be a Christian. Certainly, all Christians remain sinners. However, sinning with knowledge and intent is different from succumbing to temptation due to the weakness of flesh. In Matthew 4:7, Jesus referenced Deuteronomy 6:6, saying, “It is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Wilfully doing wrong dares God to withhold judgment.

Finally, sex only within the marriage is very “old-fashioned”: God fashioned it in the “good old days” of Creation, introducing it when He introduced Eve to Adam. His plan for those wanting sex remains simple: Be and stay married to one person. Depending upon laws, customs, and the like, the shape of the wedding may vary. However you promise yourselves to each other, consider what is legal in society and what is right by God’s Word. Does a secret relationship that you’ll “someday” reveal to others truly “honor your father and your mother”? Does wanting the state to not declare your relationship a marriage mean that, deep down, you don’t consider it a marriage, either?

“Flee from sexual immorality ...” said Paul, for “the sexually immoral person sins against his own body ... [which is] a temple of the Holy Spirit within you.... You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Cor 6:18-20)” Glorify God openly, honestly, absolutely. Compare who you are with whom God desires you to be. Marriage — especially Christian marriage — testifies to the world about Christ’s relationship with his Church (see Ephesians 5:15-32).

Declare your intent to each other and to the world, make your promises, then live according to them. Christ did not take a secret bride when He claimed the Church as His own. The Church does not secretly worship Christ. Nor is Christ honored by men and women taking secret wives and husbands. His commitment was absolute, even through crucifixion and death. That same death forgives our sexual sins and restores us to live in integrity from this day forth, until death parts us.

Scripture quoted from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version™, © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.

To Ask the Pastor, send email to askthepastor@xrysostom.com.

Walter Snyder is the pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Emma, Missouri and coauthor of the book What Do Lutherans Believe.

Tablethoughts for 7/1

In regard to John's comment about Tabletalk times being just a bit late for the folks in the UK, I thought I'd post on the idea of opening the pub a little earlier on Tuesdays. I'm often home by 4pm which would be 9pm in the UK (I think). Maybe that time would work for others. I'll post this and see what the innkeepers say. It seems to me that people show up at the table a wide range of times. I know for me that the current time is very difficult - lots of family duties at that time. I often stop by at 8pm, chat for a bit, leave and then come after 10pm. There's still lots of folks there. People like Theology Geek and others have to get up early, so they leave by 10pm ET.

The dynamics of the Tabletalk Inn is interesting. Most people know WAY more than me about doctrine and theology, which is a good thing. Age is another thing; I've run into a whopping TWO people who are older than me. There are only occasionaly synodical differences. The other dynamic for me is that my own kids give me looks, as they patiently (not!) wait their turn on the family computer. They look at me as if to say, "Why are you in a CHAT room, mother? That's for our age group." Of course, they don't know I was in the AOL chatrooms when they were actually ASLEEP by 8pm way back in the old days of the mid to late 90's - scrapbooking, parenting, faith, etc. It's OK...I'll just let them think I'm weird. What's the point of trying to defend myself? I'll get my revenge! I think a sports car, new lap top and new clothes RIGHT when they are poor college graduates will do just fine. Me and my friend, Suzi, will taunt our grown kids and bribe them to come for weekly dinners with offers of laundry, groceries, etc.

The Burr in the Burgh: reports from Trego, WI

Pastor Scott Stiegemeyer reports from the conference I wanted to be at: The Burr in the Burgh: Moralistic Therapeutic Deism