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.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Friday, July 29, 2005
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
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
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
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:
Here's a list of his most recent and intriguing posts:
Thursday, July 14, 2005
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
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...
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...
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
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
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
Monday, July 04, 2005
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.
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.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
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
Friday, July 01, 2005
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.
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 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
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Theomony : An inquiring mind wants to know...
I really enjoyed this thread by Monergon on Theomony blog. Mon writes:
Okay, let's say I'm a new Lutheran (I am) and let's say I still have a lot of Reformed pals (I have) and occasionally we have conversations that vary from low-key to rather intense over areas of theological disagreement (we most definitely do).
In light of this "scenario" what would be *your* answers to the following related questions:
1. When taking into consideration the bondage of the will, how is man able to believe the Gospel and put his faith in Christ?
2. Can a man reject the call of the Gospel and if so, how?
3. At what point does the Holy Spirit indwell a person?
Read on for an interesting thread of comments: Theomony
Okay, let's say I'm a new Lutheran (I am) and let's say I still have a lot of Reformed pals (I have) and occasionally we have conversations that vary from low-key to rather intense over areas of theological disagreement (we most definitely do).
In light of this "scenario" what would be *your* answers to the following related questions:
1. When taking into consideration the bondage of the will, how is man able to believe the Gospel and put his faith in Christ?
2. Can a man reject the call of the Gospel and if so, how?
3. At what point does the Holy Spirit indwell a person?
Read on for an interesting thread of comments: Theomony
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Who wrote this? Answered
I have found these two statements very interesting and helpful to my faith. To be honest, one statement I believe is in error. The term "inner witness" means the same thing as your feelings. I am not the first to compare these two statements. I know of at least two authors who use these statements to illustrate opposite approaches to the role of our feelings in faith matters. Who wrote each?
A. "Friends, this evening I have felt the internal witness of the Spirit. On his deathbed my father told me this must happen (""The inward witness, son, the inward witness, that is the proof, the strongest proof of Christianity."") And by God's grace it has happened inside me this very evening." John Wesley
B. "We must not judge by what we feel or by what we see before us. The Word must be followed, and we must firmly hold that these truths are to be believed, not experienced; for to believe is not to experience. Not indeed that what we believe is never to be experienced, but that faith is to precede experience. And the Word must be believed even when we feel and experience what differs entirely from the Word. Martin Luther
A. "Friends, this evening I have felt the internal witness of the Spirit. On his deathbed my father told me this must happen (""The inward witness, son, the inward witness, that is the proof, the strongest proof of Christianity."") And by God's grace it has happened inside me this very evening." John Wesley
B. "We must not judge by what we feel or by what we see before us. The Word must be followed, and we must firmly hold that these truths are to be believed, not experienced; for to believe is not to experience. Not indeed that what we believe is never to be experienced, but that faith is to precede experience. And the Word must be believed even when we feel and experience what differs entirely from the Word. Martin Luther
Saturday, June 25, 2005
The Burr in the Burgh: Is Death a Natural Part of Life?
Pastor Scott Stiegemeyer posts an excellent essay on God and death. The idea that death is not part of God's plan and that death isn't something to rejoice about is a foreign one to me. My years in non-denominational churches were filled with messages that death is part of God's plan and that we should rejoice and be happy that a departed one is with the Lord. To be taught, in the confessional Lutheran church, that God hates death and that it was never part of his original plan was a surprise to me. Of course, we can rejoice that a loved one has gone to be with the Lord, but we can also rightly hate death.
Pastor Steigemeyer writes:
When God created Adam and Eve in the Garden, it was not His purpose for them to die. Death is a result of our sinfulness (sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned - Romans 5). And that's why we hate it. Because it is un-natural. And I'd suggest that God hates death even more than we do. Read on...The Burr in the Burgh: Is Death a Natural Part of Life?
Pastor Steigemeyer writes:
When God created Adam and Eve in the Garden, it was not His purpose for them to die. Death is a result of our sinfulness (sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned - Romans 5). And that's why we hate it. Because it is un-natural. And I'd suggest that God hates death even more than we do. Read on...The Burr in the Burgh: Is Death a Natural Part of Life?
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Katherine von Bora Luther
Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary's website has links to the Lutheran Synod Quarterly . I was looking through it this morning for a little inspiration and something to take my mind off my troubles. This article caught my eye: The First Lady of the Reformation by Gaylin Schmeling. It is very short, so I've posted it here.
Katherine von Bora is the best known woman of the Reformation because she was Luther's wife. While Katherine has been eclipsed in history by the great fame of her husband, she was far from a wallflower. She was a rock of support at her husband's side throughout their married life.
Katherine was born in January of 1499, and at the age of ten she was placed in the nunnery at Nimschen near Grimma when her father remarried.
In the 1520s the writings of Luther began to infiltrate the nunnery. The message of salvation through faith alone in Christ brought comfort and peace to the sisters' hearts. A number of them turned to Luther for advice and he counseled escape, which was shortly accomplished. On April 7, 1523, Katherine and the other sisters reached Wittenberg. Luther felt responsible for finding suitable mates for the former nuns and managed for the most part, but this was not the case in Katherine's situation. This may be due to the fact that she had her eye on Luther. In any event Luther and Katie were married in June of 1525. Their relationship probably was not the most romantic at the start, yet years later Luther would declare, "I would not exchange Katie for France or Venice, because God has given her to me, and other women have worse faults."
With this marriage the Black Cloister of Wittenberg became the first Lutheran parsonage. With marriage came also an entirely different lifestyle for Luther. Katherine brought order out of chaos at the Black Cloister. Not only did she provide a clean house and a made bed, which were an unknown luxury for the unmarried Luther, but she also brought about financial responsibility. She kept Luther from giving away everything they had and she put the household on a budget. Katherine helped support the household by managing a farm and a brewery. It was not long before Martin and Katherine had still more responsibility. Within eight years they became the parents of six children. Three sons and three daughters were born to this union. They also raised a number of orphaned relatives.
Katherine was a faithful wife to Luther. In times of sickness she was his compassionate nurse. In LutherÃs dark periods burdened down by the struggles of life, Katie was able to comfort him with that same long hidden Gospel treasure that God through Luther had restored to the world. Katie was indeed Luther's faithful rib. Katherine saw the death of her beloved husband in 1546 and outlived him by six years. In the summer of 1552 the plague broke out in Wittenberg. By fall Katie decided they had to leave. On the way the horses became frightened and bolted. Katie jumped from the wagon and was seriously injured. For months she lay suffering and finally died in the Lord on December 20, 1552.
One of the greatest legacies the church has received from the marriage of Martin and Katherine Luther is the Lutheran parsonage. The Luther home became the example for future Lutheran parsonages and Lutheran homes in general. The Luther house was given to hospitality. It was filled with children, students, and relatives. There was always a place for those in need. It was a place of culture and music and of joy and happiness.
This heritage continued even in the Lutheran Church in America. The early Lutheran parsonages were shelters for the needy, inns for travelers, and centers of culture. Frontier parsonages such as the home of Elisabeth and Ulrik Koren were a great blessing to the Lutheran Church. May the Lutheran home and parsonage always be a place of hospitality. This is the legacy of Katie Luther, the first lady of the Reformation.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Book tag response
Bunnie Diehl has tagged me! Good thing I already had this post written because my friend, Suzi of Swansmith had already tagged me. So, I untag myself twice with one post. I’ve combined the tags. I've bolded the answers to Bunnie's tag.
Number of books I own:
Let me think… Each room has a minimum of 25 to 50 books, plus another 200 hundred in various places around the house. I’m guessing about 1000. This would demonstrate that I am a book nut. Like my friend Suzi, I have a hard time parting with anything with a written word on it. So that makes me part book nut and part would-be pack rat! I say “would-be” because, thankfully, a married a very non pack-rat person. I would also guess, very safely, that I have given away an equal number of books to the thrift store in my lifetime. I also frequent the church library and love to check out really old doctrine and church history books.
Anxiously awaiting in the mail:
Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions-A Reader's Edition of the Book of
Currently reading (I tend to read several books at a time!)
Sanctification by Harold L. Senkbeil
The Lord Will Answer: A Daily Prayer Catechism
Where in the world is God? By Harold L. Senkbeil
Paul: Ambassador of Peace by Jon D. Buchholz
The Reformation Era: A short history of the Reformation by N.S. Tjernagel
Remembering Tim Horton by Craig MacInnis
Grace for Grace – the first 90 years of the Norwegian Synod (1853-1943 and 1918 – 1943) by S.C.Ylvisaker, Chr. Anderson and G.O.Lillegard.
Last book I read:
Deconstructing Evangelicalism by D.G. Hart – this book confirmed my suspicion that I had been a very shallow evangelical and is an important book to me, especially because it WASN'T written from a lutheran perspective.
Books that have meant a lot to me:
God’s Holy Word – the Bible
Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary
Luther’s Small Catechism
A good dictionary – I have several and we can’t play scrabble without one
The Defense Never Rests by Craig Parton – made me realize my experience in American Christianity was not unique and gave me one of those wonderful, “Hey, I’m not alone on the planet” feelings – this book didn’t change the way I see the world, but it confirmed my change as not unique. This book is important because it gave me confidence that I wasn’t going crazy.
What’s Going on Among the Lutherans? By Patsy A. Leppien and J. Kincaid Smith this book is also important in helping me understand the history of the Christian church in layman's terms.
The People’s Bible Series by Northwestern Publishing House – invaluable bible commentaries
Mamornitz: A History of a Ukrainian Pioneer Community in Saskatechewan, 1900 to 2000 by Jennie Zayachowski - this book is important in helping me understand why my ancestors moved halfway around the world and what they faced. I owe them my freedom.
Directory of Essential Oils by Wanda Sellar – invaluable aid for understanding essential oils.
Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child – treated many a simple childhood illness
Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Balch and Balch
The Educated Child by William J. Bennett – empowered me to be my children’s first teacher
Peekaboo! by Matthew Price and Jean Claverie – my daughter’s first book
Sleep Sound in Jesus (book and CD) – I memorized these songs and sang them every night to my son for at least three years.
The Science Game: an introduction to research in the behavioral science by Neil Agnew and Sandra Pyle – helped me understand statistics and studies, especially how findings can be manufactured and manipulated to suit agendas
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
A Wrinkle in Time (and following books) by Madeleine L’Engle
Minnesota: A History of the State by Theodore C. Blegen – helped me realize how cool
Prized books:
The Acorn – my grandfather’s Coe College (
My complete collection of Mary Engelbreit Home Companion magazines
My great-grandmother Viets’ family bible
Embarrassing Book:
The Disciplines of a Beautiful Woman by Anne Ortlund - never did become the perfect woman she was.
Now, who to tag? These are my picks:
This is hard because I can think of so many people whose libraries I would love a glimpse into:
Monday, June 20, 2005
2005 ELS Convention
Please remember in prayer the pastors and delegates to the 2005 Convention of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod meeting in Mankato, Minnesota today through Thursday. These men need our continued prayer as they consider, learn, discuss and vote on matters of our synod. Their aim is to always use scripture as the sole guide for their conduct. God bless them as they meet.
Convention Guide
Live audio webcast: Cut and paste this link into Real Player: http://blc.edu:8000/listen.pls
Convention Guide
Live audio webcast: Cut and paste this link into Real Player: http://blc.edu:8000/listen.pls
Sunday, June 19, 2005
How to win souls for Christ!
What is evangelism? The dictionary gives the definition of an evangel:
[Middle English evaungel, from Late Latin
vangelium, from Greek euangelion, good news, from euangelos, bringing good news : eu-, eu- + angelos, messenger.]
In reference to recent posts by Territorial Bloggings, Here We Stand and Bunnie Diehl, I would like to explain my thoughts on evangelism. Before sharing my learned thoughts on witnessing Christ to others, let me explain that I spent over twenty years attending only "Bible" churches and furiously taking notes, buying and reading books and numerous publications on how to witness to others, watching many videos, listening to many famous speakers, taking weekend workshops and spending my days counting my worth by how many souls I had led to the Lord. To my knowledge, I led no one. About two years ago, I became an Evangelical Lutheran. I threw out all my books on how to be a better Christian and how to be a good witness for Christ (seriously - go look for them at Goodwill). I began to reeducate myself and discovered a well-hidden secret:
I am a sinner. You are, too. Together we are hopeless and will keep sinning for the rest of our lives. We are bound for hell because we can't enter heaven unless we are perfect. However, God still loves me and you and desires us 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! Believe and be baptized! Share this good news with others!
I didn't learn any of the above from any of the further above-mentioned witness training aids. I learned this secret from the Bible and from a pastor who preaches from it. Because of his accurate proclamation of the good news of our redemption, I was able to pass that good news on to my children, husband, my grandfather, my parents, my parents-in-law, my sister-in-law, my neices and nephews, my brothers and my sister.
What is the difference between my well-trained, but hopelessly futile efforts before and my complete lack of effort with moderate success now? I removed myself from the act of evangelism. I am no witness for Christ other than to simply to give an accurate account for the hope that I have in my heart despite my total worthlessness apart from Christ. I wouldn't dream of driving around with a bumper sticker that says defiantly, "I'm not perfect. Just forgiven." I can't even claim to love Jesus as much as I ought to, as Chris Williams recently and eloquently wrote. My faithless heart forgets Christ on a daily basis. I can't even listen to one sermon without daydreaming for a short while. Only in accepting my perpetual state of sin can I cling to Christ and, with gratitude, shout out the good news to others. That is evangelism.
What we have earned and deserve is death. "The wages paid by sin is death." (Romans 6:23)
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God... (1 Peter 3:18)
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear... (1 Peter 3:15)
This post was inspired by the many reader comments to a post by Michael Spencer, It's Not Easy Talking About Jesus, on Boars Head Tavern.
To learn more about who Jesus is, check out Learn About Jesus.
[Middle English evaungel, from Late Latin
vangelium, from Greek euangelion, good news, from euangelos, bringing good news : eu-, eu- + angelos, messenger.]In reference to recent posts by Territorial Bloggings, Here We Stand and Bunnie Diehl, I would like to explain my thoughts on evangelism. Before sharing my learned thoughts on witnessing Christ to others, let me explain that I spent over twenty years attending only "Bible" churches and furiously taking notes, buying and reading books and numerous publications on how to witness to others, watching many videos, listening to many famous speakers, taking weekend workshops and spending my days counting my worth by how many souls I had led to the Lord. To my knowledge, I led no one. About two years ago, I became an Evangelical Lutheran. I threw out all my books on how to be a better Christian and how to be a good witness for Christ (seriously - go look for them at Goodwill). I began to reeducate myself and discovered a well-hidden secret:
I am a sinner. You are, too. Together we are hopeless and will keep sinning for the rest of our lives. We are bound for hell because we can't enter heaven unless we are perfect. However, God still loves me and you and desires us 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! Believe and be baptized! Share this good news with others!
I didn't learn any of the above from any of the further above-mentioned witness training aids. I learned this secret from the Bible and from a pastor who preaches from it. Because of his accurate proclamation of the good news of our redemption, I was able to pass that good news on to my children, husband, my grandfather, my parents, my parents-in-law, my sister-in-law, my neices and nephews, my brothers and my sister.
What is the difference between my well-trained, but hopelessly futile efforts before and my complete lack of effort with moderate success now? I removed myself from the act of evangelism. I am no witness for Christ other than to simply to give an accurate account for the hope that I have in my heart despite my total worthlessness apart from Christ. I wouldn't dream of driving around with a bumper sticker that says defiantly, "I'm not perfect. Just forgiven." I can't even claim to love Jesus as much as I ought to, as Chris Williams recently and eloquently wrote. My faithless heart forgets Christ on a daily basis. I can't even listen to one sermon without daydreaming for a short while. Only in accepting my perpetual state of sin can I cling to Christ and, with gratitude, shout out the good news to others. That is evangelism.
What we have earned and deserve is death. "The wages paid by sin is death." (Romans 6:23)
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God... (1 Peter 3:18)
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear... (1 Peter 3:15)
This post was inspired by the many reader comments to a post by Michael Spencer, It's Not Easy Talking About Jesus, on Boars Head Tavern.
To learn more about who Jesus is, check out Learn About Jesus.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
incarnatus est: Intolerant Christianity ? You Betcha !
Paul Alms, on incarnatus est writes:
On the level of belief systems and truth claims, Christianity should not apologize for being intolerant or exclusive. Christianity is intolerant. Intolerant not in the sense of jailing or killing enemies but in terms of its creed. Yes, Christianity is and always has been intolerant of the claim that other gods exist or that other religions who worship other gods are somehow “true”. Biblical Christianity has always insisted that the God of the Bible is the creator God. He is the one who made heaven and earth and so is by definition the only true God. All other things that exist are dependent on him as Creator; all others are creatures.
read on: incarnatus est: Intolerant Christianity ? You Betcha !
hat tip to Glen at Territorial Bloggings!
On the level of belief systems and truth claims, Christianity should not apologize for being intolerant or exclusive. Christianity is intolerant. Intolerant not in the sense of jailing or killing enemies but in terms of its creed. Yes, Christianity is and always has been intolerant of the claim that other gods exist or that other religions who worship other gods are somehow “true”. Biblical Christianity has always insisted that the God of the Bible is the creator God. He is the one who made heaven and earth and so is by definition the only true God. All other things that exist are dependent on him as Creator; all others are creatures.
read on: incarnatus est: Intolerant Christianity ? You Betcha !
hat tip to Glen at Territorial Bloggings!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
random thoughts and writings: new confessional Lutheran blogger
Yet again, I have stumbled across another well-educated teenaged Lutheran blogger. Andrew S. writes Random Thoughts and Writings. This post sure impressed me: random thoughts and writings: my college experience at CUNE I am so thankful for Lutheran schools, especially when my kids come home with some gem or when I read a post like Andrew's.
Be sure to check out his blog and welcome him!
Be sure to check out his blog and welcome him!
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