Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Feed Me! Feed ME!
Here are some photos of some baby grackles that were in a nest in a tree that I pruned and cleaned earlier this year.
These little baby birds stand as an example of all of creation since the fall of man into sin. Since Adam chose to invent the notion of free will, which is nothing more than rebellion against God’s declared will, this is the way of the world. Me! ME! ME!!
These little baby birdies exemplify the selfishness that rules over us and over all of creation since that day that Adam decided that he could rise up for himself rather than trusting the goodness of the Lord.
They care not for their siblings. “Feed me!” “Feed ME!” “Feed ME!!” They each care only for self, jumping at the slightest vibration, striving to rise up above one another to be the one to receive the food that the parents carry to the nest.
Until the Holy Spirit intervenes, coming to us in our baptism to regenerate us from above, we are just like these little birdies. “Me. Me! ME!!”
Entirely contrary to what so-called naturalists and environmentalists and scientists try to convince us, this way is not at all natural. This is not the way that the Lord ordained for His creation. This is what man caused through his imaginary free will. Tempted by the devil to imagine that choosing for himself was better than trusting the good that the Lord had established and declared, Adam brought death and all of the unnatural daily consequences of death to the world. All of creation moans and groans under this burden.
Yet the Lord reacted in a way that is very foreign to our ways. He overturned the destruction that Adam imposed upon us. While the Lord most assuredly is angry over the sin that Adam chose for us, the way of death and destruction that the devil tricked the first two humans to accept and choose for themselves and all future generations, wrath is not the Lord’s primary reaction. His wrath is actually His secondary response.
His first and primary response is to look upon us with love and mercy. His wrath is displayed so that we may be made aware of what our rebellion causes. Much like a loving parent will spank a young child so as to steer their beloved child away from things that are harmful, so God uses His displays of wrath to make us aware that we need to hear Him and be restored by Him to the way of everlasting safety. Love is the true attitude of God toward us, even in His displays of wrath.
At the Last Day, those who have refused to hear and be turned will be sent away from God’s presence. Their belligerent choice to be separated from the Lord will be enacted fully. Since all of God’s loving acts to call them into His repentance were ignored and defied, they shall finally receive the wrath that has been stored up for the devil and all who follow him. They shall be sent off to the place where they will be confined together forever. Then they will bring upon themselves the fullness of what the Lord lovingly and mercifully limited during the present age. All of the evil that they hold in their hearts will become fully manifest and the terror that God has prevented, they will unleash on one another forevermore.
Yet these little birdies also display something of value. While they do display selfishness, nevertheless they also remind us of our absolute dependence upon our heavenly Father for all good things. While we should not be like the birdies in striving to rise up above one another but should trust that the Lord knows our needs and will provide for us fully in the appropriate time, yet we can learn from the birdies that we should indeed look up and cry out to the Lord for our every need. Such trust will never leave us disappointed.
Here is another photo, a photo of a tiny little bunny that scooted in front of me where I park my work truck. (Click photo for larger view.)
This little bunny was almost 4 inches long. It had not yet learned to hop but simply scurried as quickly as its little bitty legs would carry it. This little one also reminds us of our dependence upon the Lord. We are just little babes who need His continual care. He treasures us and wants good things for us. When we look to Him in faith, we see this.
† † †
These little baby birds stand as an example of all of creation since the fall of man into sin. Since Adam chose to invent the notion of free will, which is nothing more than rebellion against God’s declared will, this is the way of the world. Me! ME! ME!!
These little baby birdies exemplify the selfishness that rules over us and over all of creation since that day that Adam decided that he could rise up for himself rather than trusting the goodness of the Lord.
They care not for their siblings. “Feed me!” “Feed ME!” “Feed ME!!” They each care only for self, jumping at the slightest vibration, striving to rise up above one another to be the one to receive the food that the parents carry to the nest.
Until the Holy Spirit intervenes, coming to us in our baptism to regenerate us from above, we are just like these little birdies. “Me. Me! ME!!”
Entirely contrary to what so-called naturalists and environmentalists and scientists try to convince us, this way is not at all natural. This is not the way that the Lord ordained for His creation. This is what man caused through his imaginary free will. Tempted by the devil to imagine that choosing for himself was better than trusting the good that the Lord had established and declared, Adam brought death and all of the unnatural daily consequences of death to the world. All of creation moans and groans under this burden.
Yet the Lord reacted in a way that is very foreign to our ways. He overturned the destruction that Adam imposed upon us. While the Lord most assuredly is angry over the sin that Adam chose for us, the way of death and destruction that the devil tricked the first two humans to accept and choose for themselves and all future generations, wrath is not the Lord’s primary reaction. His wrath is actually His secondary response.
His first and primary response is to look upon us with love and mercy. His wrath is displayed so that we may be made aware of what our rebellion causes. Much like a loving parent will spank a young child so as to steer their beloved child away from things that are harmful, so God uses His displays of wrath to make us aware that we need to hear Him and be restored by Him to the way of everlasting safety. Love is the true attitude of God toward us, even in His displays of wrath.
At the Last Day, those who have refused to hear and be turned will be sent away from God’s presence. Their belligerent choice to be separated from the Lord will be enacted fully. Since all of God’s loving acts to call them into His repentance were ignored and defied, they shall finally receive the wrath that has been stored up for the devil and all who follow him. They shall be sent off to the place where they will be confined together forever. Then they will bring upon themselves the fullness of what the Lord lovingly and mercifully limited during the present age. All of the evil that they hold in their hearts will become fully manifest and the terror that God has prevented, they will unleash on one another forevermore.
Yet these little birdies also display something of value. While they do display selfishness, nevertheless they also remind us of our absolute dependence upon our heavenly Father for all good things. While we should not be like the birdies in striving to rise up above one another but should trust that the Lord knows our needs and will provide for us fully in the appropriate time, yet we can learn from the birdies that we should indeed look up and cry out to the Lord for our every need. Such trust will never leave us disappointed.
Here is another photo, a photo of a tiny little bunny that scooted in front of me where I park my work truck. (Click photo for larger view.)
This little bunny was almost 4 inches long. It had not yet learned to hop but simply scurried as quickly as its little bitty legs would carry it. This little one also reminds us of our dependence upon the Lord. We are just little babes who need His continual care. He treasures us and wants good things for us. When we look to Him in faith, we see this.
† † †
Yesterday's High Temp
Yesterday's high outdoor temperature was 114 degrees Fahrenheit, at least at our house. That was simply too hot. I decided not to work outside and stayed home and took care of various other things.
As you may notice from our indoor thermometer, we keep our air conditioner set at 84 degrees. Still our electric bill is beyond belief. The government continues to press us into more and more debt, causing more and more inflation. The greater the debt, the less value the money has, which automatically drives prices higher.
So the weather is cooking us externally while the government, run by the international (central) bankers, cooks us financially. Yet the people keep electing the same political party puppets from the same two parties that are owned by the banksters. They have betrayed us for generations and yet the people keep voting them into positions of power where they can further betray us. The so-called conservative pundits continue to tell people not to vote for 3rd party candidates, who actually propose solutions to the terror. Who besides Ron Paul in the Republican Party proposes elimination of the Federal Reserve criminal banking system?
Even today, after all the noise that Ron Paul and third party candidates have made, still I find that at least 85% of Americans have no clue as to the fact that the Federal Reserve is a private corporation owned by international bankers who make obscene profits from our money, money that the US Constitution says should cost nothing as it should be controlled by Congress alone.
So, while the frog in the kettle analogy is untrue, as no frog will remain in the kettle as the temperature rises to unsafe levels, the scenario of the people in the kettle of central banking continues to be real. As the temperature continues to rise we cry out in agony but refuse to jump out of the kettle. Moreover, people continue to listen to the hoaxsters who tell them not to upset the two party system that is cooking them alive.
Now these hoaxsters are crying out that the debt deal between Obama and Congress is a betrayal. Oh thanks. People with their eyes open knew this all along. ANY raising of the debt ceiling makes all spending limitations or reductions and tax rate limits meaningless. Raising the debt ceiling GUARANTEES inflation.
By the way, if spending is truly curbed, why would the debt ceiling need to be raised? How is it that people do not see the fraudulence of this entire process? How is it that the people do not DEMAND that the government stop forcing them into deeper debt? Even those who blindly imagine that the "benefits" that they receive from the government through their "entitlements," how is it that they remain blind to the fact that their entitlements are becoming smaller on account of the artificially imposed inflation?
Well, I guess it makes as much sense as the way that people in the many churches continue to allow the pure Gospel and the pure administration of the Sacraments to be diluted and polluted until they have nothing left of God's grace, mercy, and peace. If people willingly permit themselves to be robbed of the most precious and necessary things in life, the everlasting blessings, why should anyone expect that they would be less foolish regarding the temporal things?
Yet as I look on I am nevertheless bewildered.
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Tuesday, August 02, 2011
What Do You Want?
With my birthday anniversary approaching my wife asked me to give her a list of things that I want for my birthday. She specified that the things that I have purchased for the business needs do not count.
She asked this of me nearly three weeks ago. I still cannot think of anything.
This actually came as a mild surprise to me. I cannot think of anything that I want, at least not that can be purchased in a store.
I stopped at a computer place recently and shared this with the fellow at the counter. He responded, “Oh boy! I could give you a list!”
I answered, “Please do.”
He said that there are loads of technological things. His first suggestion was a flat screen TV. I explained that we don’t watch TV. We have not watched TV for over eleven years. We do rent videos, but even these are garbage, so why would we invest in blue ray or a high definition televison screen to examine garbage more closely?
He and I spoke more about the fact that I cannot think of anything that I want. With a look of bewilderment or amazement he responded that this is a very good place to be. He said that he did not understand it personally, but that it would be a very good place to be.
Now, this is not to say that I do not recognize that it would be good for us to have newer and more reliable vehicles and such, but these things are not birthday oriented wishes. Besides, we are getting along. We have running vehicles that we can keep repaired fairly reasonably. God has given me a wife who loves me. He has given me a place to stay, even a house. I have daily food and drink. I have the Gospel and the means of grace.
The things that I really want are healing within our family and within the Church. What I want most of all is for unity in doctrine and practice to be restored among those who claim to be in Christ Jesus. This is my greatest cause for want in my life. This is the one thing for which I truly long. This is my daily cry. Oh that our loved ones and friends and all who say that they believe in Jesus would return to the clear and unwavering Truth in both their confession and in their communions. If this occurred I would have all that I could ever desire. This would satisfy me and fill me with joy beyond measure.
+ + +
She asked this of me nearly three weeks ago. I still cannot think of anything.
This actually came as a mild surprise to me. I cannot think of anything that I want, at least not that can be purchased in a store.
I stopped at a computer place recently and shared this with the fellow at the counter. He responded, “Oh boy! I could give you a list!”
I answered, “Please do.”
He said that there are loads of technological things. His first suggestion was a flat screen TV. I explained that we don’t watch TV. We have not watched TV for over eleven years. We do rent videos, but even these are garbage, so why would we invest in blue ray or a high definition televison screen to examine garbage more closely?
He and I spoke more about the fact that I cannot think of anything that I want. With a look of bewilderment or amazement he responded that this is a very good place to be. He said that he did not understand it personally, but that it would be a very good place to be.
Now, this is not to say that I do not recognize that it would be good for us to have newer and more reliable vehicles and such, but these things are not birthday oriented wishes. Besides, we are getting along. We have running vehicles that we can keep repaired fairly reasonably. God has given me a wife who loves me. He has given me a place to stay, even a house. I have daily food and drink. I have the Gospel and the means of grace.
The things that I really want are healing within our family and within the Church. What I want most of all is for unity in doctrine and practice to be restored among those who claim to be in Christ Jesus. This is my greatest cause for want in my life. This is the one thing for which I truly long. This is my daily cry. Oh that our loved ones and friends and all who say that they believe in Jesus would return to the clear and unwavering Truth in both their confession and in their communions. If this occurred I would have all that I could ever desire. This would satisfy me and fill me with joy beyond measure.
+ + +
Long Time No See
A very kind individual recently e-mailed me inquiring concerning my health and general well-being on account of a relatively long inactive period of posting to this blog and to the congregational web site. This person kindly told me that my posting is of value and encouraged me not to become discouraged.
This person’s concern was entirely accurate. I have been discouraged. It seems that nearly the only people to respond have either missed the main points of my posting, have read them and not been affected by them, or have tried to hijack the purpose of the posts for their own agenda. (I say nearly, for there have been some worthy comments, too.) Then, there also are those who send me e-mails encouraging me to use products to grow a bigger organ. Argh!
Working daily in the extreme heat that has roasted Wichita for more than a month also has drained my energy terribly. Today is forecast to reach a high temperature of 113, which usually means that it will exceed this by a couple of degrees. In the full sun, where I work, it will be close to scalding temperatures. Just consuming the volumes of necessary water is exhausting.
The continuing deception of the governmental leaders also discourages me. I am growing very weary of their lies and destructive agenda. What they do is truly diabolical. The media also promotes the new world order agenda without end.
Then the demise of the Church, or at least of those claiming to be of the Church, brings me lowest of all. Family members from both sides have diluted their understanding and profession of the faith to such a degree that we no longer recognize them. No amount of engaging conversation or challenges even arouses an indication of true concern anymore.
And so I have been silent for a relatively long period. This silence concerned my friend, whom I did not even know cared about me. This kindly contact has caused me to face the fact that I myself have lost focus.
After all, the intent of my blog and the web site is not primarily one of seeking encouragement or affirmation for myself. The real reason for this blog and for the web site is the sharing of thoughts and encouragements for others. God’s Word, and especially the Gospel, is what my postings are intended to convey. What does God say to us? How does this benefit us? How much does God love us? What is the evidence of His love and care and providence? What good word is available to us in our times of need and of hurting and of despair? What escape does God provide from the temptations that we face and from our own guilty consciences?
And so, my friend who has now become known to me has helped me to realize that it is time to move beyond my selfishness and begin sharing again the riches that God daily bestows upon me. For I daily have many new thoughts and insights, as well as refreshing remembrances of older ones, concerning God’s grace, mercy, and peace as declared in the Scriptures. And indeed I benefit from organizing them into clearer statements and posting them, probably even more than anyone who reads them benefits.
Nevertheless, it is helpful and encouraging to hear from someone that my efforts actually are counted as valuable to someone. Hearing that someone benefits from my efforts does provide motivation. So thank you for this word of encouragement. I will make efforts to be more regular in posting to this blog and to the web site.
+++
This person’s concern was entirely accurate. I have been discouraged. It seems that nearly the only people to respond have either missed the main points of my posting, have read them and not been affected by them, or have tried to hijack the purpose of the posts for their own agenda. (I say nearly, for there have been some worthy comments, too.) Then, there also are those who send me e-mails encouraging me to use products to grow a bigger organ. Argh!
Working daily in the extreme heat that has roasted Wichita for more than a month also has drained my energy terribly. Today is forecast to reach a high temperature of 113, which usually means that it will exceed this by a couple of degrees. In the full sun, where I work, it will be close to scalding temperatures. Just consuming the volumes of necessary water is exhausting.
The continuing deception of the governmental leaders also discourages me. I am growing very weary of their lies and destructive agenda. What they do is truly diabolical. The media also promotes the new world order agenda without end.
Then the demise of the Church, or at least of those claiming to be of the Church, brings me lowest of all. Family members from both sides have diluted their understanding and profession of the faith to such a degree that we no longer recognize them. No amount of engaging conversation or challenges even arouses an indication of true concern anymore.
And so I have been silent for a relatively long period. This silence concerned my friend, whom I did not even know cared about me. This kindly contact has caused me to face the fact that I myself have lost focus.
After all, the intent of my blog and the web site is not primarily one of seeking encouragement or affirmation for myself. The real reason for this blog and for the web site is the sharing of thoughts and encouragements for others. God’s Word, and especially the Gospel, is what my postings are intended to convey. What does God say to us? How does this benefit us? How much does God love us? What is the evidence of His love and care and providence? What good word is available to us in our times of need and of hurting and of despair? What escape does God provide from the temptations that we face and from our own guilty consciences?
And so, my friend who has now become known to me has helped me to realize that it is time to move beyond my selfishness and begin sharing again the riches that God daily bestows upon me. For I daily have many new thoughts and insights, as well as refreshing remembrances of older ones, concerning God’s grace, mercy, and peace as declared in the Scriptures. And indeed I benefit from organizing them into clearer statements and posting them, probably even more than anyone who reads them benefits.
Nevertheless, it is helpful and encouraging to hear from someone that my efforts actually are counted as valuable to someone. Hearing that someone benefits from my efforts does provide motivation. So thank you for this word of encouragement. I will make efforts to be more regular in posting to this blog and to the web site.
+++
Sunday, May 29, 2011
But that would be Works!
In a conversation that was related to me, a person was confronted with performing an action that a Spirit guided conscience would demand, and the person responded saying, “But that would be Works!”
As you may have guessed, this person is a “Lutheran.”
The response was both asinine and disingenuous. It was deliberately used to hide the person’s desire to ignore what this person knew was good and godly and in keeping with the walk that is in the Spirit. The issue was clearly one of following one’s conscience regarding the true faith, yet the person responded as though doing as the Spirit of God leads one in one’s conscience would be an act of works righteousness.
Contemplating this caused me to ponder the state of Lutheranism in this day. Have Lutherans turned the avoidance of dependence upon works righteousness into an act of works righteousness? Have Lutherans taken the right understanding that no one can be justified before God by works of the Law and turned this into a new form of self-righteousness and justification by works? Have Lutherans imagined that they are righteous through the work of believing that they are not righteous by their own works?
As ludicrous as this sounds, it does seem to be what has happened in many cases.
Moreover, have Lutherans used this as an excuse for not doing what they know is right and true? Have Lutherans claimed to be avoiding the false belief in salvation through their own reason and strength as an excuse for not rightly using the reason and strength that God gives to them?
† † †
As you may have guessed, this person is a “Lutheran.”
The response was both asinine and disingenuous. It was deliberately used to hide the person’s desire to ignore what this person knew was good and godly and in keeping with the walk that is in the Spirit. The issue was clearly one of following one’s conscience regarding the true faith, yet the person responded as though doing as the Spirit of God leads one in one’s conscience would be an act of works righteousness.
Contemplating this caused me to ponder the state of Lutheranism in this day. Have Lutherans turned the avoidance of dependence upon works righteousness into an act of works righteousness? Have Lutherans taken the right understanding that no one can be justified before God by works of the Law and turned this into a new form of self-righteousness and justification by works? Have Lutherans imagined that they are righteous through the work of believing that they are not righteous by their own works?
As ludicrous as this sounds, it does seem to be what has happened in many cases.
Moreover, have Lutherans used this as an excuse for not doing what they know is right and true? Have Lutherans claimed to be avoiding the false belief in salvation through their own reason and strength as an excuse for not rightly using the reason and strength that God gives to them?
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Saturday, May 14, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Psalm 98:4
This morning I sang TLH Hymn # 196, “I Am Content! My Jesus Liveth Still”. We sang this hymn in the divine service Sunday and I needed to receive its blessed comfort again today. It truly is a marvelous hymn.
As I went outside to water some of the garden plants, I continued singing and humming this wondrous hymn. Then I began whistling it.
I was surprised by the birdies. Four mourning doves flew nearby and half a dozen finches landed in the little tree beside me and began chirping with me. Some of them were actually looking at me the entire time. I walked over and sat down and continued whistling the hymn and they continued in the tree chirping with me. When I stopped whistling they all flew away.
Did they come to join me in this hymn of comfort and praise to the God of mercy? Did God send them to be a source of encouragement and joy?
I certainly enjoyed the experience and was uplifted in my spirit regarding the wonders of God’s grace, mercy, and peace. I was reminded of what Moses writes concerning the creation and what the Scriptures say of the new heavens and the new earth that the Lord has prepared for His saints.
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Monday, May 09, 2011
A Question regarding Ministry and Righteousness
Below is a note from a very sincere young man desiring to know about the pastoral office as well as the daily walk of a saint. I will include it here, followed by my response, for what it may be worth to others as well.
I'm a high school Senior who's going to the Seminary, and your experience struck me because it's very similar to that of a man at my church whom I respect very much. He actually became a pastor (and was one for several years), but quit because he was disgusted with the politics and bureaucracy of the whole thing. He still firmly believes in Christ and in the faith, and he's a die-hard adherent to the Confessions; he is just disillusioned with a lot of the LCMS' practices. Let me say that I'm sorry you had such an experience, because the older I get the more I realize that I'm exactly the sort of person that causes it and things like it.
In your experience, how can a person tell if they are "right" for the ministry? How can one be sure to love God and love His Word without loving political power and religious ritual? What's helped you in your Christian life as you try to seperate pure doctrine and preaching from legalism and things like that?
I ask because I sense that you've got a lot of wisdom on the subject and I want to make sure I know what I'll be facing - all the temptations and struggles I'll have - and how someone who's already been through it has dealt with them without sacrificing his faith.
Thanks so much for your honesty here, and I pray that God will continue to use you for His glory.
In Christ,
A. . .
Dear A. . .,
While you may not be inclined to think so, your question demonstrates a maturity that is rare among those who profess to be Christian. Few people realize the importance of the questions that you ask. Your second question is actually more important than the first, but they go together.
Many abuses exist within what is counted as Christendom. The church body of the LC-MS has committed these abuses throughout its existence and in many ways has become abusive beyond what anyone would have imagined in earlier days.
Many people have suffered terrible abuses by the LC-MS. Many pastors have been injured. Many lay people have been disillusioned. Congregations have been destroyed. These are not new things.
It is an amazing thing to behold your response to this. Rather than responding with fear concerning how these things may happen to you as one who feels compelled to study to be a pastor, rather, you have responded with concern regarding your own sinfulness and need for instruction in the true faith and in right understanding of the righteousness of God in Christ.
I believe that it is entirely appropriate to apply to you the words that the Lord Jesus applied to Simon Peter regarding his confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16-17):
Blessed art thou: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Truly it is God who works such things in the heart.
Regarding your question about knowing whether or not you are “right” for the ministry, I asked a similar question of my pastor many years ago. I asked him, “Pastor, how does one know when God is calling him to study to be a pastor?”
His response is one that I did not find to be at all helpful at that time. He said, “When the time is right, you will know.”
At that time I did not understand what he was telling me. Since that time I have often wondered whether or not he even knew what he was telling me. I certainly did not hear at that time what was declared in that statement. Whether he knew it or not, he told me that I was going to need to prepare for being a pastor and that I would serve as a pastor in God’s time, and that I needed to be shown and convinced by God. He was telling me that when the time was right, I would know.
The real question is not whether or not you are “right” for the ministry. The important thing for you is to understand what the ministry is and why you are feeling compelled to prepare for it.
You have heard the Gospel and you have been baptized into Christ in His body. The Holy Spirit was given to you and dwells within you. Where the Holy Spirit dwells, the holiness of God fills the person. The Holy Spirit creates a desire for the Gospel so that the person craves the pure milk of God’s Word. Having been purified in the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, the person comes to the Holy Supper where Christ gives His body and blood for maintaining the unity of His body through the continual remittance of sins and communion of God with His saints. God has worked this in you and for you so that you crave these miraculous blessings for yourself and has filled you with a love for His Holy Communion so that you desire these things to continue to be available to all.
This is the ministry. While all of the saints are made to be priests of God whose lives God sacrifices before the world to make the Gospel known in the world, the specific service of administering the means of grace to those whom the Holy Spirit calls together for that purpose is entrusted to the pastoral office. The office of pastor/teacher in the Church is Christ’s gift to His Church. It is Christ’s office. The ministry is God’s ministry. He causes some to be called and ordained to this office of His service so that confusion does not result from having everyone assuming such a role.
Thus God calls some to serve as pastors/teachers in His Church. He brings this to effect through the Holy Spirit’s work in those who gather in earnest desire for the means of grace. They elect or call one to be set apart or ordained to stand over them as Christ’s undershepherd. They willingly subject themselves to this called and ordained servant of the Word in order that they may be fed and built up in the one true faith together. This servant is ordained to rule over them regarding the right administration of these means of God’s grace. He is ordained to stand in Christ’s stead as one who serves God’s servants by God’s command and will. In this regard it is the lowest position in the Church, for it is one of being sacrificed by God on behalf of needy sinners.
If the pastor remembers this, arrogance and tyranny can never rule his heart. For the true pastor always knows that he is merely a slave whom God has appointed to be a vessel through whom He will serve His children what they need. The pastoral office is not one of glory and honor, but of sacrifice and service. The pastor does not decide what he will do. That has already been appointed.
The pastor has one and only one task, the administration of the means of grace in accord with what God has ordained. He is to hold before the people that which the world counts as nothing. He is to proclaim the power of that which appears to be mere ritual. His entire life is one of administering gifts that are not his own and for which he can claim no credit.
He will hear throughout his life that he is just a pastor. He will be viewed by many, even within the congregation over whom he is ordained, as intolerant, even tyrannical and unloving.
He will be urged to find more effective means to help people. He will be pressed to preach about money. He will be told that he does not understand the times and how people’s needs have changed. On and on the challenges to compromise concerning God’s ordained practices within the Church will come.
Yet, my friend, if you continue to be led by the Spirit of God through the unwavering declarations of the Holy Scriptures, you will prize the pure Gospel above all else on earth and you will hold it before the people as that which alone is sufficient for their needs. You will realize this first for yourself and then for all others as well. You will hold fast to the faithful administration of the office of the keys. You will catechize one and all with zeal. You will hold the Sacrament before the congregation as their greatest need and blessing.
Throughout your life you will fall on your face before God and confess your great unworthiness according to your own reason and strength. You will beg His strength to withstand the temptations to compromise. You will beg His comfort and counsel by which your doubts will be overcome by clear statements from the Scriptures.
The most important part of your education at any seminary will be the necessity of the original languages for your study and preparation. The Scriptures are a treasure house that our translations tend to bury with false presuppositions and attempts to make the text more easily readable.
You asked: “How can one be sure to love God and love His Word without loving political power and religious ritual? What's helped you in your Christian life as you try to seperate pure doctrine and preaching from legalism and things like that?”
If you begin to imagine that you truly love God, I advise that you run to the Ten Commandments and read them and examine your life according to what they declare. Perhaps the best place to begin is with Commandments Nine and Ten regarding coveting. These alone should convince you that you do not love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all of soul and with all of your mind and with all of your strength. You could also attempt to pray the Our Father all the way through without having your mind wander to other thoughts. You will quickly see what a blasphemous idolater you are as you mock God with your wandering thoughts.
If you really understand who you are, you will find yourself praying something like: “O Lord, I love You, but not really, not according to my own thoughts, words, and deeds. O Lord, I love You, but not really, for I disobey you continually. O Lord, I love You, but not really, for I look to many other things for my confidence and I come to You only when You interrupt my ways with trouble or grief or pain or something else to break my will. But Lord, I know Your great mercies in Christ and so, while I don’t love you as I ought, nevertheless, by Your gracious activity through Your Holy Spirit I do love You. Thank You for keeping me in Your love in spite of my faithlessness.”
The way of political power and vain religious ritual is foreign to the broken and contrite spirit of one in whom the Holy Spirit has worked the change of heart and mind of repentance. If you honestly examine yourself on a continual basis, your heart will drive you to God’s means of grace. One who is running to the means of grace has no desire for political power. Neither will vain repetition be something that you do. The liturgy becomes vain repetition only when one does not appreciate it for what it really is. The divine liturgy is God coming to us to give us what our hearts crave when we honestly acknowledge our condition as poor miserable sinners.
Regarding what I have found that separates pure doctrine and preaching from legalism and such, I have found that an earnest application of 1 Corinthians 2:2 accomplishes this. I have learned that in every matter I am well served by asking the following:
Does my understanding of this direct me to rely solely upon Jesus Christ and Him crucified, or does it in anyway whatsoever direct me to trust in myself or anything else?
† † †
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Blessed Plumbing
I wonder how many people ponder the blessing of having a toilet.
Do people stop to think about the magnitude of the blessing of indoor plumbing?
I do. I find myself thinking of what it must have been like in the days when chamber pots were common. What a messy ordeal! Having to take the pot outside to dump it and clean it after it has been used. The smell that would be present until it was emptied. Yuk.
Yes, I find myself from time to time giving specific thanks to God for our toilet.
† † †
Funny Bunnies
This pair of bunnies appears not to mind at all that our lawn is overdue for mowing.
I continue to be amazed that bunnies like these manage to survive in the city. There are numerous cats that prowl freely throughout our yard and the entire neighborhood. These little bunnies roam the same territory.
How do they evade being killed and eaten?
Their primary survival skill seems to be patience. When even a hint of danger is sensed, they crouch down and become very, very still. They don’t move a muscle. They do not even twitch their ears. Total silence seems to be their defense.
Perhaps there is a lesson to be learned from these tender little creatures.
Certainly there are times when remaining quiet and still is the best thing to do.
. . .
. . .
. . .
However, people are not little bunnies who have no responsibilities in the world. People have been declared by God to be the gods of this world. People have been given dominion over all that exists in this world.
Most especially, those who have heard the Gospel so as to be made to be members of the body of Christ, the Church, these souls who in many ways appear to be poor little bunnies in a world full of cats and other predators, have been given a message to share.
But how is that message given? How is that precious good news ordained to be shared? How has Christ Himself ordained that this message is to be told?
First and foremost, this blessed good news is poured out in the gathering of the saints, the holy communion of saints, the Church. Through the regular congregating to the pure administration of the means of grace, the little innocent saints are kept alive. They quietly respond to the calling of the Holy Spirit to be nurtured and fed within the gathering that the Holy Spirit creates.
Within this gathering the little babies are baptized into the body of Christ, the kingdom of God. Through the continual catechesis of the divine liturgy and the sermons and the hymns and especially through the Holy Supper, the gentle children of God are preserved and fed and strengthened and kept safe.
But God’s little bunnies, His beloved children, do not stay hidden. He brings them forth into the world through their daily activities where all the world sees them for who they are. Sometimes people ask about the life that is observed. Sometimes the Lord’s children speak out on issues or even directly confront their neighbors and friends and coworkers. Mostly they live their lives, gently and quietly performing their various duties within their various vocations. Their mealtime prayers, their regular attendance in the gatherings for the divine services, their visitation of the sick and shut-ins, their kind words and actions toward those who are hurting or needy, these all announce their peculiar identity in connection with Christ.
Sometimes God’s children do simply have to be quiet and still and let the world go by them. They are not empowered to attack. They have been empowered with gentleness and peace. They have no worldly sword or armor. Their armor is the Word of God, Jesus. Their armor is spiritual armor, designed to keep them safe from that which destroys not only the body but also the soul. Unlike the little bunnies in the yard, God’s children are safe regardless of what bodily harm that they may encounter. They have been baptized into the one who is the way, the truth, and the life. They have been brought into the life that never ends. They have been incorporated into the one who is the Resurrection and the Life. Thus like the one into whom they have been buried and raised, so they also bear the world’s scorn and ridicule and slander and attacks and persecution, knowing and believing that none of these things, not even death, can harm them.
Observing the little bunnies in the yard, I cannot imagine anyone ever even considering the possibility of counting them as anything but gentle creatures. Such also is the witness of the true Church on earth.
† † †
I continue to be amazed that bunnies like these manage to survive in the city. There are numerous cats that prowl freely throughout our yard and the entire neighborhood. These little bunnies roam the same territory.
How do they evade being killed and eaten?
Their primary survival skill seems to be patience. When even a hint of danger is sensed, they crouch down and become very, very still. They don’t move a muscle. They do not even twitch their ears. Total silence seems to be their defense.
Perhaps there is a lesson to be learned from these tender little creatures.
Certainly there are times when remaining quiet and still is the best thing to do.
. . .
. . .
. . .
However, people are not little bunnies who have no responsibilities in the world. People have been declared by God to be the gods of this world. People have been given dominion over all that exists in this world.
Most especially, those who have heard the Gospel so as to be made to be members of the body of Christ, the Church, these souls who in many ways appear to be poor little bunnies in a world full of cats and other predators, have been given a message to share.
But how is that message given? How is that precious good news ordained to be shared? How has Christ Himself ordained that this message is to be told?
First and foremost, this blessed good news is poured out in the gathering of the saints, the holy communion of saints, the Church. Through the regular congregating to the pure administration of the means of grace, the little innocent saints are kept alive. They quietly respond to the calling of the Holy Spirit to be nurtured and fed within the gathering that the Holy Spirit creates.
Within this gathering the little babies are baptized into the body of Christ, the kingdom of God. Through the continual catechesis of the divine liturgy and the sermons and the hymns and especially through the Holy Supper, the gentle children of God are preserved and fed and strengthened and kept safe.
But God’s little bunnies, His beloved children, do not stay hidden. He brings them forth into the world through their daily activities where all the world sees them for who they are. Sometimes people ask about the life that is observed. Sometimes the Lord’s children speak out on issues or even directly confront their neighbors and friends and coworkers. Mostly they live their lives, gently and quietly performing their various duties within their various vocations. Their mealtime prayers, their regular attendance in the gatherings for the divine services, their visitation of the sick and shut-ins, their kind words and actions toward those who are hurting or needy, these all announce their peculiar identity in connection with Christ.
Sometimes God’s children do simply have to be quiet and still and let the world go by them. They are not empowered to attack. They have been empowered with gentleness and peace. They have no worldly sword or armor. Their armor is the Word of God, Jesus. Their armor is spiritual armor, designed to keep them safe from that which destroys not only the body but also the soul. Unlike the little bunnies in the yard, God’s children are safe regardless of what bodily harm that they may encounter. They have been baptized into the one who is the way, the truth, and the life. They have been brought into the life that never ends. They have been incorporated into the one who is the Resurrection and the Life. Thus like the one into whom they have been buried and raised, so they also bear the world’s scorn and ridicule and slander and attacks and persecution, knowing and believing that none of these things, not even death, can harm them.
Observing the little bunnies in the yard, I cannot imagine anyone ever even considering the possibility of counting them as anything but gentle creatures. Such also is the witness of the true Church on earth.
† † †
A little humor
The Assistant Principal for whom my wife works has a gift for humor, daily writing little snippets on his notice board. Here is one of his brilliant little snippets that especially tickled my wife:
. . .
Why did Beethoven get rid of his chickens?
They kept going bach, bach, bach. . .
. . .
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The Countenance of the Lord
This calendar and picture hang in our dining room. As it caught my glance and then further attention last night, I commented to my wife regarding how truly amazing God’s mercy is. After all that Jesus endured for our sake, willingly putting Himself in our place to take our guilt, our sin, our shame, our condemnation, our burdens, our suffering, our death, yet even though we turn aside from Him and mock Him with our lives, sinning and doubting and hurting ourselves and one another, yet He continues to look upon us in mercy and love. He never says, “After all that I did for you . . .!”
Rather, He calls to us through His means of grace in His Church, calling us to receive the repentance that the Holy Spirit works, so that we may hear His gracious words of forgiveness and peace and to eat and drink the blessings of His Holy Communion.
I am reminded of this at the close of every divine service in the Benediction, hearing again the amazing words, “The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and grant you peace.”
The Lord lifts up His countenance upon those who receive this blessing. Instead of looking down in disgust, instead of glaring with wrathful condemnation, instead of turning His countenance away, He lifts up His countenance in compassionate and merciful love and bestows His peace.
† † †
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
What does being a Christian mean?
The name of Christian, what does it mean? Do you have a clear definition and understanding of this name? How do people define and understand this name?
Luke records in Acts 11:26 that the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. The term Christian is used again in Acts 26:28 and in 1 Peter 4:16. In Acts 26:28 it is used by an unbeliever, mocking the attempts of St. Paul to explain the faith. In 1 Peter 4:16 it is used with reference to the suffering that the disciples of Christ endure because of this name.
Most people who consider themselves to be Christians today define this name according to what they practice. Most people who consider themselves to be Christian express that being Christian means to believe in Jesus.
In John 8 Jesus defines being His disciples with these words:
What words did Jesus say to them that moved these hearers to believe on Jesus?
But when Jesus continued to explain to them that they were not free by their own actions and that their believing in Him alone did not set them free, when He explained that knowing the truth is what would set them free, they recoiled and retorted that they were not slaves.
Jesus explained the matter to them more fully. See John 8:28-59.
Those who say that they believe in Jesus today, like those whom Jesus addresses in this text, imagine that they can be true disciples of Jesus without knowing the fullness of the truth that Jesus here explains. Notice what these people did when Jesus expanded their understanding of what they thought that He said.
How many of those who call themselves Christians today also become angry when confronted with the fullness of what Jesus says? How many today likewise claim that they are not slaves who need to be set free? How many today continue to follow the traditions of their parents and grandparents, remaining in communion with those who attack those who proclaim the truth?
What moved these people to “believe” in Jesus? Interestingly, the text actually says that they believed “into” Jesus. Into what did they enter? What were they trusting and desiring? What did Jesus say that moved them to look to Him as one in whom they desired to believe?
What did they understand from the words, “When ye have lifted up the Son of man”?
Most people today use terms like “sovereignty” and “Lord” and the catch phrase “LordandSaviorJesusChrist.” What it means is the one that they choose to lift up according to what they expect and desire. But when they are challenged to understand what Lord and Savior and Jesus and Christ really mean, especially regarding the fact that they are helpless slaves to their sin and false understanding and pseudo-belief, their displays of “love” and “tolerance” violently turn to displays of anger and rejection.
If you would like to test this, just step into any Lutheran congregation, for example, and explain to those who founded the congregation that their worship and expression of faith is lacking and that their acts of devotion are sinful and that they desperately need God’s forgiveness for their half-hearted faith and love. Tell them with insistence that they need to repent of their devotion to God. Tell them that they need to fall to their knees and receive forgiveness for the sins that they are committing in their worship.
No matter who the congregation is, the Scriptures plainly teach that their worship is sin. The Scriptures plainly teach that all of their righteousnesses are bloody rags. Isaiah 64:6.
And if this is true for those who call themselves Lutheran, what about those who do not even acknowledge the means of grace for what the Scriptures tell us?
Yes, we are slaves of sin, all of us. Even our best actions are corrupt according to our own efforts. All of our righteousnesses, that is, all of our demonstrations of faith and love and devotion, are filth to be cast away. Only by the merits of Christ applied to us in Baptism and in the Holy Supper are we made to be counted as true believers and true disciples of Jesus. This is what the Lord says through His prophets and apostles.
When people truly receive this as the truth, they are set free from all reliance upon themselves and their own reason and strength. Then the testimony that they give is not how Jesus has changed their lives and not upon their sacrifices and actions and devotion and love or even their faith. Rather, their testimony is the mercy of God that is bestowed in and through the pure means of grace. Where this is the testimony of those who gather into the name of Jesus, the name Christian points not to the people, but to the one in whom they trust.
† † †
Luke records in Acts 11:26 that the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. The term Christian is used again in Acts 26:28 and in 1 Peter 4:16. In Acts 26:28 it is used by an unbeliever, mocking the attempts of St. Paul to explain the faith. In 1 Peter 4:16 it is used with reference to the suffering that the disciples of Christ endure because of this name.
Most people who consider themselves to be Christians today define this name according to what they practice. Most people who consider themselves to be Christian express that being Christian means to believe in Jesus.
In John 8 Jesus defines being His disciples with these words:
As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:30-32)
What words did Jesus say to them that moved these hearers to believe on Jesus?
Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. (John 8:28-29)
But when Jesus continued to explain to them that they were not free by their own actions and that their believing in Him alone did not set them free, when He explained that knowing the truth is what would set them free, they recoiled and retorted that they were not slaves.
Jesus explained the matter to them more fully. See John 8:28-59.
Those who say that they believe in Jesus today, like those whom Jesus addresses in this text, imagine that they can be true disciples of Jesus without knowing the fullness of the truth that Jesus here explains. Notice what these people did when Jesus expanded their understanding of what they thought that He said.
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. (John 8:58-59)
How many of those who call themselves Christians today also become angry when confronted with the fullness of what Jesus says? How many today likewise claim that they are not slaves who need to be set free? How many today continue to follow the traditions of their parents and grandparents, remaining in communion with those who attack those who proclaim the truth?
What moved these people to “believe” in Jesus? Interestingly, the text actually says that they believed “into” Jesus. Into what did they enter? What were they trusting and desiring? What did Jesus say that moved them to look to Him as one in whom they desired to believe?
Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. (John 8:28-29)
What did they understand from the words, “When ye have lifted up the Son of man”?
Most people today use terms like “sovereignty” and “Lord” and the catch phrase “LordandSaviorJesusChrist.” What it means is the one that they choose to lift up according to what they expect and desire. But when they are challenged to understand what Lord and Savior and Jesus and Christ really mean, especially regarding the fact that they are helpless slaves to their sin and false understanding and pseudo-belief, their displays of “love” and “tolerance” violently turn to displays of anger and rejection.
If you would like to test this, just step into any Lutheran congregation, for example, and explain to those who founded the congregation that their worship and expression of faith is lacking and that their acts of devotion are sinful and that they desperately need God’s forgiveness for their half-hearted faith and love. Tell them with insistence that they need to repent of their devotion to God. Tell them that they need to fall to their knees and receive forgiveness for the sins that they are committing in their worship.
No matter who the congregation is, the Scriptures plainly teach that their worship is sin. The Scriptures plainly teach that all of their righteousnesses are bloody rags. Isaiah 64:6.
And if this is true for those who call themselves Lutheran, what about those who do not even acknowledge the means of grace for what the Scriptures tell us?
Yes, we are slaves of sin, all of us. Even our best actions are corrupt according to our own efforts. All of our righteousnesses, that is, all of our demonstrations of faith and love and devotion, are filth to be cast away. Only by the merits of Christ applied to us in Baptism and in the Holy Supper are we made to be counted as true believers and true disciples of Jesus. This is what the Lord says through His prophets and apostles.
When people truly receive this as the truth, they are set free from all reliance upon themselves and their own reason and strength. Then the testimony that they give is not how Jesus has changed their lives and not upon their sacrifices and actions and devotion and love or even their faith. Rather, their testimony is the mercy of God that is bestowed in and through the pure means of grace. Where this is the testimony of those who gather into the name of Jesus, the name Christian points not to the people, but to the one in whom they trust.
† † †
Monday, April 25, 2011
My apologies for the big bank scam
Since the big bankers, mostly credit card bankers, have violated their contract and promise not to allow my on-line information to be released, I have been receiving dozens of e-mails attempting to sell me various kinds of garbage. The primary volume of garbage involves enlargement of a certain bodily organ.
Moreover, each of these e-mails has had an attached file that my anti-virus program identifies and quarantines as malware.
Some of these e-mails are using my name and e-mail and host provider. I have contacted my host provider about this issue, but have not heard from them yet.
In case anyone has received this garbage with my name and e-mail, please know that I did not send it. (My computer is not infected.)
It angers me that the US government allows these bankers to get away with yet another scam. They claim that their data was hacked from the outside. This is about as likely as catching an STD from a toilet seat. (It does not happen.)
As a reminder to all, unexpected e-mails that have attachments should always be treated as a threat. NEVER click on an attachment that is not expected, as the malware can be set into action by opening the attachment.
If anyone has received any of this garbage with my e-mail address as the sender, please forgive me for my inability to prevent the misuse of my name and e-mail address.
. . .
Moreover, each of these e-mails has had an attached file that my anti-virus program identifies and quarantines as malware.
Some of these e-mails are using my name and e-mail and host provider. I have contacted my host provider about this issue, but have not heard from them yet.
In case anyone has received this garbage with my name and e-mail, please know that I did not send it. (My computer is not infected.)
It angers me that the US government allows these bankers to get away with yet another scam. They claim that their data was hacked from the outside. This is about as likely as catching an STD from a toilet seat. (It does not happen.)
As a reminder to all, unexpected e-mails that have attachments should always be treated as a threat. NEVER click on an attachment that is not expected, as the malware can be set into action by opening the attachment.
If anyone has received any of this garbage with my e-mail address as the sender, please forgive me for my inability to prevent the misuse of my name and e-mail address.
. . .
What Is the Easter Celebration?
What is the Easter celebration to you? What does it really mean?
Below is a video of an advertisement that seems to depict what Easter means for most people today.
How about you and your family? Perhaps you began the day with an Easter Service or even a couple of services. Perhaps you attended an Easter Sunrise service and then a later service as well.
Perhaps not.
Did you get together with family? That seems to be the most common activity for people on Easter Sunday. Did you have an Easter egg and basket hunt? Did you have a big meal? Did you watch a sports activity on the television? Did you catch up on what has been happening in the extended family?
Did you pray together? If so, did you give thanks for the gift of restoration into God’s Holy Communion? Did you give thanks for the new life that is poured out in the cup of the New Testament in Christ’s blood? Do your family members even agree about such things so as to count these as true and as cause for thanksgiving?
Did you discuss together the rich texts from the Holy Scriptures? Did you talk about how death has been swallowed up by death? Did you marvel together throughout the day at what the Lord has accomplished for us all through the suffering, death, and bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead? Did you discuss what the Scriptures teach about Baptism and the Resurrection? Did you spend the day marveling at the limitlessness of the Lord’s goodness and mercy?
The Resurrection of our Lord is the highest feast day of the Church Year. Our Lord’s bodily resurrection from the dead is God’s seal of approval and acceptance of the redemption that Jesus accomplished and of the restoration to Life and Life in its fullness that He came to restore.
The Resurrection of our Lord changed history. It changed everything.
Truly it is cause for endless celebration.
† † †
Below is a video of an advertisement that seems to depict what Easter means for most people today.
How about you and your family? Perhaps you began the day with an Easter Service or even a couple of services. Perhaps you attended an Easter Sunrise service and then a later service as well.
Perhaps not.
Did you get together with family? That seems to be the most common activity for people on Easter Sunday. Did you have an Easter egg and basket hunt? Did you have a big meal? Did you watch a sports activity on the television? Did you catch up on what has been happening in the extended family?
Did you pray together? If so, did you give thanks for the gift of restoration into God’s Holy Communion? Did you give thanks for the new life that is poured out in the cup of the New Testament in Christ’s blood? Do your family members even agree about such things so as to count these as true and as cause for thanksgiving?
Did you discuss together the rich texts from the Holy Scriptures? Did you talk about how death has been swallowed up by death? Did you marvel together throughout the day at what the Lord has accomplished for us all through the suffering, death, and bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead? Did you discuss what the Scriptures teach about Baptism and the Resurrection? Did you spend the day marveling at the limitlessness of the Lord’s goodness and mercy?
The Resurrection of our Lord is the highest feast day of the Church Year. Our Lord’s bodily resurrection from the dead is God’s seal of approval and acceptance of the redemption that Jesus accomplished and of the restoration to Life and Life in its fullness that He came to restore.
The Resurrection of our Lord changed history. It changed everything.
Truly it is cause for endless celebration.
† † †
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
And on the Seventh Day
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. (Genesis 2:2-3)
Is it not amazing to see how God made the second work of creation to be like the first? On the first day everything was in chaos, without order, and God called forth the light to shine and established order to the world. After working all week to establish His order to His creation, having completed His creative work, He rested from all of His work. On the eighth day the new life that He created and established continued under His blessing and care.
Is it not marvelous to see how He did the same in His work of redemption and recreation? He called forth light and order out of the world’s chaos with His entrance on Palm Sunday, the first day of the week. He worked all week cleansing the temple and preaching and proclaiming sound doctrine. He brought the Old Testament to a close and instituted the New Testament in His blood, then faced the mock trial and the slander and the torture and the crucifixion, bringing to completion the work of redemption and recreation. He was buried before the beginning of the Sabbath Day and He rested from all of His work of recreation, rising again on the eighth day to rule over the world with His blessing and care.
† † †
Friday, April 22, 2011
Why Good Friday?
Why did God send Jesus to suffer and die? Why was this necessary?
It was necessary to save God damned sinners from their everlasting damnation.
So then why does God damn sinners?
He damns them so that they may be saved. Apart from God’s damnation, sinners would ignore their state of condemnation. Apart from God’s damnation, all of His children would be lost forever. God manifests His wrath in order that sinners may be shaken from their complacency with their sin, which cuts them off from God, apart from the life that is of God alone.
Why is God so angry about sin? Sin tears His children away from Him. Sin breaks the holy communion that God established between Himself and His children. Sin creates a barrier between sinners and God. Satan, filled with hatred for God, introduced sin to mankind, thereby destroying God’s holy communion with Man. Sin prevents God’s good, gracious, and loving will from being enacted in Man.
Sin cannot be tolerated. It cannot exist in the presence of holiness. It corrupts and destroys all that is good. It must be punished and driven out. But God’s love moved Him to take this upon Himself, taking into Himself our flesh and our nature so that He could suffer the consequences of sin for us. Thus Jesus suffered and died in our place. He took our sin. He is the forgiveness of sin.
† † †
It was necessary to save God damned sinners from their everlasting damnation.
So then why does God damn sinners?
He damns them so that they may be saved. Apart from God’s damnation, sinners would ignore their state of condemnation. Apart from God’s damnation, all of His children would be lost forever. God manifests His wrath in order that sinners may be shaken from their complacency with their sin, which cuts them off from God, apart from the life that is of God alone.
Why is God so angry about sin? Sin tears His children away from Him. Sin breaks the holy communion that God established between Himself and His children. Sin creates a barrier between sinners and God. Satan, filled with hatred for God, introduced sin to mankind, thereby destroying God’s holy communion with Man. Sin prevents God’s good, gracious, and loving will from being enacted in Man.
Sin cannot be tolerated. It cannot exist in the presence of holiness. It corrupts and destroys all that is good. It must be punished and driven out. But God’s love moved Him to take this upon Himself, taking into Himself our flesh and our nature so that He could suffer the consequences of sin for us. Thus Jesus suffered and died in our place. He took our sin. He is the forgiveness of sin.
† † †
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