Life Stinks! There have been times when I have heard these words come from my lips. There are many other ways that people say this as well, but the sentiment expressed is the same.
Yet this is a terrible lie! Life does not stink. Jesus is Life. He certainly does not stink.
So what am I really saying when I say “Life stinks!”? What am I really smelling when I say “Life stinks!”?
What I am smelling is my own corruption, my own rottenness. What stinks is my own Sin-Death decay. What stinks is my attitude. What stinks is my own inability to see the wonders of God at work in my life.
My sin is the cause of this blindness. My sin and the sin of the world is what fills the nostrils of my mind’s olfactory imagination with the stench of death and rottenness.
Realizing this causes me to repent of my statement. Realizing this causes me to turn from my stink to the sweet aroma of the sacrifice of Jesus by which my stench is taken from me and buried through Baptism. Realizing the falseness of my attitude leads me to confess my sin so that I may hear again and again the promise of God so that the sweet aroma of His holy absolution fills my heart, mind, and soul.
When God works this miracle within me, I stop and remember the sweet taste of the Supper of God’s Holy Communion, where my life is filled up with the life that is in Jesus, who is fed to me bodily to fill my very being with His goodness and life.
Ah! Now I say, “Life is Good! Amen!”
Monday, February 11, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Martin Luther King, Jr Day and Civil Rights
Today as I bounced between a few blogs I was reminded that today is the Thirty-fifth anniversary of the Roe verus Wade decision that took away ALL civil rights for children of all races in the United States of America, beginning with the primary right to Life and extending to the rights of Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness of which the founding document of this nation declares.
It struck me as quite peculiar that this year the anniversary happens to follow on the day after Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. One day after the honoring of one of the recognized leaders of the African-American Civil rights movement follows the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that declared that babies have no rights prior to full parturition.
Is this merely a coincidence? Good question!
This question applies primarily to the issue that with the increase on focus of the claim to rights of individuals of certain categories that society began focusing upon the cries of certain groups and responding to those cries. Those that were able to march and to cry out loudly, especially if they were able to cry out with a connection to any type of presumed injustice to their group, these groups were able to demand action. The key to their success was that they were able to make their voices heard.
But what of those who have no voices, or at least none that can be heard in an organized protest? What happens to such as these? What happens to those who are truly powerless to cry out in such a way as to make themselves to be heard?
Such is the plight of the gestational children of our country. Often they have their lives literally ripped from them, but they are incapable of crying out as a group. Sometimes their cries are silenced by amniotic fluid still in their lungs. Yes, the very fluid that the mother’s body provides to surround the child with protection, silences the screams of the little one who is being destroyed. Other times the cries are not silenced, as the little ones are actually still alive and screaming out, abandoned in a trash container to face the harsh elements of the world until their strength is used up.
Yet our society that prides itself on being so noble as to have a day set aside to honor the civil rights movement, also prides itself for granting women their say over their so-called reproductive rights. How strange that in the name of civil rights such incivility to millions of babies is condoned.
How can this be explained?
There is an explanation, though few ever seem to recognize it. That explanation is that society, a.k.a., people, presume to be judges of what is right and what is good. When society imagines that the majority is supreme in judging what is good, when society presumes to be supreme in determining justice for all, that society becomes prejudiced in its judgments. Such a society will always determine its judgements according to its own prejudices. The most powerful of these prejudices is the presumption of inherent goodness and self-determination.
This is why even the best intentions of the civil rights movement have always created more tension rather than less tension between the various groups of people in society.
True justice, true righteousness, true fairness is not something that can be promoted by civic movements. Civic movements are always reactionary. Justice, righteousness and fairness are not reactionary. They are foundational.
True justice, righteousness, and fairness are founded upon Love. And Love is of God, for God is Love. God’s justice is manifested not in His declaration of the Law, but in His self-sacrifice on the cross. His Law declares what should be. His Love established it forever. His law condemns wickedness. His Gospel reconciles the unloving. When society knows the Lord as the author of all that is good, love moves the hearts of the people to act justly and mercifully, even as they know God’s mercy for themselves.
This is why the demand for rights always fails. Even when pro-life advocates picket and cry out for the rights of children, only temporary victories are achieved by means of evoking guilt. But as the Scriptures declare, love does no wrong to its neighbor. People will never learn to act justly while seeking to be just in their own eyes. Justice does not flow from the knowledge of good and evil, but from knowing the One who is good. When a people’s God is the God of Love, then what will fill their hearts and lives? When a heart is filled with the knowledge of God’s forgiveness and love, what else would be that heart’s view toward others? In the days following Pentecost the world beheld such a vision, and when the pure Gospel is heard and received today, forgiveness and love still rule the day. Pursuing and defending and claiming one’s rights makes one a slave to those rights. But in the God who holds love even above the demand for what is right, one finds the life of love and peace by which the very definition is given to being free.
It struck me as quite peculiar that this year the anniversary happens to follow on the day after Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. One day after the honoring of one of the recognized leaders of the African-American Civil rights movement follows the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that declared that babies have no rights prior to full parturition.
Is this merely a coincidence? Good question!
This question applies primarily to the issue that with the increase on focus of the claim to rights of individuals of certain categories that society began focusing upon the cries of certain groups and responding to those cries. Those that were able to march and to cry out loudly, especially if they were able to cry out with a connection to any type of presumed injustice to their group, these groups were able to demand action. The key to their success was that they were able to make their voices heard.
But what of those who have no voices, or at least none that can be heard in an organized protest? What happens to such as these? What happens to those who are truly powerless to cry out in such a way as to make themselves to be heard?
Such is the plight of the gestational children of our country. Often they have their lives literally ripped from them, but they are incapable of crying out as a group. Sometimes their cries are silenced by amniotic fluid still in their lungs. Yes, the very fluid that the mother’s body provides to surround the child with protection, silences the screams of the little one who is being destroyed. Other times the cries are not silenced, as the little ones are actually still alive and screaming out, abandoned in a trash container to face the harsh elements of the world until their strength is used up.
Yet our society that prides itself on being so noble as to have a day set aside to honor the civil rights movement, also prides itself for granting women their say over their so-called reproductive rights. How strange that in the name of civil rights such incivility to millions of babies is condoned.
How can this be explained?
There is an explanation, though few ever seem to recognize it. That explanation is that society, a.k.a., people, presume to be judges of what is right and what is good. When society imagines that the majority is supreme in judging what is good, when society presumes to be supreme in determining justice for all, that society becomes prejudiced in its judgments. Such a society will always determine its judgements according to its own prejudices. The most powerful of these prejudices is the presumption of inherent goodness and self-determination.
This is why even the best intentions of the civil rights movement have always created more tension rather than less tension between the various groups of people in society.
True justice, true righteousness, true fairness is not something that can be promoted by civic movements. Civic movements are always reactionary. Justice, righteousness and fairness are not reactionary. They are foundational.
True justice, righteousness, and fairness are founded upon Love. And Love is of God, for God is Love. God’s justice is manifested not in His declaration of the Law, but in His self-sacrifice on the cross. His Law declares what should be. His Love established it forever. His law condemns wickedness. His Gospel reconciles the unloving. When society knows the Lord as the author of all that is good, love moves the hearts of the people to act justly and mercifully, even as they know God’s mercy for themselves.
This is why the demand for rights always fails. Even when pro-life advocates picket and cry out for the rights of children, only temporary victories are achieved by means of evoking guilt. But as the Scriptures declare, love does no wrong to its neighbor. People will never learn to act justly while seeking to be just in their own eyes. Justice does not flow from the knowledge of good and evil, but from knowing the One who is good. When a people’s God is the God of Love, then what will fill their hearts and lives? When a heart is filled with the knowledge of God’s forgiveness and love, what else would be that heart’s view toward others? In the days following Pentecost the world beheld such a vision, and when the pure Gospel is heard and received today, forgiveness and love still rule the day. Pursuing and defending and claiming one’s rights makes one a slave to those rights. But in the God who holds love even above the demand for what is right, one finds the life of love and peace by which the very definition is given to being free.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
New Year’s Resolutions & Reflections
Happy New Year!
Once upon a time, in a land not far away, and in a time that some still remember, there were people who sought always to do their very best at everything that they undertook to do. This was especially true regarding their vocations. They took great pride in doing well, not only for the sake of doing things right, but more importantly, they counted their efforts as service to others. A name was applied to these people, especially those who built and crafted and repaired things — they were called craftsmen. They were looked upon as people to admire and to emulate.
Eventually, however, a new wisdom was instituted as the highest of all wisdom. Within this new expanse of wisdom the altered form of psychology was ordained by society to rule the new understanding. With this change came a change in understanding of all of the most important aspects of life. Now, among other changes, came a very drastic alteration of how craftsmen should be perceived. This change was not immediate, but gradually became the prevailing perception, so that today, new nomenclature has been applied to these servants of others — perfectionists and workaholics. These people who once were admired are now derided. Those once emulated are now eschewed and spurned.
Of course, ever since that fateful day in the garden of Eden, there have always been those who seek to be perfect according to their own abilities and to accomplish great things by relying solely upon their own works. Such people have indeed been enslaved. But a slavery has been imposed from the opposite perspective today. This slavery is really identical to the previously identified perfectionism. For in striving not to be perfectionists, once again people are trapped by the notion that they must make of themselves what they are not, and seek by their best efforts not to be what they should not be. What is this except perfectionism redefined?
What is worse, is that under the slavery of this delusion, people imagine that they are avoiding that to which they are actually devoting themselves in even greater degree. Ultimately, the slavery can be summed up in another word: selfishness. The focus is entirely upon self and what self must be and what self must do. The person is seeking only what is best for self. This becomes self-evident especially in the way the service to others and compassion and love become understood. Rather than love and compassion and service being about the other person, they are approached as about self.
There is a way by which true freedom is known. It is the exact opposite of what people expect and presume.
But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Jeremiah 31:33)
St. Paul says it like this:
For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. (Romans 14:7-8)
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. (Colossians 3:23)
Even this is often received in the opposite manner of the way of freedom. Even this is often turned upside down and inside out so that it again is a thing to be pursued and sought after.
Yet the Lord presents this as His promise. This is a work that He sets forth to do. He says that He will put His Law in our inward parts and write it in our hearts so that we depend upon Him as our God and live as His people.
We seek a declaration of independence and become slaves to our efforts to live by our own strength. The Lord comes to us with His Testament that is sealed with His own sacrifice so that we are free to live in dependence upon His goodness, His righteousness, His love, and His providence. He sets us free from the worries and concerns that we bring upon ourselves. He takes all things upon Himself so that we have all our burdens lifted from us. This is the power of the preaching of Christ crucified. This is the freedom into which we are sealed by Baptism. This is the cause of Thanksgiving into which we are renewed through the Holy Communion.
This is the freedom that does not require anything from us, but is received purely as a gift from God. When we realize this, then we are free to live, truly live. Love then is a joyous part of our being rather than something that we must conjure up within ourselves or produce toward others. Compassion then flows from our knowledge of having been baptized into God’s kingdom, made one with Him and with all who are in true communion with Him. Then what we do on behalf of others, even our enemies, is no longer an effort, but an extension of who we are. Then our works of righteousness are not even taken into account in our hearts, minds, and souls, because we simply are not concerned about trying to be righteous, rather, we believe the declaration of God in Christ by which we know that in Him we ARE righteous. We confess our own works as sinful and totally corrupt, joyously receiving God’s absolution by which we receive His righteousness as our own. Then we are truly free to live.
Truly this is the resolution that we should seek for the new year. For this is the resolution or clarity of vision by which we see the image of God restored to us in Christ in even the most minute detail. Then we see that the details of the Law of God are not in what things we must do, but in what God has done for us in Christ. Then we are free simply to live and do as the Lord has inscribed in our inward parts and in our hearts.
Technorati Tags: +Happy New Year, 2008, freedom, resolutions
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
A Christ Mass Hymn
“Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful”
Oh, come, all ye faithful, triumphantly sing;
Come, see in the manger our Savior and King
To Bethlehem hasten with joyful accord;
Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
True Son of the Father, He comes from the skies;
To be born of a virgin He doth not despise.
To Bethlehem hasten with joyful accord;
Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
Hark, hark, to the angels all singing in heaven,
"To God in the highest all glory be given!"
To Bethlehem hasten with joyful accord;
Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
To Thee, then, O Jesus, this day of Thy birth
Be glory and honor through heaven and earth,
True Godhead incarnate, omnipotent Word!
Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
Sermons for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are available here.
Oh, come, all ye faithful, triumphantly sing;
Come, see in the manger our Savior and King
To Bethlehem hasten with joyful accord;
Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
True Son of the Father, He comes from the skies;
To be born of a virgin He doth not despise.
To Bethlehem hasten with joyful accord;
Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
Hark, hark, to the angels all singing in heaven,
"To God in the highest all glory be given!"
To Bethlehem hasten with joyful accord;
Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
To Thee, then, O Jesus, this day of Thy birth
Be glory and honor through heaven and earth,
True Godhead incarnate, omnipotent Word!
Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
Sermons for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are available here.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Winter Blues and Pains
With winter comes cold and with cold comes many other complications. Ice and snow often accompany the winter weather and some folk have to deal with it. Yet most folk today are not accustomed to the rigors of shoveling deep snow and such efforts often carry a big price. Even walking in cold weather can bring considerable discomfort.
The cold tends to make muscles tense up and then they often bunch up in tight knots. These can cause pain throughout the body. When the muscles tense up through the shoulders and neck, a person can have terrible headaches caused by this tension, headaches that feel like they start somewhere in the back, shoulders, or neck and migrate up the back of the skull and shoot out through the eyes.
Several things can be of help.
Moist heat can be of tremendous help. The best that we have found
is a rice pack that can be heated in the microwave. A simple hand towel can be folded in half, preferably lengthwise, so that the edges can be sewn. Then the resulting bag can be filled with rice to the desired fullness, and the remaining edge can be sewn. It is usually best not to over fill the towel, as the fuller the bag is filled the stiffer and harder it becomes. Some flexibility is preferred. The rice bag can then be heated and then applied to the stiff and aching muscles. Depending on the amount of rice filling the bag, heating on high for a period ranging from four to six minutes works well. (For filling your hot pack, use the rice straight out of the bag from the store. DRY. Do not add water or precook. Simply use the rice as purchased from the store. The moist heat is produced from the moisture in the air.)
Be careful not to overheat in the microwave, for the rice will scorch. Also, it is possible to burn oneself if the bag is too hot.
As an alternative a damp washcloth can be wrapped with a towel and then heated. This method is more tricky. One must be very careful not to burn one’s skin.
Of course, a hot bath or shower is another relaxing method. Also, soaking in Epson salts can help.
Massaging the muscles also can be of great benefit. Massaging the scalp and temple areas, even gentle massaging of the eyes can bring relief. Often knotted areas in the neck, shoulder, and back can be gently massaged away. Massaging is not a quick process. It usually takes ten to fifteen minutes or more. Sometimes gently massaging the more intense areas for a few minutes, resting a few minutes, and then massaging a few more minutes can give a relax time for the muscles. Also, the area where the pain is felt may not be the area where the muscles are most tense. Sometimes the areas with the most tension may be several inches away from the area where the strain seems to be.
Stretching exercises can help relieve the muscle tension as well.
A quarter teaspoon of Turmeric, the yellow spice in mustard, can help to relieve many headaches and helps with muscles sometimes, too.
Oil of oregano helps with inflamation.
Used in conjunction with Bromelain, an enzyme extracted from pineapple, relief from sinus and bronchial symptoms can often be obtained. If the persistent hacking of bronchial drainage is ever a problem, this combination can be a very effective remedy. Bromelain alone is also very effective.
A saline sinus rinse is also very helpful. The usual mix is one eighth teaspoon of salt with one eighth teaspoon of baking soda in eight ounces of water. The saline rinse can be placed in the palm or a tablespoon and snuffed through each nostril. Be sure to do this over the sink. Most drug stores and pharmacies also sell a nasal rinse kit with premixed packets and a nasal squirt bottle.
With the nervous tension and the tendency to eat too quickly or too much during the feasting season, keep the Turmeric available for headaches and for heartburn. In many cases, a quarter teaspoon of turmeric will bring quick relief for either a headache or for heartburn. It is inexpensive and has no negative side effects.
Oops! Almost forgot Ginger as a relief from upset stomach and nausea.
The cold tends to make muscles tense up and then they often bunch up in tight knots. These can cause pain throughout the body. When the muscles tense up through the shoulders and neck, a person can have terrible headaches caused by this tension, headaches that feel like they start somewhere in the back, shoulders, or neck and migrate up the back of the skull and shoot out through the eyes.
Several things can be of help.
† † †
Moist heat can be of tremendous help. The best that we have found
is a rice pack that can be heated in the microwave. A simple hand towel can be folded in half, preferably lengthwise, so that the edges can be sewn. Then the resulting bag can be filled with rice to the desired fullness, and the remaining edge can be sewn. It is usually best not to over fill the towel, as the fuller the bag is filled the stiffer and harder it becomes. Some flexibility is preferred. The rice bag can then be heated and then applied to the stiff and aching muscles. Depending on the amount of rice filling the bag, heating on high for a period ranging from four to six minutes works well. (For filling your hot pack, use the rice straight out of the bag from the store. DRY. Do not add water or precook. Simply use the rice as purchased from the store. The moist heat is produced from the moisture in the air.)
Be careful not to overheat in the microwave, for the rice will scorch. Also, it is possible to burn oneself if the bag is too hot.
As an alternative a damp washcloth can be wrapped with a towel and then heated. This method is more tricky. One must be very careful not to burn one’s skin.
Of course, a hot bath or shower is another relaxing method. Also, soaking in Epson salts can help.
† † †
Massaging the muscles also can be of great benefit. Massaging the scalp and temple areas, even gentle massaging of the eyes can bring relief. Often knotted areas in the neck, shoulder, and back can be gently massaged away. Massaging is not a quick process. It usually takes ten to fifteen minutes or more. Sometimes gently massaging the more intense areas for a few minutes, resting a few minutes, and then massaging a few more minutes can give a relax time for the muscles. Also, the area where the pain is felt may not be the area where the muscles are most tense. Sometimes the areas with the most tension may be several inches away from the area where the strain seems to be.
Stretching exercises can help relieve the muscle tension as well.
† † †
A quarter teaspoon of Turmeric, the yellow spice in mustard, can help to relieve many headaches and helps with muscles sometimes, too.
Oil of oregano helps with inflamation.
Used in conjunction with Bromelain, an enzyme extracted from pineapple, relief from sinus and bronchial symptoms can often be obtained. If the persistent hacking of bronchial drainage is ever a problem, this combination can be a very effective remedy. Bromelain alone is also very effective.
A saline sinus rinse is also very helpful. The usual mix is one eighth teaspoon of salt with one eighth teaspoon of baking soda in eight ounces of water. The saline rinse can be placed in the palm or a tablespoon and snuffed through each nostril. Be sure to do this over the sink. Most drug stores and pharmacies also sell a nasal rinse kit with premixed packets and a nasal squirt bottle.
† † †
With the nervous tension and the tendency to eat too quickly or too much during the feasting season, keep the Turmeric available for headaches and for heartburn. In many cases, a quarter teaspoon of turmeric will bring quick relief for either a headache or for heartburn. It is inexpensive and has no negative side effects.
Oops! Almost forgot Ginger as a relief from upset stomach and nausea.
† † †
A blessed Christmas to you.
Let It Snow
Earlier we had some freezing rain. Then about three inches of snow covered the icy mix. With this downfall the city had at least four trucks plow our street.
Saturday we had eight inches of snow fall, with drifts up to four feet deep. People were getting stuck in the streets and especially at intersections when they had to stop in the deep snow. Even four-wheel drive trucks were getting stuck. Yet we still have not seen even a single snow plow or salt truck and few were seen even on the major roadways.
Go figure.
Saturday we had eight inches of snow fall, with drifts up to four feet deep. People were getting stuck in the streets and especially at intersections when they had to stop in the deep snow. Even four-wheel drive trucks were getting stuck. Yet we still have not seen even a single snow plow or salt truck and few were seen even on the major roadways.
Go figure.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Regarding Online Sermons
I have noticed that many who offer online sermons, only offer audio. I find myself wondering what is actually preferred by those who download sermons. Is the preference for audio formats, for textual formats, or for both?
My offering for this Third Week in Advent is:
Matthew 11:2-10 — “Or Another Do We Look Toward.”
My offering for this Third Week in Advent is:
Matthew 11:2-10 — “Or Another Do We Look Toward.”
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Lutheran Carnival LXV
Since it is something of a tradition with the Lutheran Carnival to make mention of a little known Lutheran, I am including mention of the Reverend Fred W. Heumann. Even though he is my grandfather, my information is lacking.
Pastor Heumann was part of a farming family and at a very tender age was put onto a train and sent into the pre-seminary training and then to the seminary. I’m not certain of the date of his ordination, but I have sermons that he preached as early as 1908. He began as a circuit rider in Michigan and later became the pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alpena. This congregation grew to over a thousand members and had eight grades of school, which he taught as well. In the early days of his ministry he rode the circuit by horseback on his not so reliable horse, Dick. Dick was often sick and required much veterinary attention. When Henry Ford began producing the Model T, Pastor Heumann took him up on his offer to be among the first owners. Mr. Ford offered to give a rebate if he sold a certain number of cars, which was reportedly a great help. The car was so reliable that Pastor Heumann reported that Henry Ford got him out of the debt that Dick incurred.
In those days some preachers, including Pastor Heumann, preached in German and in English. They also were markedly based in Lutheran rejoicing in the doctrine of Justification by Grace through Faith. The distinctions of Law and Gospel were clear, as were the distinctions between the true faith and the doctrines and practices of other groups.
Pastor Heumann served as a pastor in the Lutheran Church all of his life, celebrating the sixty-fifth anniversary of his ordination several years before his death. As a pastor, husband, and father, he faced many challenges and struggles. Perhaps those are best saved for some other time.
The first of the Carnival submissions is Lord's Supper Words of Institution Video by jWinters. This video is an extraordinary presentation of the Lord’s words of institution— a delight to watch for anyone who treasures and relies upon the Holy Communion. It has potential for use for generating discussion in Bible classes and other catechetical settings. It also makes a rather nice devotional as the saints move through the season of Advent in preparation for Christ Mass.
A third party submission, a bit less weighty but nevertheless enjoyable and theologically oriented toward the season of Advent, was made for the Presbytera at Pistol Packin' Presbytera, who has hung up her Jesse Tree for Advent and is featuring a new tree ornament for each day leading up to Christmas. Start at History of Our Jesse Tree and then check her blog for each new day's post.
Dan at Necessary Roughness points out in He’s In the Crèche, Isn’t He? the inconsistency of insisting on the use of blank (Christless) crosses while people insist on a baby Jesus present in nativity scenes.
Dan also submitted Pastor Charles Lehmann’s release of an open letter to those affected by the Colorado Springs church shootings. This letter, Letter to Youth with a Mission Denver, written by Pastor Lehmann and Pastor Patrick, bears a resemblance to Simeon’s words to Mary when she and Joseph brought the Lord Jesus to the temple for the sacrifice of consecration of the firstborn and the purification. It is a very compassionate and Gospel filled letter of the true hope and peace that the faith of Christmas gives, even in the face of deep hurt and loss.
Another very appropriate Advent theme is presented by St. James the Hoosier as he explains why “Everything I need to know about Life in Christ, I learned in the Divine Service .”
At Heart, Mind, Soul, and Strength Weekend Fisher offers a look at Dietrich Bonhoeffer's comments on winning the culture war and applies them to the current discussion of the release of The Golden Compass. The post for this discussion is Bonhoeffer on the culture war.
In somewhat similar manner, Mike Baker at BOLL: The Lutheran AAR Center presents My Vocation, My Life, and My Death. This is a truly beautiful explanation of the contrast between a Christian’s and a worldling’s view of vocation, which also becomes manifest in the Christian’s life and death. If this is not a proper reflection upon the repentance that is the proper preaching of the season of Advent, what is?
Following in a similar train, Jim at The Third Moment offers some very timely insight with A Few Thoughts about Romney's College-Station Speech . It is a delight to see that someone has taken the time to give a true and accurate response to the self-chosen ignorance of the American media and political pundits on this very serious matter. It may not have the usual Advent focus, but it certainly is a matter of important concern for true Christians who are clinging for dear life to the pure Gospel in these latter days.
If you have never visited Fighting For the Faith, you may find this to be of interest regarding various issues of the day. The podcast on Rick Warren's Gospel of Works - November 29, 2007 is especially timely.
Of course, for additional Advent information, we can always rely upon Aardvark Alley for seasonal information about various saints days and other aspects of the Church Year.
For some reason there were some problems in the forwarding of Carnival submissions. If you sent a submission that somehow did not get included, please let me know and I’ll add yours to the Sixty-fifth edition of the Lutheran Carnival.
Pastor Heumann was part of a farming family and at a very tender age was put onto a train and sent into the pre-seminary training and then to the seminary. I’m not certain of the date of his ordination, but I have sermons that he preached as early as 1908. He began as a circuit rider in Michigan and later became the pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alpena. This congregation grew to over a thousand members and had eight grades of school, which he taught as well. In the early days of his ministry he rode the circuit by horseback on his not so reliable horse, Dick. Dick was often sick and required much veterinary attention. When Henry Ford began producing the Model T, Pastor Heumann took him up on his offer to be among the first owners. Mr. Ford offered to give a rebate if he sold a certain number of cars, which was reportedly a great help. The car was so reliable that Pastor Heumann reported that Henry Ford got him out of the debt that Dick incurred.
In those days some preachers, including Pastor Heumann, preached in German and in English. They also were markedly based in Lutheran rejoicing in the doctrine of Justification by Grace through Faith. The distinctions of Law and Gospel were clear, as were the distinctions between the true faith and the doctrines and practices of other groups.
Pastor Heumann served as a pastor in the Lutheran Church all of his life, celebrating the sixty-fifth anniversary of his ordination several years before his death. As a pastor, husband, and father, he faced many challenges and struggles. Perhaps those are best saved for some other time.
† † †
The first of the Carnival submissions is Lord's Supper Words of Institution Video by jWinters. This video is an extraordinary presentation of the Lord’s words of institution— a delight to watch for anyone who treasures and relies upon the Holy Communion. It has potential for use for generating discussion in Bible classes and other catechetical settings. It also makes a rather nice devotional as the saints move through the season of Advent in preparation for Christ Mass.A third party submission, a bit less weighty but nevertheless enjoyable and theologically oriented toward the season of Advent, was made for the Presbytera at Pistol Packin' Presbytera, who has hung up her Jesse Tree for Advent and is featuring a new tree ornament for each day leading up to Christmas. Start at History of Our Jesse Tree and then check her blog for each new day's post.
Dan at Necessary Roughness points out in He’s In the Crèche, Isn’t He? the inconsistency of insisting on the use of blank (Christless) crosses while people insist on a baby Jesus present in nativity scenes.
Dan also submitted Pastor Charles Lehmann’s release of an open letter to those affected by the Colorado Springs church shootings. This letter, Letter to Youth with a Mission Denver, written by Pastor Lehmann and Pastor Patrick, bears a resemblance to Simeon’s words to Mary when she and Joseph brought the Lord Jesus to the temple for the sacrifice of consecration of the firstborn and the purification. It is a very compassionate and Gospel filled letter of the true hope and peace that the faith of Christmas gives, even in the face of deep hurt and loss.
Another very appropriate Advent theme is presented by St. James the Hoosier as he explains why “Everything I need to know about Life in Christ, I learned in the Divine Service .”
At Heart, Mind, Soul, and Strength Weekend Fisher offers a look at Dietrich Bonhoeffer's comments on winning the culture war and applies them to the current discussion of the release of The Golden Compass. The post for this discussion is Bonhoeffer on the culture war.
In somewhat similar manner, Mike Baker at BOLL: The Lutheran AAR Center presents My Vocation, My Life, and My Death. This is a truly beautiful explanation of the contrast between a Christian’s and a worldling’s view of vocation, which also becomes manifest in the Christian’s life and death. If this is not a proper reflection upon the repentance that is the proper preaching of the season of Advent, what is?
Following in a similar train, Jim at The Third Moment offers some very timely insight with A Few Thoughts about Romney's College-Station Speech . It is a delight to see that someone has taken the time to give a true and accurate response to the self-chosen ignorance of the American media and political pundits on this very serious matter. It may not have the usual Advent focus, but it certainly is a matter of important concern for true Christians who are clinging for dear life to the pure Gospel in these latter days.
If you have never visited Fighting For the Faith, you may find this to be of interest regarding various issues of the day. The podcast on Rick Warren's Gospel of Works - November 29, 2007 is especially timely.
Of course, for additional Advent information, we can always rely upon Aardvark Alley for seasonal information about various saints days and other aspects of the Church Year.
For some reason there were some problems in the forwarding of Carnival submissions. If you sent a submission that somehow did not get included, please let me know and I’ll add yours to the Sixty-fifth edition of the Lutheran Carnival.
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God’s peace to all in Christ Jesus.
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Friday, December 07, 2007
Christ Crucified or Christ Believed
Christ Crucified or Christ Believed?
This may seem like an odd question, but it is a very important question. Most people do not even realize that the two Christs are not the same. It is for this reason that so many different doctrines are taught by so many denominations, all claiming to be preaching Jesus and Grace and Faith.
So what is the difference between the preaching of Christ Crucified and Christ Believed? The difference is the one from whom faith originates and flows.
Beginning in reverse, beginning with the preaching of Christ Believed, the emphasis is on the statement, “I believe” or “We believe.” Naturally, such language must be utilized, for where true faith exists, the person and group will speak what is believed. This is not the issue.
The issue is in the “WHY” of the statement.
Most people if asked why they believe will answer that they choose to believe. They may say that they decided to follow Jesus or that they invited Jesus into their hearts or that they chose to commit their lives to Jesus or to give their hearts to Jesus or any similar sounding actions of choice or decision on their part. In most cases they give acknowledgment to the statements of Scripture such as Ephesians 2:8-10 where the apostles keep to the words of Christ in teaching that faith is a gift of God and not a work of the individual, but then they immediately turn from these clear declarations of the Holy Spirit and insist that they themselves must do something to produce this faith. “I have to believe, don’t I?” “I have to choose, don’t I?”
Such rationalizations are contrary to the doctrine of the Scriptures. These rationalizations are like saying that after a lawnmower engine has been started that it must continue running. The lawnmower engine does not choose to begin running and it does not choose to stop running. Something may go wrong that makes the engine unable to continue. It may run out of fuel and therefore cease running. But it does not stop by its own volition and it does not start by its own volition.
Now, since a lawnmower engine is not a living thing, the Lord Jesus and His apostles did not use lifeless objects in teaching this. Rather, Jesus used the activity of conception and birth (generation) as the example. A baby is not conceived by its own volition. It does not choose to grow and develop. It does not obtain nutrients for itself nor even choose which available nutrients to utilize while in the womb. It does not choose the time of parturition. It does not pull itself into the world from the womb. After the baby is born, it does not care for itself or nurture itself. As the baby grows it is taught, by example and with words, what it needs and where to find its needs supplied.
The Lord Jesus said that no one can even see or perceive the kingdom of God unless that person is regenerated. When Nicodemus did not understand, Jesus added that unless a person is generated of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. He also said that just as people can hear the sound of the wind but cannot know where it comes from or where it goes, so the person regenerated to faith by the Holy Spirit recognizes the results but cannot explain them.
Yet when people apply their own rationalizations to the work of the Holy Spirit in the Gift of Faith, they often presume to have chosen to believe or to have decided to believe. This is why in John 1:12-13 the apostle plainly teaches that this is not how it happens. He makes this absolute declaration right at the beginning of his account of the Gospel so that as people would read and hear it that this would be ever present in their minds. He says that those who receive Jesus do so by the authority or power that God gave to them (that is, the Gospel, as St. Paul says in Romans 1:16) and that this regeneration of faith is not the result of bloodlines (who one’s ancestors are) and not the result of the will of the flesh (free will) and not the result of the will of a man (husband or father) but from God they are generated. Then in verse 14 he reveals again who this God is, just as he previously declared in verse 1 and following.
Yet even upon reading and hearing this, people tend to go forward with the rest of the Gospel and take from it that they must somehow believe for themselves and choose to follow Jesus.
The preaching and confession of this choice is the exact opposite of the preaching of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The preaching and confession of the Christ who saves by means of a person choosing or deciding to believe is the opposite of the preaching and confession of the Christ who says that He saves by means of water and the Spirit.
Thus the preachers of choice and decision turn a deaf ear to the Scriptures that teach the Christ who saves by water and the Spirit and who says that those who eat His flesh and drink His blood have everlasting life. In direct defiance of the words of Christ they teach that these clear words concerning the Sacraments do not mean what they say but must be interpreted symbolically to represent what people must do for themselves and that these Sacraments do not do what the words say that they do, but rather people must use them to choose yet again to be committed to Jesus by their own reason and strength.
But the preaching of Christ Crucified is the preaching of a Christ who not only gave Himself on the Cross to accomplish our salvation objectively, but who continues to be present to accomplish our salvation subjectively. The preaching of Christ Crucified is the preaching of the Christ who says that He does not leave us as orphans but comes to us even now as those whom He has redeemed and reconciled to God. He promises that our salvation does not depend upon what we choose to believe, but rather upon what He does for us as a true Savior. He does not demand that we muster the strength to believe in Him, but rather supplies means by which His saints may be gathered unto Him to receive Him even as the first two did in the garden of Eden and as the disciples did during His ministry among the Jews. He gives to His Church on earth means by which He supplies all that we need both for faith and for continuing in that faith. Through the pure and unadulterated preaching of the Gospel and the pure administration of the Sacraments, He does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Rather than demanding that we generate the will to believe in a Jesus that we cannot see, He shows Himself present with us through these means.
This is why the preaching of Christ Crucified is such a stumbling block for those who seek to follow Christ by believing in Him. The means of grace do not require anything from us. They truly are means of grace. To any person seeking to follow Christ by means of one’s own faith, to any person believing that faith is a requirement rather than a true gift, the kingdom of God cannot be perceived. And so people seek to pray harder and to believe more firmly and to be better witnesses. They speak of knowing that God is with them because of their prayers and their faith and their other works of proof of believing. But Christ says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The preaching of Christ Crucified is the preaching of the Christ who gave Himself, once and for all, in order that we may feast upon Him with Thanksgiving and live in His grace, mercy, and peace. He has prepared the way through the water unto life and He has prepared the table for the feast. Such as receive Christ through these eagerly say with John “And from the fullness of Him we all have received, even grace for grace.”
From the fullness of HIM we have all received. Not from the fullness of our faith nor from the fullness of our efforts nor from the fullness of our commitment nor from the fullness of our service, but from the fullness of Him we have all received. This is the preaching of Christ Crucified rather than the preaching of Christ Believed.
This is why the Church dare not gather with those who preach anything other than Jesus Christ and Him Crucified. There is only one Christ who gives grace for grace.
Truly, verse ten is often misapplied. The good works unto which we have been created in Christ Jesus are HIS good works, not ours. He has taken our works, which cannot ever be counted as good, and has given us His works. He calls us unto Himself to partake of His good works in order that we may walk or live in them. This is the pure preaching of the Gospel and the pure administration of His means of grace.
Why should anyone ever choose to believe anything else when what we need to believe, God gives freely by grace?
This may seem like an odd question, but it is a very important question. Most people do not even realize that the two Christs are not the same. It is for this reason that so many different doctrines are taught by so many denominations, all claiming to be preaching Jesus and Grace and Faith.
So what is the difference between the preaching of Christ Crucified and Christ Believed? The difference is the one from whom faith originates and flows.
Beginning in reverse, beginning with the preaching of Christ Believed, the emphasis is on the statement, “I believe” or “We believe.” Naturally, such language must be utilized, for where true faith exists, the person and group will speak what is believed. This is not the issue.
The issue is in the “WHY” of the statement.
Most people if asked why they believe will answer that they choose to believe. They may say that they decided to follow Jesus or that they invited Jesus into their hearts or that they chose to commit their lives to Jesus or to give their hearts to Jesus or any similar sounding actions of choice or decision on their part. In most cases they give acknowledgment to the statements of Scripture such as Ephesians 2:8-10 where the apostles keep to the words of Christ in teaching that faith is a gift of God and not a work of the individual, but then they immediately turn from these clear declarations of the Holy Spirit and insist that they themselves must do something to produce this faith. “I have to believe, don’t I?” “I have to choose, don’t I?”
Such rationalizations are contrary to the doctrine of the Scriptures. These rationalizations are like saying that after a lawnmower engine has been started that it must continue running. The lawnmower engine does not choose to begin running and it does not choose to stop running. Something may go wrong that makes the engine unable to continue. It may run out of fuel and therefore cease running. But it does not stop by its own volition and it does not start by its own volition.
Now, since a lawnmower engine is not a living thing, the Lord Jesus and His apostles did not use lifeless objects in teaching this. Rather, Jesus used the activity of conception and birth (generation) as the example. A baby is not conceived by its own volition. It does not choose to grow and develop. It does not obtain nutrients for itself nor even choose which available nutrients to utilize while in the womb. It does not choose the time of parturition. It does not pull itself into the world from the womb. After the baby is born, it does not care for itself or nurture itself. As the baby grows it is taught, by example and with words, what it needs and where to find its needs supplied.
The Lord Jesus said that no one can even see or perceive the kingdom of God unless that person is regenerated. When Nicodemus did not understand, Jesus added that unless a person is generated of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. He also said that just as people can hear the sound of the wind but cannot know where it comes from or where it goes, so the person regenerated to faith by the Holy Spirit recognizes the results but cannot explain them.
Yet when people apply their own rationalizations to the work of the Holy Spirit in the Gift of Faith, they often presume to have chosen to believe or to have decided to believe. This is why in John 1:12-13 the apostle plainly teaches that this is not how it happens. He makes this absolute declaration right at the beginning of his account of the Gospel so that as people would read and hear it that this would be ever present in their minds. He says that those who receive Jesus do so by the authority or power that God gave to them (that is, the Gospel, as St. Paul says in Romans 1:16) and that this regeneration of faith is not the result of bloodlines (who one’s ancestors are) and not the result of the will of the flesh (free will) and not the result of the will of a man (husband or father) but from God they are generated. Then in verse 14 he reveals again who this God is, just as he previously declared in verse 1 and following.
Yet even upon reading and hearing this, people tend to go forward with the rest of the Gospel and take from it that they must somehow believe for themselves and choose to follow Jesus.
The preaching and confession of this choice is the exact opposite of the preaching of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The preaching and confession of the Christ who saves by means of a person choosing or deciding to believe is the opposite of the preaching and confession of the Christ who says that He saves by means of water and the Spirit.
Thus the preachers of choice and decision turn a deaf ear to the Scriptures that teach the Christ who saves by water and the Spirit and who says that those who eat His flesh and drink His blood have everlasting life. In direct defiance of the words of Christ they teach that these clear words concerning the Sacraments do not mean what they say but must be interpreted symbolically to represent what people must do for themselves and that these Sacraments do not do what the words say that they do, but rather people must use them to choose yet again to be committed to Jesus by their own reason and strength.
But the preaching of Christ Crucified is the preaching of a Christ who not only gave Himself on the Cross to accomplish our salvation objectively, but who continues to be present to accomplish our salvation subjectively. The preaching of Christ Crucified is the preaching of the Christ who says that He does not leave us as orphans but comes to us even now as those whom He has redeemed and reconciled to God. He promises that our salvation does not depend upon what we choose to believe, but rather upon what He does for us as a true Savior. He does not demand that we muster the strength to believe in Him, but rather supplies means by which His saints may be gathered unto Him to receive Him even as the first two did in the garden of Eden and as the disciples did during His ministry among the Jews. He gives to His Church on earth means by which He supplies all that we need both for faith and for continuing in that faith. Through the pure and unadulterated preaching of the Gospel and the pure administration of the Sacraments, He does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Rather than demanding that we generate the will to believe in a Jesus that we cannot see, He shows Himself present with us through these means.
This is why the preaching of Christ Crucified is such a stumbling block for those who seek to follow Christ by believing in Him. The means of grace do not require anything from us. They truly are means of grace. To any person seeking to follow Christ by means of one’s own faith, to any person believing that faith is a requirement rather than a true gift, the kingdom of God cannot be perceived. And so people seek to pray harder and to believe more firmly and to be better witnesses. They speak of knowing that God is with them because of their prayers and their faith and their other works of proof of believing. But Christ says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The preaching of Christ Crucified is the preaching of the Christ who gave Himself, once and for all, in order that we may feast upon Him with Thanksgiving and live in His grace, mercy, and peace. He has prepared the way through the water unto life and He has prepared the table for the feast. Such as receive Christ through these eagerly say with John “And from the fullness of Him we all have received, even grace for grace.”
From the fullness of HIM we have all received. Not from the fullness of our faith nor from the fullness of our efforts nor from the fullness of our commitment nor from the fullness of our service, but from the fullness of Him we have all received. This is the preaching of Christ Crucified rather than the preaching of Christ Believed.
This is why the Church dare not gather with those who preach anything other than Jesus Christ and Him Crucified. There is only one Christ who gives grace for grace.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
Truly, verse ten is often misapplied. The good works unto which we have been created in Christ Jesus are HIS good works, not ours. He has taken our works, which cannot ever be counted as good, and has given us His works. He calls us unto Himself to partake of His good works in order that we may walk or live in them. This is the pure preaching of the Gospel and the pure administration of His means of grace.
Why should anyone ever choose to believe anything else when what we need to believe, God gives freely by grace?
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Christmas
Christ Mass. What really is the focus of this coming celebration? During this season of Advent, for what are we preparing?
We are preparing to receive the birth of the one who is given the name of Jesus, which is, Yahweh Saves. So as we look to the advent of Jesus, we look to the coming of the one whose name is Our Salvation. We look to the coming of our birth or our generation back into the Image of God. Truly this is a rebirth or regeneration for us.
Is Christmas a celebration of a birthday? It most certainly is, our birthday. It is the celebration of the coming of salvation through the one born King of the Jews.
After His birth in Bethlehem, His birth was announced to shepherds in the fields by the hosts of heaven. “Unto you this day is born in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Upon hearing this news the shepherds responded with desire to go and see this great thing that had been told to them and upon finding The Lord Saves just as the angels had told them, they in turn told everyone they could find. They worshiped the Lord for what had been revealed to them. Some time later, wise men came from afar, having seen the Savior’s star in the east. They came asking for the one born King of the Jews in order that they might worship Him. They did not come to sing “Happy Birthday” but to worship the King born to the Jews. This was not even their king. He was born King of the Jews. They did not celebrate the birth of other kings, only this King. They came to worship God. They came to receive and worship the one who is their Salvation, their Life.
Eventually many other people of the world were told of this great miracle of the gift of Salvation wrapped up in swaddling clothes. They were told that they, too, were included among those who were liberated from their ignorance so that they might know the meaning of life. They were instructed regarding the means by which the Savior is born to us also today, through water, bread, and wine. So these men, also made wise through the preached Word, came bearing in their arms their children to be flooded with God’s grace in Christ, and then came to worship Jesus in the purest form, as He is found wrapped in bread and wine, just as He promised and His apostles instructed.
Thus, in time, a special day was set aside and named Christ Mass, to celebrate the birth of the Church of the New Testament in Christ’s blood. Those who had been born through water and the Word wanted to be certain that on this day they would be gathered into the Lord’s remembrance so that they would never forget that He does not forget. He comes to His Church as oft as they do this, but they appointed a special day that proclaims this by the very name of the day. Christmas!
Technorati Tags: +Christmas, Mass, Advent
We are preparing to receive the birth of the one who is given the name of Jesus, which is, Yahweh Saves. So as we look to the advent of Jesus, we look to the coming of the one whose name is Our Salvation. We look to the coming of our birth or our generation back into the Image of God. Truly this is a rebirth or regeneration for us.
Is Christmas a celebration of a birthday? It most certainly is, our birthday. It is the celebration of the coming of salvation through the one born King of the Jews.
After His birth in Bethlehem, His birth was announced to shepherds in the fields by the hosts of heaven. “Unto you this day is born in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Upon hearing this news the shepherds responded with desire to go and see this great thing that had been told to them and upon finding The Lord Saves just as the angels had told them, they in turn told everyone they could find. They worshiped the Lord for what had been revealed to them. Some time later, wise men came from afar, having seen the Savior’s star in the east. They came asking for the one born King of the Jews in order that they might worship Him. They did not come to sing “Happy Birthday” but to worship the King born to the Jews. This was not even their king. He was born King of the Jews. They did not celebrate the birth of other kings, only this King. They came to worship God. They came to receive and worship the one who is their Salvation, their Life.
Eventually many other people of the world were told of this great miracle of the gift of Salvation wrapped up in swaddling clothes. They were told that they, too, were included among those who were liberated from their ignorance so that they might know the meaning of life. They were instructed regarding the means by which the Savior is born to us also today, through water, bread, and wine. So these men, also made wise through the preached Word, came bearing in their arms their children to be flooded with God’s grace in Christ, and then came to worship Jesus in the purest form, as He is found wrapped in bread and wine, just as He promised and His apostles instructed.
Thus, in time, a special day was set aside and named Christ Mass, to celebrate the birth of the Church of the New Testament in Christ’s blood. Those who had been born through water and the Word wanted to be certain that on this day they would be gathered into the Lord’s remembrance so that they would never forget that He does not forget. He comes to His Church as oft as they do this, but they appointed a special day that proclaims this by the very name of the day. Christmas!
Technorati Tags: +Christmas, Mass, Advent
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Beware of Free Offers
My wife recently learned to be very careful regarding “Free Offers” in e-mails. This is true even when the company or organization is one with whom you have previously done business.
This could happen with any company or organization, but in this case it was NewsMax.com.
We have a subscription to the Blaylock Wellness Report through NewsMax, which serves as the subscription handler. My wife signed up for this subscription using her credit card.
In November she received an e-mail from NewsMax that had a clickable link reading “Get It Free! Click Here Now.”
When she clicked on the link it took her to a NewsMax web site where a free radio was offered with signing up for the NewsMax newsletter. She exited the web site without doing anything further and then deleted the e-mail.
Two weeks later a package arrives with the radio and a notice that her credit card had been billed $ 29.95 for the radio and $ 5.95 for shipping!
When I called them they claimed that she approved the purchase by clicking on the “One-click” offer button. They also claimed that the e-mail had a notice at the bottom indicating that clicking on the link would authorize the credit card use.
No such notice is anywhere in the retrieved e-mail.
So Beware! Even organizations that you think are trustworthy are doing things like this.
This could happen with any company or organization, but in this case it was NewsMax.com.
We have a subscription to the Blaylock Wellness Report through NewsMax, which serves as the subscription handler. My wife signed up for this subscription using her credit card.
In November she received an e-mail from NewsMax that had a clickable link reading “Get It Free! Click Here Now.”
When she clicked on the link it took her to a NewsMax web site where a free radio was offered with signing up for the NewsMax newsletter. She exited the web site without doing anything further and then deleted the e-mail.
Two weeks later a package arrives with the radio and a notice that her credit card had been billed $ 29.95 for the radio and $ 5.95 for shipping!
When I called them they claimed that she approved the purchase by clicking on the “One-click” offer button. They also claimed that the e-mail had a notice at the bottom indicating that clicking on the link would authorize the credit card use.
No such notice is anywhere in the retrieved e-mail.
So Beware! Even organizations that you think are trustworthy are doing things like this.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Smiling & Happiness
Some interesting observations on the genuineness of smiles are reported by Dr. Gupta at Smile, and the World Smiles With You, Right?. According to Dr. Gupta, there are physical markers that betray the smile if it is not genuine.
Whether or not it is true that the world will smile with you when you smile, a merry heart does affect you in many ways, even as the Scriptures declare:
Even when a smile is not what a person feels like producing, turning to those things that God gives that gladden the heart does change how a person feels. Then, with a merry heart, the life that God gives is perceived for the goodness that is in connection with the God who gives it.
This is why Thanksgiving and Christmas tend to be welcomed often even by those who reject God, for even though they refuse the giver, His gifts nevertheless make His goodness manifest, even in hearts that are cold and gray through disbelief. How much more so for those who have had their hearts turned to the Source of all goodness!
James 1:17
Whether or not it is true that the world will smile with you when you smile, a merry heart does affect you in many ways, even as the Scriptures declare:
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:
but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
(Proverbs 17:22)
but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
(Proverbs 17:22)
Even when a smile is not what a person feels like producing, turning to those things that God gives that gladden the heart does change how a person feels. Then, with a merry heart, the life that God gives is perceived for the goodness that is in connection with the God who gives it.
This is why Thanksgiving and Christmas tend to be welcomed often even by those who reject God, for even though they refuse the giver, His gifts nevertheless make His goodness manifest, even in hearts that are cold and gray through disbelief. How much more so for those who have had their hearts turned to the Source of all goodness!
James 1:17
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The First USA Thanksgiving Proclamation
The day is October 3, 1789. The Constitution of the United States of America has been ratified. The excitement and jubilation of this event moved the members of both houses of Congress to take action. By the power of Congress, in accord with the intentions of the newly ratified Constitution, they established “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer” on Thursday, the 26th of November, and requested it to be proclaimed by President George Washington.
Among the many places on the internet that his proclamation is available, two such sites are: Encyclopedia Smithsonian: Thanksgiving in North America: From Local Harvests to National Holiday and Rediscovering George Washington . Multimedia: First National Day of Thanksgiving. It is also quoted at Lutheran Carnival LXIII – Thanksgiving Edition.
It certainly seems appropriate to provide it also here as we prepare yet again for a National Day of Thanksgiving this year.
Transcription of George Washington's Proclamation:
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor--and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their Joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be--That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions--to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us--and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
Go. Washington
These events give cause for wondering whether the houses of Congress, the President, the Supreme Court, and the people of the nation realized that they were in violation of the Constitution that they wrote, ratified, and celebrated. How amazing it is that some 170+ years later the Supreme Court would rule that such prayers and calls for prayer are unconstitutional.
Perhaps a closer review of President Washington’s proclamation will explain the difference in understanding and interpretation of the intent of the Constitution.
Then, of course, those who know the true meaning of Thanksgiving don’t need a decree from Congress or a Presidential proclamation anyway. Moreover, no decision of the Supreme Court of the United States of America will overturn what lives in their hearts nor will it keep them from fulfilling it in their lives.
Nevertheless, it is a wondrous thing to have this example laid before us by the first members of Congress and the first President to govern by the Constitution that has been handed down to us from that time. That in itself is a cause for marvel and to give thanks.
Among the many places on the internet that his proclamation is available, two such sites are: Encyclopedia Smithsonian: Thanksgiving in North America: From Local Harvests to National Holiday and Rediscovering George Washington . Multimedia: First National Day of Thanksgiving. It is also quoted at Lutheran Carnival LXIII – Thanksgiving Edition.
It certainly seems appropriate to provide it also here as we prepare yet again for a National Day of Thanksgiving this year.
Transcription of George Washington's Proclamation:
By the President of the United States of America--
A Proclamation
A Proclamation
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor--and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their Joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be--That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions--to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us--and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
Go. Washington
These events give cause for wondering whether the houses of Congress, the President, the Supreme Court, and the people of the nation realized that they were in violation of the Constitution that they wrote, ratified, and celebrated. How amazing it is that some 170+ years later the Supreme Court would rule that such prayers and calls for prayer are unconstitutional.
Perhaps a closer review of President Washington’s proclamation will explain the difference in understanding and interpretation of the intent of the Constitution.
Then, of course, those who know the true meaning of Thanksgiving don’t need a decree from Congress or a Presidential proclamation anyway. Moreover, no decision of the Supreme Court of the United States of America will overturn what lives in their hearts nor will it keep them from fulfilling it in their lives.
Nevertheless, it is a wondrous thing to have this example laid before us by the first members of Congress and the first President to govern by the Constitution that has been handed down to us from that time. That in itself is a cause for marvel and to give thanks.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Thanksgiving
“I am sooooo thankful.”
Yesterday I heard a lady on the radio, a college athletics coach, announce that as she and her team traveled that one of the planned activities is to list at least 50 things for which they are thankful.
Other people often say “Count your blessings.”
What do these generic statements of thankfulness mean?
The thing that is curiously missing from these statements is “thankful to whom”?
Both the religious and the irreligious make these statements of thankfulness. What does this mean?
One observation would be that even those who say that they do not believe in a divine being and especially not in the Lord, still realize in their innermost being that the good things that they enjoy cannot be attributed solely to their own accomplishments. Some things even the most determinedly self-reliant still cannot take credit for according to their own efforts. Thus the rather spontaneous statement, “I am sooooo thankful.”
Is this general sense of thankfulness among people of all races and religiosity really evidence that the Lord has built into our being a natural knowledge of His divine presence and providence?
One time that this seems to be an irresistible response is in the case of an unexplainable and “miraculous” rescue from danger or a “medical miracle.” Even doctors who imagine that healing is something that they make happen, ordinarily giving credit only to the science and procedures of medical expertise, will let slip the words, “I have no explanation for your recovery. It’s a miracle.” And of course, the person and/or family respond, “I am sooooo thankful.”
So what does this mean for you? Do you really know why you give thanks? Do you really know the one to whom your thanksgiving is directed?
Psalm 136
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Yesterday I heard a lady on the radio, a college athletics coach, announce that as she and her team traveled that one of the planned activities is to list at least 50 things for which they are thankful.
Other people often say “Count your blessings.”
What do these generic statements of thankfulness mean?
The thing that is curiously missing from these statements is “thankful to whom”?
Both the religious and the irreligious make these statements of thankfulness. What does this mean?
One observation would be that even those who say that they do not believe in a divine being and especially not in the Lord, still realize in their innermost being that the good things that they enjoy cannot be attributed solely to their own accomplishments. Some things even the most determinedly self-reliant still cannot take credit for according to their own efforts. Thus the rather spontaneous statement, “I am sooooo thankful.”
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. (Romans 2:14-16)
Is this general sense of thankfulness among people of all races and religiosity really evidence that the Lord has built into our being a natural knowledge of His divine presence and providence?
One time that this seems to be an irresistible response is in the case of an unexplainable and “miraculous” rescue from danger or a “medical miracle.” Even doctors who imagine that healing is something that they make happen, ordinarily giving credit only to the science and procedures of medical expertise, will let slip the words, “I have no explanation for your recovery. It’s a miracle.” And of course, the person and/or family respond, “I am sooooo thankful.”
So what does this mean for you? Do you really know why you give thanks? Do you really know the one to whom your thanksgiving is directed?
Psalm 136
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The Validation of the Truth
The Truth cannot be validated, for the Truth is that which validates.
† † †
A statement is valid because it is true, but the truth is not validated by the statement.
If a discovery is of that which is true, then the discovery is validated by the truth.
If one’s understanding is true, then it is a valid understanding.
A fact is only a fact if it is true.
The Truth stands, regardless of whether or not anyone acknowledges the Truth. The Truth Is. All things, visible and invisible, in the cosmos and in heaven exist by the declaration of the Truth.
The Truth can be ignored, for a time. The Truth can be covered over, for a time. Yet in time the Truth ultimately reveals what is true. The words and works of the Truth are the standard by which all things are confirmed.
The Truth does not change. The Truth is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Thus the validation of the Truth is the Truth’s own possession. The validation of the Truth is provided by the Truth from the Truth, not for the Truth by those acknowledging what the Truth already is.
Faith, if it is true faith, acknowledges the Truth and exists in connection with the Truth. True faith cannot in any way deny the Truth. Any denial of the Truth, in any part, is a complete denial of the Truth. For the Truth is always true, or else it is not the Truth. True faith, when confronted with what is not true alongside the Truth, always turns to the Truth. This is the nature of true faith, because this is the way of the Truth. True faith and the Truth cannot be separated, for the Truth is the producer of true faith.
† † †
† † †
A statement is valid because it is true, but the truth is not validated by the statement.
If a discovery is of that which is true, then the discovery is validated by the truth.
If one’s understanding is true, then it is a valid understanding.
A fact is only a fact if it is true.
The Truth stands, regardless of whether or not anyone acknowledges the Truth. The Truth Is. All things, visible and invisible, in the cosmos and in heaven exist by the declaration of the Truth.
The Truth can be ignored, for a time. The Truth can be covered over, for a time. Yet in time the Truth ultimately reveals what is true. The words and works of the Truth are the standard by which all things are confirmed.
The Truth does not change. The Truth is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Thus the validation of the Truth is the Truth’s own possession. The validation of the Truth is provided by the Truth from the Truth, not for the Truth by those acknowledging what the Truth already is.
Faith, if it is true faith, acknowledges the Truth and exists in connection with the Truth. True faith cannot in any way deny the Truth. Any denial of the Truth, in any part, is a complete denial of the Truth. For the Truth is always true, or else it is not the Truth. True faith, when confronted with what is not true alongside the Truth, always turns to the Truth. This is the nature of true faith, because this is the way of the Truth. True faith and the Truth cannot be separated, for the Truth is the producer of true faith.
† † †
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Jonah: Preacher of the Gospel
Jonah is a book of the Gospel of God’s grace in Christ Jesus. Yet often Jonah is counted as a preacher only of the Law, and not of the Gospel. The Gospel is easily seen in the Lord’s dealings with Jonah, and even in His gracious desire that the people of Nineveh should repent and be spared the destruction that they were bringing upon themselves. But Jonah’s message is seldom understood for what it was.
The key word in this proclamation is the word: YET.
By this word the Lord was declaring through His sent servant of the Word that patience was being extended to the people of doom. The Lord was making it known that Sin would be dealt with fully. Yet forty days were being given before the consequences of Sin would come. The Lord was waiting patiently. He sent Jonah and waited until Jonah’s arrival to begin the countdown. On the first day Jonah began to preach, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.”
The people and the king of Nineveh heard this “Yet” loudly and clearly. They already knew of the gracious nature of the Lord. The Gospel had been preached to them and among them in the past. This declaration of YET was received as an urgent call to repentance and faith, an urgent call to receive God’s salvation in Christ.
St. Peter reiterates this, saying,
The fact that the Lord ordains preachers to preach the Law is in itself a statement of grace. For there is only one reason for the Lord to speak the condemnation of the Law, and that reason is that people should hear and repent and believe the Gospel. The Law is not declared to convince people to live better lives. The Law is not given to urge people to try harder. The Law is the Lord’s proclamation of His extreme patience, patience in withholding the consequences that sinners have chosen for themselves, patience in reaching out to a rebellious people with the urgency of a Father’s love for His wayward children. The Lord’s desire in proclaiming the Law is that people would hear the great “Yet” of the Father’s love and to be turned in faith to the life that He gives in connection with the gift of Jesus.
Jonah knew this, and in his hateful prejudice tried to thwart God’s grace. Jonah was prejudiced toward the people of Nineveh because he counted their sinfulness and their unbelief to be worse than his own. He was not willing that the Law and Gospel should be applied to all equally. The Lord could have sent someone else, but then the Lord’s “Yet” would not have been heard by Jonah as applying also to him.
Certainly this stands as an everlasting message to all Christians, and especially to those whom the Lord ordains to be servants of the Word.
And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. (Jonah 3:4)
The key word in this proclamation is the word: YET.
By this word the Lord was declaring through His sent servant of the Word that patience was being extended to the people of doom. The Lord was making it known that Sin would be dealt with fully. Yet forty days were being given before the consequences of Sin would come. The Lord was waiting patiently. He sent Jonah and waited until Jonah’s arrival to begin the countdown. On the first day Jonah began to preach, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.”
The people and the king of Nineveh heard this “Yet” loudly and clearly. They already knew of the gracious nature of the Lord. The Gospel had been preached to them and among them in the past. This declaration of YET was received as an urgent call to repentance and faith, an urgent call to receive God’s salvation in Christ.
St. Peter reiterates this, saying,
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Pet 3:9)
The fact that the Lord ordains preachers to preach the Law is in itself a statement of grace. For there is only one reason for the Lord to speak the condemnation of the Law, and that reason is that people should hear and repent and believe the Gospel. The Law is not declared to convince people to live better lives. The Law is not given to urge people to try harder. The Law is the Lord’s proclamation of His extreme patience, patience in withholding the consequences that sinners have chosen for themselves, patience in reaching out to a rebellious people with the urgency of a Father’s love for His wayward children. The Lord’s desire in proclaiming the Law is that people would hear the great “Yet” of the Father’s love and to be turned in faith to the life that He gives in connection with the gift of Jesus.
Jonah knew this, and in his hateful prejudice tried to thwart God’s grace. Jonah was prejudiced toward the people of Nineveh because he counted their sinfulness and their unbelief to be worse than his own. He was not willing that the Law and Gospel should be applied to all equally. The Lord could have sent someone else, but then the Lord’s “Yet” would not have been heard by Jonah as applying also to him.
Certainly this stands as an everlasting message to all Christians, and especially to those whom the Lord ordains to be servants of the Word.
Evolution versus DNA
Evolution versus DNA seems like an appropriate theme for describing what the science (knowledge) of man says versus the openly declared true science of the cosmos.
Dr. Veith’s web log post, DNA as Language, with a link to a Washington Post Article, How Science Is Rewriting the Book on Genes, stimulated my mind and soul to remember some fascinating aspects of the genetic code and to recognize the bigger picture written into the code that “man’s science” refuses to see or to know.
Two things struck me about this article.
First, the reminder of the language of DNA consisting of 3 letter words. It never struck me until today that the original human language also uses 3 letters for the roots of its words. Hebrew, the language of Adam (given by the Lord) has the number 3 as its base. Imagine that! The Trinity is demonstrated in the language of God to Man (Adam), the language that continued as the only human language until Babel. But not only is 3 the basis of the audible human language, but of the language of creation, DNA! And this appears never to vary. Always 3, exactly THREE!
Amazing!
The second thing that struck me in this article is the continual reference to evolution as the creator or builder or designer of language and of all that is necessary for life. This article demonstrates the deliberate denial of the Creator, the self-chosen stupidity of mankind, that St. Paul declares in Romans 1.
Evolutionists are living in a state of denial, like drug addicts or dysfunctional family members. They substitute a god of their own making for the One whom all of creation declares.
If only they would hear the Proverb:
Dr. Veith’s web log post, DNA as Language, with a link to a Washington Post Article, How Science Is Rewriting the Book on Genes, stimulated my mind and soul to remember some fascinating aspects of the genetic code and to recognize the bigger picture written into the code that “man’s science” refuses to see or to know.
Two things struck me about this article.
First, the reminder of the language of DNA consisting of 3 letter words. It never struck me until today that the original human language also uses 3 letters for the roots of its words. Hebrew, the language of Adam (given by the Lord) has the number 3 as its base. Imagine that! The Trinity is demonstrated in the language of God to Man (Adam), the language that continued as the only human language until Babel. But not only is 3 the basis of the audible human language, but of the language of creation, DNA! And this appears never to vary. Always 3, exactly THREE!
Amazing!
The second thing that struck me in this article is the continual reference to evolution as the creator or builder or designer of language and of all that is necessary for life. This article demonstrates the deliberate denial of the Creator, the self-chosen stupidity of mankind, that St. Paul declares in Romans 1.
Evolutionists are living in a state of denial, like drug addicts or dysfunctional family members. They substitute a god of their own making for the One whom all of creation declares.
If only they would hear the Proverb:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.(Prov 1:7)
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Authoritative Nature of the Office
In the first year of serving as a pastor, I served a congregation in which a very cute little girl was a member with her family. She was full of energy and excitement. She was very outgoing and friendly and talkative.
One day as she came bouncing into the room, I exclaimed, “Here comes Bashful!”
Some time later it was reported to me that on another occasion a person made the comment, “Boy! She isn’t bashful at all!”
Hearing this she immediately responded, “Oh yes I am! Pasture said so!”
Interesting how she was not able to distinguish between the safe pasture and the pastor or the pasturing one. But to those who acknowledge the pastor as the one who speaks for God, the pastor’s word is to be believed, even when he is teasing or making a joke.
Another time, when going to visit with a family, a little girl answered my knock on the door and turned from the doorway, running through the house exclaiming, “Jesus is here! Jesus is here!”
To me this has long manifested the great seriousness with which I must always treat the office that the Lord has ordained me to serve. Every word that I speak and every action that I do is observed by those who know that I am an ordained servant of the Word. There is never a time that the office stops being Christ’s office, and there is never a time that I am not an ambassador of Christ.
Christ’s little ones, regardless of age and size, are always listening and watching. Every word and every action has impact. A careless word or a careless action can have everlasting impact.
How much more so must I treat the “official acts” of the office! What pastor can afford to be careless in sermon preparation? Every word is received as from the Lord. And what of the administration of the Word in the Sacrament? Surely this is as serious and important as anything can ever be!
Yet such seemingly overbearing responsibility is not a burden, but a joy. For with the responsibility is great reward, for with the preaching office is also the immeasurable power of salvation. God uses His office and the men who fill it to proclaim the good news of the Gospel of Christ crucified. Through His office and through the men who fill it, God baptizes His little ones back into His kingdom of grace and life and maintains His Holy Communion for the safety of His dear children on earth, keeping them safe in His mercy and love all the days of their lives and even forevermore. Truly this is serious cause for rejoicing always, and again I say: Rejoice!
One day as she came bouncing into the room, I exclaimed, “Here comes Bashful!”
Some time later it was reported to me that on another occasion a person made the comment, “Boy! She isn’t bashful at all!”
Hearing this she immediately responded, “Oh yes I am! Pasture said so!”
Interesting how she was not able to distinguish between the safe pasture and the pastor or the pasturing one. But to those who acknowledge the pastor as the one who speaks for God, the pastor’s word is to be believed, even when he is teasing or making a joke.
Another time, when going to visit with a family, a little girl answered my knock on the door and turned from the doorway, running through the house exclaiming, “Jesus is here! Jesus is here!”
To me this has long manifested the great seriousness with which I must always treat the office that the Lord has ordained me to serve. Every word that I speak and every action that I do is observed by those who know that I am an ordained servant of the Word. There is never a time that the office stops being Christ’s office, and there is never a time that I am not an ambassador of Christ.
Christ’s little ones, regardless of age and size, are always listening and watching. Every word and every action has impact. A careless word or a careless action can have everlasting impact.
How much more so must I treat the “official acts” of the office! What pastor can afford to be careless in sermon preparation? Every word is received as from the Lord. And what of the administration of the Word in the Sacrament? Surely this is as serious and important as anything can ever be!
Yet such seemingly overbearing responsibility is not a burden, but a joy. For with the responsibility is great reward, for with the preaching office is also the immeasurable power of salvation. God uses His office and the men who fill it to proclaim the good news of the Gospel of Christ crucified. Through His office and through the men who fill it, God baptizes His little ones back into His kingdom of grace and life and maintains His Holy Communion for the safety of His dear children on earth, keeping them safe in His mercy and love all the days of their lives and even forevermore. Truly this is serious cause for rejoicing always, and again I say: Rejoice!
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Salvation by Grace through Faith
Does a person know that he is saved because he believes,
or does he believe because he knows that he is saved?
Ephesians 2:4-10
Romans 10:8-21
or does he believe because he knows that he is saved?
Ephesians 2:4-10
Romans 10:8-21
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