Cleveland Confessional Lutheranism

sermon for October 16, 2011- Pentecost 18

2011-10-14T11:34:00.001-05:00

Text: Matthew 22:15-22
Theme: God and Caesar
Date: October 16, 2011- Pentecost 18
Grace, mercy and peace be unto you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
As I drive around, I love to listen to books on CD. The book that I am listening to right now is a book written by Paul Maier called, “The Constantine Codex.” It is the fictional account of a professor by the name of Jonathan Weber who stumbles across an important ancient manuscript that has been lost for centuries. This manuscript may have long-lasting effects on the church. But, Professor Weber is also drawn into an internationally televised debate between himself and an Islamic scholar. They debate the two main religions of our time: Christianity and Islam. At the point that I am at in the book, it appears that Dr. Weber is winning the debate and proving the superiority of Christianity over Islam.
In our world today, that debate continues to rage on. Sadly, it is not politically correct or wise to debate or openly speak out against Islam. It is viewed as narrow-minded and intolerant. It could even be hazardous to your health. However, on the other hand, Christianity is open season to any hack with a pen or a paintbrush. No one says anything if Christianity is mocked or made fun of in the media. It is expected. This is the world that we are living in.
But, as Christians we must not be afraid to give a reason for the hope that we have in Christ, as St. Peter says in his epistle. If called upon, we must not be afraid to debate against or speak to anyone who might ask, but we do so with love. St. Paul reminds us that, “we must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been received and refute those who oppose it.” To be honest there are countless groups of people in our world that if called upon I would love to refute or debate, but it is probably better that it doesn’t happen.
Do you like to debate, not just Christianity vs. Islam, but in general? It is my contention that women are better at it than men or at least men are too afraid to go too far in the debate, at least in a marriage relationship. We don’t want to press the issue too far. But, for many of us debating is very natural. It is as natural as breathing. Who among us doesn’t like a good debate?
In our text for today, Jesus finds himself in a heated debate in first century Palestine. For years, there was a debate among the Jews whether it was legal to pay taxes or were the Romans abusing their power. For Rome, taxes were essential. In order for Rome to pay for its extensive programs and expansion, it had to tax the people that it had conquered. Sounds somewhat familiar, but I digress. But, the Jews hated being oppressed by the Romans and they hated being taxed even more. They also hated the inscription of the Roman emperor on the currency that they had to use in their business transactions. They felt it was idolatrous and blasphemous.
So, in our text, along came the Pharisees and Sadducees who had just seen Jesus ride into Jerusalem on a donkey. They had just seen him kick the moneychangers out of the temple. Their hatred and disgust for Jesus was reaching a fever pitch. So, someone in their motley crew had come up with a master plan to trick Jesus. The text actually says that they hoped to reel Jesus in on a hook, like he was a fish. The issue was this: If He answered that it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar than the Pharisees could use that against Him in relation to how the people felt about Him. Word about his answer would spread very quickly and He could become very unpopular. If He answered that it wasn’t lawful to pay taxes, then He could be portrayed as a revolutionary and an enemy of the Romans. That news would also spread like wildfire. It was a win-win situation for them or so they thought. They felt they couldn’t lose this debate. Amazing how arrogant we can become as human. Who did they think they were and who did they think they were debating against? Obviously not God’s Son, the Christ, and the King of kings and Lord of lords.
To butter Jesus up, to lower his defenses, hoping that He would let his guard down, they complement Jesus, “Hey Jesus, Teacher (like they really respected him as a teacher), we know that you are true (Sure) and teach the way of God truthfully (Yeh, right, like they really believed that) and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances (ironically that part is true).” Right away, Jesus understood that this wasn’t a real debate. He saw through this charade. All the Pharisees cared about was discrediting Jesus, trying to use whatever they could against him but Jesus responded, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites?”
But, this morning, as we are pondering this text, it is necessary for us to ask: How does this text refer to me? How am I involved? In ancient Greek, a hypocrite was an actor, someone who played a part, someone who often wore a mask, and someone who pretended to be someone or something that they were not. We admit that we too play the part of a hypocrite or an actor. We play the part that we think we’re supposed to play. We wear masks so that others don’t see who we really are. We pretend to be someone or something that we really aren’t in order to be popular, accepted or because everyone else is doing it. It is not beneath us to manipulate others in order to get them to do what we want. We complement our boss so that we get a raise. We help our neighbor in need so we can hold him to helping us later. We treat others in a certain way in order to trap them or irritate them so much that they tire of the fight and want to leave. The ends justify the means. In this, and in many other ways, we show our sinful human nature, and we fall short of any ability truly to render love to God and neighbor.
But, this morning, God’s Law stares at us in the face and we are forced to take off our masks, put aside our desire to manipulate others and see ourselves for who we truly are: sinners in need of repentance. To the hypocrites in our text and to hypocrites everywhere, Jesus provides an answer to their question. He asks for a coin and proclaims, “Render to Caesar what is Caesars and to God what is God’s.”
“To give to God what is God’s” is to see the Holy Spirit at work by the Gospel. It is to believe that same Gospel and to recognize that faith in Christ is the highest worship of the Christ, the ultimate rendering to God. It is to “take the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord,” receiving the bounty of His grace in the Lord’s Supper, Holy Baptism, and Holy Absolution. It is to cling to Jesus as the one who paid the tax debt by His suffering and death on the cross for you. And when we hear him cry out, “It is finished,” the tax bill is stamped “Paid in full.”
Peter reminds us in chapter 1 of his epistle, the 16th verse, “Since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’ And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” It is Christ’s blood on the cross that purifies our hearts and mind. It is Christ’s blood on the cross that sets us right with God. It is Christ’s blood on the cross that forgives our sins. We know that the payment was complete and perfect because the bill collector of the grave was unable to hold Jesus. The effects of the debt-death and Hell- had no power over him. He rose from the dead to prove that the debt is truly and completely paid.
Next week, we will celebrate a special 200 year anniversary of Dr. Walther’s, the first LC-MS President and founder of our Synod and the following week, we celebrate the blessed Lutheran Reformation. One of the greatest but often forgotten teachings of the Lutheran Reformation is what Luther called, “The two kingdoms, two realms or two swords” doctrine. Luther teaches that God controls the world in two ways. The first way is through the kingdom of the Church where He rules through Law and Gospel and by justification by grace through faith. He wields the sword of the Spirit. The second kingdom or realm or sword is the power He gives secular government to rule. They rule by compulsion and power. Their job is to order and control society. And, as Christians, we have roles to play in both. Neither kingdom should infringe upon the power of the other but both kingdoms should support the role that each other play.
Secondly, Jesus is telling us to “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar.” This is where the rubber meets the road especially when we don’t necessarily care for either the Caesar or the government that Caesar represents. In many quarters today, the government is criticized no matter what side of the isle you might find yourself. But, as Christians, it is our duty to keep the Fourth Commandment and to honor the ruling authorities, and paying taxes as well. That is indeed being faithful to God, because all things are God’s already, even the government He puts in place to govern! Jesus makes it clear in this particular case that by doing our duty as citizens we are giving thanks to our loving and generous God for his gift of civil governance and peace.
Debating is part of what it means to be human. In the debate before us, it was not the Lord’s intention to win by belittling and destroying those with whom He’s debating, so that he could be perceived as brilliant. It was Jesus ultimate desire to be the attention on Calvary’s cross. There is no debating how we love to justify our own actions and manipulate others by our actions. But, there is also no debating how much our good and gracious God loves us and how much He does to provide for us. On one hand, He rules through the church through Word and Sacrament and on the other hand, He rules through civil government. As Christians, we must support the work of God in both realms.
In an invocation prayer at the United States Senate, Peter Marshall said, "Lord Jesus, Thou who art the way, the truth, and the life, hear us as we pray for the truth that shall make men free. Teach us that liberty is not only to be loved but also to be lived. Liberty is too precious a thing to be buried in books. It costs too much to be hoarded. Make us to see that our liberty is not the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to please to do what is right." It is unthinkable that a Christian would not vote! It is unthinkable that Christians would not run for public office! It is unthinkable that Christians would withdraw from the responsibility of taking part in public life. The Christian has a responsibility to Caesar for all the privileges which the rule of Caesar brings. We are citizens of this world and must be good ones, if we are Christ's disciples.”
In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Sermon for Sunday September 25th, 2011- Pentecost 15

2011-09-22T13:08:00.001-05:00

Grace, mercy and peace be unto you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
This morning, we read from the 21st chapter of St. Matthew. The setting was Holy Week. Jesus was a day or two removed from Palm Sunday, where He triumphantly rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and everyone seemed to love Him. He was also a few days away from Good Friday where He would be arrested, falsely accused, sentenced, tortured, crucified, buried and finally resurrected. In our text, He was in the temple, once again, challenging the authority of the religious establishment, as He often did.
But, in addition to what we heard, I want to read a parable that goes with it, verse 28, "What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' And he answered, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, 'I go, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.”
The movie, “Star Wars” has a multitude of them: situations where characters are faced with tough choices. There doesn’t seem to be a right answer or a clear path. The main character has to choose between two options neither of which seem to be the right way at the time. They are caught between a rock and a hard place. No matter which way they go, someone is not going to like it or someone is going to get hurt. One particular scene involves Luke Skywalker who has to choose whether to follow the emperor, give in to his anger and the dark side or not follow him and die. All hope seemed to be lost until Darth Vader has a change of heart and intervenes. Sadly, Luke is saved, but at the cost of losing his father.
Our lives are different than what goes on in a movie in general or in Star Wars in particular, but life has its share of tough choices. We often find ourselves facing moral dilemmas and we have to make some pretty tough decisions at times. It started even when we were children: what friends were we going to hang out with or would we listen to our friends when they did things we knew were wrong? These tough decisions continued in High School. Did we get involved with the immorality that we saw around us? Did we do what we saw our friends doing? Could we avoid the pressures of drugs, alcohol and pre-marital relations or did we join in to be popular and to be accepted?
Life continued to involve tough choices as we got married, got a job, settled into our middle ages and even as we approached retirement age. Would we follow the world, sell out our principles and do whatever we could to get ahead? Would we listen to the world and be unfaithful to God? Would we let our material possessions get the better of us? These and in so many other ways, life on this side of eternity involves many tough choices and moral dilemmas. Sometimes, there doesn’t seem to be a right answer. Sometimes we have the best of intentions, but we say the wrong thing. We do the wrong thing. We go down the wrong path, but our text for this morning is of great encouragement; because, as God’s children, the Father always welcomes us back to Himself.
A father once tried to talk to his son about how college was going: The father said, "How are things going?" The son said, "Good." The father said, "And the dormitory?" He said, "Good." The father said, "How are your studies going?" He said, "Good." “How’s the food?” “Good.” The father finally said, "Have you decided on a major yet?" He said, "Yes." "Well, what is it?" asked the father. The son said, "Communication." So it goes as parents and children try to talk to each other. It isn’t always easy and often is fractured. So it was for the two sons in Jesus’ story.
The story is a parable, but certainly rings true to real life in the family. The Father loved his sons dearly. He wanted what was best for them. He tried to teach them right from wrong. He sacrificed whenever He could so that they could have what they needed. But, the Father had high expectations for his sons. He expected them to do what was right. He tried to get them ready for life outside of the family. He wanted them to be contributing members of society. He wanted them to take responsibility for their actions. When they did something right, He complimented them, patted them on the back, and told them how much he loved them. But, when they did the wrong thing, he was also there to let them know, to admonish and correct them, again telling them how much He loved them. Parenting itself is not easy and it, too, involves difficult choices.
But, as children age, we realize that we can only do such much. Our children are all different. We try to treat them the same way, but in the end, they have to do what they feel is right. Each child has to take responsibility for their actions. They have to follow their own path. We can make suggestions, but in the end, they have to decide what they are going to do. Sometimes, our children do the right thing and at our times, they don’t.
In the parable, the father is making a simple request. We don’t know exactly what the request was, but it doesn’t matter. The children had the responsibility of doing what the father wanted. Initially, the first son rebelled. He told the father that he was not going to do what the Father asked; while the second Son told the Father that he would do exactly what he had asked. At first glance, the second son seemed to be the faithful son. But, as we know appearances aren’t always what they seem.
After awhile, the rebellious son thought about it and told himself, “What am I doing? What right do I have to tell my father no? He has done so much for me. He loves me. He isn’t asking me to do that much. Boy I sure messed up. You know what: I am going to do what He wants me to do. It is the right thing to do.” And, so the rebellious son became the obedient and faithful son.
Meanwhile, the outwardly obedient son also thought to himself, “I really don’t feel like doing what my father wants me to do. He won’t really know if I do it or not. My friends want me to go with them. I’m too tired to do what He wants. I am sick of tired of always listening to my father. I’ve got better things to do than what He wants me to do.” And, so the second son became the disobedient and unfaithful son. Again, appearances aren’t what they seem.
In the parable, the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law were the outwardly obedient sons. By all appearances, they were doing the right thing, but when it came down to do, they were the disobedient son at heart. They refused to see a need for repentance. They didn’t think that they needed any help. They had it all figured out. While, the tax collectors, the sinners, the prostitutes, the outcast, the lowly, those who were in desperate need came to John the Baptist, repented of their sin and then cling to Jesus for refuge, for comfort, and for salvation. They were the first son who was the obedient son.
This story is a beautiful description of the Christian life. At times, we are the outwardly disobedient son who refuses to do what our Father asks. But, as we are confronted by the Law, we repent of our sins, cling to the Gospel of Jesus, and do what our Father asks. And, at other times, we are outwardly obedient Son who mouths the words, say the right things, gives the appearances that we are following our Father, but when push comes to shove, when the heat is on, when we are facing with the decision, we can’t go through with it. Our actions don’t follow our words and we go our own way and do our own thing.
In our lives, we usually are one of the two sons; either we outwardly reject and in the end, we came around or we outwardly accept and in the end, we go our own way. But, there is also a third way, a third son. The Father had one task for this Son and one task only. Leave the comforts of heaven and become man, take on flesh and dwell among sinful humanity. St. Paul, beautifully describes that perfectly obedient Son, in the intervening verses of Philippians 2, “Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Throughout, His life, our Lord had many tough choices, but things be to God, He always made the right ones. He always did what His Father wanted. He was the obedient Son who always said yes to the Father and who, as a result, brought forgiveness, life and salvation to all who believe in Him.
As I said before, the Parable of the two sons is an amazing description of the Christian life. We find ourselves playing the part of both sons; but, in the end, we pray we resemble the son who turns from his evil ways, repents of his sins, and does the will of His Father. Because we know we have a welcoming and forgiving Father, we pray we are the obedient and faithful son.
As we have said, life on this side of eternity involves tough decisions. Maybe, you are faced with one at this very moment. I pray God gives you the insight and wisdom to make the right choice. Whatever difficult decisions you may be faced with, may God give you the courage to do what is right and help you realize that if you mess up, He is there to forgive you!
Our epistle reading from Philippians also presents some challenges for us. Here are a few of those challenges that I pray you think about: Will I have the mind of Christ or the mind of man? Will I work for the unity of the church or will I bring disunity and disintegration? Will I operate out of conceit or will I be humble? Will I grumble and complain or will I have a thankful heart? Will I make excuses for my actions or will I take personal responsibility and be accountable? Will I be fearful and afraid or will I trust in God to help me? Will I sell out or stand tall? Will I let go of God when times are tough or hold firmly to His Word? Live involves tough choices, but with God all things are possible. In Jesus name, Amen.

Sermon for February 27, 2011

2011-02-26T20:58:00.001-05:00

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1-13
Theme: Triumph
Date: February 27, 2011- Epiphany 8
Grace, mercy and peace be unto you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
The world is on fire. I mean that both literally and figuratively. Beginning with the unrest in Egypt, demonstrations against ruling governments have caught fire all throughout the Middle East, including the countries of Bahrain, Libya, Tunisia, Yemen and Iran, just a mention a few. The unrest has even reached the state of Wisconsin, although some in that protest didn’t seem to know what they were protesting. Those in power are attempting to crack down on protestors in whatever way possible. The demonstrations or the protests have gotten very bloody, as many have lost their lives fighting for what they believed in. The jury is still out as to what will happen in the future.
Many are convinced that this will lead to gas prices going through the roof, global economic collapse and war throughout the world. Many Millennialist preachers are having a field day proclaiming that this is most certainly the beginning of Armageddon. One could certainly make a case that we are entering the “little season” spoken of in the book of Revelation. But, before I begin to hyperventilate, Jesus words in our Gospel reading this morning ring out loud and clear, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Thank you Jesus, I needed to hear that.
Not only is there great tribulation in many countries, but persecution against the church continues to be on the rise. Because of that, our text will continue to be of great importance in the years ahead. The true church has been, is and always will be hated the world. When we become friends with the world, when we begin to compromise with the world, when we begin to think that this world is all that matters, then that is when we get ourselves into trouble and the Gospel begins to be ordinary and robed of its power and glory.
St. Paul has some encouraging words for us in our epistle reading, although initially it might be a little tough to understand how these words are of comfort. Our text this morning focuses on 1 Corinthians 4, beginning at the 9th verse, ”For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake.“
We are all familiar with a parade. Sitting on the side of the road in our lawn chairs, we all have enjoyed watching the bands, floats and fire trucks slowly go by. Maybe you even been in a parade walking with a civic group or sports team. The ancient Romans also enjoyed a good parade, only their version was not just for fun. It was called a Roman Triumph. Their version was to teach a very important lesson: don’t make us angry. If you’re thinking about protesting our leadership, or you are thinking about a little demonstration, well you might want to think twice. After they would conquer an enemy’s city, they would set up their triumphal parade. The Roman leader would ride in on his chariot surrounded by his other military personnel. They would wear their military attire and carry their weaponry. There would be trumpeters, carts with the spoils of war, and bulls for sacrifice. Toward the end of the parade would also be those who were captured or those who opposed them, often in chains, bloodied and bruised beyond recognition. The Christians also often found themselves at the end of these lines quite often. After the parade was over, the prisoners were often executed. I’m not sure I would be too excited about attending this parade or certainly would not want to be in it. What encouragement then was Paul giving the Corinthians and us? Why was Paul saying that we should be a spectacle to the world at the end of a parade?
For us, by nature, Jesus’s words seem to make little sense. We have no desire to be a spectacle to the world. Who wants to be the fool? We want to be at the front of the parade. We want to have the power. We want the control. This is what we deserve. We play second fiddle to no one. We are also surrounded by so much affluence, wealth and riches that it so often clouds our thinking. Our problems and struggles seem bigger than they really are.
Don’t get me wrong. We do suffer and we do have anxiety. We do have issues with our family and neighbors. We do struggle mightily with financial and health issues. We do have problems at work. We do have personal worth issues. We do have sleepless night worried sick over what is going on in our lives. I don’t downplay those issues. I have them as well. They are painful. Again, Jesus says to us, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Sir Winston Churchill once said, "When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his death bed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which never happened."
However, think about this: we have the highest standard of living in the history of the world. We have indoor plumbing. We have toilet paper. We have our own beds. We have refrigerators that keep our food cold. We have televisions in most rooms in our house. We have several cars. We throw away more food that many families in the third world live on in a month. We have the type of technology that generations before us couldn’t have ever dreamt of. And, I have no way of proving this, but I bet it is a safe assumption our anxiety, our stress and our nervousness in the 21st century is probably seem to be greater than any other generation before us. Why is that? What causes our stress and anxiety?
What Paul makes clear is exactly what Jesus makes clear: it is not possible to serve two masters. It is not possible to serve money and our possessions and serve Christ. It is not possible to be loyal to the world and loyal to our Savior. As Jesus says in our Gospel, “Either you will hate the one and love the other or you will devoted to the one and despise the other.” Our money, our possession, and our attitude have clouded our thinking. When Jesus tells us to, “take our crosses and follow him”, we have a tough idea what that really means.
Thomas Cress spent close to thirty years in a Michigan jail for killing Pat Rosansky. Recently he was released. It was determined that he was actually innocent. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to sit in jail knowing that you didn’t commit the crime for which you sentenced. You were in the wrong place at the wrong time. All the evidence was circumstantial, but it pointed to you. But, you were innocent. You had done nothing wrong. The frustration would be overwhelming.
Our Lord and Savior Jesus was sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit. He was accused of being a blasphemer, of saying that he was God when he wasn’t. He was also accused of promoting not paying taxes to Caesar. The charges were trumped up. He was indeed God’s Son. He had, in fact, said that we should pay taxes to Caesar. But, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ not only innocent of the charges leveled against him, He was innocent of any charges. He was totally innocent of any sin whatsoever. There were no skeletons in His closet. An inquiry into his life would find nothing to use against Him.
But, instead of complaining, instead of running the other way, instead of wishing for a comfortable life, instead of thinking of himself, instead of putting his own needs above our own, He had us in mind. Every man, woman and child was on his mind, as He endured the punishment that He didn’t deserve. He didn’t sit in a jail for 30 years. His sentence was carried out quickly; tried, convicted, whipped, beaten, spat upon, and crucified. As the innocent Son of God was sentenced to death, he was a spectacle to the world. Very few people seemed to care, but that spectacle was also God’s triumph. For, as Jesus gave up His life for us, He proclaimed, “It is finished. Your sins are forgiven. You will spend eternity with me.” Three days, later his suffering was all worth it, as He triumphantly come forth from the grave.
Each and every week, this beautiful message of Jesus Christ crucified and risen changes the focus of our lives. St. Paul proclaims again, “For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake.” Now, for St. Paul He knew what it meant to be a fool for Jesus, to truly suffer. He knew what it meant to be put on display or to be a spectacle. For the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he had been beaten, shipwrecked, and put in prison. He may have even seen other Christians be forced to walk in the Roman Triumphal parade to their death.
We can’t help but think to ourselves: if called upon would I be willing to be a spectacle to the world following along in a Roman Triumph? Would I be willing to confess Christ rather than promise allegiance to the emperor? Right now, it is legal to worship, but who knows for whole long. If things changed overnight, would I be found to be faithful or would I shrink away from the pain?
Later on in our text, Paul goes on to say, “We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.”
Wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, and great persecution continue against God’s people. It will continue until Jesus comes back. I love this country. I wouldn’t trade living in this country for anything. However, I am saddened to say that material possessions have blinded us to how easy we truly have it. Let us be thankful for what we do have! Let us use what we have to help others while we still can! Let us never grow tired of what Jesus Christ did for us at the cross and empty tomb; being last so that we can be first. Let us join those at the end of the line, suffering for the sake of Christ, bloody and beaten but triumphant. We are last now so that we can be first for eternity! For we are also part of another parade; this parade is an invisible parade. It can’t be seen with our eyes, but it is a parade that leads straight to heaven. It includes all saints living and departed. We are cheered on by Jesus and by those who have gone before. They tell us, “Be strong, serve God only and know that when you do beautiful heaven awaits.” And, let us also pray for opportunities to confess Christ to the world and trust that God will use whatever is going on in our lives to his glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sermon For February 20, 2011

2011-02-20T13:38:00.002-05:00

Text: Matthew 5:38-48
Theme: The Search for Perfection
Date: February 20, 2011- Epiphany 7
Grace, mercy and peace be unto you from God our Father and
from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. This morning, we focus on our Lord’s words in verse 48, “You therefore must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Sally was beyond frustrated; at the end of her rope, really. Nothing that she ever did was good enough. Growing up, her parents never seemed to be pleased with anything that she did. She got straight A’s in High School and College. She was the star on the softball team and was the valedictorian. After college, she married a doctor. She had 2 kids, a boy and a girl. She worked out at the gym incessantly taking care of her body. She was involved in her children’s school and other community groups. But, deep down inside, something was missing. She was never content. Just when she felt that she was getting close, perfection seemed to be just beyond reach. She didn’t know how much longer she could go on.
As a child growing up, I wanted to achieve perfection on the basketball court. Someone should have told me that I would never get any taller than six feet tall. Nevertheless, I would practice for hours in my driveway, taking hundreds of shots from a variety of locations. I would practice three point shots. I would practice free throws. I would practice lay-ups. It didn’t matter what the temperature was outside, whether it was raining or the sun was shining. I think my parents worried about me a little bit. “Stop playing so much basketball,” they would say.
Many of us understand the search or quest for perfection and how it can consume a person. Is there any area of your life that you seek perfection? Some of us seek perfection in our appearance. How we look in the mirror is of utmost importance. We might spend countless hours in the gym or on the exercise bike or applying makeup. Others seek perfection in how we keep our homes or our yards. Everything must be in its place or we get nervous. We must have grass that is green and we must have a clear driveway no matter how much snow is out there. Others seek perfection at our work. We spend countless hours trying to climb the corporate ladder. Still others seek perfection when it comes to knowledge and education. There is always one more book that must be read. The search for perfection can be a good thing in that it drives us to use our gifts and abilities and do the best that we can.
However, here’s the deal: the search or quest for perfection is allusive. It always seems to be just out of reach. In basketball, I could make dozens of free-throws in a row, but eventually I would miss. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t quite get to where I wanted to be. Our houses always need to be vacuumed. The driveways always need to be cleared off. Our bodies are in constant need of exercise. There is always some project that needs to be done at work. We just don’t seem to have the time that we need to read the books that we want to read. As a result, we can become very frustrated.
In our Gospel reading, Jesus tells us that we must be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect. How do you feel when you hear that? Does it frighten you at all? Perfect: really? When we hear these words, there is usually one of two responses. The first one is to water-down what Jesus is saying. “Well, yeah, Jesus tells us to be perfect, but he knows that we can’t really achieve it. So, all he asks is for us to try our best. If we just give an effort that is good enough. If He looks down and sees that we are trying hard that is sufficient.”
But, that is not what Jesus says here is it? He says that we must be perfect. Giving it our best try is just not good enough. We can’t ever mess up. The word perfect is pretty clear. We have to do everything perfect all the time, no errors, no mistakes, not once. Jesus really puts on the pressure this morning. If someone slaps us on the face, let them do it again on the other, he says. If someone takes our coat, Jesus says give them our shirt. If someone asks us to go a mile to help them, offer to go two miles. If someone asks for something, we are to offer them more than they ask.
Is anyone else having a guttural reaction to Jesus’ words? “Jesus, if someone strikes me on the cheek, my reaction is not likely to give them the other, but rather to come out swinging. If someone tries to steal my coat, I’m going after my coat and I’m going to get something of theirs as payback. If someone asks me to go with them a mile, I might do it, but there are going to owe me a favor the next time. And, if someone begs something from me, again, I might give it to them, but I will want it back with interest. If we are honest with ourselves, Jesus’ ethical demands this morning are not our favorite words that He ever spoke.
And then, Jesus has the audacity to say, “Love your enemies.” I remember two specific enemies in my past. One was a classmate by the name of Nathan Crary, the only kid I remember who challenged me to a school hard fight. Also, I played for Lutheran High School in Portland, Oregon, and this other enemy played for Corbett. I don’t really remember what started the feud, but I couldn’t stand this guy. He made me angry and when we played, there was going to be bad blood. Over the years since then, there have been other people that I might place in the enemy category.
Do you remember any enemies in your past, someone that made you furious or got under your skin or when you saw them your blood began to boil and your face got read and you wanted revenge? We all have had enemies in our past or currently have people that we might categorize as our enemy. We don’t mind being told to love our neighbor, but when our neighbor is also our enemy, well that’s when it truly gets hard, when Jesus’ ethical demands go a little too far, when we have a tendency to water down these demands or tell ourselves that they don’t apply to us or we just ignore them. But, what Jesus is saying is that our lives must be totally and completely committed to loving God and loving our neighbor all the time, even showing love to our enemies.
“You must be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect.”
When we hear these words, we might have a second response: despair, utter despair and hopelessness. When Jesus tells us to be perfect, we throw our hands up and say, “You’ve got to be kidding. I just can’t do it, Jesus. It isn’t worth it. No matter how hard I try, it is never good enough. So, what’s the point? I should just give up and try anymore.” Satan the accuser is right there whispering in our ear, “You are worthless. Everyone else is a better Christian than you. You don’t really love him. You aren’t that committed. Perfect, yah right! You are far from perfect my friend.”
I think we all have had a time where we have failed miserably, where we gave it our best effort, we wanted to do well, but the sun got in our eyes, or we dropped the ball or we lose sight of the goal, or we didn’t get enough sleep or whatever excuse we might want to use, but we failed. We didn’t achieve what we wanted to and we crashed back down to reality. Please pardon this reference, but a scene from the first Toy Story movie comes to mind, “There I was one minute exploring the whole galaxy and then the next, I am sucking down Darjeeling with Mary Antoine and her sister.” We’ve all had moments of utter failure where all hope is lost, where we failed ourselves, where we disappointed others, where we wonder how we will find the strength to carry on.
But, Jesus says again to us this morning, “Be perfect, as our Heavenly Father is perfect.” When confronted by the Law, either, we water down his words and try to convince ourselves that we’ve come as close to perfection as we could. But, we also wonder if we done enough. Or, secondarily, we despair and throw in the towel, admit defeat and stop trying. This morning, dear friends in Christ, there is a third way. There is a way that we can be perfect. In fact, we are already perfect. The quest or search for perfection has come to an end.
Anyone who has ever played a musical instrument knows the challenge of trying to play a piece of music perfectly. Children are encouraged, of course, to practice and practice. At one time or another, a parent, or teacher likely gives them the adage, “practice makes perfect.” And, so they practice and practice. Occasionally a piece might be learned so well that sometimes it is played perfectly. But, as soon as that song is mastered, then it’s on to another, more difficult piece. For those few performers who make it in the big leagues, the pressure for perfection can, at times, overwhelm even the best. No matter how much effort is expended, there always seems to be someone else who’s better, someone who’s gone just a little further in that quest for perfection. While that person may enjoy considerable satisfaction in the music-making endeavor, it may not also be the case that he or she enjoys any lasting peace and contentment. We will never find peace in our own efforts to be perfect before God- however hard we try and practice. But, Jesus was perfect for us- in His life and in his death- and as we are in Him through Baptism, God declares us to be the same.
The search for perfection begins and ends with Jesus Christ. He was, is and always will be our righteousness, innocence and perfection. For, in the waters of Holy Baptism, we have been baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus and because of that, when God looks at us, He doesn’t see our failures. He doesn’t see our sins. He doesn’t see where we have gone off track. No, because those sins have been washed away. All the Father sees when He looks at us now is what Jesus has done for us. And, therefore the pressure to be perfect is over. When our consciences accuse us or when Satan whispers in our ears and tells us how worthless we are, we tell them, “No, I am perfect. Christ has declared it so. His Word is my hope and redemption. Perfection has been achieved and that perfection is now my perfection. It has been transferred or declared to be mine.” The devil doesn’t want to hear that!
For those who have ever been overwhelmed by the Law or by our own failures, the pressure to be perfect is passed over to Jesus. He has achieved it and it is ours by virtue of our Baptism and faith in Jesus. Now, because the pressure is off, we are motivated rather by the Gospel to grow in love toward God and love toward neighbor. With our Lord’s words this morning, is there something He is trying to get across to us? Is there any area of our life that we can grow in? Is Jesus telling us that we need to spend less time on ourselves and more time on serving those around us? Do we need to pray for the patience and the courage to love our enemies, to give to others in self-sacrificial love, to extend ourselves to reach out to those around us? All of us can benefit from continuing to ponder our Lord’s words this morning. Dedication and devotion, commitment and compassion, perseverance and persistence are all qualities that we can grow in as we mature in our faith.
“You therefore must be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” Our sinful human nature is terrified of these words. Anything less than perfection just won’t do. Either Satan convinces us that all that matters is that we try to achieve perfection, to do our best and that hopefully will be enough. Or, Satan convinces us that we haven’t done enough, that we will never do enough, that we are worthless and won’t ever amount to anything. Again, there is a third way, Perfection with a capital P is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Throughout his life and at the cross and at the empty tomb, He achieved perfection. And, by virtue of our Baptism, that perfection is ours. We have been declared perfect so that when the Father looks at us, He says, “that person is perfect.” Perfection has been achieved. Let us revel in that perfection. Let us soak in that perfection. Let us live out that perfection as we go out into the world and love even our enemies for the sake of Jesus. Amen.

Cavs Win

2011-02-17T11:17:00.003-05:00

This has absolutely nothing to do with theology other than maybe a connection to suffering and the theology of the cross. Since the King left, (good riddance) we haven't had much to cheer about in regards to the Cavs. Last time these two teams played, the Cavs lost by 55 points. But, I had to take a moment and take in the Cavs victory last night. It was nothing short of amazing, especially after the Lakers radio station called the game nothing more than a practice game for the Lakers before the All-Star game. There are 27 games left and if we are able to win half of those games, it would be a jump start for next year. Sorry Lakers, it may be the end of an era.

American Grace

2011-02-15T22:37:00.001-05:00

I have just started listening to American Grace written by Robert Putnam and David Campbell. It has been described in this way; "a new religious fault line" exists in America, a deep political polarization that has transcended denominationalism as the greatest chasm in religious life; and second, that the culture (especially its younger generation) is becoming so much more accepting of diversity that thesis #1 will not tear America apart. The bulk of the book explores in detail cultural developments--the boom of evangelicals in the 1970s and 1980s, largely concluded in the early 1990s; the rise of feminism in the pews; the liberalization of attitudes about premarital sex and homosexuality, especially among the youngest generations; and what may prove to be the most seismic shift of all: the dramatic increase of "nones," or people claiming no institutional religious affiliation. Putnam and Campbell (with their researcher, Garrett) have done the public a great service in not only producing their own mammoth survey of American religion but also drawing from many prior statistical studies, enabling readers to track mostly gradual change over time."

My future posts will discuss whether I agree with the authors or not. Good to be back blogging.

Law and Gospel

2009-09-17T15:43:00.003-05:00

No matter what community you live in, the needs are the same. These needs may not be what you think they are. What we all need is, first of all, the law to confront us in our sin. We need to hear that we aren't perfect and that we can't live our lives on our own. But, most importantly, we need to hear the Gospel so that we can be assured that our sins are truly forgiven by the shed blood of Jesus and that our lives have meaning and purpose and lastly that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. May God help us understand the Christian faith in its purity and power.

Evangelism in the Suburbs

2009-09-15T15:42:00.003-05:00

Greetings, once again. I want to change the direction of my blog a slight bit. What has been on my mind most recently has been, for lack of a better word, evangelism. As Lutherans, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is of utmost importance to us. We believe that Jesus Christ offered himself on the cross for our sins. We, also believe that three days later, He rose from the dead. His blessed death and resurrection is the bedrock of our faith. As Lutherans, we also believe in the importance of a solid confession of our faith, contained in the Book of Concord. Sadly, very few people understand who the Lutherans are and therefore have a weak understanding of the Gospel at best. Strongsville is also a community in which it is challenging to get the word out about who the Lutherans are. It is my goal that this blog becomes a way that we can get the Word out about Jesus: who He is and what He has done for us. I appreciate any input on how the Gospel message can be proclaimed to the people in the surrounding areas. Soli Deo Gloria!

2009-05-06T19:02:00.002-05:00

Lone Survivor

2009-05-01T22:07:00.003-05:00

Marcus Lattrell was a Navy Seal. He along with 3 other Seals were commissioned to Afghanistan to continue the war against the Taliban. They were called to take out the most difficult-to-find leaders. Their mission was simple: by whatever means necessary, gather intel, find the leaders and take them out. On one particular day, out in the middle of nowhere, they came across some wandering Afghan goat herders and they were faced with a dilemma. Were they enemy combatants or were they innocent civilians? If they were enemy combatants, they had every right to take them out. If they were innocent civilians, there were strict international laws that prohibited them from killing them. If they let them go and they went back to the Taliban, Marcus and his men could be in great danger. If they were innocent and they just shot them in cold blood, then they would possibly face a court marshal and be brought up on charges. What a horrible dilemma! Not knowing what to do, they erred on the side of caution and decided to let them go. In a short time, these goat herders came back with over a hundred enemy soldiers. In the ensuing battle, three of Marcus’ fellow soldiers were killed and he was left for dead in the middle of nowhere. The government thought that all four of them had been killed.
But, in the book that describes his miraculous and courageous story, "Lone Survivor", Marcus depicts the faith that kept him going. Finding safety in a crevice in a rock, with broken bones, a bloodied body, being without water for countless hours, he had lost much hope to ever get out alive. But, one thing kept him going: Believe it or not, the 23rd Psalm. "The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. Even though, I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Though spreadest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies." The enemies were out there. They were out there in full force. The human wolves wanted to find him and devour him up. But, the Lord was His Shepherd, and by God’s mercy and protection, he was rescued and lived to tell this amazing tale.

Answers to Four Questions

2009-04-08T08:42:00.003-05:00

1) What is the meaning of the term "church" and who or what makes up that church?
The church is first and foremost the "body" of Christ. It is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ across all denominations. Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ is part of the "invisible" body of Jesus or the Church. The "visible" church are those members who adhere to the Church that teaches God's Word rightly and who administer the Sacraments according to the institution of Jesus.

2) What is the mission (purpose, goals) of the Church?
We are, as the Church, to go out into all the world, making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Triune God, and to teach them to observe the doctrine of God. The mission of the church, then, is to preach the Word of God rightly and to administer the Sacrament of Baptism, Confession and Absolution and Holy Communion according to Christ's institution.

3) What is the nature and purpose of the worship (liturgical) services?

The purpose of worship is to receive the gifts of God. In the Divine Service, heaven and earth come together. Through the hearing of God's Word and the Sacrament of Holy Communion, Jesus Christ gives us His gifts. He forgives our sins, cleanses us from all unrighteousness, comforts us in our trials, and encourages us to live as His people in the world. In response to the gifts that are given to us in The Divine Service, we respond with prayer, praise and thanksgiving. 4) What is the relationship or connection of these three to everyday life of the members? How does it encourage you in day to day living?
Every day, we live as the body of Christ. Everyday, we put to death our old nature and live in our new nature. Every day, we no longer live but Jesus lives through us. We measure our time from Sunday to Sunday. During the week, we perform our liturgy or our service to our neighbor as we serve them in Christian love and devotion. We are part of the body that takes the Gospel out to the world. In our vocation, God serves others through us.

Letter to Church in Philadelphia! Revelation 3:7-13

2009-04-01T14:43:00.002-05:00

The Christians in Philadelphia had to endure a lot. They had to endure the pressures of Jewish opposition. They had to endure many literal and symbolic earthquakes. But, in Christ, they were brothers, loved by God. And, because of Christ’s death and resurrection, they were victorious. They same is true for us, here at St. John in Strongsville. We are brothers loved by God. The door to eternity is open through Christ. We may have little power, but through Jesus, we keep His Word. We are surrounded by many synagogues of Satan, but they will get what is coming to them. We are enduring the hour of trial, but in Christ, we patiently endure it. Jesus is coming soon, so let us hold fast to our crown. For, in Christ, we conquer because we are pillars. God’s name is written on us. We are His! For He who has a ear, let us hear what the Spirit says to the seven churches and says to us!

The Divine Liturgy

2009-03-27T11:03:00.004-05:00

When we step through the doors of the church, our Lord is serving us. Heaven and earth come together. We worship with all the host of heaven. Worship today is seen by many to be about the worshipper. Worship is exclusively about praising God. Sadly, that form of worship is misleading and incomplete. The icon above helps us understand what goes in the Divine Liturgy. God is giving us His gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation. We join with the invisible church in faith, song and praise. Worship should never be cute and cuddly, but full of reverence and respect. May our understanding of worship continue to grow as we realize what is going on in the Divine Liturgy!

The God Delusion?

2009-03-26T20:50:00.003-05:00

Over the last several days, I have been listening to (on CD), "The God Delusion", written by the world famous atheist Richard Dawkins. At the beginning of the book, he boldly sets forth his agenda of trying to convince the reader or my case the listener that atheism is superior to a belief in the Trinitarian God. He even goes so-far-as-to-say that belief in a Christian God is detrimental for society and for the individual. Christians have for centuries "deluded" themselves into believing that there is a God. They have made Him up to make themselves feel better. There is so much that can be said in opposition to the arguments that he makes in the book. However, I will only say this. When Richard Dawkins is at his death bed and thinks back over his life and when he ponders what lies beyond the grave, I pity him. His philosophy sounds so "rational." "God can't be proven, so therefore he doesn't exist," he would say. But, when all is said and done and when he is faced with his own mortality, I wonder if he will be so sure of himself and his atheism. I think not! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

The Gospel is the Only Answer

2009-03-24T14:51:00.002-05:00

This morning, we laid to rest a member of St. John Lutheran Church. Her name was Mary Beranek. She died unexpectedly last weekend. While her body was put in the ground, her soul went immediately to be with her Savior. The theology of the Lutheran Church centers around Jesus Christ and him crucified and risen. It is what I attempt, by God's grace, to preach every Sunday. But, it is at a funeral service where Lutheran theology takes on breathtaking beauty. It is not "our"theology at all. It is God's teaching. It comes from His Holy Word and it is my privilege to preach it especially when we stare death and the grave squarely in the face. But, in Christ, we have victory. We have victory over sin, death and Satan. I am thankful that we have a message to proclaim, especially to our world today. It is my prayer that God would continue to open doors so that we can proclaim His truth to the world.

I Don't Know Whether to Laugh or Cry

2009-03-20T20:26:00.002-05:00

This morning, I went to a seminar in which I had the opportunity to hear the well-known and well-respected, at least within the wider Christian community, scholar and Lutheran pastor Martin Marty. Dr. Marty has written over 5o books and is currently the emeritus professor at the University of Chicago. In the course of his lecture he promoted the ecumenical movement, homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle, the ordination of women, and open communion, just to name a few heresies. I shouldn't have been surprised. I have read some of what he has written. But, what truly surprised me this morning was his desire to still connect himself to the Lutheran Church. His "version" of the Lutheran Church is so far upstream from Historic Lutheranism that is hard to distinguish it from liberal Mainline Protestantism. At one point in the past, I truly thought that maybe there was some hope that there were some within the ELCA that still held to historic Lutheranism. After hearing Marty, I am convinced that there can be no discussion. We are of a "different spirit." Lord have mercy!

Great Luther Quote!

2009-03-18T14:24:00.002-05:00

"'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness'- That is, God lifted up a bronze serpent like the other serpents that all who looked at it might recover. This symbolized the fact that God would let His Son descend from heaven and be nailed to the cross, where He, too, hangs like a serpent or a worm, the object of scorn and contempt.. But whoever believes in this crucified Christ will not be lost and perish but will have everlasting life, just as those who looked at the bronze serpent in the wilderness did not die but were saved."

A Shameless Plug for Issues Etc.

2009-03-17T15:03:00.003-05:00

If you want to know more about what the Lutheran Church believes, teaches and confesses, I urge you to check out Issues, Etc or Pirate Christian Radio on the web. Their various programs are fantastic in proclaiming the uniqueness of the Lutheran faith.

Why I Believe that Evolution is True! Not!

2009-03-17T14:42:00.002-05:00

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been reading this book, "Why Evolution is True." In the chapter, 'Remnants; Vestiges, Embryos, and Bad Design,' the author states, "Women... give birth through the pelvis, a painful and inefficient process that, before modern medicine, killed appreciable numbers of mothers and babies. The problem is that we evolved a big brain, the infant's head became very large relative to the opening of the pelvis, which had to remain narrow to allow efficient.. walking. This compromise leads to the difficulties and enormous pain of human birth. If you designed a human female, wouldn't you have rerouted the female reproductive tract so it exited through the lower abdomen instead of the pelvis? Imagine how much easier it would be to give birth?"

This is his argument why evolution must be true because the design of the woman's reproductive system does make sense? Come-on! What lunacy! God's Word clearly answers his point in Genesis 3. There will be pain in childbearing. Sin has caused the problem not God. To criticize God's creation and creative design is dangerous, Mr. Coyne! Thankfully, our God is a merciful God.

Who are the Lutherans?

2009-03-17T14:35:00.002-05:00

Who are the Lutherans? What do they believe, teach and confess? What makes them tick? What makes them unique? I am blessed to serve Christ's church in Strongsville, Ohio. Most people, in the area that I serve, have no idea what the Lutheran Church is all about. It is my intention by God's grace to get the Word out about the Lutheran church. Please join me in my attempt to spread the Word.

The Church Is At War

2007-11-17T11:00:00.000-05:00

I ran across this section from Conservative Reformation and Its Theology written by Charles Porterfield Krauth. It is so true in regards to the current state of affairs in Lutheranism. It begins on page 147, "The life of a Church may be largely read in its controversies. As the glory or shame of a nation is read upon its battle-fields which tells for what it perilled the lives of its sons, so may the glory or shame of a Church be determined when we know what it fought against; how much it valued what it believed to be truth; what was the truth it valued; how much it did, and how much it suffered to maintain that truth, and what was the issue of it struggles and sacrifices. Tested in all these ways, the record of the Lutheran Church is incomparably glorious. It has contended for great truths at great sacrifices, and in every conflict in which it has borne a part, truth has ultimately been victorious. A Church which contends for nothing, either has lost the truth, or has ceased to love it. Warfare is painful, but they whose errors create the necessity for it are responsible for all its miseries." SDG

A Real Myth Buster

2007-11-07T13:39:00.000-05:00

Adam Savage is one of the hosts of the popular television show on Discovery Channel called "Myth Busters." On one of the episodes, he spoke a slogan that really caught my attention. Denying that he had made a mistake, he said, "I reject your reality and substitute my own." Trying to be funny, I think he truly summed up in a short phrase, the modern philosophy of so many people in our world today. They reject what they don't want to be true, and put in its place what they want to be true. Breaking a promise is no big deal. Cheating on one's spouse or on one's taxes, also, is no big deal. Worshipping false gods are fine, as long as what you believe, you believe with your whole heart. Taking God's name in vain is freedom of speech. Killing the unborn is a personal choice. "I reject your reality, (that is God's) and substitute my own." Isn't that exactly what Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden? In fact, because they did that, death resulted. God allowed us to have our own reality. The skeleton in the picture is quite coincidental but proves my point. It is a real myth to think that we can reject God and there are no consequences. You can reject God's reality, but it will cost you dearly. On the other hand, thanks be to God that it is no myth that God sent His only Son into the world to bear our sin and be our Savior. God took on flesh, dwelt among us, suffered and died on a cross, to take our place. He rose again, three days later, again no myth, and proclaimed to the world that there is life and there is hope and there is salvation and there is forgiveness. "I reject your reality and substitute my own." In fact, that is exactly what Jesus said to us. I reject your sinful reality that leads to death and substitute my own that leads to life. Let us follow the reality of our Lord because it leads to where we want to go. God bless.

What Are We Exposing Our Children To?

2007-10-31T13:46:00.000-05:00

I just came from our children's school, Muraski, here in Strongsville, where they had a "parade" of children walking around with their costumes. But, as I stood there, a thought came into my mind: what are we exposing our children to? What are our children watching? There were many fairies, many Spidermen and many Darth Vaders. These I don't have as much of a problem with; but, there were a lot of costumes that were scary in every sense of the term. I saw a Jason from "Friday the 13th." I saw a Freddy from "Nightmare on Elm Street" and Michael Myers from "Halloween" the movie. Muraski only goes up to the 6th grade and that means that the oldest child is maybe 13. Do our children watch these so-called horror movies? I ask that knowing full well that they do, because I have talked about it in confirmation. We should be furious that kids of all ages are watching these movies that adults should not even be watching. We live in such a violent society already and we should not make light of violence in any way. What redeeming value is there in letting our children dress up like mass murderers? It is sick and it is wrong. It sends the wrong message and especially if we are not teaching our children what is right and what is wrong. Is it any wonder that children go into schools and act out what they see in movie? If anyone saw the pictures from the shooting at Success Tech in Cleveland, you know exactly what I talking about. Asa looked like someone you would see in a horror movie. When will it all end? I wonder. The bottom line is that we must take a stance against this in our society and we must do it quickly. Lord have mercy on us!

Standing Up For What You Believe In!

2007-10-29T11:05:00.000-05:00

From the beginning of my ministry (1998), people, especially District executives, have said that I needed to change my viewpoints on worship. The historic liturgy was on its way out. People today need something more. They need bands and contemporary music. Hymns were too old-fashioned. For a church to be successful, it had to have a contemporary service. But, it is my firmest conviction, that what people need is the Word of God and the historic liturgy, our hymns and confessional Lutheran worship is the best way to bring that to them. We don't need to change who we are for the sake of increasing our membership. Yes, there will be some people that demand a certain type of worship. But, I believe that if people truly understand how our confessional Lutheran worship is structured and why we do what we do, they will desire it. The bottom line is that we have been given a beautiful and magnificent form of worship, i.e. the historic Lutheran liturgy and we must hold on to that no matter what. I will believe that for as long as God allows me to serve Him as pastor. S0li Deo Gloria!

A Reformation Angel

2007-10-25T11:29:00.001-05:00

This image to the left is taken from the title page of the 1534 Bible of Martin Luther.

Revelation 14, verses 6 and 7, "Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water."

These two verses from Revelation 14 beautifully describe Martin Luther, the man God used to bring the Gospel back into the spotlight. He definitely was an angel, a messenger the Lord used to bring countless souls into the kingdom of God. But remember, this Reformation Angel isn’t gone. He still flutters his wings whenever the Word of God is proclaimed in its truth and purity. He still flies through the air and contends with God’s enemies of sin, death and devil. Thank you, Martin Luther, for being a faithful angel or messenger of Christ!

Who are the Jehovah Witnesses?

2007-10-23T13:55:00.000-05:00

You never know when you are going to have an opportunity to bear witness to the faith (1 Peter 3:15-16). Sometimes, it comes when you least expect it or when you least desire it. On Sunday afternoon, God provided an opportunity for me to confess the truth to two young Jehovah Witness ladies. Sunday afternoon, I am usually fairly tired from the Sunday activities; and this past Sunday, I also had a hymn fest that I was going to later in the day. Needless to say, I was not necessarily in the mood to debate theology at my front door. But, as these ladies came to the door, I knew that it was an opportunity that I could not pass up. As the conservation began, I asked them where they were from and what they were up to (I had previously told them that I was a Lutheran pastor). They continued with their presentation. I listened for awhile and then when the opportunity presented itself, I began to stir the conversation around who Jesus was. Predictably, they informed me that Jesus was a created being, not God. Jesus was a good man, but not our Savior. He was, "our king"- one who shows us how we should live our life. Also, I asked them if they believed they were going to heaven. Their response, "No, only 144,000 are going there. They were going to the new earth that Jesus was going to create." As the conversation continued, we discussed many other topics, but before they left, I presented to them the Gospel. "We are all sinful, truly and completely unable to save ourselves. So, therefore, God the Father, who is rich in mercy, sent His only Son into the world, Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for all people. Those who believe and are baptized into Jesus will be saved." I also warned them to make sure that their beliefs were really from the Word of God. I, then, invited them to St. John and we parted ways. I will probably never know the full effect of this conversation. I pray I may have an opportunity with them again someday. But, as a Christian, the opportunities are all around to bear witness to Christ in what we say and what we do. May the Holy Ghost inspire us to be bold and take advantage of the opportunities as they present themselves! God bless!

Keeping Things in Perspective

2007-10-23T13:45:00.001-05:00

I'm upset. This wasn't supposed to happen. This was their year. I had nearly given up earlier in the year; but, as the season ended, I was a firm believer. Everything was lined up and as game 7 with the Red Sox ended, I was in shock. But, as a few days have passed, my attitude has changed. It was disappointing- no question about it. But, keeping things in perspective, it was a great year. We won the division. We beat the Yankees and we were one game away from going to the World Series. I am very proud of our team. It will take time to get over how this season ended; but next year will come. We will be ready to take it one step further. Go Tribe!

What Are the Most Important Things We Can Teach Our Children?

2007-09-24T12:11:00.000-05:00

As a father of four boys, I have often asked myself this question: what are the most important things I can teach my children? Is it to throw a baseball or a football or is it to cheer for the Cleveland sports teams or is it how our American form of government works or is it how to deal with our enemies or is it how important our military is to our national security or is it how to spend money? Certainly, all of these things are important, some more than others. But, as a father, I have learned what is most important thing to teach our children: it is the Gospel; and not just part of the Gospel, but the entire Gospel. Teaching our blessed children right from wrong; teaching them that they are sinners in need of God's grace; teaching them that God loves them for the sake of Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection; teaching them that they are God's beloved children in Baptism; teaching them what goes in Holy Communion so that when they are old enough to receive it, they will truly appreciate it; teaching them Bible stories and our blessed Lutheran doctrine; and teaching them that when they die they will be in God's presence forever. This is the Gospel and this is what we need to teach our children.

So often, myself included, I think parents get side-tracked. Because of busy schedules or just a lack of concern, children are cheated out of what we as parents should be teaching them. Sometimes what we are teaching them is not what we want to be teaching them or we are allowing the media, television and the Internet to be teaching them. Being a parent is such a humbling experience. But, as a parent, I know how quickly the time goes. So parents, may we truly heed the words of Moses in Deuteronomy 6, beginning at verse 4 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. "And when the LORD your God brings you into the land that he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you- with great and good cities that you did not build, and houses full of all good things that you did not fill, and cisterns that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive trees that you did not plant- and when you eat and are full, then take care lest you forget the LORD, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear. "

1 Goal Reached, 11 games to go!

2007-09-23T18:18:00.000-05:00

I must admit that at one point this year, I didn't think they would get it done. They proved me wrong. Unbelievable game, but they aren't finished. 11 games to a championship. The city needs it. We have waited long enough. Go tribe!

What Do We Believe as Lutherans? Adult Instruction Class

2007-09-20T13:05:00.000-05:00

Starting on Wednesday, September 26, at 7pm at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 8888 Prospect Road in Strongsville, Ohio, we will be starting another adult instruction class. This class is intended for all adults who are considering joining St. John, for those interested in knowing more about the Lutheran faith, or for those who are already members who want to go back and study again what they learned as youth. Anyone is welcome. It is a great opportunity to learn more and grow in our faith. The class usually lasts anywhere from 10 to 12 weeks. Come one and all.

He Did It Again?

2007-09-18T08:51:00.000-05:00

Unbelievable! Way to go Casey! Twice in four days, he hits a walk-off homer. A 5 1/2 game lead. The magic number is 7. Playoffs here we come.

Time For Me to Rant!

2007-09-13T09:36:00.001-05:00

It's time for me to rant! Yet another "star" has been "exposed" on the Internet. It shouldn't surprise me; and yet, it does. I remember reading a book awhile back that revealed how all of the major female stars in Hollywood had taken off their clothes, in one form or another, on their way up the ladder of success. It was a kind of "rite of passage" to be successful in Hollywood. We've fallen so far as a society. When is it going to stop? The success of the movie, "High School Musical", rather tame in comparison to a lot of what we watch today, reveals just what we value in our society. We value having fun at all costs. We value doing whatever we want whenever we want. We look up to people who lack moral integrity. Where does it lead us? Only God knows. But, here is my plea. America, stop! Stop spending millions of dollars watching the garbage that comes out of Hollywood. Stop going to the movies! Stop buying and renting DVDs. I can't even go to Blockbuster with my children anymore. What they see on the shelves staring back at them makes me blush. Turn off the shows that promote promiscuity and moral ambiguity. As a culture, we must stand up and fight it. If we don't, our future is in serious jeopardy. But, let us not forget that there is forgiveness for all sins at the cross! It is only the grace of God in Jesus Christ that can cure what ails us!

What Are They Planning Next?

2007-09-12T09:58:00.001-05:00

The day after the 6 year anniversary of 9-11, we still must ask ourselves two very important questions: 1) Are we any safer today than we were six years ago? 2) What are the terrorists planning next? To answer the first question, we must say that in some ways, we are safer. We are more aware of the fact that we have enemies and that is a good thing. I think prior to 9-11, we had forgotten that we have enemies- enemies that are bent on our destruction. I am also certainly thankful for the men and women in our military who are fighting to make us safer. In that way, we are safer. Lastly, certain governmental policy has made us safer. But, it is also questionable whether our airline industry is any safer or if we are any less vulnerable to an attack. Our border to the south is a huge problem and in that regard, we are less safe. So, are we any safer today than we were six years ago? Not sure.

To answer the second question, we must be honest. We don't know what they are planning next; only, we know they are planning something. I believe that it is just a matter of time before we are hit again. Glenn Beck, on the radio and on his television program, brought up the possibility that terrorists may strike at our schools. A couple of years ago, extremists attacked a school in Russia. Many experts today feel that our schools are also vulnerable. Talk about terrorism. There are buses missing in Texas and bus radios missing in the Northwest. Again, we don't know. But it certainly makes you wonder what the terrorists are up to next.

So, the bottom line is simple: pay attention to what is going on around you. Get involved in your local community and vote in office those leaders who you think will protect and keep you safe. But, most importantly, pray. Pray for our nation and especially for our children. God bless us.

What is a Pastor to do?

2007-09-10T13:36:00.000-05:00

Pastors today are asked to do a lot and to know a lot. Today, the expectation by some is that a pastor must be able to master many different trades. They are asked to be Cruise directors (make sure everyone is happy and having a good time), Chairmen of the Board (providing leadership and goals for the future), firemen (put out fires), policemen (break up fights), lawyers/judges (determine who is right and who is wrong), doctors (help with medical needs), and accountants (balance the budget). But, first and foremost, the role of the pastor is to do what this painting so beautifully portrays. What is a pastor to do? Point people to Christ. When they are in despair, point them to Christ. When they need help, point them to Christ. When they are in error, point them to Christ. Whatever the situation, point them to Christ. If a pastor is doing that, he is doing what God wants him to do and what the congregation has called him to do. Pastors today must not become distracted from their primary function- point people to Christ. Soli Deo Gloria!

Chief of Sinners Though I Be!

2007-09-06T12:20:00.000-05:00

William McComb, a laymen from Ireland, in the 19th century, wrote one of our greatest hymns about the nature of our relationship with God. In our day and age, to speak of sin is taboo and judgmental. But, to God, acknowledging our sinfulness is good because it leads us to cling to Christ as Savior. Read these words and may Christ lead us to Himself. Soli Deo Gloria!

1. Chief of Sinners though I be, Jesus shed his blood for me, died that I might live on high, lives that I might never die. As the branch is to the vine, I am His, and He is mine.

2. Oh, the height of Jesus' love, higher than the heavens above, deeper than the depths of sea, lasting as eternity! Love that found me- wondrous thought! Found me when I sought Him nought.

3. Only Jesus can impart balm to heal the wounded hear, peace that flows from sin forgiven, joy that lifts the soul to heaven, faith and hope to walk with God in the way that Enoch trod.

4. Chief of sinners though I be, Christ is all in all to me; all my wants to Him are known, all my sorrows are His own, He sustains the hidden life safe with Him from earthly strife.

5. O my Savior, help afford by your Spirit and your Word! When my wayward heart would stray, keep me in the narrow way; grace in time of need supply while I live and when I die.

A Six Game Lead with 25 to go!

2007-09-04T10:12:00.000-05:00

About 3 weeks ago, I vented my frustration about the Cleveland Indians, wanting them to start winning. Since that time, boy have they turned it on. With a month to play, they have a six game lead over the Detroit Tigers. Keep it going, Tribe! This is the year! 60 years is long enough for a championship.

Way to Go Mustangs!

2007-08-30T10:42:00.000-05:00

God bless our kids!

2007-08-27T10:26:00.000-05:00

This morning, I dropped two of our kids off at school. Hard to believe, summer is over. As they begin another year, I pray that they learn what it is they are to learn and disregard that which they are to disregard. May God protect them and all children in our schools this year. Hymn 866 in LSB, sums it up well, Lord Jesus Christ, the Children's Friend. "Lord Jesus Christ, the children's friend, to each of them Your presence send; call them by name and keep them true in loving faith, dear Lord, to You.... That caring parents, gracious Lord, and faithful teachers find reward in leading these, to whom You call, to find in Christ their all in all... Then guard and keep us to the end, secure in you, our gracious friend, that in Your heavenly family we sing Your praise eternally." God bless.

Going, Going, Gone!

2007-08-23T13:33:00.001-05:00

On the final day of its 2007 Churchwide Assembly in Chicago (Saturday, August 11), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) adopted a resolution which “prays, urges, and encourages [ELCA geographical] synods, synodical bishops, and the presiding bishop to refrain from or demonstrate restraint in disciplining those rostered leaders in a mutual, chaste, and faithful committed same-gender relationship who have been called and rostered in this church."

The ELCA continues to slide down the slippery slope toward compromise with the world. There is no Biblical rationale for this decision. It is entirely based on worldly opinion and a refusal to abide by God's Word. Homosexuality is a sin against God. To have "rostered leaders" trying to justify their behavior is beyond description. For those who are still faithful in the ELCA, my advice to you is get out now. Why the ELCA continues to keep the Lutheran name is beyond my feeble understanding.

Is God punishing me?

2007-08-22T10:23:00.000-05:00

For many, when they hear the word discipline, they also get scared. They think immediately of punishment. Are you one of these people? Bad things that have happened in life or are currently happening in life mean that God is surely punishing them for their sin. What they are going through serves no higher purpose other than retribution on God’s part. God wants to get them back, to watch them squirm. But, nothing could be farther from the truth. God is not getting you back; for He has punished His own Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, with the punishment that was rightly due to you and me.

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.” The Lord’s wrath against sin was unfurled on the shoulders of Jesus, as He endured the scourging, mockery, and finally being crucified upon a cross as punishment for the sins of the world.

Life Under the Cross

2007-08-15T12:00:00.000-05:00

August 13th through the 15th, I attended a Saint Louis seminary extension class hosted by St. James in Cleveland. Dr. Jeff Kloha discussed various chapters in 1 Corinthians. It was truly an enlightening class. Although, I didn't necessarily agree with everything that was said, (who does?) overall the theme was spot-on: all of our lives are lived under the cross. The main problem, if you will, at the city of Corinth was that they didn't see a connection between what Jesus did for them on the cross and their everyday lives. They excused their actions all in the name of Christian freedom. May the Spirit through the Word of the cross lead us to live out our faith in the world now and always.

Forgiveness

2007-08-13T10:56:00.000-05:00

"Zhang Shuhong, who co-owned Lee Der Industrial Co. Ltd., killed himself at a warehouse over the weekend, days after China announced it had temporarily banned exports by the company, the Southern Metropolis Daily said. Lee Der made 967,000 toys recalled earlier this month by Mattel Inc. because they were made with paint found to have excessive amounts of lead."

I saw this headline and I just had to comment. What a tragedy. It happens every day, but it is still a tragedy. I don't know much about the details, but apparently, this man, so overwhelmed with guilt, saw no way out other than to kill himself.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died on a cross and rose again from the grave so that the forgiveness of sins might be preached to all nations. There was forgiveness for Zhang. Yes, he made a big mistake, but in Christ, there is forgiveness. No one's sin is so large that it can't be forgiven. Just look at Peter. He denied Christ and yet, Jesus forgave him. May we continue to do the work the church has been given and not get sidetracked into a host of other objectives. Preach the Gospel and administer the Sacraments. Jesus forgives your sins and the re is hope for you in this life and the next. Take care.

Let The Rookie Start!

2007-08-13T10:37:00.000-05:00

The Cleveland Browns have a dilemma. Which quarterback should start? For me, it is simple. Give the rookie his chance! Neither Frye nor Anderson are going to get it done. Brady has more talent and desire. Let him learn early, make his mistakes and see what happens. Just my humble opinion. What's it going to hurt?

It's Time To Turn It Around

2007-08-13T10:26:00.000-05:00

I have to make a brief comment on my beloved Indians. Since moving here in October of 2003, I have become an avid Cleveland sports fan. I fell in love with the Indians very quickly. But, this year, has been very strange. We have been at the top or near the top all year and have not played anywhere up to our abilities and potential. Our family is going to the game Wednesday night. Now is the time. This series is important. Let's go tribe! It's time to turn it around.

It's Good To Be Back

2007-08-13T10:21:00.001-05:00

It is good to be back. I have not had a chance to write a new blog in many months. The responsibilities of the pastorate have kept me away. But, I have more to say, so I am making the time. God bless.

Some Quotes from Joel Osteen

2007-04-30T10:40:00.000-05:00

1. Joel Osteen-(born March 5, 1963, in Houston, Texas) is the senior pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, North America’s largest and fastest growing church averaging more than 42,000 attendees at weekly services. He is also the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Your Best Life Now,and his television ministry is the most watched inspirational program in America.

2. Took over Dad’s ministry in 1999: John said, “It's God's will for you to live in prosperity instead of poverty. It's God's will for you to pay your bills and not be in debt. It's God's will for you to live in health and not in sickness all the days of your life.”

3. Osteen quotes:

a) Osteen’s upbeat style is deliberate and authentic. ‘Make church relevant,’ he says. ‘Give them something to be able to take away. I find today people are not looking for theology. There’s a place for it, [But] in your everyday life you need to know how to live.
b) "It's not a churchy feel," Osteen, 40, said. "We don't have crosses up there. We believe in all that, but I like to take the barriers down that have kept people from coming. A lot of people who come now are people that haven't been to church in 20 to 30 years."
c) "I think for years there's been a lot of hellfire and damnation. You go to church to figure out what you're doing wrong and you leave feeling bad like you're not going to make it," Osteen said. "We believe in focusing on the goodness of God."
d) Interview with Larry King: KING: “What if you're Jewish or Muslim, you don't accept Christ at all? OSTEEN: “You know, I'm very careful about saying who would and wouldn't go to heaven. I don't know ...KING: “If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They're wrong, aren't they?OSTEEN: “Well, I don't know if I believe they're wrong. I believe here's what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God with judge a person's heart. ... I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity. So I don't know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I want to have a relationship with Jesus.

2 Timothy 4:3-4- For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

A Snow-out in baseball? Come on!

2007-04-10T14:44:00.000-05:00

On Monday, my family (my brother and dad drove up from Indiana to Cleveland) and I were supposed to see the Indians play the Seattle Mariners. For the 4th straight day, it was postponed due to snow. Now, who ever heard of a baseball game getting canceled due to snow? Come on! But, with all things, some good came out of it. Our family went to the IX Center instead, and a good time was had by all. And, sometime in May or June, we will try again to see the Indians. Hopefully, the weather will be better.

Easter in Cleveland!

2007-04-10T14:34:00.000-05:00

Living in Cleveland now for over 3 years, I have learned to expect anything. But, having snow on Easter was a new experience. I say that even after living in Montana for 4 years. Nevertheless, what a joy it was to celebrate with all the faithful the Resurrection of Christ from the dead, snow or no snow! Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth

2007-03-15T09:02:00.000-05:00

1- A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth, the guilt of all men bearing; and laden with the sins of earth, none else the burden sharing! Goes patient on, grows weak and faint, to slaughter led without complaint, that spotless life to offer; bears shame, and stripes, and wounds and death, anguish and mockery, and saith, "Willing all this I suffer."

2- This Lamb is Christ, the soul's great Friend, the Lamb of God, our Savior; Him God the Father chose to send to gain for us His favor. "Go forth, My Son," the Father saith, "and free men from the fear of death, from guilt and condemnation. The wrath and stripes are hard to bear, but by Thy Passion men shall share the fruit of Thy salvation."

Why Is the Mormon Church So Deceptive?

2007-03-12T09:55:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, March 10th, I went with a group from St. John's to see an exhibit of the Dead Sea Scrolls at the visitors center in Kirtland, Ohio. We went there to see the exhibit, as well as, take a tour of their historic village and temple. Joseph Smith was in Kirtland from 1831 to 1838 and their church was headquartered there.

But, I can not remember a time in my life where I have been more disgusted with what I saw. What we witnessed was the Mormon church at its deceptive finest and a classic bait and switch! Instead of it being an objective presentation of the Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS), they attempted to draw connections between the community that many people believe produced the DSS and the Mormon doctrine and practice. One particular example was the strict dietary restrictions of the Essene community that produced the DSS. They said that the Mormons are the community that continues these strict religious observances and therefore, the Mormons are the restored church.

What upset me the most was in the room in which they were displaying their copies of many of the DSS. As you walked around the room, you listened to a running commentary of what you were seeing. Throughout the commentary was Mormon propaganda. And to top it off, at the very end of the exhibit was a table that contained the Bible, as well as, the Book of Mormon. They were saying loud and clear that the Book of Mormon was in line with the Biblical writings of the DSS and should therefore be believed and accepted as God's Word.

Now, anyone who has studied the Mormon church at all knows that they believe the Book of Mormon to be an additional revelation of God's Word. But, to "hijack" and manipulate the DSS, in such a way, as to say that Mormon doctrine and practice can be legitimized in the DSS is from a scholarly point of view, extremely dishonest and from a Christian point of view, deceptive and unbelievably evil.

After we walked around looking at the exhibit, we had a question-and-answer period with one of the leading elders. I raised my hand and asked point blank, "How can you possibly draw any conclusions whatsoever between the DSS and Mormon teaching? Is this honest?" From there, we debated Mormon doctrine for the next 30 minutes or so. Members of our congregation and myself rebuked the man one point after the other. At one point, he tried to dismiss me by saying that nowhere in the Bible does it say that church should pay their clergy. He also said that he was a former judge and that I was getting dangerously close to contempt. I was offending him and was out of order. If I was out of order, than so be it! I could not believe that they had the audacity to do what they were doing and someone had to say something!

At still a later point, as we were watching a video on the history of the temple in Kirtland, the presenter was talking about what the original temple looked liked when it was built in the 1830's. Because the early Mormon people were relatively poor, they couldn't afford the finest materials. So, they tried to create an illusion, with paint and other materials, to make it look more expensive, elaborate and majestic. How ironic! The Mormon church trying to make themselves look different than they actually are! There is no greater deception that goes on in our world today than what the Mormon church is involved in! I am dedicating myself to continual study, as much as I possibly can, so that I can renounce them at every level. I have never seen so many people lie, with a straight face, or worse yet, with a smile. Lord have mercy!

Play Ball!

2007-02-24T00:49:00.000-05:00

With a lot of snow yet on the ground, it may be somewhat premature to think about the Indians. But, I don't care. Baseball is just around the corner and it helps a little to think about baseball. In just over a month, the Jake will be hopping once again. This is their year! Go Tribe!

Tragedy or a Wake Up Call?

2007-02-24T00:24:00.000-05:00

I hesitate even saying anything about Anna Nicole Smith, but I feel that I must. Her story is tragic on so many different levels. It is tragic that she died so young. It is tragic that her child is now without a mother. It is tragic that so many people want her fortune, sinking to the most despicable of levels. It is tragic that we treated her with any interest whatsoever. But, what is most tragic is her eternal destiny. She experienced personal demons that destroyed her; but, if she rejected Christ, those demons have become infinitely more painful. It is my prayer that people see her life and her death as a wake up call. Hollywood has very little, if anything, redeeming and important to say about what truly matters in life. We must not idolize that which is evil. It only leads to destruction. Wake up America! Over-indulgence and sexual immortality are not what they are cracked up to be. Contentment, peace, joy and hope are found only in Christ Jesus!

For You Are Dust and to Dust You Shall Return

2007-02-22T10:42:00.000-05:00

Last night, we had our Ash Wednesday service. It was a powerful and important start to Lent. I offered ashes to those who wanted them before and after the service in my office. For me personally, to not have ashes on Ash Wednesday was to miss something important. I grew up as a pastor's kid. My dad, a Lutheran pastor, always used the imposition of ashes. So, I got used to it. In the minds of many, the imposition of ashes are "too Roman." That is unfortunate because there are numerous things that we share in common, especially when it comes to worship practices, with our Roman brothers, i.e. the Liturgy, vestments, church architecture, Communion ware, just to name a few. Receiving ashes is not mandatory; but, I believe that those who received them were reminded in a powerful way that, "they are dust and to dust they shall return." We are mortal and will one day turn to ashes; and yet, on the Last Day, Christ will come and raise those ashes to be a glorified body. God bless.

Judge Roy Moore's Poem

2007-02-16T13:54:00.000-05:00

You may have already seen this, but still good.

The following is a poem written by Judge Roy Moore from Alabama. Judge Moore was sued by the ACLU for displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom foyer. He has been stripped of his judgeship and now they are trying to strip his right to practice law in Alabama. The judge's poem sums it up quite well.

America the Beautiful, or so you used to be.
Land of the Pilgrims' pride; I'm glad they'll never see.
Babies piled in dumpsters, Abortion on demand,
Oh, sweet land of liberty; your house is on the sand.
Our children wander aimlessly poisoned by cocaine,
Choosing to indulge their lusts, when God has said abstain.
From sea to shining sea, our Nation turns away
From the teaching of God's love and a need to always pray.
We've kept God in our temples, how callous we have grown.
When earth is but His footstool, and Heaven is His throne.
We've voted in a government that's rotting at the core,
Appointing Godless Judges who throw reason out the door,
Too soft to place a killer in a well deserved tomb,
But brave enough to kill a baby before he leaves the womb.
You think that God's not angry, that our land's a moral slum?
How much longer will He wait before His judgment comes?
How are we to face our God, from Whom we cannot hide?
What then is left for us to do, but stem this evil tide?
If we who are His children, will humbly turn and pray;
Seek His holy face and mend our evil way: (Trust in Jesus for forgiveness- my words)
Then God will hear from Heaven and forgive us of our sins,
He'll heal our sickly land and those who live within.
But, America the Beautiful, if you don't - then you will see,
A sad but Holy God withdraw His hand from Thee.

Beware of False Prophets!

2007-02-15T16:19:00.000-05:00

In the 2nd letter of St. Peter, the 2nd chapter, beginning at verse 1, we read, "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."

This afternoon, I attended a lecture at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, OH. It was the third in a series given by Dr. Elaine Pagels. Dr. Pagels is a professor at Princeton University. She has written many books, some of which include The Gnostic Gospels and Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas.

As I sat and listened to Dr. Pagels, the above passage came to mind. What I am about to say next, I do not say lightly, but I am compelled to by the Word of God: I was listening to a false prophet. In our society, we hate to condemn anyone. Our world feels as if no one has an exclusive right to the truth, and everyone is right and no one is wrong. That attitude is dead wrong!

Here is what I mean. It is Dr. Pagels' view that the 27 New Testament books were brought into one unit, what we would call the Canon, for the purpose of having something to read in Church. But, she also feels that God may have wanted other "spiritual" or "divine" books to be read, marked and inwardly digested as you would study the Bible. She informed her audience that she believes that the Bible and the New Testament were written for new converts to Christianity; while the gnostic gospels, that is, the gospels that were found in Nag Hammadi in 1945, were written for those already well established in the Christian faith. So, in essence, the gnostic gospels are superior to the Gospels found in the Bible. Unbelievable!

I wanted to ask her, but I didn't have the opportunity, a couple of questions. 1) Does not the New Testament itself condemn false teaching? 2) If it does, does it also not condemn Gnosticism? 3) Then, if it condemns Gnosticism, what right do we have to read The Gospel of Thomas or The Gospel of Philip or any of the other gospels that have been found as the Word of God? It absolutely dumbfounded me that she was analyzing the Gospel of Thomas as you would any other New Testament book and implying that they might contain the Word of God.

Bottom line then is this: Paul says in Galatians, chapter 1, verses 8 and 9. "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed."

Again, what I say I do not say lightly: What Elaine Pagels teaches is heresy, pure and simple. The Bible specifically condemns what she teaches. She is a false teacher and it is my prayer that she repents of her sin and turns to Christ. And, even more importantly, may God have mercy on anyone, who after hearing these lectures, may believe her and be lead into false belief and despair.

In Christ,

Pastor Haugen

Another Explanation For Global Warming!

2007-02-12T10:52:00.000-05:00

At adult Bible class on Sunday, another very astute explanation was given for the possibility of global warming. We were discussing Revelation 20 and the possibility that we are in the "little season" or the time where Satan is released after the 1000 years. The comment went something like this. "Pastor, maybe that is what is causing global warming. If God is allowing Satan out of his Hell, then it would make sense that the earth is getting warmer." Interesting?

So You Think You Want to Be a Pastor?

2007-02-08T16:01:00.000-05:00

On February 21st, from 4 to 7pm, the Reverend Scott Stiegemeyer, from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, will be at St. John to visit with anyone who might have an interest in becoming a pastor. If this is something that you have thought about, now is the time to pursue it! It is never too late to answer God's call. We are located at 8888 Prospect Road in Strongsville.

Who Are Those Lutherans?

2007-02-08T15:51:00.000-05:00

Starting this Sunday, February 11th, at 7pm, and going for roughly 8-1o weeks, I will be having again my adult catechesis class. This class is intended for those interested in pursuing communicant membership at St. John, as well as, for those who who are just interested in what Lutheranism is all about. We will be covering the Small Catechism primarily; but, we will also be discussing issues such as infant baptism, close communion, the nature of God, suffering in the world, homosexuality, abortion and much more. Please feel free to come at any time. St. John Lutheran Church is located at 8888 Prospect Road in Strongsville, Ohio. God bless.

All My Sons

2007-01-22T10:52:00.000-05:00

On Saturday night, my wife and I went to a play written by Arthur Miller, called, "All My Sons," at the Weathervane Theater outside of Akron. It was the story of a father caught between wanting to provide for his family on one hand and doing something completely immoral on the other. The setting was during World War II. He was the owner of a factory that supplied parts to airplanes. On one fateful day, the factory was producing a faulty part that had a crack in it. He had to decide whether to shut the factory down and fix the part and risk losing his business or ship the part, knowing that something tragic could occur. Unfortunately, he chose the latter and 20 men were killed in the airplanes with his faulty part. And to make matters worse, he tried to cover up the crack by blaming his head manager who was also his neighbor and good friend. That man ends up taking the fall and going to prison. As the play continued, his deception is found out and he ends up shooting himself.

I did feel that the play was well acted, but I like stories with happy endings- call me what you will. I hear enough tragic stories on the news every day. When I see a movie or watch a play, I want something that is uplifting. This play was far from that. But, I must say, it was accurate. Try as they might, people try to justify their actions with all sorts of good intentions. But, without God, outside of faith in Christ, life is hopeless and delusional. I really don't know how anyone can survive with some hope in their life. The bottom line is simply: don't try to live your life by yourself. If you have to do something immoral to make yourself or your family successful, it is definitely not the right thing to do. God provides for you. You need not take matters into your own hands. You can live your life by yourself for awhile, but ultimately, it will lead to destruction. Trust in Jesus Christ! He is the way, the truth and the life!

Sometimes Peace Is Not A Good Thing! Installment #1

2007-01-17T11:20:00.000-05:00

David Heileman wrote in the Thursday, November 23rd edition of the SunNews, "A new center for transcendental meditation, a counterculture phenomenon that in the 1960's attracted celebrities like the Beatles and the Beach Boys, is in the works here (in Strongsville). The movement, founded a half century ago by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and now operating as the Global Country of World Peace, plans to build a 'Peace Palace.'" Their center will offer a transcendental meditation program along with courses in health, self-improvement, exercise and nutrition, as well as a day spa. Later, he writes that, "the center's plans in Strongsville also call for the construction of a private school for boys and girls in grades 9-12 as a second phase of the project."

On the surface, this sounds like just another exercise facility with a more religious twist. But, sadly, that is not the case. Strongsville does not need the Maharishi palace. It is dangerous in so many ways. It is a classic bait and switch. It will take the residents of Strongsville down the wrong path. In other installments, I will explain why I feel that this "Peace Palace" is a cult and why we should not buy what they are selling. Stay tuned for further information.

The Titanic Has Sunk!

2007-01-09T10:18:00.000-05:00

At half-time, the Ohio State University band played the theme song from the movie, "The Titanic." Talk about irony! OSU sailed into the game thinking that it was indestructible. The iceberg was the Gators and the boat OSU sunk hard. What an absolutely dominating performance by Florida. There was no sign of life from the Buckeye's after the first 15 seconds. Who would have thought? Anyway, on the positive side, OSU still had a great year and much to be proud of.

A Blessed New Year!

2007-01-02T11:51:00.000-05:00

A blessed new year to all. I look forward to another year of God's grace found in the manger, at the cross, at the empty tomb, at the right hand of God, at the font, from the lecturn and pulpit, and at the altar. In a world full of fear and trembling, we have a God who tells us, "Don't fear, for I am with you always to end of the age." May God bless our Lutheran Church as we remain faithful to Him.

Did You Get Everything You Wanted for Christmas?

2006-12-27T11:39:00.000-05:00

Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas? Did you get that new pair of pants, or new shirt or new tie or new necklace or Play Station III that you wanted? News reports are saying that for many retailers, this was somewhat of a disappointing year. Disappointing for what reason? They weren't at the stores I was at. Our country has become so obsessed with material possessions. Our stuff owns us, not the other way around.

Thanks be to God that I got everything that I wanted for Christmas. I wanted to celebrate with all the faithful the blessed incarnation of Jesus. Got to do that! I wanted to sing the joyful Christmas hymns. Did that! I wanted to see the look on the faces of my boys and wife when they opened their presents. Enjoyed it! I wanted to get together with my family to enjoy a Christmas dinner. Had the pleasure of that! I got everything that I wanted for Christmas. Have a blessed Christmas and Christ-centered New Year!

When Sinners See Their Lost Condition!

2006-12-13T11:55:00.000-05:00

TLH- #65

1. When sinners see their lost condition and feel the pressing load of sin, and Jesus cometh on His mission to heal the sin-sick heart within, all grief must flee before His grace, and joy divine will take its place.

2. When Jesus enters meek and lowly to fill the home with sweetest peace; when hearts have felt His blessing holy and found from sin complete release, then light and calm within shall reign and hearts divided love again.

3. When Jesus enters land and nation and moves the people with His love; when, yielding to His kind persuasion, our hearts His truth and blessing prove; then shall our life on earth be blest, the peace of God on us shall rest.

4. When Jesus comes,- O blessed story!- He works a change in heart and life; God's kingdom comes with power and glory to young and old, to man and wife; Through Sacrament and living Word, faith, love and hope are now conferred.

5. Then stilled are cries and lamentation, then loosed is Satan's every band; in death is hope and consolation, the soul is safe in Jesus' hand. When we shall walk through death's dark vale, His rod and staff shall never fail.

6. Oh, may He soon to every nation find entrance where He is unknown, with life and light and full salvation, that heathendom may be overthrown and healing to the hearts may come in heathen land and Christian home!

Let the Light Shine!

2006-12-11T13:03:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday, December 13th, the Western Church recognizes the minor festival of St. Lucia- who was an early 4th century martyr who refused to recant under the persecution of the Roman emperor, Diocletian. At one point in her persecution, Lucia's eyes were cut out, which makes the symbolism which would come later that much more significant.

Particularly in the country of Sweden, in Lutheran homes, St. Lucia is remembered on this day, by having one of the daughters of the house dress in a white robe with a crown of lighted candles and go singing from room to room early in the morning, while it is still dark, to awaken the other family members and to offer them cakes of bread.

The symbolism is clear: Jesus is the Light of the world and the Bread of Life. We are covered with the righteousness of Christ in our Baptism. As we wait for the celebration of Christ's first Advent, as well as His Second Advent, may the Light of Christ shine in our world! May we also remember that we shine not with our own inward light, but reflect the light of Christ, who is our Head! God bless.

Science As Evangelism

2006-12-07T10:53:00.000-05:00

Recently, I received an article written by George Johnson entitled, "Natural evangelism." It is subtitled, "Science is urged to vie with religion as teller of the greatest story ever told." It appeared in the Toronto Star: www.thestar.com. The point of the article is that scientists should not be afraid to "evangelize" their beliefs over and against those that support creationism, much like churches do.

Steven Weinberg, a Nobel laureate in physics, is quoted as saying, "the world needs to wake up from its long nightmare of religious belief." Also, Carolyn Porco, a senior research scientist at the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colorado, said, as well, "We should let the success of religious formula guide us. Let's teach our children from a very young age about the story of the universe and its incredible richness and beauty. It is already so much more glorious and awesome- and even comforting- than anything offered by any scripture or God concept I know."

Oh, really? Man-made beliefs and theories are more comforting than God's most holy Word? How tragic! It is time for our churches to take a stand against Darwinian evolution! What so many churches and pastors fail to recognize is that if you take away or question what God says in Genesis, then you open the door to questioning God's Word at any point. If you don't believe the Bible to be God's Word, then there is no possibility of discussion. But, if you believe the Bible to be God's Word, then it is fundamental that you believe that what is recorded in Genesis 1-11, i.e., the origin of the world in Genesis 1 and 2, the fall of man, the flood, the Tower of Babel, is historical and not mythical. There is no reason to question the truth and veracity of God's Word in those chapters. We must believe that God created the world in 6 twenty-four days and rested on the seventh day! We must believe that Adam and Eve were real historical figures! We must believe that a global flood occurred! We must believe that the Tower of Babel really occurred, as well! If we try to accommodate science by trying to work Darwinian evolution into the Genesis record, then we are wrong, first of all. But, fundamental passages in other parts of the Word of God are then, also open to debate. Therefore, we open the door to sexual immortality, abortion, homosexuality, and the undermining of the office of the Holy Ministry, and many other things.

I recommend a great resource in this area. "Answers in Genesis" at http://www.answersingenesis.org/. It is not written by Lutherans, but contains some very good working videos, books and contains some great information.

Again, it is obvious that those who support Darwinian Evolution are encouraging one another to continue to "evangelize" the world. They are getting bolder in their approach. As Christians, we too need to be educated in having answers for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15), especially as it relates to the creation of the world. God bless!

Believeland!

2006-12-04T10:57:00.000-05:00

On Sunday afternoon, I braved the bitter temperatures to watch the Cleveland Browns battle the Kansas City Chiefs at the Stadium. (Thanks Tom Gunter for the ticket.) At one point in the game, I stared up at the crowd and saw a sign that read, "Believeland." Apparently, enough people believed, because the Browns were victorious, 31-28.

But, the sign got me thinking- a dangerous idea, I know. But, the sign"Believeland" other than being a little corny, is indicative, of our culture. If enough people just believe in the Cleveland Browns, or in Santa Claus, or in a change of the weather or in world peace or whatever it is, it will happen. Where is the true "believeland?" The church, of course. It is in the church, in the divine service, through the Word of God and His Holy Sacraments, where God works and strengths our faith in Jesus Christ. It is God's work, not ours. We can believe all we want; but, it is God who brings us to and keeps us in the faith.

Despite the sign, I enjoyed the game and hope the Browns can keep going in the right direction.

God bless.

It's back!

2006-12-01T16:13:00.000-05:00

Coming January 0f 2007, the second edition of Concordia- The Lutheran Confessions will be available. I encourage every Lutheran household to own either this edition or one of the older versions, such as Tappert or Kolb/Wengert. This edition is nice because it contains many helps that make studying the Confessions more user friendlier. Not only should all Lutherans have a copy of our Lutheran Confessions in their home; but, also should read, mark and inwardly digest it. Start with the "Small and Large Catechisms," then, "The Augsburg Confession" and move on from there. God bless.

Are You in the Right Church?

2006-11-29T11:08:00.000-05:00

Click below to take a quick quiz and find out which of 24
denominations is right for you. Interesting results!!

Click Here: Check out Christian Denomination Selector

St. Andrew, November 30

2006-11-28T14:57:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, November 30th, the Church celebrates the festival of St. Andrew. He was not one of the prominent disciples, and yet, his faithfulness and dedication to Jesus, and his desire to bring others to Jesus is to be imitated. During the Wednesday nights of Advent, I am doing a thematic on the "Saints of God." This Wednesday night's sermon will be on St. Andrew.

The prayer listed for the festival of St. Andrew leads us to Jesus, "Almighty God, by whose grace the blessed apostle Saint Andrew obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, grant us also to follow him in heart and life; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever."

Victory Over Death!

2006-11-28T12:36:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, I traveled to Delafield, Wisconsin, to be present at a graveside service on Monday for a former member of St. John's, Craig Peters. He and his wife were currently living in Kansas, where his wife was finishing her residency program. Craig passed away suddenly at the age of 48. He leaves behind a wife, Beth, and two boys, Will and Daniel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Peters family at their time of loss. But, certainly as believers in Christ, we do not mourn without hope.

St. Paul had the Peters family in mind, and all of us when he wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4, starting at verse 13, "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words."

May God, again, bless the Peters family as they deal with this change in their lives.

Now Thank We All Our God!

2006-11-21T12:04:00.000-05:00

TLH # 36

1. Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices, who wondrous things hath done, in whom His world rejoices; who from our mother's arms hath blessed us on our way with countless gifts of love and still is ours today.

2. Oh, may this bounteous God through all our life be near us, with ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us and keep us in His grace and guide us when perplexed and free us from all ills in this world and the next!

3. All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given, the Son, and Him who reigns with them in highest heaven: The one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore! For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore. Amen.

Also, the text listed in TLH is Ecclesiasticus 50:22-24 (Apocrypha), "Now therefore bless ye the God of all, which only doeth wondrous things everywhere, which exalteth our days to His mercy. He grant us joyfulness of heart, and that peace may be in our days in Israel forever: that he would confirm his mercy with us, and deliver us at his time!"

Again, I say Amen.

Advent Devotions

2006-11-20T14:03:00.000-05:00

+ Information for Confess And Teach For Unity's eList Subscribers

"So, how is it that you have favor with God? How is it that heaven is truly and most assuredly yours? How is it that you can stand holy and righteous before God the Father? How can all this be? Jesus! Jesus is the Righteous One who stands before God the Father for you. Jesus is the Righteous One, whose coming in the Flesh you now anticipate during this Advent season.” (Advent Reflection - December 4, 2006)

For three years, Higher Things has provided free Gospel Reflections for youth and congregations for each day of the season of Advent. Families have gathered around the table, lit advent candles, sang hymns, read the Scriptures, and had devotions together. Moms have forwarded emails to their college students to spread the Word: Jesus is coming! His Advent is near!This year, we invite you to prepare again for the Lord's Coming with our latest Advent Reflections written by the Rev. Daniel Feusse. Pastor Feusse is pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church in Clearwater, Nebraska. You can email him at seelsorg@aol.com.

The booklet of Advent Reflections is available for free in pdf-format for download here: http://higherthings.org/reflections/download.html?.

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A Blessed and Happy Advent Preparation to you and your family! INI.-- Rev. George F. Borghardt III Assistant/Youth PastorSt. Mark Lutheran Church Conroe, TX

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Go Buckeyes!

2006-11-20T12:03:00.000-05:00

Built on the Rock the Church doth Stand!

2006-11-16T10:41:00.000-05:00

TLH # 467

1. Built on the Rock the Church doth stand, even when steeples are falling; crumbled have spires in every land, bells still are chiming and calling, calling the young and old to rest, but above all the soul distrest, longing for rest everlasting.

2. Surely in temples made with hands, God, the most High, is not dwelling; high above earth His temple stands, all earthly temples excelling. Yet He whom heavens cannot contain chose to abode on earth with men, built in our bodies His temple.

3. We are God's house of living stones, builded for His Habitation; He through baptismal grace us own heirs of His wondrous salvation. Were we but two His name to tell, yet He would deign with us to dwell, with all His grace and His favor.

4. Now we may gather with our King e'en in the lowliest dwelling; praises to Him we there may bring, His wondrous mercy forthtelling. Jesus His grace to us accords; Spirit and life are all His words; His truth doth hallow the temple.

5. Still we our earthly temples rear that we may herald His praises; they are the homes where He draws near and little children embraces. Beautiful things in them are said; God there with us His covenant made, making us heirs of His kingdom.

6. Here stands the font before our eyes telling how God did receive us; th' altar recalls Christ's sacrifice and what His table doth give us; here sounds the Word that doth proclaim Christ yesterday, today, the same, yea, and for aye our Redeemer.

7. Grant, then, O God, where'er men roam, that, when the church bells are ringing, many in saving faith may come where Christ His message is bringing; "I know Mine own, mine own know Me; Ye, not the world, My face shall see. My peace I leave with you." Amen.

Be Still, My Soul!

2006-11-15T14:45:00.000-05:00

TLH #651

1. Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side; bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; leave to thy God to order and provide; in every change He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

2. Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake to guide the future as He hath the past. Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake; all now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul; the waves and wind still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

3. Be still, my soul, tho' dearest friends depart and all is darkened in the vale of tears; Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart, who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears. Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay from His own fullness all He takes away.

4. Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on when we shall be forever with the Lord, when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone, sorrow forget, love's purest joys restored. Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last. Amen.

A Goddess Rosary! Lord have mercy!

2006-11-15T10:15:00.000-05:00

I invite you to check this out. It is creepy. They use a "Goddess rosary." They try to combine elements of radical feminism with the Christian faith. The name of the church is "Her Church." It is located in San Francisco and it is also known as Ebenezer Lutheran Church. Their site can be accessed at:

http://www.herchurch.org/.

Their video can be accessed at:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4639219646887101318&q=church&pr=goog-sl

The Greatest Job on Earth!

2006-11-14T14:44:00.000-05:00

I am writing this blog as a tribute to my boys. They are such a wonderful blessing. I love them more than words can truly say. I know this is an over-used cliche, but I will use it anyway. If you would have told me ten years ago that I would have four boys, I would have either laughed hysterically or cried uncontrollably. But, now, as I look at them when they are sleeping or glance at them when they are doing something else, all I can say is Lord have mercy. They are growing up too fast and I want them to stay put. I know that this is not how it works, but I want to enjoy them every second. The world that they will face is so different than the world I faced. The evil that they will have to endure is mind-boggling. And yet, I know and trust that God will take care of them. He has a plan and a future for them. This I know and believe. So, boys, thank you. Thank you for putting up with my busy schedule and my inability, at times, to be a good father. I want you to know that being a father is the greatest job on earth!

Holy God We Praise Thy Name!

2006-11-13T10:51:00.000-05:00

TLH # 250

1. Holy God, we praise Thy name; Lord of all, we bow before Thee. All on earth Thy scepter claim, all in heav'n above adore Thee. Infinite Thy vast domain, everlasting is Thy reign.

2. Hark the glad celestial hymn angels choirs above are raising; cherubim and seraphim, in unceasing chorus praising, fill the heav'ns with sweet accord: holy, holy, holy Lord.

3. Lo, the' apostles' holy train join Thy sacred name to hallow; prophets swell the glad refrain, and the white robed martyrs follow, and from morn to set of sun Thro' the Church the song goes on.

4. Holy Father, holy Son, Holy Spirit, three we name Thee; though in essence only one, undivided God we claim Thee and, adorning, bend the knee while we own the mystery. Amen.

Duct Tape or Nails!

2006-11-08T14:08:00.000-05:00

This story was shared with me. It was entitled, Duct Tape or Nails.

A man dies and goes to heaven. Of course, St. Peter meets him at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter says, 'Here's how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in.' 'Okay," the man says, 'I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart' 'That's wonderful,' says St.Peter , 'that's worth three points!""Three points?" he says. "Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service." "Terrific!" says St.Peter . "That's certainly worth a point.""One point!?!!" "I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans." "Fantastic, that's good for two more points," he says. "Two points!?!! "Exasperated, the man cries. "At this rate the only way I'll get into heaven is by the grace of God" "Bingo, 100 points! Come on in!" We often try to fix problems with WD-40 and duct tape. God did it with nails. "

This story is a variation of one that has been passed around for awhile. As good of a goal as it is to stress the grace of God and the death of Christ, this story has one major flaw. We contribute nothing toward our salvation. It is not as if we contribute a small portion toward salvation and God contributes the rest. We are dead in trespasses and sins and God raises us up, breathes life into us, gives us faith, and brings us to heaven when it is time. We do nothing. That is the grace of God.

What God Ordains Is Always Good!

2006-11-08T11:58:00.000-05:00

Hymn 521, TLH

1. What God ordains is always good; His will abideth holy, as He directs my life for me, I follow meek and lowly. My God indeed in every need doth well know how to shield me; to Him, then, I will yield me.

2. What God ordains is always good. He never will deceive me; He leads me in His own right way, and never will He leave me. I take content what He hath sent; His hand that sends me sadness will turn my tears to gladness.

3. What God ordains is always good. His loving thought attends me; No poison can be in the cup that my Physician sends me. My God is true; each morn anew I'll trust His grace unending, my life to Him commending.

4. What God ordains is always good. He is my Friend and Father; He suffers naught to do me harm, though many storms may gather. Now I may know both joy and woe, some day I shall see clearly that He hath loved me dearly.

5. What God ordains is always good. Though I the cup am drinking which savors now of bitterness, I take it without shrinking. For after grief God grants relief, my heart with comfort filling and all my sorrow stilling.

6. What God ordains is always good. This truth remains unshaken. Though sorrow, need or death be mine, I shall not be forsaken. I fear no harm, for with His arm He shall embrace and shield me; so to my God I yield me.

AMEN!

Jesus Christ, My Pride and Glory!

2006-11-07T16:32:00.000-05:00

The Lutheran hymnal #408, by Johann Olearius

Jesus Christ, my Pride and Glory, He, the true and living Light,
strengthens me with glorious might. Christ, revealed in sacred story, whom I now as Lord confess, teaches me true holiness.

Let me live to praise Thee ever, Jesus, Thou my heart's delight, Thou who leadest me aright. Let me cling to Thee forever, all the fleshly lusts deny, and the devil's host defy.

Grant me, Lord, Thy Holy Spirit that in all I follow Him, lest the light of faith grow dim. Let me ever trust Thy merit, let Thy blessing me attend, from all evil me defend.

From all pain and imperfection, gracious Lord, deliver me, Heaven's glory let me see. Keep me under Thy direction that the grace Thou gavest me I may praise eternally. Amen.

Former President Barry's Letter on Gambling

2006-11-06T10:37:00.000-05:00

Promised Gain Comes With Great Pain
A Statement from The Office of the President The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod 1333 South Kirkwood Road St. Louis, Missouri 63122 United States of America

A number of weeks ago, my office received correspondence from one of our nation's congressmen that contained very sobering information about gambling. We need to be clear that it is not possible, on the basis of God's Word, to say that each and every instance of gambling is sinful. It is true however that every act of gambling does present a tremendous opportunity for temptation. What is clear is that legalized gambling is increasing in popularity across our nation. It rests on the promise of gain but comes at the cost of considerable pain to our society.
The National Gambling Impact Study Commission released a report, following a two year study of gambling in America. It reveals some very troubling facts about gambling's impact on the poor and those who become addicted to gambling. The findings were alarming enough for a majority of the commission to call for a "pause" or moratorium on further gambling expansion in America to give time to dig deeper into its effects.
Americans now wager about $600 billion a year, which is more than is spent on groceries! In 1992, it was $329 billion a year. In 1974, it was just $17 billion. That is a staggering increase of 3,500 percent over 25 years! And the gambling commission noted in its report that "with little stretch of the imagination, it is conceivable that, some day, gambling enterprises may be franchised and, at least, in parts of the country, become as common as fast food outlets are today." Gambling today is not simply harmless family entertainment, as advertising for commercial and state-sponsored gambling seems to indicate. Millions of people have become addicted to gambling and have brought untold suffering on themselves and their families.
We now know some very real and troubling facts about gambling and addiction. According to the gambling commission report: "in 1997 . . . the Harvard Medical School Division on Addictions . . . estimated at that time that there were 7.5 million American adult problem and pathological gamblers and 7.9 million American adolescent problem and pathological gambles."
That is more than 1.5 million people having difficulty with gambling and more than half of them are children. This means that our nation's youth is disproportionately impacted by gambling. Or, to put it another way, there are currently more adult and adolescent problem and pathological gamblers in America than people residing in New York City. There are six times as many adolescent problem or pathological gamblers in America than men and women actively serving in our combined armed forces—the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.
The statistics do not tell the whole story. According to the report, the impact of human suffering is truly immeasurable. For example, in "Atlantic City, the Commission heard about a 16-year-old boy who attempted suicide after losing $6,000 on a lottery." Many children are hurt, even if they themselves do not have a gambling problem. Quite often they are the victims of addicted parents or guardians. "The Commission heard testimony of numerous cases in which parents or a caretaker locked children in cars for an extended period of time while they gambled. In at least two cases, the children died."
When it comes to the poor and gambling, the commission found that "the education category with the highest per capita spending includes those who did not complete high school. . . . College graduates have the lowest. With respect to household income. . . those with incomes less than $50,000 spend more than others, and the lower-income categories have the highest per capita spending." Legalized gambling victimizes the poor and preys on our society's weakest members. It entices those who are the most desperate with the offer of a way to achieve wealth and prosperity. It tempts those who are at the most vulnerable point, and this is truly disturbing. A nation such as ours cannot, and must not, put the interest of industrialized gambling above the need and concern that we must have for the poor. Surely, it is not in the best interest of our nation to do so.
The commission reported "a further criticism is that, in pursuit of revenues, some lotteries have employed overly aggressive and even deceptive advertising and other marketing methods. Lottery advertising has advanced in recent years from simple public-service-announcement-type ads to sophisticated marketing tools. Critics charge that they are intentionally misleading, especially regarding such matters as the minuscule odds of winning the various jackpots. (As an agency of government, lotteries are not subject to federal "Truth in advertising" standards). State-sponsored lotteries are perhaps the most harmful because they project an image legitimizing gambling and ultimately help nurture a gambling culture among our children—the next generation of gamblers."
We would simply ask that all church workers of our Synod, and our congregation's lay leaders, consider how best to communicate the profoundly harmful impact that state-sponsored and legalized gambling is having on our nation and on our communities. The problems associated with gambling will only grow worse as gambling continues to gain a foothold in our communities and becomes more commonplace across our nation. We Lutherans know that it is our duty to avoid stealing, but in so doing also to do whatever we can to help our neighbor to improve and protect his property and business. Gambling is one area where, as Christian citizens, we can work to improve a situation so harmful to the poor and to families devastated by a family member caught up in a gambling addiction.

The Reformation Continues!

2006-11-01T12:57:00.000-05:00

Today, we honor and give thanks to God for Martin Luther and the Reformation that he began over 489 years ago. We honor the man who had the courage and bravery to stand up in the face of extreme opposition and conflict. He was not afraid to let his voice be heard. He was willing to die for the faith that he knew to be true. He knew that Jesus Christ was his Savior from sin- that He died on the cross, rose again, ascended into heaven and will come again to judge the quick and the dead. Studying the Word of God with great diligence and thoroughness allowed him to see the errors of his Church. Believing his beloved church to be in error broke his heart and yet he could not stand idly by and do nothing. “Here I Stand! I can do no other! So, help me God! Amen.” These are words of strength and power- not his own strength, but the strength of God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. These words ring loudly down to us as we sit here this morning.
As we look at the Lutheran Church today, we wonder what Luther would say? What would he reform today if given the chance? Does the church even need to be reformed today? What are the errors that need to be dealt with and what needs to be done away with in our church? This morning, I want to give you a kind of a unique sermon. Presidents give a state of the union speech. Governors give a state of the state speech. Mayors even give a state of the city address. Today, I give a state of the church sermon. This sermon may appear to be more scholarly or more like a paper than many of my sermons, but hopefully, you will understand what I am trying to say. May God bless both my words and the hearing of those words this morning!
Let me start of by asking you: how many Lutherans do you think there are worldwide? Well, according to Wikipedia, my favorite source for info, says there are 82.6 million people who call themselves Lutheran worldwide. That number-82.6 million make up about 4 percent of the people who call themselves Christian in the world- 2 billion worldwide. A little closer to home: we are part of the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod. There are 2.5 million in our Synod, making us the 8th largest Christian denomination in the USA.
Even though we are not the biggest Christian denomination in the US or the world, we need to be thankful for what God has done for the Lutheran Church and specifically for our church here at St. John over the years. Many mainline denominations are declining at a very rapid pace. Many beautiful churches in downtown areas and in small towns have had to close their doors. Over the last several years, the Missouri Synod has not grown as we would have liked, and maybe our own church has not grown as much as may have liked, but we are remaining steadfast and solid. That is a testament to the fact that God has been with our church in the midst of some very trying times. Our own church, St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church of Berea, Ohio, with its principle office in Strongsville, as our constitution calls us, has been in service to God for 116 years- something to be truly thankful to God for. How many companies that existed in the 1890’s are still in existence today? Or how many companies that are in existence today, will exist in the year 2122? Probably, not all that many! The point is we need worry about the state of our church. As we continue to be faithful to God and His Word, He will bless our church and Lutheranism. God is in control! I believe that we have a very bright future!
With that said, it is also fair to say that the Lutheran Church today would not be easily recognized by Martin Luther. What goes on in various Lutheran churches across the world and across the USA would make Luther’s head spin. Despite what the media wants us to believe, all of Lutheranism is not united. Far from it! What has contributed to the demise of the Lutheranism today is not a simple matter. Let me share with you a couple of movements that are affecting our Lutheran church today. Hopefully, by doing so, we can see the danger that we are in!
What has contributed to the state of the Lutheran church today, first of all, I will call the “ecumenical movement.” This movement began roughly 100 years ago, at the Edinburgh Missionary Conference in 1910. With very good intentions, this movement believes in the importance of bringing all denominations back together again. It believes that all the denominations in our world today are a tragedy. However, to come together, this movement does something totally and completely “un-Lutheran.” It downplays, or in some cases, completely rejects the importance of doctrine and theology. It stresses unity of faith in Jesus above all else. Their motto is, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials diversity and in all things charity.” You may have heard of that phrase.
The debate comes up for us as Lutherans, with just what those essentials are and is it right, ethical, Biblical to join with other churches that have such drastic differences? Unfortunately, the “essentials” are very few things. Basically, faith in Christ, a belief in the Trinity: God as Father, Son and Spirit, some form of sacraments, and a desire to spread the Gospel and that is about it.
This “ecumenical movement” has caused our sister Synod- the ELCA- to declare altar and pulpit fellowship with non-Lutheran denominations, something unthinkable just a few years ago. Again, what a church actually teaches is secondary to the desire to join together, to have unity, even if what the two groups teach is miles apart.
This movement has deeply affected the state of the Lutheran Church. The conventional wisdom of so many in our world today says that there is not all that much that really separates the churches. Why shouldn’t we join together with other denominations? Luther would turn over in his grave if he knew that Lutheran churches today have joined with non-Lutheran churches despite significant differences in teaching. He risked his life because of those doctrinal differences. What right do we have in our enlightened times to ignore the differences? None whatsoever! Doctrine matters and it is unthinkable that doctrine is being ignored for the sake of unity!
Another movement that is affecting the state of the Lutheran Church today is the “non-denominational movement.” This movement began with a man by the name of Charles Finney in the 19th century, in a town not too far from us, Oberlin. Finney, a lawyer turned evangelist, began what was called, “revivalism” or the “Second Great Awakening.” He toured the country and large numbers of people left other Christian denominations and followed him. He believed deeply in the importance of joining together American culture with Christian belief, so that there was not a difference between what went on in the world with what goes on in the church. That is, he attempted to bring the church and the world together in his teaching and practice. He, also, stressed enthusiasm in the faith- that is the church should be about entertainment, excitement and feeling good. In doing so, he stressed the importance of making a “decision for Christ.” Finney led to other great revivalist preachers such as Billy Sunday, Billy Graham, and today Rick Warren. This movement continues all over the country and is present right in our back yard.
What is wrong with the Non-denominational movement? Is it not a good thing that these churches are bringing in large numbers of people and converting them to Jesus? Well, yes, it is a good thing that they want to tell others about Jesus. We have a lot in common with these churches. But, what we don’t have in common is not insignificant. In fact, it is of utmost importance. Just as false teaching existed in the Catholic Churches of Luther’s day, so does false teaching exist in these large mega-churches. What a church teaches in all areas of theology matters.
And here’s the kicker. Because we saw many of these non-denominational churches growing, and we wanted to grow ourselves, we attempted to imitate what they were doing, especially in worship style. However, by doing so, we changed who we are and our doctrine also changed!
These two movements, “the ecumenical movement” and the “non-denominational movement” have affected our Lutheran Church in so many ways. Today, Lutherans allow for diversity in worship styles that was never there before. Our communion practices differ. We don’t see eye-to-eye when it comes to the role of women in the church, to our doctrine of the office of the pastor, in how we relate to other churches, to our teaching on the End times, to our teaching on good works, just to name of a few. The bottom line is that these two movements, among many others have watered-down our Lutheran teaching. For those whose heritage comes from Martin Luther, it is a shame and a tragedy to reject what has been handed down to us.
But other than just pointing out what is wrong with our Lutheran Church today, it is also my humble goal to give us some helpful direction on what can be done. Like I said before, I believe that we have a bright future. As I have said, we have a lot to be thankful for when it comes to our Lutheran church. As we are faithful, God will bless our church. And I believe from the bottom of my heart that there is a place for conservative, confessional Lutheranism in our world today and especially in our area.
What we need to do is know what our church teaches and boldly confess that truth. We need to diligently study our Lutheran doctrine ourselves, so that we can teach it to our children. We need to appreciate the desire for sound teaching. We need to see doctrine, as something that is vitally important and is relevant to our lives. How we understand who God is, how we understand what sin is, how we understand who Jesus is, how we understand what Jesus has done for us, or what Baptism is, or what Holy Communion is. All of these things affect us in our lives. We are a church body that believes in the importance of a solid and clear confession of faith, not watered down, not changed, not altered, not softened, not politically correct or changed to make people feel good about themselves. We care deeply about honoring God’s name among us so that we can give a clear and consistent confession to the world. May God help us to do just that!
Today is the celebration of the Reformation. What Luther was willing to die for was the teaching and preaching of God’s most Holy Word based on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. For us, it should be no different. I conclude with a quote from one of my favorite books, “The Fire and the Staff.” Pastor Klemet Preus proclaims, “The church needs to set her sights high and expect what God expects. He expects neither numerical growth in every situation nor glorious reports of how well we are doing. He expects faithfulness to the pure doctrine and the Sacraments. This faithfulness will always involve proclaiming justification by grace for Christ’s sake, teaching Luther’s catechism, and teaching the theology of the cross. Faithfulness is compromised when anyone, is indifferent to doctrine or actually suggests that doctrine is harmful. Our “success” ought to be measured by the cross. Wherever true doctrine is valued and taught, the truth of the Gospel burns itself into the lives of people. Christ’s church can light the fire only by teaching purely.” I add one final comment. When this happens, dear friends in Christ, the state of our church is good.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

All Saints Day

2006-11-01T12:27:00.000-05:00

Psalm 116:15 reminds us, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." There is nothing quite like All Saints Day. For me, it is a chance to truly give thanks to God for all the blessings of being united to Christ. In Christ, we are united with the heavenly chorus, the invisible church, the church triumphant. Every time we gather together in the Divine Service, we are worshipping with the heavenly saints. As we receive the body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ on this side of eternity, we are joining with those on the other. When my oldest son goes up to communion now, he talks under his breath to those who are in heaven. May God bless your celebration of All Saints and let us remember, Hebrews 12, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." Lord have mercy!

Sermon Packs a Punch!

2006-10-30T14:49:00.000-05:00

In our local newspaper this morning, The Plain Dealer, in the Metro section, there was a picture (unfortunately I could not load the actual picture of it in my blog) of Pastor Paul Endrei knocking down another man in the middle of a boxing ring. It happened inside his church in Westlake, Ohio- The Church on the Rise. It was an illustration of a theme that he was talking about, "A Bout with Doubt." "There are lessons we can learn from boxing that have real-life application to our everyday lives."

One wonders what is next. I thought I have seen a lot, but this is now at the top of my list. The boxing world and the church are now one. Where will it all end? Pastor Endrei, also said that children could volunteer their parents to go into the ring during the service, as well. How amusing! Lord have mercy!

A Stewardship Renaissance?

2006-10-26T12:59:00.000-05:00

I received an email from the Synod. I quote a portion of it, "He also spoke about the recently released report of the Synod's Blue Ribbon Task Force for Funding the Mission and its recommendations, especially that a 'stewardship renaissance' take place in the Synod, and that ways be sought to increase unrestricted giving in the LCMS." A stewardship renaissance, huh? Interesting. This sounds an awful lot like money is becoming an idol for us as a synod. How about a Gospel renaissance or a doctrinal renaissance? That is what we need. If we preach and teach the pure and unadulterated Gospel and administer the Sacraments according to the institution of Christ, the money will follow. Everything will follow. Our priorities seem to be completely mixed up. I wonder if they realize how ridiculous a "stewardship renaissance" actually sounds? Just my humble opinion. Lord have mercy!

The New Hymnal

2006-10-26T10:33:00.000-05:00

I want to thank CPH for making such an appealing looking new hymnal. From the outside, it looks like something you want and need. However, what is on the inside leaves something to be desired. Our congregation uses both TLH and LW and we have little desire to go to a new hymnal. The only thing that would have drawn us into considering using it might have been if what we love about TLH was in the new hymnal. All the good hymns, as well as, the services of TLH included with some newer expressions of reverent and confessional hymnody. However, that is just not the case. Now, they say that the TLH service and TLH hymns are in the new hymnal. Some are and some are not! The TLH service is the TLH service, with all the "thee"s and "thou"s in there! I have heard for years that I should not support using language that is out-dated and not relevant to the generation of today. What they fail to understand is that the language of TLH is the language of the church. The "thee's" and the "thou's" take us out of the world and into the church. Holding onto the TLH language is far more than just something done because we are comfortable with or used to it. We hold on to TLH because the hymns are superior and the language is churchly. Why did the editorial committee choose to keep some of the old language and disregard other parts of it? It makes no sense. It seems arbirtary. On the other hand, I want to thank some of the modern hymn writers for their contribution. We plan on using them in the future. May God bless our Synod!

Augsburg Confession- Article I- God

2006-10-25T15:27:00.000-05:00

All theology must begin by answering the question of: who is God? That is why our Lutheran Confession begins with God. If we don't know or clearly confess who God is, then, everything else we say really doesn't matter. Article I of the Augsburg Confession confesses God to be three persons in one divine essence. God is Father, Son and Holy Ghost. That is the only confession of God. Therefore, confessing God as only Father, or only Son or only Holy Ghost is not a Christian confession of Him. All three persons must be confessed. The Augsburg Confession, Article I, condemns the Jewish and Muslim definition or confession of God; because, it is incomplete. May we continue to honor God by clearing confessing him to be Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Anything less is not the right confession. Amen.

Ranting About Sports in Cleveland

2006-10-15T13:57:00.000-05:00

Since I arrived here in October of 2003, I have become an avid Cleveland sports fan. I cheer for the Indians, Cavs, and the Browns for 14 games (I am also a Steeler fan. Sorry, I have cheered for them since the 70's) . The Indians season was a huge disappointment this year and I find myself slowing getting the Cleveland chip on my shoulder. Somehow, it is a great and grand conspiracy that we haven't won a major sports championship since the Brown's teams of the fifties. Oh, we have come pretty close. But, we haven't gotten over the hump. I have heard some pretty wild conjectures as to why we haven't won. I still like the Indian curse theory. The stadium was built on old Indian land. You get the picture. But, anyway, this year, I know will be different. This is the year that we finally break through. Lebron and the boys will do it! They will find a way to win a championship! If not, it is because everything is predetermined anyway and the powers that be don't want us to win. There I go again. Sorry. Hope springs eternal. God bless.

What Makes up the Book of Concord?

2006-10-12T10:18:00.000-05:00

1. Apostles' Creed- 2nd century AD
2. Nicene Creed-325, 381 AD
3. Athanasian Creed-6-8th centuries AD
4. Augsburg Confession-June 25, 1530 AD
5. The Apology (Defense) of the Augsburg Confession-1531 AD
6. The Smalcald Articles-1536 AD
7. Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope-1537 AD
8. Luther's Small Catechism-1529 AD
9. Luther's Large Catechism-1529 AD
10. The Formula of Concord: Epitome and Solid Declaration-1577 AD

With Intrepid Hearts!

2006-10-12T09:57:00.000-05:00

How important is the Lutheran confession of faith? The Formula of Concord answers the question. "This declaration... is our faith, doctrine and confession. By God's grace, with intrepid hearts, we are willing to appear before the judgment seat of Christ with this confession."
In our world, what you confess means very little. What one person confesses is just as important or unimportant as what anyone else confesses. But, to a Lutheran, our confession is a matter of life and death. We are willing to die for our confession. It is that important! A countless number of our forefathers died to preserve, protect and hand down to us our confession. So often, I have heard, "Why do we care so much about doctrine? Can we give a little for the sake of unity and compromise?" Answer: No, we can not give in. Not one inch. If doctrine matters to God, it matters to me. If by teaching true doctrine, I preserve Christ crucified and risen for those who will come after me, then true doctrine I will preach, teach and confess. Soli Deo Gloria!

Help for Pastor Rippy

2006-10-03T13:27:00.000-05:00

(From Pastor Sean Rippy)

Brothers,

I have been called to serve St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church in Sunderland, England while I attend nearby Newcastle University on Tyne. St. Timothy’s is a member of the ELCE- The Evangelical Lutheran Church of England, sister church to the LCMS. She is a solid Lutheran church- a beacon of hope in the midst of the spiritual chaos that is England.

The problem is this light is dimming. There are currently only 15 congregations in the ELCE. 15! And most are struggling. We all know the cycle. As congregations struggle financially, it is difficult to support pastors and their families. Without pastors and more specifically the means of grace which pastors are called to provide, it is difficult for congregations to remain stable. Without stability it is difficult to maintain finances to provide for pastors. And the cycle goes on and on.

A few years back St. Timothy’s was struck with a hardship that left her weak and vulnerable. Recently, when her last pastor left, they believed they would have to close the doors because they could not afford another pastor. In the LCMS closing one of our 6,000 congregations is a deep sadness, no one wants to see it, but in the ELCE when 1 of 15 congregations closes- that is a tragedy. That very often means an entire part of the country will have no Lutheran presence at all. The result is those poor Lutheran saints must suffer, not to mention those who would benefit from good solid Lutheran teaching and preaching.

St. Timothy’s is in the far Northeast corner of England. There isn’t another ELCE church for hundreds of miles in any direction. If St. Timothy’s were to close that would mean the Lutheran light would go out in that part of the country.

In every sense St. Timothy’s is a mission. She can provide a parsonage and possibly a car (the ELCE provides for congregations a very economical car option at 60 pounds a month) but no salary at all. She requires financial aid and subsistence from outside sources and right now the ELCE as a Synod is not able to provide much help. She too is financially hurting.

I call on you as fellow pastors who know the power and importance of Word and Sacrament ministry. As we follow God in this call and literally step out in faith, my family and I need your help, but perhaps more importantly St. Timothy’s and northeast England needs your help.

I write this not to create guilt, but to make you aware of a problem that you may not have been aware of. If we do not know the trials of our brothers and sisters, we can not help. If you or your congregation find yourself able to help in any way, you may contact me up to the end of December at:

Pastor Sean L. Rippy
673 Clayton NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
(616) 735-0890
Oratiocredendi@aol.com

Alternately, you may make a check out to: St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church
And mail to:
Queen Alexandra RoadAshbrooke, SunderlandSR2 9AATelephone: 0191 528 4424

Or go to www.northernlutheran.co.uk and click on: “Support Us” and then click on: “St. Timothy’s” to donate via credit card.

Thank You Professor Marquart!

2006-09-25T13:31:00.000-05:00

On Friday, September 22, I attended a marvelous celebration of the life of professor Kurt Marquart at Kramer Chapel. Processing in with dozens of other LC-MS clergy was one of the highlights of the 8 years of my time serving as a pastor. The service was beautifully done. The liturgy was rightly reverent. Pastor Hill preached a fantastic Gospel-centered sermon. The hymns were perfect. It was such a honor to be there.

I have many memories of the professor. He was a top notch teacher in and out of the classroom and will be greatly missed. I especially enjoyed visiting with him at the library, where I worked while at the seminary. He was a learned and gentle man at the same time. I remember, especially, during my fourth year at the seminary, at one of the parties, he read the classic Dr. Suess book, "Green Eggs and Ham" in his trademark Australian accent. "I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them Sam I am."

Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with his wife, family and friends. At the viewing, I thanked his wife for sharing her husband with the synod for all these years. Her response I will never forget. "He wasn't mine from the start. He was God's creation and it was time for him to go back with him."

So, then, thank you, professor and pastor Marquart for your faithfulness and dedication to our Lutheran faith. You were and continue to be an inspiration. As St. Paul says, "To live is Christ and to die is gain."

Soli Deo Gloria!

A Plug for Higher Things

2006-07-24T16:12:00.000-05:00

Next year, Higher Things are having two youth conventions. I strongly encourage you to attend or get your youth excited. Check out their website at higherthings.org. Keep up the good work.

A Right to Speak # 2

2006-07-24T15:52:00.000-05:00

I have applied the duct tape so my head won't explode (Glen Beck reference). I am ready to speak and I will try to do so calmly. At the Ohio Convention, these comments were also made by our president; but, naturally, there was no time to respond to them. Let me start by saying this. It is absolutely ridiculous that the By-laws are being interpreted in this fashion. It mirrors how our United States Constitution and By-laws are being interpreted by those on the left. Yes, we have an obligation to Synod. Yes, we should approach our brother if he sins against us. Yes, we should go through the proper channels if we disagree. That is why our congregation submitted so many overtures to our District Convention.

But, if I disagree with the Synod, if I think that the resolutions of the Synod are wrong, I have a moral and theological obligation to speak my mind. What kind of a Synod are we in, if pastors can't even express themselves? What kind of Synod are we in if pastors are not allowed to teach their own members about false teaching that our own Synod promotes? I really do think at this point, all we need is the Word of God and our Lutheran Confessions. Until we reach unity in doctrine and practice, the Constitution and By-laws of our Synod should be cast aside. Do you hear me? Cast aside! I am sick and tired of those in leadership hiding behind the C and B. It is ridiculous. They did it after 911 and they are doing it again. Let us throw off the shackles of our Constitution and Bylaws and get back to what is important. If somehow we can reach uniformity in doctrine and practice, then maybe we can bring them back in. Just my humble opinion. The duct tape seems to be holding.

God bless and God have mercy on our Synod.

In Christ,

Pastor Jim Haugen

A Right to Speak- # 1

2006-07-24T15:42:00.000-05:00

A copy of an email was sent to me. I quote a portion of it. "Kindly note Bylaw 1.8, below: 1.8 Dissent 1.8.1 While retaining the right of brotherly dissent, members of the Synod are expected as part of the life together within the fellowship of the Synod to honor and uphold the resolutions of the Synod. 1.8.2 Dissent from doctrinal resolutions and statements is to be expressed first within the fellowship of peers and then brought to the attention of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations before finding expression as an overture to the convention calling for revision or recision. While the conscience of the dissenter shall be respected, the consciences of others, as well as the collective will of the Synod, shall also be respected. The Synod itself, at the Milwaukee convention in 1971, has interpreted the meaning of "honor and uphold" in the above paragraphs and addressed the reasons why honoring and upholding the Synod's doctrinal resolutions and expressing one's dissent in the manner we have mutually agreed upon is so important. Salient portions of Resolution 2-21 from that convention are reproduced for you below: The Synod, therefore, holds that every member, by virtue of his agreement when he voluntarily joined the Synod and freely placed himself under the provisions of the Synod's Constitution and bylaws, is bound by the Word of God expressed in the Synod's resolutions until it can be demonstrated that a resolution is in fact "not in accordance with the Word of God" (Bylaw 1.09b), and the Synod permits no member to teach or practice in violation of a resolution simply on the grounds that he does not agree with it or that it is in conflict with his private persuasion. Formal commitment of the Synod to a confessional base is pointless unless the Synod has the right as a synod to apply its confessional base definitively to current issues and thus conserve and promote unity and resist an individualism which breeds schism. If a member cannot for conscience' sake accept a doctrinal resolution of the Synod, he has the obligation and opportunity through mutually approved procedure to challenge such a resolution with a view to effecting the changes he deems necessary. Failing in that, he is completely free by reason of his wholly voluntary association with the Synod to obey his conscience and disassociate himself from the Synod. Meanwhile every member of the Synod is held to abide by, act, and teach in accordance with the Synod's resolutions. To "honor and uphold" means...to support, act, and teach in accordance with them... I have taken the liberty of attaching the entirety of 1971 Resolution 2-21 and a related resolution (5-24) from the same convention for your edification and convenience. To sum it up (and this summation should also not be taken out of context): * The Holy Scriptures are the written Word of God and the only rule and norm of faith and practice in the church. The Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church are a true and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God (cf. LCMS Constitution, Article II). * Membership in the synod is voluntary. * Members of synod have voluntarily committed themselves to the rules by which we govern ourselves-the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod (this includes Article II of the Constitution!). * Members of the synod may dissent from the position of the Synod. The Synod recognizes that it can err! * In dissenting from the position of the Synod, members have committed themselves to the process for dissent mandated by the Handbook. * While dissenting according to mandated procedure, members of the Synod have (voluntarily) committed themselves to "honor and uphold" the doctrinal resolutions of the Synod, and not to preach or teach contrary to them.

Did you get all that? I will respond in a second blog.

Just Say No!

2006-07-20T22:55:00.000-05:00

For quite some time, leaders of the LC-MS and the AALC have been pursuing altar and pulpit fellowship. It seems that we are getting closer, from the news that is coming from Synodical headquarters. The picture included here is of the Presiding Pastor of the AALC. From my observation, this possible fellowship would be a very bad idea. The AALC have many theological problems that should completely prevent the Missouri Synod from joining in any type of relationship with the AALC. There are serious questions about the AALC's doctrine of Holy Communion, the Charismatic Movement and the Ordination of Women, to name just a few. The fact that the leaders of our Church are pursuing this fellowship shows to me, beyond a shadow of a doubt (as if I really needed any more evidence) that we are not unified in doctrine. The issues that divide us are so much more than issues of style or practice. God have mercy on our Synod!

Purpose Driven Lutheranism

2006-07-17T14:58:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, a quote is so good, I must share it with you. The quote is by Rev. Kurt Hering, pastor of Trinity Lutheran in Layton, Utah. He is quoting, Paul Proctor. He says, "While the adiaphora of cultural vehicles that bear the means of grace can and do change – such as language, music, instruments, artwork –Law/Gospel preaching of repentance and the forgiveness of sins should not, indeed cannot, ever be replaced by PowerPoint and other video presentations; the Sacraments should not, indeed cannot, be replaced by the thinly veiled, "Lutheranized" altar calls of open communion; the liturgy should not, indeed cannot, be replaced by the self-centered, attention seeking idolatry of "praise" oriented worship; confession/absolution should not, indeed cannot, be replaced by motivational appeals to good works and social action; catechesis should not, indeed cannot, be replaced by spiritual gift inventories .. .and the evangelism that is the Good News of Jesus Christ and the teaching of ALL that He has commanded for the making of disciples should not, indeed cannot, be replaced by slogans, logos, and toteboard encounters." Couldn't have said it better myself.