What Child Is This?

Not to knock the pope or anything, because I don't mean to, I actually like Ratzinger the Bishop of Rome.  But catching a few glimpses of his midnight mass I wondered aloud if this is what St. Peter had in mind when he started the Christian community in Rome.  More importantly I wondered if this is what Jesus had in mind when He said the gates of hell would not prevail against His church.  All the worldly riches, the gold, the outfits, the elaborate and extravagant decorations, is this what God had in mind?

American consumers who are Christians and not Roman Catholic are just as much to blame.  There we all are banging down the doors of malls and Best Buy's to get the "best buy" we can and bring a smile to the faces of those we love.  Don't get me wrong, I love gifts, but is this all what God had in mind?  The gaudiness?  The piousness?  Does today's Church even really understand what took place that first Christmas, on a cool spring night approximately 2,000 years ago in a place called House of Bread (Bethlehem)?  

Jesus could have easily come into the world in the richest area possible.  He could have been borne at the governors place of dwelling, Herod's castle, Rome itself, or perhaps a great kingdom of Persia, but He wasn't.  The King of the universe and beyond instead chose to come the way of a servant, born next to animals in a dirty barn stable, son of a carpenter and a young woman who were betrothed to be married.  So you see, it is quite easy to answer the question, "Is this what God had in mind?"  Because the answer is, "No."  Religious piousness, carelessness for those "below" us, more mindful of money and riches then the miracles of Christ, are not what The Creator had in mind.  

Who came to greet Jesus at His birth?  Shepherds.  What kind of a joke is that?  I mean seriously, this baby is not only supposed to be a king, but the King of the universe and shepherds were the first outside of his mother Mary and earthly father Joseph to greet Him?  Shepherds were no palace dwellers in those days, not even today.  So it is a complete mockery of the term "pastor" or "shepherd" for Christians to be parading around in abundance while reflecting their own worth.  

What child is this?  This child is a servant, a servant who came to serve one and all.  This child is one who suffers, to suffer with one and all.  This child is God with us, Immanuel.  This child is the Savior, Jesus, who saves humanity from itself.  This child is a King, but unlike any other king the world has seen, because this King remains on the front lines fighting battles for His people, this King suffers completely with His people, for that is what He was born to do.  This King died, and this King lives for His people.

This King is not looking for a kingdom of this world, but a Kingdom of the worlds beyond and the new in the future.  This child, Jesus the Christ, is not about the gaudy.  The Christ is about the ugly, and making the ugly beautiful.  The Christ is about taking the sick, and making them healthy.  The Christ is about taking the stain of sin and eradicating it forever, by people being baptized into His name and His life.  

It would behoove those of us who are Christian to cherish this great news, because that is what it is.  So a hurting and dying world around us can see the Love of God reflected and they might believe and have life eternal themselves.  If we live contrary to how our King lives, the dying world doesn't get to see His love manifested in His people.  

What child is this?  Immanuel, God with us.  Let us be with others this Christmas and everyday as though it were Christmas.

All Dogs Go to Heaven?

Lost my dog of 14 and a half years today.  It's amazing the little things one takes for granted when they have a pet for such a long time and moments after they're gone, you miss them.  Like when I was laying on the couch watching t.v. like I've done so many times before, Ranger (named after the NY Hockey team) would stick her nose in my face.  It more often than not annoyed me, but what I'd give to have her stick her disgusting snout in my face.  The little things in life, which really turn out to be the big things that impact us so often get lost in the shuffle.  It's a lesson we never learn, until it's too late.  

There was a popular movie when I was younger called, "All Dogs Go to Heaven."  The plot surrounded around dogs who were also angels, because they had died and gone to heaven.  It's a story I have always laughed and never took seriously.  But when I got the news early this morning that the dog I have had since I was in first grade had passed away, the theologian in me began racing for answers.  The theologian in me had none.  No dogs go to heaven, no dog or pet makes it to everlasting life...or do they?  I stumbled upon this:

Q. My four-year-old son wants to know if he will see his dog when he dies and goes to heaven. Will he? Do I tell him that even though God created all the animals too, people are the only ones that go to heaven?

A. In the "Q&A" column of the January 1995 issue of the "Northwestern Lutheran" (the official periodical of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod), Rev. John Brug gives the following helpful response to the question, "Will there be animals in heaven?"

Since animals do not have immortal souls, we might think the answer is no. Several facts, however, make one hesitant to be satisfied with a simple "no." Our eternal home is a new earth (Isaiah 65:17ff, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1). Isaiah 65:25 speaks of it as a place in which the wolf and the lamb live together peacefully.

This may be figurative language, but one other passage suggests animals might be in our eternal home. Romans 8:21 says that "the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage." In this present, sin-cursed world, we inflict suffering on animals, and they inflict suffering on us. At Christ's coming, when this world is freed from the effects of sin, animals, too, will be freed from suffering.

That text also says the creation will be "brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." That might mean there may be plants and animals in the new earth as there were in the first earth. If there are animals on the new earth, they will be good creatures of God as the animals of the first earth were.

In short, the answer is a cautious "maybe."

A cautious maybe.  From where I'm sitting right now, I'll take that.  It is the curse of sin upon the world that leads to tragedies such as losing a pet.  And it is just another reminder of how creation waits and groans for that day when there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more fear.  Christ's victory on the cross and His resurrection is what assures us that this day is coming.

Hail Mary, Full of Grace

Could not have said it better myself, so here is the LCMS' daily devotion, today centered around Mary, mother of Jesus, since today is in the Roman Catholic Church the "Immaculate Conception" of Mary.  Which states that Mary was given extra grace and born sinless, that God spared her from being conceived in sin because she would bare the Christ child, something this blogger does not believe.  One note I would make in addition to this daily devo however is that the word for grace relayed to Mary is the same as the word for grace given to all believers in Ephesians 1:6. Something to ponder or to inquire about with a Roman Catholic friend or priest.  Nevertheless, enjoy:

Hail, Mary

A voice calling...

 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

    "Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
   who will prepare your way,
3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
    'Prepare the way of the Lord,
   make his paths straight,'"

 4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7And he preached, saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

~Mark 1:2-8

A voice cries out from the wilderness and prepares the way of the Lord.  John the Baptist was a freak.  He stormed onto the scene preaching radical ideas.  He was pretty much homeless, had a wild get up, and ate bugs and honey.  As prophets go, he preached repentance and the Law, but balanced it with Gospel knowing full well that God would save His people.  We read this text during Advent because it helps us prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ.  

John the Baptist is an interesting story.  He was the baby in the womb of Jesus' mother Mary's sister Elizabeth.  The story goes that went Mary, carrying Jesus in her womb, was in the presence of Elizabeth, carrying John, the baby inside Elizabeth leapt for joy.  What an incredible story.  Even then, John knew how big a deal this Jesus was.  And he knew what he was preaching about and what our eyes should be focused on.  The Christ child, Jesus, is where our focus is to be.  

Our hearts are prepared with joy as we anticipate His coming.  And how great would it be if we could anticipate it and follow it through like John the Baptist.  John was eventually beheaded for his preaching, a true Jesus freak.  Tradition says the first Christian martyr is St. Stephen.  This blogger says John the Baptist is.  He preached repentance and forgiveness and was the final prophet before the coming of the One into the world.  John prepared and made straight the pathways before Jesus' coming, and was killed for it.  Oh if only we could follow the straight pathways John made and march on in Truth and Love toward one another and toward our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  

DC Talk's most famous song, Jesus Freak, has a verse dedicated to this John the Baptist.  May we be a people who fearlessly follow just as John the Baptist did. 

There was a man from the desert with naps in his head
The sand that he walked was also his bed
The words that he spoke made the people assume
There wasnt too much left in the upper room
With skins on his back and hair on his face
They thought he was strange by the locusts he ate
The pharisees tripped when they heard him speak
Until the king took the head of this jesus freak

Speaking the Truth in Love

Found this article over at LCMS Youth Ministry website "Youth E-Source."  The article, "Speaking the Truth in Love," by Reverend Jay Reed of Elk Grove, California hammers home this idea that we need to be proclaiming truth but doing it out of love in witness to the Truth Himself, Jesus Christ.  Good, thought provoking read.  Enjoy!

Spreadin the Cheer

Check this story out.

I have no idea why these people do what they do, but they sure shine.  And this is the kind of stuff I am talking about.  The only possible exception being the Santa aspect.  Good read.

Do WE Get It?

Normally, I don't like Eugene Peterson's The Message translation of the Bible.  I'm a seventh semester Greek student who also just started taking Hebrew, how could I possibly like that paraphrase?  But I have found, especially with the youth, it can be helpful in certain instances to convey The Message of the Gospel.  Here is one such particular instance:

29-30Levi gave a large dinner at his home for Jesus. Everybody was there, tax men and other disreputable characters as guests at the dinner. The Pharisees and their religion scholars came to his disciples greatly offended. "What is he doing eating and drinking with crooks and 'sinners'?"

 31-32Jesus heard about it and spoke up, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I'm here inviting outsiders, not insiders—an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out."

Luke 5:29-32

Many honchos in the Lutheran Church would probably take issue with the fact that this paraphrase leaves out how Jesus said He was there to call sinners to repentance.  But it is conveyed, albeit simply, in Peterson's paraphrase.  Jesus is indeed, even still today, calling to the outsiders with an invitation to a changed life a metanoia (Greek repentance or change of the mind/self) if you will.  So long as the one presenting The Message does so understanding it is not a sound translation then I see no harm or foul in using it as a teaching tool to convey a certain point.  What is the point here?  The church is for sinners.  The church is for the sick, not the healthy.  If it were for the healthy we wouldn't confess our sins or receive the Eucharist weekly.  We are sick, twisted, unhealthy, human beings.  It is part of our condition as sinner.  We are wrong.  

One of the most damaging notions, bar none, that has come to represent the church is that we think we're better than everyone else and the "they" out there are the ones with a problem.  Yeah no kidding,  everyone has problems.  There are problems both inside and outside the church.  Even if we have the theology that says, "Yeah no kidding, thanks" we still have to realize that even us theologically sound Lutherans can come off as jerks and as pompous religious types.  So let's call the sick, as Jesus did at every turn, to the church and to healing (repentance).  Because the Great Physician, Jesus Christ, is the One who brought healing.  He is the One who was is and is to come, the Alpha the Omega, the Beginning and the End.  The phrase goes that "The buck stops here" when it comes to Jesus.  Through Him all can enjoy health and eternal life.  This is the message we need to get out there.  Jesus is for the sick, not the healthy (or those who think they are healthy).  

People are watching, stand guard and hold true to your faith in all circumstances.  You never know just when you are being watched, as I found out in a conversation last night with someone who may or may not have been sipping on grandmas cough medicine.  But that's not the point, the point is he told me he saw something different about me, and I know this has nothing to do with myself or on my own.  It is not because I am some great person, because I am not.  I am terribly sick.  But thanks be to God when it counts the Good Doctor is shining through and His remedy is working.  I say this not to be like "look at me, look at me!"  Because truth be told that's the last thing I want.  But I say this so that when people look at you, they can and WILL say "Look at so and so, man that is what I want my kids to see in religion and in this Christian God."

Invite them in, sit them down, offer them the remedy.  Jesus brings change.

The Library

Yeah, so I just spent my morning and part of my afternoon in the library working on an energy policy paper, that when completed, will liberate me from the bondage of having a political science major.  Political Science was always something I wanted to do when I was in high school, then God had other plans.  So here I am, as I have been since I got here, studying political science for a degree I won't even use.  What a waste?  

I would actually tend to disagree that taking political science has been a waste.  Due to the classes I have taken I have been exposed, and re-exposed to a wide range of thinkers and authors who have shaped, are shaping, and will shape US policy.  I disagree with Karl Marx on just about every point he has to make, but I can adequately recount his positions and not ad hominem attacks as to why Marxism or Communism is no good.  This helpful, especially in a hurting world.  Going back to that book I am reading, one of the authors Kara Powell identified how she spent so much time on the social justice end that some of her students were becoming Marxists or Communists just filled with cynicism instead of missionaries (local or abroad) who would fight for justice while carrying the cross.  It is important in these tough economic times (do not be fooled by the falling gas prices the economy is still in shambles) to be able to identify with people who are struggling.  And by struggling I don't mean people who have to maybe not purchase a second flat screen television.  By struggling I mean people who are losing their jobs and are filled with hatred for those who are successful because they feel stepped on.  

What is the Christian response to these people in their desperation?  The Christian needs to encourage a communal aspect in light of what Christ has done for us and not in light of what Karl Marx said was good.  There is no doubt Marx correctly identified some issues regarding Capitalism.  However, he also overlooked Capitalism's ability to adapt.  What has taken place that has put us in the dire straights we are now in is American greed on the heels of capitalism.  There is nothing inherently evil in regards to economic competition.  There is something evil about corporations stepping on others to get ahead without any real regard for what is going on around them.  There is nothing wrong with making money, there is nothing wrong with being rich.  When Jesus said it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom He meant those who felt they were rich in spirit, when they were sick, and those who use their earthly riches to abuse or oppress others.  In other words, unrepentant sinners.  For Christians well versed in politics or involved in the political process it would be wise to check yourself by making sure the cross is on your shoulders when you engage in such endeavors and that a godless communism or Marxism is not what is driving you.  Make no mistake about it, one of Karl Marx' points was that religion must be eradicated because it contributes to people stepping on the lower classes. 

In your life, in your vocation, prove through the Spirit that Marx was wrong.  Communism or Marxism or even socialism (Commie-Lite) is not the answer.  Christian communal living and love is.  Carry your cross.

Christmas and Good Friday

Found this devotional on the LCMS website this morning.  Found it quite relevant.  Check it out:

http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=1066&devodate=12%2F3%2F2008

Advent

Anxiety, stress, anticipation, etc, etc.  The Christmas season is upon us.  As a senior in college I find my mind wandering off constantly and that it is hard to stay focused on the current task at hand.  Less than two weeks until the semester ends however, so now is the time to buckle down.  

The interesting thing is that Advent ought to be a time of pondering and a time of anticipation.  Not so much a time of stress or anxiety, even though that unfortunately comes with the territory.  What shall we be expecting?  What shall be in anticipation of?  The prophet Isaiah lets us know:

For to us a child is born,
   to us a son is given;
 and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
   and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
   to establish it and to uphold it
 with justice and with righteousness
   from this time forth and forevermore.
 The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

This text from Isaiah 9 shows us the strong prophecy of the One who came and who is to come into the world.  2,000 years ago God came from His throne in heaven to embody lowly humanity.  This is the ultimate act of love.  It is out of this love that the illnesses of the world can and will be eradicated.  Things like poverty, disease, war, famine, hate, abuse, neglect, etc. etc.  They will all be gone in an instant.  Until then we keep fighting for what is right.  And that means that in this Christmas season we bring Christ to the poor and the impoverished.  

If our hope is in the Gospel, why can't we share that same beautiful hope with them?  It's time for the church to reclaim scripture and reclaim the pleas Christ gives us to help the down trodden.  It's time for the church to wake up to the needs around it and to stop hammering home one or two sins which they have made into political agendas.  The time has come for the church to rise up against the evil in the world with one voice as if we all worshiped the same God (what a novel concept!).  The time has come for the church to engage the lion that prowls around roaring and to beat it back with the Gospel of Hope.  That Gospel that says Jesus Christ came into the world to serve and to die.  The kind of Gospel that is utter foolishness to those who don't believe (and even some who do) because it is so radical.  The kind of foolishness that laughs in the face of evil and oppression and lends a hand saying, "There is a better way."  The kind of hope that proclaims boldly that Jesus died for our sins but that the story does not end there.  Jesus lives.  And if the American Church wants to be taken serious its time to rise up against the prosperity gospel which has given us the drunken antics of Wall Street and to take up their cross, cut from the same wood as the manger, and to follow Him.  Jesus is in the poor, Jesus is in the diseased, Jesus is in the depressed, Jesus is eating with the sinners.  Where do we spend our time?  

If the Gospel, the Good News, is our hope, then we should look at this as something we "get to do" and not at all something we "have to do."  At the same time, isn't there a better way?

The Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Service and The Gospel

Where does this all fit?  Tough to say, I'm reading a book by Chap Clark and Kara Powell from Fuller Theological Seminary called Deep Justice in a Broken World.  This book seeks to strike the balance between social justice issues and personal salvation.  Although the book is mainly pointed toward youth workers and interacting with their students it is very useful for all Christians.

It tackles tough questions about social reform and personal salvation and which end the gospel falls on.  The answer is not which side but both/and.  It really hammers home the idea that we get to do deep justice because we are saved.  That God would have that all be taken care of.  It also talks about how too many fall on the extreme conservative side where Christianity is solely about personal salvation, and the extreme Liberal side how forget the salvation part let's just do the work.  It strikes the chord of balance that says yes to both and seeks to connect the two practically.  

How much time has the church wasted because of theological reasons in helping the poor?  And how much time has the church wasted in throwing away the Jesus thing in order to "help" the poor?  This may be more of an evangelical problem, but Lutherans are stiff and need to engage the world because we do have the theology the world needs to hear.  Time to get off the sidelines and err on the side of grace.

Having a Thankful Heart

1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; 
       come before him with joyful songs.

 3 Know that the LORD is God. 
       It is he who made us, and we are his; 
       we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving 
       and his courts with praise; 
       give thanks to him and praise his name.

 5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 
       his faithfulness continues through all generations.

~Psalm 100

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; 
       his love endures forever.

 2 Let Israel say: 
       "His love endures forever."

 3 Let the house of Aaron say: 
       "His love endures forever."

 4 Let those who fear the LORD say: 
       "His love endures forever."

 5 In my anguish I cried to the LORD, 
       and he answered by setting me free.

 6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. 
       What can man do to me?

 7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper. 
       I will look in triumph on my enemies.

 8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD 
       than to trust in man.

 9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD 
       than to trust in princes.

 10 All the nations surrounded me, 
       but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

 11 They surrounded me on every side, 
       but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

 12 They swarmed around me like bees, 
       but they died out as quickly as burning thorns; 
       in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

 13 I was pushed back and about to fall, 
       but the LORD helped me.

 14 The LORD is my strength and my song; 
       he has become my salvation.

 15 Shouts of joy and victory 
       resound in the tents of the righteous: 
       "The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!

 16 The LORD's right hand is lifted high; 
       the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!"

 17 I will not die but live, 
       and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

 18 The LORD has chastened me severely, 
       but he has not given me over to death.

 19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; 
       I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.

 20 This is the gate of the LORD 
       through which the righteous may enter.

 21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; 
       you have become my salvation.

 22 The stone the builders rejected 
       has become the capstone;

 23 the LORD has done this, 
       and it is marvelous in our eyes.

 24 This is the day the LORD has made; 
       let us rejoice and be glad in it.

 25 O LORD, save us; 
       O LORD, grant us success.

 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. 
       From the house of the LORD we bless you. 

 27 The LORD is God, 
       and he has made his light shine upon us. 
       With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession 
       up to the horns of the altar.

 28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; 
       you are my God, and I will exalt you.

 29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; 
       his love endures forever.

~Psalm 118

26While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."

 27Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom."

~Matthew 26

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4

Just a few scriptural examples of giving thanks.  But the idea is that we rejoice always, give thanks to God in all things, and pray without ceasing!  Do it out of love.

Blessed Thanksgiving!

Some Post NYWC Thoughts

Just got back from Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Convention...and it was a rip, here are some thoughts from it:

This convention has broken through to me with things I've seen coming for a while now.  Jesus is in the poor.  It isn't even about abandoning political ideas or theology to reach them either.  It's about recognizing a brother or sister in need and being Christ to them.  And the great thing is, in turn they will be Christ to us.  The "theologia crucis" says Jesus, God, is the embodiment of pain and tragedy.  He is right there.  Sometimes I've looked at serving and salvation as mutually exclusive.  But I was wrong, we serve because we are saved, and they are so very closely connected.  

Going back to that story in Genesis 22 of Abraham and Isaac, we see that on the mount of Yahweh it will be seen through.  At the cross God did see it through and He continues to see it through/provide by His church today.  At the end all suffering will cease, and what a time we should pray for daily.  When people in their despair feel God is so far away we get to show them He is right there in the midst of it all.  

Although, and especially in today's unfortunate context, we even see kids and adults in suburbia who deal with real life issues.  Divorce rate in and outside the church is pretty much the same (50%), drugs are rampantly used in the whitest of white boy towns, sexual pressures (hetero and GLBT) are thrown around everywhere, and there are girls out there who may feel abortion is necessary because they've never been loved.  Where is the church in all of this?  The church needs to be right in the midst of it all telling the heterosexual struggling they are loved because Jesus is there.  The church needs to be right in the midst of the struggles in the Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender community giving them love because that is where Jesus is.  The church needs to be holding the hand of a girl who feels her only option is abortion because she is too scared to think of what lies ahead, because Jesus is right there.  For the addicted and the afflicted the church needs to stop with the fear and embrace those who seek help.  There is a lot of "help" being offered out there in the world, and if we believe what we do then why wouldn't we be out there extending a hand and saying "follow me?"  That's what Jesus did.  And Jesus is ever so present in the lives of the poor and oppressed.  But unfortunately it all seems so distant and is not in our face.  St. Paul talks about entertaining angels and how we should treat everyone we meet with love.  For how long has the church been treating angels as lepers instead?  

Poverty and disease is something we all suffer with.  It's just that sometimes we see it as separate.  Maybe if we had true compassion (latin-to suffer with) we could fearlessly hit the streets with the cross.  When a brother or sister suffers we all do and if we are God's people we need to be where God is present.  We get to be where God is present.  This is not Law, this is all Gospel.  Take heed to the angels pleas, "Be not afraid!"

"Why Believe...?"

"Why Believe in a God?" Ad Campaign

The American Humanist Association is putting out ads that will be on buses all throughout or nations capital this Christmas season that say "Why believe in a god?  Just be good for goodness sake."  

Prediction:  The "Evangelical" sect of Christianity will go wild over this and declare the "war on Christmas" has hit new levels.  What we should do, or more importantly, what we get to do as Christians is have a conversation!  "Why believe in a god you ask?  What a wonderful question! Let's chat!"

Especially, and I cannot stress this enough, LUTHERANS need/get to be out there not only to "combat" humanism and other non Christian forms, but also the law-based evangelicals who will swing at this ad and miss terribly.  I cannot remember an easier time for evangelism than this!  The world is asking us right in front of our faces, "Why believe in a god?"  Show them/tell them about the joy that the love of the One True God brings in your life and let them know you GET TO do this and this is not a set of rules and regulations one has to follow...or else.  Show them you're on the same level as them that you are a sinner and are no better than them and invite them to come learn more about this Jesus who saves such sinners.

It may very well fall on deaf ears, if it does we must move on, but what a wonderful gift for the holiday season that it won't be intrusive or invasive for Christians to freely talk about their faith.  All throughout Advent, our holy season, buses in Washington, D.C. will be asking the question "Why believe in a god?"  Have fun with it, engage some people, tell them about Christ's love.  That will bring about TRUE change in a world and especially a country that clearly yearns for "change."

Abraham and Isaac

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2022&version=47

In a world such as this, how refreshing to hear a true story of sacrifice, devotion, and love.  At the outset this is a pretty scary story.  What with a loving father taking his only son to a mountain to sacrifice him because why?  Oh, God told him to do it.  

That sounds like a story we'd hear today on CNN Headline News and Nancy Grace would be popping off about the horrible parenting involved.  If we caught such a headline we would mutter things and probably all agree the nut job father should be sent straight to jail or perhaps a mental institute.  Well, this story is different.

One day Abraham is minding his own when God decides it is time to test Abraham.  Now, what is important to keep in mind is that anytime God tests and anything God does He is looking to bring glory on Himself and his plan, this is even true in the Old Testament where we see this story come from.  EVERYTHING is Christ-centered.  If scripture is read without pointing to or back at Christ, it is read incorrectly.  So how does all of this Abraham getting ready to off Isaac point to Christ?

So God commands to Abraham that he take Isaac, his only son, whom he loves to the land of Moriah and to a mountain top which He will appoint.  Not only that but God specifically states that Isaac is to be offered up as a burnt offering!  What does Abraham do?  Does he fight God on this?  No evidence to such a thing in this story, perhaps he did, but one must conclude from the text that Abraham went along faithfully.  

A little geographical information would help here.  The land of Moriah is where modern day Jerusalem is.  Keep in mind that during the day of Abraham there was no Israel nation or Jerusalem, God was making one through him.  On the third day (hmm) Abraham saw the place from afar and told the servants they were with to stay put and to await the both of them to return.  Wishful thinking on Abraham's part?  Or just not trying to startle everyone, including the boy Isaac?  Who knows, read on.  

At this point Isaac begins to get a little curious.  He knows they are there for a burnt offering but only Pops and him are heading up the mountain with all the supplies needed for the burnt offering.  The curious boy Isaac asks Abraham, "Father, where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"  And Abraham answers him, "God will provide for Himself a lamb for the burnt offering..."

They get to the exact spot and Abraham bounds Isaac to an altar he had just built.  No doubt this had to have been an emotional moment and the Hebrew with the words it uses really captures the drama of the moment.  As Abraham goes to slay his one and only son Isaac a voice called from heaven and told him to stop.  What voice?  Who's voice?  The Angel of the LORD.  The LORD is Yahweh or YHWH, the divine name of God Himself.  Not translated in the Old Testament out of reverence for the 2nd Commandment.  If you don't say it, you can't misuse it!  This Angel of Yahweh character is often seen in these high drama moments as the one God sends to test, to teach, to stop those He is engaging with.  It is popular within Christianity to conclude that the Angel of Yahweh is the pre-incarnate (pre human form) Jesus Himself.  

Anyway, the Angel of the LORD (Yahweh) tells Abraham that He now knows that Abraham truly fears or has faith in God.  But remember, God knows everything, and God tests to glorify Himself and to show His will.  It is a safe bet God did not sit on His throne in Heaven chewing His fingernails wondering if Abraham would actually go through with it.  God tested Abraham to show him, Isaac, and all something.  What is this something?

As the story goes on the LORD tells Abraham that his offspring will be as great as the stars in the sky and that because of this faithfulness the promise can come through.  But back up for a moment, remember when I told you the land they went to was practically modern day Jerusalem?  Tradition states the Temple Mount is on the site where this event took place.  Interestingly enough we find out the LORD provides a ram, or a lamb, right there in the thicket not far from them.  Well then, I guess Abraham's prediction that the LORD will provide has come to fruition then?  Only in part.  Scripture has a tendency to wrap double meanings around things to show an immediate fulfillment and one of future and fuller fulfillment.  The point of this story was not for God to test Abraham and then give him a ram and call it a day.  No the point was so that God could show Abraham that He will provide the lamb.  

Verse 14, "So Abraham called the name of that place, "The LORD will provide; as it is said to this day, "On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided."  

The Hebrew can also translate the word provide for the LORD will see.  As in the fact that the LORD will see through that He will be providing a lamb for a burnt offering.  And where might this take place?  "On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided."  Remember the story takes place in Jerusalem before it was called Jerusalem, but wait, wasn't there a mount in the same area that the LORD did in fact provide a lamb, The Lamb, for the offering?  Indeed.  On Golgotha, or Mount Calvary, the LORD provided a lamb for the sacrifice.  Jesus Himself provided by God on behalf of fallen humanity.  

Hallelujah.  

Lutheran Youth E-Source

What I think is an important tool out there is the LCMS' "youth esource."  The Source is a place where youth, and DCE's/Youth Directors can come and garner materials and tools and resources for leading their ministry.  I've been hard on the LCMS' youth aspect in the past, and this new website (redesigned) is certainly a good resource for youth ministry--specifically of the Lutheran persuasion.  So I'm giving credit where it is due.  My favorite part?  The Apologia articles.  The word Apologia hearkening back to the Apologia or Apology of Concord written by one of the great reformers Philip Melancthon in defense of the Augsburg Confession.  

Check it out:

Youth E-Source

Good Evangelism Tool

Martin Luther, founder of the Reformation, created a symbol for himself and more importantly his theology to break down and express what faith means to him and the followers of the universal faith.  The symbol is called the "Luther Rose."  And in the following paragraph are Dr. Luther's own words about what this rose/symbol means.  

"Grace and peace from the Lord. As you desire to know whether my painted seal, which you sent to me, has hit the mark, I shall answer most amiably and tell you my original thoughts and reason about why my seal is a symbol of my theology. The first should be a black cross in a heart, which retains its natural color, so that I myself would be reminded that faith in the Crucified saves us. For one who believes from the heart will be justified" (Rom. 10:10). Although it is indeed a black cross, which mortifies and which should also cause pain, it leaves the heart in its natural color. It does not corrupt nature, that is, it does not kill but keeps alive. "The just shall live by faith" (Rom. 1:17) but by faith in the crucified. Such a heart should stand in the middle of a white rose, to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. In other words, it places the believer into a white, joyous rose, for this faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives (John 14:27). That is why the rose should be white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and the angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12). Such a rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that such joy in spirit and faith is a beginning of the heavenly future joy, which begins already, but is grasped in hope, not yet revealed. And around this field is a golden ring, symbolizing that such blessedness in Heaven lasts forever and has no end. Such blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable, most precious and best metal.This is mycompendium theoligae [summary of theology]. I have wanted to show it to you in good friendship, hoping for your appreciation. May Christ, our beloved Lord, be with your spirit until the life hereafter. Amen."*

This beautiful symbol should not only sum up the faith of a Lutheran, but of the church catholic for all Christians.  It is a symbol for all ages, for all peoples, in all times, in all places.  It gets to be displayed proudly, and one ought to learn what it means so in evangelism they can share this "rose" with others so that they may come to know what it is we Lutherans believe and what we teach.

*http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=2558

Lutheran?

Been following and involved in an interesting online discussion amongst pastors and lay of Lutheran Churches.  The discussion, which can be found over at the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, is centered around a question asking if the Lutheran name is a detriment into bringing people into the church.

Some argue the name is too German, too much of that European aspect, and too much centered around an fallible man (Martin Luther), instead of being centered around the cross of Jesus.  To be fair, those arguing against Lutherans using the name Lutheran are not advocating doing away with the symbols of the church (Luther's Catechisms, Book of Concord, church catholic symbols of sacraments, office of holy ministry, etc.)  Rather they are advocating that those who may be coming in from different backgrounds (Spanish or Hispanic being the most prominent though certainly other cultures and languages and peoples abound) have no idea who Martin Luther is.  

Where I do agree with the people arguing against using the name Lutheran is where they say Lutherans like to keep things to themselves as if it is "our little secret."  Not everyone does, most of our pastors are strong stewards of the Word and Sacraments.  However, there is this idea imbedded in Lutherans that if we "go out there" we'll become "just like them."  Who are the "them?"  Atheists?  Idolaters?  Drug lords? Sex addicts? Non-believers?  Nope, the "them" are other Christians.  

Many Lutherans have this absolute fear that if the Lutheran Church "markets" herself at all, she'll adopt the theology of other churches (which are weaker) and be indistinguishable from the church of the Augsburg Confession.  Unfortunately, this has happened.  Jefferson Hills Church is one church that comes to mind for me when thinking of that happening.  But, and here's where it gets dicey, to me it is worth the risk of getting our message out there.  The Lutheran Church, and I'll speak specifically for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod since I am a part of her denomination, has a great message.  We preach Christ crucified and risen, we preach Law and Gospel, we administer the sacraments and rally around the altar to proclaim our great faith by taking and eating the physical body of our Lord and drinking His blood "in, with, and under" the elements of the bread and wine.  

But for some reason, we like keeping it to ourselves.  This innate fear of becoming like "them" has held the Lutheran Church back for decades.  Now, with an influx of hispanic speaking peoples and others coming into this country more than ever, and with newer generations not being brought up in the traditional church, and with many young people having disdain for Christianity because of so called "evangelicals" and their law based Gospel, it is our time.  I will not say we "must" seize it.  Because to be honest, the "Lutheran" Church could fade away and God's Gospel will still find a way, believe it or not.  But I will say it is our time, and we "get to" do it.  

I advocate for keeping the name Lutheran, because it's important to tell people who we are.  We have a great message.  We do need to be able to distinguish from other messages out there, even some Christian messages.  In our explanation of these things Martin Luther's name is bound to come up.  But we should stress his theology, his proclamation he rejoices with just as proudly as St. Paul that "the righteous will live by faith."  

Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, Soli Deo Gloria

Let us "get to" teaching the people what this means, and why we call ourselves Lutherans.  Perhaps that will do us some better, perhaps not.  But one thing is for sure, "His Truth is marching on."

End of Summer thoughts

Wow, for the three or so of you reading...it seems just like yesterday I was posting about (April actually) how excited I was for the summer.  Well, like it always does, summer has come and gone.  Come tomorrow I will be trekking back out to Valparaiso, Indiana to begin to finish what I started there three years ago.  I don't mean for this post to be something of a nuisance or much of a promulgator of the Law.  However, where does it all go from here?  Too many times people will sit on their past and wonder "Did I do enough here/there?"  What good is that?  Even if the moment literally just passed us, what done is done.  Maybe you're feeling something inside that's telling you that you should have been more bold in your faith.  Maybe you're feeling something inside that's telling you that you need to let your light shine forth for others to see.  Maybe you're not thinking on theological terms like I do all the time and you're simply thinking along the lines of how much is gone.  

How much does lie ahead (does that even make a lick of sense?)!  Seriously though, look ahead.  The only thing that we should be looking back at is the cross.  We look back to remember, we look ahead at our own resurrection (oops sorry there I go again).  We can also look ahead to the things that are coming that will shape us into the people we are.  Be it a change in schools (HS or college or whatever), a new job, a new family, a new whatever!  Rejoice for the things that lie ahead and always remember it's never good to go back.  There is no need to dwell on your failures or missed opportunities.  The sun will rise again, and if it doesn't....(ok I'll hold myself back), and with the sun new opportunities.  Just like with the Son the opportunity to join in communion with Him and His people.  This is no joke.  At Baptism we were given the Son, and the opportunities that arise each day with it.  Just as the sun rises in the morning, remember your baptism daily.  What a way to start the day.  I ought to take myself up on my own advice.  

As I did in that April post, here's Luther:

"Let us rejoice in this coming day, and let us say: Winter has lasted long enough, beautiful summer once more will come, aye, a summer which will never end, a summer in which not only all the saints rejoice, but all the angels as well, a summer for which all creatures wait and sigh, an eternal summer in which all things are made new."

For Real

And I’m trying to make you sing
From inside where you believe
Like it’s something that you need
Like it means everything

And I’m trying to make you feel that
This is for real, that life is happening
That it means everything
I’m just trying to make you sing 

-David Crowder* Band

This faith, this life, it is for real.  As the verse says, life is happening.  Wow, life happening can downright suck (can I say that?  It's my blog I guess I can).  It can take you in a million different directions.  And the funny (ok not so funny) thing about it is even if we have fun and exciting things that lie ahead, we always miss what we're leaving behind.  It hurts to say goodbye.  And call me crazy/biased/whatever, but I would argue that having a Christian relationship with people makes it very hard to say goodbye to them.  These are the people that you share your faith walk with.  You learn and grow from each other.  It's hard to walk away from that.  But at the very same time, no one goes anywhere!  Especially in this age of IM'ing and texting, people you care about are a simple button push away.  It's amazing really when you think about it.  Also, you learn quickly, nobody goes anywhere.  Really, if these people are that important (which they are), you will see them again and again.  That doesn't make the current "goodbye situation" suck any less.  But it's a light at the end of the tunnel.  And we each share the light of Christ at the end of our dark tunnels.  I can't think of anything else more comforting, more sustaining than that.  

Life can suck (oops again) big time.  Never let go of those people who make your faith walk what it is.  More importantly recognize that you were all chosen by God to participate in this walk together.  God is our legs and feet.  He sustains us in the good times and the bad.  It's like that "Footprints" saying goes.  The persons looking back on life and is talking to God.  Notices how at times there were two sets of footprints (that's four total for those of you playing the home game) because God is walking right there with them.  But then notices in the real bad times there was only one set of footprints (two for the non lame), and asks God why this was so, where was He?  God replies that it was in those times He carried that person.  When you get sad because you're saying goodbye.  Know that in our faith it is NEVER goodbye.  God will carry you through.  

That's one of the great things about this whole thing.  Goodbye is nothing.  Unless it is goodbye in the sense of what the word originally meant, "God Be With You."  Otherwise, if it's in the context of farewell, that's a lie.  The worst we have to deal with is "See you later."

PEACE in Jesus

Luke Warm?

What does it mean to have a "luke warm" faith?  I have seen this concept described in various ways.  But one way that has particularly troubled me and stuck with me is this idea that there are three chairs.  I won't name names as to where I saw this concept, but the three chairs go like this:  In the chair to the right, the person in that chair has absolutely no faith.  Then there is a chair in the middle, this is the luke warm chair.  In that chair there is a person who has faith but isn't necessarily "gung-ho" or crusading for Christ.  Then there is the chair on the left where the people are who have a true faith and assurance in their salvation.  

I remember I heard this and was immediately bothered by it.  Is there a way to measure a "true" faith?  Is there a way to measure saving faith?  Scripture says, "3Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus is accursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except in the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:3).  In light of this, how can there be different "chairs" of faith?  If someone believes and is baptized, they are saved (Mark 16).  Although it is good to be excited about your faith, to make your joy in God through Christ into a commandment that we have to follow like the Law, makes it something we will fail at.  Too many evangelical preachers go after you with the Law, and the Law only.  The Law is essential, but the Law served up without the Gospel or with a tiny sliver of the Gospel leads people down the wrong road.  

If we make our joy a command to follow as though it were Law, we fail.  There is no possible way we can go through the next five minutes, let alone the rest of our lives, without displeasing God.  THANK GOD, we don't have to worry about it!  We are dead to sin and alive in Christ by our faith.  "The righteous shall live by faith."  This is our battle cry.  There are no chairs, there are no degrees of saving faith: "4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:4-6).  There is ONE faith.  My post earlier today being "Blessed Assurance" is no coincidence.  We live by our faith and by the Gospel we are spurned to love God and to have joy in Him.  If it were up to us, like everything else, we would fail.  And indeed we do fail.  No one is ever always gung-ho God.  Sanctification takes a life time.  But justification happened immediately when we were baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and sustained in the one faith.  

The next time someone asks you, "I feel like I can't please God and I'm not always real 'happy' about my faith like some are, is something wrong with me?" Answer with an absolute "Yes, there is something wrong with you.  You, like the rest of us, are a sinner.  Repent and believe.  Jesus saves, not you."  It's good to be mindful of the Law and to be excited about faith.  But if the Gospel is not at an equal balance with the presentation of the Law, it leads down a road without assurance and people wondering why they can't earn their way into the left chair.  Jesus earned it for you.  In faith you are in.

Blessed Assurance

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!   O what a foretaste of glory divine!   Heir of salvation, purchase of God,   born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.  Refrain:  This is my story, this is my song,   praising my Savior all the day long;   this is my story, this is my song,   praising my Savior all the day long.   2. Perfect submission, perfect delight,   visions of rapture now burst on my sight;   angels descending bring from above   echoes of mercy, whispers of love.   (Refrain)   3. Perfect submission, all is at rest;   I in my Savior am happy and blest,   watching and waiting, looking above,   filled with his goodness, lost in his love.   (Refrain) 

Rock Star Ministry

In ministry, like anything else, the inevitable popularity thing begins to take shape.  If in youth ministry, kids will look up to you, in public and in private.  There are many instances in which one does not even realize that a certain kid looked up to them and saw them as such a great example.  This happens with adults too.  People flock from message to message or from church to church to follow the person delivering it.  St. Paul tells us we are not to follow himself, Apollos, Peter, or any mere mortal.  The only man we are to follow is the Man-God, Jesus Christ.  

Oh but how hard it can be to not fall into such things.  But it ain't easy being a star.  Because those in ministry are human, no doubt ego's can develop about how well they are performing.  For youth minister's, one of the things they may tend to obsess over is how cool they come off to the kids.  A way to keep oneself in check is to realize that there is nothing cool at all about a young man or woman spending their time in a church with kids younger than them.  Kids may think you're cool, for a time anyway (Doug Fields has an actual age he pinpoints as when one is no longer cool).  Another way to keep oneself in check is to realize although you or others may think yourself to be a rock star (however foolish this may be) you are without debate and question not the Rock.  We are mere dirt and soil, not a rock, let alone the Rock.  

Who is this Rock?  "On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand!"  Go ahead, for a while and chase the dreams of the world, even in ministry by conforming yourself to the image of the world.  But any minister, teacher, or theologian worth their penny knows for sure that at the end of the day "dust you are, and to dust you shall return."  Read Job, read about John the Baptist, read Paul's letters.  These are not rock stars, these are servants.  Even King David, arguably the biggest rock star in the Bible, was humbled repeatedly by the Lord and shown that he was nothing more than mere dirt.  

How can your ministry be measured as a success?  Line it up next to Jesus:  If you preach Christ crucified and risen.  If you care for those you serve with this message.  If you encourage a discipleship that rises above the mess that the world is.  That is what one needs to do.  If the people fall away it is not because you aren't cool enough or aren't a rock star.  It is because they reject to use the Rock as their foundation, and choose to live a life of desolation.  In this post modern world, combat the worldly influences and games with a heavenly battle cry.

Jesus, Our Forever Friend

Vacation Bible School's 2008 Theme is "Jesus, Our Forever Friend."  The Theme and theme verse, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends.." from John 15:13-14a, shows that Jesus gives that great love to His friends.  The LCMS' publishing house, CPH, picked the theme and put together all the lesson materials for it.  They ought to be commended for another great job in relating the wonderful Lutheran doctrine to the young kids and teenagers who help, as well as adults, at VBS.  

It is in this context where we Lutherans can get our doctrine out there and have open and healthy discussions with those of the community.  The wonderful thing about VBS is that the community actually comes to us!  All 300+ kids, then some 40 volunteers are there deep in the fellowship and Word and being enriched by it every second.  For instance, today in my lesson hour (I teach sixth grade) I was able to enjoy a deep discussion concerning the differences between the Lutheran and Roman Catholic faiths.  There are a lot of kids who attend our VBS from Roman Catholic Churches.  It was neat to see 12 year olds civilly discuss and begin to understand the differences.  Wouldn't it be so nice if adults could behave similarly?  

This week is tiring, frustrating, and relentless.  But at the same time it is beautiful, exciting, and fulfilling.  There are not many things that get me more ready to rock for the kingdom than hearing 300+ kids shouting at the top of their lungs "I am a C, I am a C-H, I am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N, AMEN! And I have C-H-R-I-S-T in my H-E-A-R-T, and I will L-I-V-E  E-T-E-R-N-A-L-L-Y!"

I give up a week of work for this.  And no dollar amount I could make in one week would be worth missing this.  Taste and See!

Forever Fellowship

9After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10and crying out with a loud voice,"Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"11And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen."

 13Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?" 14I said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
 15"Therefore they are before the throne of God,
   and serve him day and night in his temple;
   and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;
    the sun shall not strike them,
   nor any scorching heat.
17For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
   and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Revelation: 9-17, ESV

This is not a lone cowboy thing.  No, Christianity is not something to do alone.  Christianity is not something to interpret on ones own or to walk in different directions of.  It is simply put, "Christ crucified."  This passage from Revelation gives us some insight to how worship in heaven is.  What a remarkable scene this must have been.  It gives people a taste then leaves them wanting more.  It shows Christianity is about unity in fervent love toward one another.  Not a love of "acceptance" to certain sinful behavior, but a love that speaks compassion through the Gospel.  A love thats says to you, "Your sins are forgiven."  We need the fellowship, we need the Body of Christ!

On this side of eternity, we need the sun to light things up and to create warmth.  On the better side of eternity, no sun is needed:

5And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Revelation 22:5

What We Get To Do In Our Justified State

We are justified, we get to live in that state.  Now what?  Now, more then ever, there is this thought "out there" in the world about how truth is not something that is true for everyone.  In many conversations I have had with people concerning faith, religion, church although my views are respected the inevitable post modern talking point, "But that's true for you, not necessarily true for someone else" comes in.  There's a problem with this.  Is truth true?  No doubt we all have our own life experiences and even twisting roads sometimes as to how we come to faith.  But ultimately, truth exists.  God is at the helm of all things, and His Word is truth.  Just because someone does not believe what we may, does not make it less true or not true for them.  

Jesus Christ's death on the cross and glorious resurrection is true for all people of all times.  How do we convey this message?  One thing to know is, even if people do not believe what you are saying, they are willing to listen.  Unless we engage them with the pointer finger saying, "Here it is, you're wrong!"  Regardless of them being wrong, if we are in it for dialogue, we have to convey it to them in a way they will actually hear it.  We are sinful human beings, and we have to be mindful of our presentation to other people.  Another big turn off to outsiders is how churches tend to act/react as their own personal club.  This is something that simply has got to stop.  It is no secret that Christians, Lutherans in particular because I am one, can come off as nasty and cold.  We have our truths, if you don't like it, go somewhere else.  Can't have that.  We have our truths, you may not like it, come and see for yourself.  Not all people are like the former, but we would be kidding ourselves to think/say those people (who include our own selves) do exist.  

How do we reach people?  As Christians we have a right to the priesthood of all believers.  If it's not every Christian's duty to give a faithful witness, then it is most certainly their right.  The people are out there more so then most pastors.  Pastors and church workers, God Bless 'em, do operate in a Church bubble.  Because of time constraints and their numerous commitments it is tough for church workers to get "out there" just to mingle with people and to share the message.  The laity can do this.  The laity gets to do this.  People are always looking for these ways to change the world.  Just find a coffee shop, sit down with a friend (or anyone!) and share with them the GREAT News of Christ crucified and risen.  Then invite them to church, because there is nothing more beautiful then hearing, "Your sins are forgiven."

Justification

"Furthermore, it is taught that we cannot obtain forgiveness of sin and righteousness before God through our merit, work, or satisfactions, but that we receive forgiveness of sin and become righteous before God out of grace for Christ's sake through faith when we believe that Christ has suffered for us and that for his sake our sin is forgiven and righteousness and eternal life are given to us.  For God will regard and reckon this faith as righteousness in his sight, as St. Paul says in Romans 3:21-26, and 4:5."

Article IV, Augsburg Confession-Translation from German text-

For those playing the home game...the Augsburg Confession was the confession brought by the princes in Germany to the Emperor to give an account of what they believe in.  This almost never went down.  The Reformation was still fresh, and Rome was still not looking to dialogue.  After meeting with Luther, who was not at the presentation of the Augsburg Confession for safety reasons, the princes brought forth their confession in defiance of the empire, and of Rome.  The confession was written by close friend and confidant of Luther, Philipp Melanchthon. 

Just a little background.  So what does this all mean exactly?  What is the difference between what Lutherans believe and what American Evangelicals believe?  Furthermore what is even the difference between what Lutherans believe and what Roman Catholics believe? Starting with the common American evangelical, they take on a belief that justification has a lot to do with what "we do."  We say the sinners prayer, we "invite" Jesus into our heart.  Why is this wrong?  For starters, to have any notion that we can "invite" God into our hearts is off base.  It gives off this notion that God working through us or in us is contingent upon us "inviting" Jesus into our hearts.  It's as if God cannot work through us otherwise.  "Want your life to change?  Want God to shower blessings untold upon you?  Invite Jesus into your heart."  This makes it a work.  This makes God's blessings a response to the work we do.  This is incorrect.  It is never what "we do" it is always what God does.  Here's the scripture cited in Article IV:

 21But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 3:21-16

5And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,

Romans 4:5

What to make of all this then?  Roman Catholicism teaches that grace is infused on us by God.  That God infuses Grace on us to work justification in us by transforming our heart.  Luther said that salvation is completely of God, and that the action is found in God, not ones heart.  God transforms us by unconditionally forgiving us of our sins, not by working justification into the heart through infusion.  

Whoa, heavy stuff, heavy language.  But it is essential in distinguishing what Lutherans believe and what other Christian's teach and believe.  Especially in a day and age where we should be out there with our theology, we need to educate people on what the differences are, and how it applies to their life.  True, the Gospel applies to all people regardless of race, gender, or economic background.  But different people have different experiences, and to many (even Lutherans) the above mini treatise on the doctrine of Justification is a foreign concept.  So we need to "get it out there."

More to come...

"Wisdom" and Power Washing

Got my wisdom teeth out last Wednesday.  The whole thing was rather supernatural.  Went in, got strapped in like I was preparing for an intense ride, then the knock out drug was administered via IV.  I asked the doctor how long it would take, he said a few minutes, the nurse corrected him "A few seconds," she said.  So I sat there for a few seconds waiting and kind of talking it through and looking straight ahead it all went fuzzy, the nurse to my right told me to just enjoy it.  I woke up with gauze in my mouth and ice bags at my face, which was completely numb.  That day was fine, I didn't feel much.  Thursday and Friday were brutal.  I made it to Bible Study Thursday night, but was in visible pain.  Unfortunately I had to miss out on our churches High School Overnighter Friday night into Saturday morning.  But I am finally feeling better.  Mouth is sore, but I imagine that may take a little while to overcome.  

Not so sure of what wisdom if any that I have lost.  Even with losing, count 'em, five wisdom teeth I feel the same.  I guess my point here is that we never have the wisdom ourselves.  Any wisdom we have comes from God.  It is God who imparts this wisdom to us through scripture.  So even with five less teeth I "understand" this bit.  It's always God and never us...

Speaking of God, I've been power washing the literal crud out of our deck out back the past couple days in preparation for little bro's graduation/summer.  It's pretty cool, as simple as it is, how the power of the water takes the dirt, grime, and stain right out of the wood.  So while I was out there doing that today I said to myself, "Huh, this is kinda like God."  God being the power wash machine and taking the grime and stain of sin right out of us.  How does God do this?  He did it by sacrificing His only Son on wood.  Two beams of wood brought together to be used as a vicious execution tool is how He did it.  How does God impart an event some 2,000 years ago on us today?  He uses water.  What?  Well okay, not just water, but Water+the Word.  In combining Water and God's Word, we get baptism.  Baptism is where we are brought into the fold by being directly connected to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on that wooden cross.  Just like the power washer the Water and the Word removes the stain of sin and replaces it with a fresh coat, or cloak, the cloak of righteousness won by Jesus Christ and Him alone.

Next time you're power washing the deck think about it!

Pure Joy

Due to some recent revelations, it has been a semi tough week for me.  But no pity party needed.  It just sets up how special this years confirmation service was.  Confirming their faith today were several students who I taught in Vacation Bible School a few summers ago, and several more whom I have come to know through youth group.  It is a special class of kids, with a special faith that boggles the mind.  There is a pure joy that these kids have in loving their savior, and that is not something one could ever teach.  It comes from above, from the God who gave them that faith.  They understand what many adults do not, and that is a testament to their faith and commitment to Christ.  They are spurned by the love of God that we have found in Jesus Christ.  That special joy is something that no one can take from them, try as they might.  Life is what they need, and living life to the fullest is what they will do.  I thank God for this great example, and for lifting my spirit because of it.

Boasting Only In The Cross

Kind of on a cross kick right now.  Being Lutheran I suppose that's not such a bad thing.  Just got back from a college fellowship night at my church where the message was heard as true as always and the fellowship was as genuine as always.  Little else makes me happier then seeing faith fully alive.  Speaking of, and in context of the cross, John Piper really brings a good cross centered message.  Piper is of the Reformed tradition so although his theology is not Lutheran per se, it is most of the time real solid.  His talk, linked below, centers around the cross.  He expounds upon Paul's words that we are to only boast in the cross, and any other "boasting" we do is because of the cross.  Well worth the 40 minutes or so it takes to hear. Enjoy!

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/EssentialResources/1483_Boasting_Only_in_the_Cross/

The Cross

What is the one focal point of Lutheranism that distinguishes it from the "rest?"  Many ideas about Christianity that reign out there in the land of America can and are very "me-centered."  This me-centered idea is sometimes even done unintentional.  It's just how some interpret scripture.  Unfortunately, a me-centered theology allows oneself to become part of the process.  Truth is, we are saved by faith through grace, not at all our own doing (Ephesians 2).  The only possible explanation for a most sound theology would be looking toward the thing that allows us to have a theology at all, the cross. 

The very cross of Jesus Christ is where all our understandings of God should flow from.  When looking "out there" and seeing new techniques being used as to how people should be brought into the church if it does not match up with the theology of the cross, it ought to be left at home, or incorporated in a way that it can match up with the theology of the cross.  The cross is simply where it's at.  There is no other place where all people can go to and find peace, comfort, humility, fellowship, and most importantly, salvation.  From Jesus' blood at Calvary we are redeemed, we are made anew.  Notice where God is most present.  God is most present "in the wilderness."  We know it to be true that the Israelites wandered the desert for forty years because God brought His people there to be closer to them.  In the same fashion, Jesus went to the wilderness, or desert, for forty days to be tempted by Satan and face the same perils that God's people do.  

Tragedy is something that happens every single day.  People look at tragedy and are confused, they are broken, and they are hurt.  Questions abound wondering how such a thing could happen, especially to them.  One of the most popular questions during times like these is, "Where is God?"  Where is God while I am sitting here suffering this unbearable pain.  And sometimes, the pain is unbearable on your own.  So, where is God?  It's a feeling of emptiness, a feeling of immense doubt, and a feeling of great pain.  Where is God?  The wonderful thing about going through your own hell on earth, is that God is right there with you.  The Creed's state that Jesus was crucified, died, and buried.  Then they go on to say he descended into hell.  Jesus went through hell, so when we felt immense anguish, He'd be right there with us.  Jesus went through hell so we would never have to.  On the cross, Jesus cried out, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"  God the Father, literally disowned and abandoned God the Son, Jesus Christ.  The Awesome Trinity was indeed in great anguish over this move.  But it had to be done.  God had to offer up His Son, as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.  Where is God?  God is right there in the thick of things.  God is standing in the middle of the mud with you.  There is nothing that we go through that Christ hasn't endured for us.  Christ even endured much worse than us, being abandoned by the Father.  

The cross is beautiful and it is ugly.  It is ugly because it shows us our sin, it shows what the consequence of sin is, and it took God having His own Son crucified to correct it.  Yet, at the same time, the beauty of the cross is there.  The cross is God's throne.  The cross is the victory sign for all believers who see their King sitting upon His throne and declaring "It is finished!"  Sin, death, and the devil are defeated.  They still exist for now, but to the one clutching to the cross, it has no power over them.  In our much, in our mire, in our darkest hour that's where God is.  God is revealed at the cross.  Elie Wiesel, a concentration camp survivor, in writing his book Night spoke about how after seeing the Nazi's brutally kill, and hang people that God was dead.  He asked the question, "Where is God?"  And he answered it most unfortunately saying God was dead, hanging in the gallows.  But the second part of that, "God is hanging in the gallows" is something Christians can agree with and even say amen to.  God went to the gallows for us, and in our darkest moments, that's where we find him.  The cross shines light unto our sin and cleanses it completely.  Where is God you ask?  The cross, baby, He's at the cross.  It is that cross and empty tomb that give us our hope and our salvation.  Does the world not thirst for this?

Summer Time

Summer is approaching soon.  Hallelujah.  As a college student the work load, although certainly fulfilling, can take its toll and leave one feeling burdened.  The best aspect of summer is all of things one has to look forward to.  For me, summer is the ultimate.  The reasons for summer being great are various; beach, friends, family, free time, baseball games, bbq's, etc.  Ultimately however, one reason overrides every other:  The chance to serve God.  One of my favorite things about being home is being able to take on the task of being a part of the Youth Ministry Staff at my home congregation.  There are few things that bring me more joy than seeing people my own age whether through college ministry, or younger through the youth group, be absolutely on fire for Christ.  Now a good Lutheran would say that one needs to keep it even keeled and to not let oneself get carried away to a theology of glory.  No doubt!  But to me, and to many, there is nothing more exciting than sharing/spreading the Good News of the cross of Jesus Christ.  It is undoubtedly the work of God that during the summer young adults and teenagers fight their hardest to get a full week off from work in order to be able to help out at Vacation Bible School.  It is undoubtedly the work of God that makes spending Wednesday nights with junior high and high school kids not only tolerable but fulfilling.  

Where am I going with this rambling?  Fellowship.  Fellowship in the Christian context is of utmost importance.  St. Paul writes that we are a body, with Christ as our head.  And in the body are many members (1 Corinthians 12).  This fellowship has to be on fire.  If you and your Christian friends cannot get excited about rolling on for the kingdom, then what is your life worth?  All of us in the body have our gifts, some share gifts, some have unique gifts, some gifts some don't know about for a long time.  But as part of the body of Christ, those gifts are there.  This also plays into how we should treat other people.  The Lutheran Confessions state that all baptized believers (in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) are part of the universal, catholic, invisible church.  These are the saints on earth, or the church militant.  Do some teach false things?  Yes.  Do some do things they should not? Yes.  Does this mean they are not part of the body of Christ? No.  However broken and mangled we are, with Christ as our head, we are the body.  In our mission to bring the Good News to the people, no one and nothing can stop us.  Christianity is not a loner religion.  It is not a "I'll do what I want with it" religion.  It is a family, it is a relationship, it is a lifestyle.  It cannot be a lesser aspect of ones life, it has to be the driving aspect.  Now, does this happen overnight?  No.  It can and will most certainly take time (just ask me).  But, we should always strive, using our faith as our guide, to make it numero uno in our life.  With Christ as our head, life will be abundant.  Does this mean materially and monetarily?  Not necessarily, and most likely not.  One can certainly be a follower and be comfortable, but search to see what their joy truly is.  Is it in their money?  Is it in their material possessions?  Or does it all flow from the head, the Christ, whose blood flowed from the cross and washed us clean from sin?  That is where it flows from.  From those hands, from those feet, from that head.  Likewise our love should flow in fellowship with one another, bringing it to the world.

"Let us rejoice in this coming day, and let us say: Winter has lasted long enough, beautiful summer once more will come, aye, a summer which will never end, a summer in which not only all the saints rejoice, but all the angels as well, a summer for which all creatures wait and sigh, an eternal summer in which all things are made new."

~Martin Luther