Gerhardt: I Will Sing My Maker's Praises

"I Will Sing My Maker's Praises"
by Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676

1. Sollt' ich meinem Gott nicht singen?
Sollt' ich ihm nicht dankbar sein?
Denn ich seh in allen Dingen,
wie so gut er's mit mir mein'.
Ist doch nichts als lauter Lieben,
das sein treues Herze regt,
das ohn' Ende hebt und trägt,
die in seinem Dienst sich üben.
Alles Ding währt seine Zeit,
Gottes Lieb' in Ewigkeit.

1. I will sing my Maker's praises
And in Him most joyful be,
For in all things I see traces
Of His tender love to me.
Nothing else than love could move Him
With such sweet and tender care
Evermore to raise and bear
All who try to serve and love Him.
All things else have but their day,
God's great love abides for aye.

3. Sein Sohn ist ihm nicht zu teuer, 2. in English below.
nein, er gibt ihn für mich hin,
daß er mich vom ew'gen Feuer
durch sein teures Blut gewinn'.
O du unergründ'ter Brunnen,
wie will doch mein schwacher Geist,
ob er sich gleich hoch befleißt,
deine Tief' ergründen können?
Alles Ding währt seine Zeit,
Gottes Lieb' in Ewigkeit.

2. Yea, so dear did He esteem me
That His Son He loved so well
He hath given to redeem me
From the quenchless flames of hell.
O Thou Spring of boundless blessing,
How could e'er my feeble mind
Of Thy depth the bottom find
Though my efforts were unceasing?
All things else have but their day,
God's great love abides for aye.

6. Meiner Seele Wohlergehen 3. in English below.
Hat er ja recht wohl bedacht.
Will dem Leibe Not zustehen,
Nimmt er's gleichfalls wohl in acht.
Wenn mein Können, mein Vermögen
Nichts vermag, nichts helfen kann,
Kommt mein Gott und hebt mir an
Sein Vermögen beizulegen.
Alles Ding währt seine Zeit,
Gottes Lieb' in Ewigkeit.

3. All that for my soul is needful
He with loving care provides,
Nor of that is He unheedful
Which my body needs besides.
When my strength cannot avail me,
When my powers can do no more,
Doth my God His strength outpour;
In my need He doth not fail me.
All things else have but their day,
God's great love abides for aye.

7. Wenn ich schlafe, wacht sein Sorgen 4. in English below.
Und ermuntert mein Gemüt,
Daß ich alle lieben Morgen
Schaue neue Lieb' und Güt'.
Wäre mein Gott nicht gewesen,
Hätte mich sein Angesicht
Nicht geleitet, wär' ich nicht
Aus so mancher Angst genesen.
Alles Ding währt seine Zeit,
Gottes Lieb' in Ewigkeit.

4. When I sleep, He still is near me,
O'er me rests His guardian eye;
And new gifts and blessings cheer me
When the morning streaks the sky.
Were it not for God's protection,
Had His countenance not been
Here my guide, I had not seen
E'er the end of my affliction.
All things else have but their day,
God's great love abides for aye.

8. Wie ein Vater seinem Kinde 5. in English below.
sein Herz niemals ganz entzeucht,
ob es gleich bisweilen Sünde tut
und aus der Bahne weicht:
Also hält auch mein Verbrechen
mir mein frommer Gott zugut,
will mein Fehlen mit der Rut'
und nicht mit dem Schwerte rächen.
Alles Ding währt seine Zeit,
Gottes Lieb' in Ewigkeit.

5. As a father never turneth
Wholly from a wayward child,
For the prodigal still yearneth,
Longing to be reconciled,
So my many sins and errors
Find a tender, pardoning God,
Chastening frailty with His rod,
Not in vengeance, with His terrors.
All things else have but their day,
God's great love abides for aye.

9.Weil denn weder Ziel noch Ende 6. in English below.
sich in Gottes Liebe find't,
ei, so heb' ich meine Hände
zu dir, Vater, als dein Kind,
bitte, woll'st mir Gnade geben,
dich aus aller meiner Macht
zu umfangen Tag und Nacht
hier in meinem ganzen Leben,
Bis ich dich nach dieser Zeit
Lob' und lieb' in Ewigkeit.

6. Since, then, neither change nor coldness
In my Father's love can be,
Lo! I lift my hands with boldness,
As Thy child I come to Thee.
Grant me grace, O God, I pray Thee,
That I may with all my might,
All my lifetime, day and night,
Love and trust Thee and obey Thee
And, when this brief life is o'er,
Praise and love Thee evermore.

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #25
Text: Eph. 5:19, 20
Author: Paul Gerhardt, 1659, cento
Translated by: composite
Titled: Sollt' ich meinem Gott nicht singen
Composer: Johann Schop, 1641
Tune: Sollt' ich meinem Gott

1. Sollt' ich meinem Gott nicht singen?
Sollt' ich ihm nicht dankbar sein?
Denn ich seh in allen Dingen,
wie so gut er's mit mir mein'.
Ist doch nichts als lauter Lieben,
das sein treues Herze regt,
das ohn' Ende hebt und trägt,
die in seinem Dienst sich üben.
Alles Ding währt seine Zeit,
Gottes Lieb' in Ewigkeit.

2. Wie ein Adler sein Gefieder
über seine Jungen streckt,
also hat auch hin und wieder
mich des Höchsten Arm bedeckt
alsobald im Mutterleibe,
da er mir mein Wesen gab
und das Leben, das ich hab
und noch diese Stunde treibe.
Alles Ding währt seine Zeit,
Gottes Lieb' in Ewigkeit.

3. Sein Sohn ist ihm nicht zu teuer,
nein, er gibt ihn für mich hin,
daß er mich vom ew'gen Feuer
durch sein teures Blut gewinn'.
O du unergründ'ter Brunnen,
wie will doch mein schwacher Geist,
ob er sich gleich hoch befleißt,
deine Tief' ergründen können?
Alles Ding währt seine Zeit,
Gottes Lieb' in Ewigkeit.

4. Seinen Geist, den edlen Führer,
gibt er mir in seinem Wort,
daß er werde mein Regierer
durch die Welt zur Himmelspfort;
daß er mir mein Herz erfülle
mit dem hellen Glaubenslicht,
das des Todes Macht zerbricht
und die Hölle selbst macht stille.
Alles Ding währt seine Zeit,
Gottes Lieb' in Ewigkeit.

5. Seine Strafen, seine Schläge,
ob sie mir gleich bitter seind,
dennoch, wenn ichs recht erwäge,
sind es Zeichen, daß mein Freund,
der mich liebet, mein gedenke
und mich von der schnöden Welt,
die uns hart gefangen hält,
durch das Kreuz zu ihm lenke.
Alles Ding währt seine Zeit,
Gottes Lieb' in Ewigkeit.

6. Meiner Seele Wohlergehen
Hat er ja recht wohl bedacht.
Will dem Leibe Not zustehen,
Nimmt er's gleichfalls wohl in acht.
Wenn mein Können, mein Vermögen
Nichts vermag, nichts helfen kann,
Kommt mein Gott und hebt mir an
Sein Vermögen beizulegen.
Alles Ding währt seine Zeit,
Gottes Lieb' in Ewigkeit.

7. Wenn ich schlafe, wacht sein Sorgen
Und ermuntert mein Gemüt,
Daß ich alle lieben Morgen
Schaue neue Lieb' und Güt'.
Wäre mein Gott nicht gewesen,
Hätte mich sein Angesicht
Nicht geleitet, wär' ich nicht
Aus so mancher Angst genesen.
Alles Ding währt seine Zeit,
Gottes Lieb' in Ewigkeit.

8. Wie ein Vater seinem Kinde
sein Herz niemals ganz entzeucht,
ob es gleich bisweilen Sünde tut
und aus der Bahne weicht:
Also hält auch mein Verbrechen
mir mein frommer Gott zugut,
will mein Fehlen mit der Rut'
und nicht mit dem Schwerte rächen.
Alles Ding währt seine Zeit,
Gottes Lieb' in Ewigkeit.

9.Weil denn weder Ziel noch Ende
sich in Gottes Liebe find't,
ei, so heb' ich meine Hände
zu dir, Vater, als dein Kind,
bitte, woll'st mir Gnade geben,
dich aus aller meiner Macht
zu umfangen Tag und Nacht
hier in meinem ganzen Leben,
Bis ich dich nach dieser Zeit
Lob' und lieb' in Ewigkeit.

Text: Paul Gerhardt (1607 - 1676)
Melodie: Johann Schop 1641
Evangelisches Gesangbuch Nr. 325

Gerhardt: Awake My Heart

Anthem "Awake, My Heart" (Choir, Pipe Organ), by Jane M. Marshall (b.1924), camcorded live 26 October 2008

"Awake my heart and render to God thy sure defender, thy Maker, thy preserver, a song of love and fervor.
Confirm my deeds and guide me: my day, with thee beside me, beginning, middle, ending, will all be upward tending.
My heart will be thy dwelling, with joy and gladness swelling; thy word my nurture, given to bring me on toward heaven."
Text: Paul Gerhardt, (1607-1676)

Church of the Redeemer, Episcopal
Morristown, NJ, USA

The Redeemer Choir
Wayne Burcham-Gulotta,
Music Director/Organist

The pipe organ is J.W. Steere, Opus 701, 3/49, built and installed in the Church of the Redeemer in 1918.

Paul Gerhardt's Hymns - An Introduction

Gerhardt: If God Himself Be For Me

Lutheran Hymn "Ist Gott für mich, so tre­te" played in Reed Organ.
Tune: Ellacombe

Words: Paul Ger­hardt, in Prax­is Pi­e­ta­tis Mel­i­ca, by Jo­hann Crü­ger (Frank­furt, Ger­ma­ny: 1656) (Ist Gott für mich, so tre­te); trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Ri­chard Mas­sie in Church Psalt­er and Hymn Book (Ox­ford, Eng­land: 1856), by Wil­liam Mer­cer.

Lyrics:
If God Himself be for me, I may a host defy,
For when I pray, before me my foes confounded fly.
If Christ, the Head, befriend me, if God be my support,
The mischief they intend me shall quickly come to naught.

I build on this foundation, that Jesus and His blood
Alone are my salvation, the true eternal good;
Without Him, all that pleases is valueless on earth:
The gifts I owe to Jesus alone my love are worth.

His Holy Spirit dwelleth within my willing heart,
Tames it when it rebelleth, and soothes the keenest smart.
He crowns His work with blessing, and helpeth me to cry
"My Father!" without ceasing to Him Who reigns on high.

To mine His Spirit speaketh sweet words of soothing power,
How God to Him that seeketh for rest, hath rest in store;
How God Himself prepareth my heritage and lot,
And though my body weareth, my Heav'n shall fail me not.

---

"If God Himself Be for Me"
by Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676

1. If God Himself be for me,
I may a host defy;
For when I pray, before me
My foes, confounded, fly.
If Christ, my Head and Master,
Befriend me from above,
What foe or what disaster
Can drive me from His love?

2. This I believe, yea, rather,
Of this I make my boast,
That God is my dear Father,
The Friend who loves me most,
And that, whate'er betide me,
My Savior is at hand
Through stormy seas to guide me
And bring me safe to land.

3. I build on this foundation,
That Jesus and His blood
Alone are my salvation,
The true, eternal good.
Without Him all that pleases
Is valueless on earth;
The gifts I owe to Jesus
Alone my love are worth.

4. My Jesus is my Splendor,
My Sun, my Light, alone;
Were He not my Defender
Before God's awe-full throne,
I never should find favor
And mercy in His sight,
But be destroyed forever
As darkness by the light.

5. He canceled my offenses,
Delivered me from death;
He is the Lord who cleanses
My soul from sin through faith.
In Him I can be cheerful,
Bold, and undaunted aye;
In Him I am not fearful
Of God's great Judgment Day.

6. Naught, naught, can now condemn me
Nor set my hope aside;
Now hell no more can claim me,
Its fury I deride.
No sentence e'er reproves me,
No ill destroys my peace;
For Christ, my Savior, loves me
And shields me with His grace.

7. His Spirit in me dwelleth,
And o'er my mind He reigns.
All sorrow He dispelleth
And soothes away all pains.
He crowns His work with blessing
And helpeth me to cry,
"My Father!" without ceasing,
To Him who dwells on high.

8. And when my soul is lying
Weak, trembling, and opprest,
He pleads with groans and sighing
That cannot be exprest;
But God's quick eye discerns them,
Although they give no sound,
And into language turns them
E'en in the heart's deep ground.

9. To mine His Spirit speaketh
Sweet word of holy cheer,
How God to him that seeketh
For rest is always near
And how He hath erected
A city fair and new,
Where what our faith expected
We evermore shall view.

10. In yonder home doth flourish
My heritage, my lot;
Though here I die and perish,
My heaven shall fail me not.
Though care my life oft saddens
And causeth tears to flow,
The light of Jesus gladdens
And sweetens every woe.

11. Who clings with resolution
To Him whom Satan hates
Must look for persecution;
For him the burden waits
Of mockery, shame, and losses,
Heaped on his blameless head;
A thousand plagues and crosses
Will be his daily bread.

12. From me this is not hidden,
Yet I am not afraid;
I leave my cares, as bidden,
To whom my vows were paid.
Though life and limb it cost me
And everything I won,
Unshaken shall I trust Thee
And cleave to Thee alone.

13. Though earth be rent asunder,
Thou'rt mine eternally;
Not fire nor sword nor thunder
Shall sever me from Thee;
Not hunger, thirst, nor danger,
Not pain nor poverty
Nor mighty princes' anger
Shall ever hinder me.

14. No angel and no gladness,
No throne, no pomp, no show,
No love, no hate, no sadness,
No pain, no depth of woe,
No scheme of man's contrivance,
However small or great,
Shall draw me from Thy guidance
Nor from Thee separate.

15. My heart for joy is springing
And can no more be sad,
'Tis full of mirth and singing,
Sees naught but sunshine glad.
The Sun that cheers my spirit
Is Jesus Christ, my King;
That which I shall inherit
Makes me rejoice and sing.

Hymn #528
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Rom. 8:31-39
Author: Paul Gerhardt
Translated by: based on Richard Massie, 1857
Titled: Ist Gott fuer mich, so trete
Composer: Melckior Teschner, 1613
Tune: Valet will ich dir geben

Gerhardt: Jesus Thy Manger

Paul Gerhardt, 1607 -- 1676
Sung by the Kammerchor of Concordia University Wisconsin.
Set to a new tune by our director, Kenneth T. Kosche.
LSB #372

O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is my paradise at which my soul reclineth. For there, O Lord, doth lie the Word made flesh for us; herein Thy grace forth shineth.

He whom the sea and wind obey doth come to serve the sinner in great meekness. Thou, God's own Son, with us art one, dost join us and our children in our weakness.

Thy light and grace our guilt efface, Thy heavenly riches all our loss retrieving. Immanuel, Thy birth doth quell the power of hell and Satan's bold deceiving.

(Thou Christian heart, whoever thou art, be of good cheer and let no sorrow move thee! For God's own Child, in mercy mild, joins thee to Him; how greatly God must love thee!)

(Remember thou what glory now the Lord prepared thee for all earthly sadness. The angel host can neve boast of greater glory, greater bliss or gladness.)

The world may hold her wealth and gold; but thou, my heart, keep Christ as thy true treasure. To Him hold fast until at last a crown be thine and honor in full measure.

Beautiful Savior - MLC Choir

"Beautiful Savior" under the direction of Eugene B. Nelson, with the Midland Lutheran College Alumni Choir, April 2008 in Fremont, Nebraska.

"Beautiful Savior"
by Author Unknown, 1677
Translated by Joseph A. Seiss, 1823-1904

1. Beautiful Savior,
King of Creation,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Truly I'd love Thee,
Truly I'd serve Thee,
Light of my soul, my Joy, my Crown.

2. Fair are the meadows,
Fair are the woodlands,
Robed in flowers of blooming spring;
Jesus is fairer,
Jesus is purer;
He makes our sorrowing spirit sing.

3. Fair is the sunshine,
Fair is the moonlight,
Bright the sparkling stars on high;
Jesus shines brighter,
Jesus shines purer,
Than all the angels in the sky.

4. Beautiful Savior,
Lord of the nations,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor,
Praise, adoration,
Now and forevermore be Thine!

Hymn #657
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Ps. 45: 2
Author: unknown, 1677
Translated by: Joseph A. Seiss, 1873
Titled: "Schoenster Herr Jesu"
Tune: "Schoenster Herr Jesu"
1st Published in: "Schlesische Volkslieder"
Town: Leipzig, 1842

Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer

There is a saying that people who cannot sing are kicked out of Wales early in life. This is additional proof.

Welcome to the Great Depression, Part Deux: Bad News Is Contagious

Synod financial challenge
The Conference of Presidents (COP) and the Synodical Council (SC) met jointly in Milwaukee last week to discuss synodical matters, including the tremendous financial challenges that are expected to become reality in 2009-2010. The stock market decline and rising unemployment have impacted all of our congregations, and the synod is feeling the crunch. Income to the synod budget both from the Schwann (sic)Foundation and from the large donor in Canada will be severely reduced this coming year. There is the severe possibility that revenue shortfalls could approach $7 million dollars! This number, if it becomes reality, will necessitate severe cuts in our synodical work. Let’s work together, by God’s grace, to close that projected gap and continue supporting our shared work in the WELS.

So this Canuck gave a $15 million pledge over 5 years when the going was good, but he is canceling out after 2 payments? I can understand that. All the financial geniuses were turned into roadkill from this mortgages-for-illegals scam. Goldman Sachs is turning down their bonuses for 2008 and will have to survive on their salaries of $600,000.

Mrs. Ichabod said, "How sad for them."

WELS got addicted to Schwan money: it was crack cocaine for them. Unfortunately, spelling is not as habit-forming for Wisconsin. If someone gave me millions per year, I would learn to spell the guy's name, especially if he delivered ice cream bars to my home.

Here are some chilling facts about the economy:

The world markets are undergoing deflation in commodities, one of the hallmarks of the Great Depression. When China cooled down their steel plants, minerals in America lost their luster and prices sank for iron and copper. Oil is down because of decreased demand. Some suspect that speculating caught up with some big traders.

So far, these industries are laying off people in droves: banks (Citibank - 50,000 people), retail (Circuit City gone, Best Buy scared, Linens and Things gone, Mervyns gone, Shoe Pavilion gone), mines, and technology. The technology companies said someone turned the switch to off in October. Cisco reported a 9% reduction in orders for that month.

Hedge funds and mutual funds would like to buy stocks, but they are selling off assets to pay for people cashing out.

Foreclosures may be slowing down, but commercial real estate is just starting to crater. The great Trump is in deep trouble with two different huge projects. We may not have to look at his comb-over much longer. Phoenix has a rows of newly built but empty commercial buildings.

Ford Motor Company's market cap is worth $4 billion today. $1.72 a share.

GM is worth $1.9 billion, market cap. $3.10 a share.

Credit card defaults are so bad that American Express (with supposedly good clients) sought refuge as a bank and asked for a few billion dollars in bailout money. Waves of defaults are expected at the companies where credit risk was greater. Bankruptcies are expected to increase with higher amounts than before, probably from people using cards to keep their mortgages going.

Nobody knows what will happen with derivatives and credit default swaps. I understand very little about them, except they leverage risk.

Have Gunn? Will Travel...Awesome, Awesome

WELS Church and Change: "We have you sewer-rounded."

Pastor Ben's Blog

Got Spent, Drinking in Wisdom from Guru Gunn

Then just recently this week my wife and I returned from Phoenix where we got spent last weekend visiting Crosswalk church. They’re a WELS mission church that started 4 years ago and meets at a high school and God is just blessing their ministry incredibly. So we got to learn what they’re doing and talk ministry with their staff and kick around ideas. It was an awesome experience. And I have to say that it all just reignited in me how really keyed I am to be God’s called servant here in Franklin, WI to lead Victory of the Lamb. I’m constantly just thinking how to sharpen our vision as a church and how we can keep growing and better work together to share the awesome good news of Jesus with a community that’s, if anything, apathetic or indifferent toward it.

The front page has been changed to read more like CrossWalk's:

Casual atmosphere, serious faith.
Are you looking for a place where there's serious Bible teaching, but in an atmosphere that's casual? Victory is a growing church community where "serious" and "casual" walk hand in hand. If a church is the last place you’d normally be, give us a try at Victory of the Lamb!


What’s with our name?
It’s actually pretty simple. It’s all about victory. And it’s all about Jesus. It’s about the victory that Jesus, the “Lamb of God,” came to win for us. It’s about the most positive and powerful message of all time.

Many people have questions about Jesus. Most people don’t know much about him. They might only know what they have heard from others. But some want to find out more. They wonder if what Christians say about him is true. Can he really bring them peace? Can he really bring them closer to God? Can his story really change mine? We believe the answer is yes. Come discover the victory of Jesus—with us!


A church designed to meet you where you are.
We're just a group of people who “come as we are.” You can too. You don’t have to be perfect. We aren’t either. That’s why we invite you to discover the victory that God gives us through Jesus. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, we’d love to have you come be our guest. We worship on Sundays at 9:30 at the Polonia Soccer Club on Hwy 36. For directions, click on the directions tab above. If you have questions, call us at (414) 433-4970 or contact us.

***

GJ - I have one question about CrossWalk, CrossRoads, and all the other silly secular names with cross in them.

Churches are supposed to have religious names. A crosswalk is a place where people go across the street. Are we supposed to think that Gunn teaches Luther's concept about bearing the cross? Jesus' saying about taking up the cross daily? It is more like, "We are not boring. We meet your felt needs. Dress like you are going to change the oil in the car. No hymns (boring). No sermon (can't write one). Just coaching seminars copied from other heretics."

Here is another question - one for WELS. How can CrossWalk and Gunn be held up as examples to infect other congregations when their own constitution is under scrutiny at the moment? They may be Contagious, Purpose-Driven, Missional, and Awesomely Awesome, but are they Lutheran?

CrossWalk in Laveen

Delete Lutheran doctrine, worship, and the name -
so we can grow faster than the national debt.

Inquiries about the progress of the Crosswalk Constitution Committee may be directed to Pastor Steve Degner (scdegner@aol.com ), chairman. The committee has had several opportunities for correspondence and face-to-face meeting with Crosswalk leadership.

***

GJ - There is your opportunity to register your approval or disapproval of one stealth Babtist congregation.

I was alone in opposing Pilgrim Community Church (VP Paul Kuske, Roger Zehms, Floyd Luther Stolzenburg) so I doubt whether WELS pastors have grown spines. There is always a chance. Many laity read this blog. They might not be so timid.

Would'ncha love to read the CrossWalk constitution? Sure, I'll bet they have Lutheran in the watermark of the paper they print it on - in 1 point Elite font. That is what Kuske's Pilgrim did. They finally admitted it was from Kuske's congregation, in print so tiny my eye muscles had to rest for an hour after trying to find it.

I want to be the first to express total agreement with Gunn about one thing:

You are ashamed to be Lutheran?

I am ashamed you are Lutheran, too!

There, I can be as irenic as anyone.

Stealthy to The C.O.R.E.

Ski: "Lutheran in donations, Babtist in doctrine. C.O.R.E."
Website?

Daughter Congregation Installation

November 16, 2008 by Rick

"At the 10:30 service on November 16, 2008, St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church installed James Skorzewski as the pastor of our new daughter congregation named “The CORE.” According to the bulletin, “Christ is at the core of everything we do as a church . . .” CORE is also an acronym that stands for Connecting, Overhauling, Reconciled, and Engaged.

The CORE will not identify itself as a WELS congregation, and might not identify itself as Lutheran. However, the CORE’s new logo does incorporate a cross.

The service was held in our grade school gymnasium and was well attended. Most of the pastors presiding and attending were wearing jeans and silk shirts, and the Milwaukee band Koine played during the service.

The entire musical selection was taken from the WELS hymnal, Christian Worship. The members of Koine are musically talented, and it was refreshing to be able to sing doctrinally solid hymns from our own hymnal.

As part of his installation, Pastor Skorzewski made this vow:

—Do you believe that the Unaltered Augsburg Confession is a true exposition of the Word of God and a correct presentation of the doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and that the other Confessions in the Book of Concord are also in agreement with this one Scriptural faith? If so, answer “I do.”

— I do.

—Do you solemnly promise that all your teaching and your administration of the sacraments will conform to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions? If so, once again answer “I do.”

— I do.

St. Peter Church is not supporting the CORE financially. Anonymous WELS members are paying for this effort. Also, Pastor Skorzewski along with Pastor Ash are on the Board of Directors of an organization called Church and Change."

---

Rick has left a new comment on your post "Stealthy to the C.O.R.E.":

Mr. Jackson,

I am the original author of this post, it was cut and pasted here in its entirety without permission. I do not approve of its association with the silly photo of Pastor Skorzewski nor with the false accusation that he is a Baptist. Under the fair use laws of the United States, bloggers may quote small excerpts of other articles with appropriate citations and use of quotation marks to show that another is speaking, and without implying endorsement of ideas or positions not belonging to the original author.

Bloggers must also link back to the original article's permalink. Under no circumstance may you republish an entire article without permission. You are hereby requested to fix these violations as soon as possible. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Rick T.

***

GJ - After consulting with my attorneys at Dewey, Cheatem, and Howe, I can respond as follows:

1. This is an anonymous comment, with no last name, no address, no church affiliation, no secret society membership information. Ron Ash, Mark Jeske, or Larry Olson could have posted this. QED - the comment is worthless.
2. The law is clear about Fair Use, which I happen to be studying at the moment for my degree in Yellow Journalism. I quote for scholarly purposes only. This is a non-profit blog. No ads. No income. Just fun work, getting the apostates buzzing like the angry Schwaermer they are.
3. I never heard such ridiculous, legalistic claims as "Bloggers must also link back to the original article's permalink." I link back even though others are not so kind. Be happy, blogger, if you are the actual author - someone besides your Aunt Gertrude is finally reading your anonymous posts. Maybe if you grow a spine you can add a second reader.
4. Ski posted his silly photo, so I reproduced it. He must be proud of the pose since it appeared on his blog. He was proud of by-passing (pun intended) Professor Deutschlander so he could attend the Drive 08 conference with other WELS pastors. He blogged about that. He was proud that Buske and Parlow went, along with others yet unnamed. Drive 08 was organized to promote a stealthy Babtist, Andy Stanley, who cannot admit his church is Babtist - North Point Community Church. Andy is death on infant baptism, so I wonder what deep insights Andy has to offer to Lutheran pastors. You should send an anonymous comment to Andy about honesty.
5. My attorneys said that anyone can copy and paste from my blog. They especially encourage people to copy and paste the orthodox Lutheran quotations I provide. Shucks, you do not need to give me credit for gathering them. I consider it an honor to provide them.

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J has left a new comment on your post "Stealthy to the C.O.R.E.":

These types of posts continue to show how you know very little factual information about Pastor Ski, where he stands on doctrinal issues, and how God as blessed his ministry. If your goal is to stifle the CORE and what God has planned for them then you need to realize you are in fact only helping its cause. God is going to use Ski’s ministry to reach so many people despite your very poor research. Will Ski sacrifice sound Lutheran doctrine in his ministry? No and he sure didn’t while at St. Marcus, but you would never know because I doubt you’ve ever heard him preach, teach, counsel, administer the sacraments, rebuke or witness him perform any other pastoral duty. If however you have, let me know the time, place, and context because odds are I was there with you.

Pastor Ski is Lutheran but you wouldn’t know that because you refuse to take the first step to have this discussion. I realize it is safe to hide behind a blog and consider that your "formal accusation" rather than to have this talk in person (the irony of me saying this in a blog is almost overwhelming. I hope you find that as funny as I do).

The claims you make are almost comical and I will continue to defend Ski. I know Ski would love to have this talk with you but to be honest I doubt he even knows that you, or this blog, exists. I’m sure you’ve had the offers, but if you want to have this talk I’m sure I can help arrange it. I’m serious. I would love to be there and have him explain what he is doing and then to see you, like a man, make these accusations from many of your other postings to his face.

If there is anything I can do to help arrange this, let me know. In the meantime, feel free to bash me, make judgments on my faith and the doctrine I profess because of this post. I’ll willingly take it but please understand that the way you are talking about Ski, Jeske, Buske, The CORE, St. Marcus, etc. is just wrong.

J

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GJ - Of course, J will not give his real name. He will not even name his blog, because he apparently has a blogger blog. Blogger encourages (that is a verb based on the word courage) blog publishers to give their own names. Profile Not Available

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I am quite used to whiny apostates demanding that their own 10 Commandments be followed when they are so negligent about the original version. One Church and Change advocate wants people to turn to Christian Life Resources (nee WELS Lutherans for Life) for family guidance. Like how to dump your wife and marry your secretary? Why is no one blushing in WELS?

I am only posting what is publicly available, thanks to Ski's own blog, Church and Change, St. Marcus, Drive 08, Fuller Seminary, Willow Creek, North Point Community (really Babtist) Church, etc.

I marvel at how WELS pastors are taught to wrinkle their noses in disgust whenever the LCMS is mentioned, yet they fall all over each other to study at Fuller, Willow Creek, North Point, Stetzer-World, and Leonard Sweet-o-rama. If they are not actively bowing to the Enthusiasts, they are pretending none of this is going on.

J, whoever you are, I suggest checking out the Large Catechism. There it says that public doctrine may be reproved publicly. I did not deal with any private sins of Ski. He may have been caught sitting with someone other than his own classmates in chapel (a sin at the Sausage Factory). He may have told the secrets of GA to someone outside the Sausage Links. No, everything I have addressed is freely available on the Internet and discussed with remarkable clarity in the Book of Concord. I highly recommend the book. It will cast a lot of light on the pastoral ministry.

I know many in the WELS system have actively turned future ministers into Fuller clones. They should be roundly condemned for their false doctrine, their open deception, and their weasely ways.

PS - About The C.O.R.E. Nothing makes sense in that title. How does the go with the verb forms? Why are they not in parallel? I know the name was switched officially at the last minute. Did another group of Enthusiasts establish the name first?

The C.O.R.E. will probably go down as the worst name for a stealth church - ever. It reminds me of another program, a unionistic evangelism effort started by a WELS pastor on his way into ecumenism-land. They called it F.I.E.R.C.E. I have forgotten what all the initials meant, except the last one was evangelism. Fierce evangelism seemed a bit strained.

Anti-UOJ Quote of the Day

UOJ Tigers Attack!

"The apostle says 'our,' 'our sins;' not his own sin, not the sins of unbelievers. Purification is not for, and cannot profit, him who does not believe. Nor did Christ effect the cleansing by our free-will, our reason or power, our works, our contrition or repentance, these all being worthless in the sight of God; he effects it by himself. And how? By taking our sins upon himself on the holy cross, as Isaiah 53:6 tells us."
Sermons of Martin Luther, ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VI, p. 180. Hebrews 1:1-12; Hebrews 1:3

The Gay Mafia - From Time Magazine

Read this link from Time magazine.

Some took issue with the term Lavender Mafia on Ichabod, as if there are no activists in the various Lutheran synods - as if they do not work together across synodical lines.

Mainline gay activism was documented in 21 years ago in Out of the Depths of ELCA, published in Christian News.

The favorite toast at ELCA conventions is, "Bottoms up!"

ELCA has no problems with The Episcopal Church. WELS leaders and LCMS leaders have no problems working with ELCA.

Time magazine documents what has been going on in secular politics for many years.

Gerhardt's Great Hymn of Thanksgiving

The video begins by spelling his name wrong. Paul Gerhardt the hymn writer is often confused with Johann Gerhard
the theologian who worked with Chemnitz.

Mrs. Ichabod and I sing this together in German. Gerhardt is probably the greatest hymn writer of all time. He lost his pulpit for resisting Reformed doctrine.

Here is the HTML link, in case the embedded video flakes out at the end, as it does for us.

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Literal translation for prep school graduates:

Lobet den Herren alle, die ihn ehren

All Praise the Lord, All Who Honor Him.

1. Lobet den Herren alle, die ihn ehren; lasst uns mit Freuden seinem Namen singen und Preis und Dank zu seinem Altar bringen. Lobet den Herren!

All praise the Lord, who honor Him; let us sing his name with joy and bring praise and thanks to His altar. All praise the Lord.

2. Der unser Leben, das er uns gegeben, in dieser Nacht so väterlich bedecket / und aus dem Schlaf uns fröhlich auferwecket: Lobet den Herren!

He who our life has given, in this night has covered us so fatherly and wakes us joyfully from sleep, All praise the Lord.

3. Dass unsre Sinnen / wir noch brauchen können / und Händ und Füße, Zung und Lippen regen, das haben wir zu danken seinem Segen. Lobet den Herren!

That we can use our senses, move our hands and feet, tongue and lips, we owe His blessing. All praise the Lord.

4. Dass Feuerflammen / uns nicht allzusammen / mit unsern Häusern unversehns gefressen, das macht's, dass wir in seinem Schoß gesessen. Lobet den Herren!

The flames of fire will not devour our homes, He wills that we sit in His castle. All praise the Lord.

5. Dass Dieb und Räuber / unser Gut und Leiber / nicht angetast' und grausamlich verletzet, dawider hat sein Engel sich gesetzet. Lobet den Herren!

That thief and robber, our goods and life cannot take, for His angel has been appointed. All praise the Lord.

6. O treuer Hüter, Brunnen aller Güter, ach lass doch ferner über unser Leben / bei Tag und Nacht dein Hut und Güte schweben. Lobet den Herren!

O faithful Guardain, wellspring of all goodness, by day and night Your Guard and Goodness hover. All praise the Lord.

7. Gib, dass wir heute, Herr, durch dein Geleite / auf unsern Wegen unverhindert gehen / und überall in deiner Gnade stehen. Lobet den Herren!

Give us that we today, Lord, through Your escorts, go on our way unhindered and remain in Your grace. All praise the Lord.

8. Treib unsern Willen, dein Wort zu erfüllen; lehr uns verrichten heilige Geschäfte, und wo wir schwach sind, da gib du uns Kräfte. Lobet den Herren!

Strengthen our will to fulfill Your Word; teach us holy ways; and where we are weak, there give us strength. All praise the Lord.

9. Richt unsre Herzen, dass wir ja nicht scherzen / mit deinen Strafen, sondern fromm zu werden / vor deiner Zukunft uns bemühn auf Erden. Lobet den Herren!

Direct our hearts, that we do not trifle with Your judgments, but remain pious before Your future reign on earth. All praise the Lord.

10. Herr, du wirst kommen / und all deine Frommen, die sich bekehren, gnädig dahin bringen, da alle Engel ewig, ewig singen: >Lobet den Herren!<

Lord, you will soon come, and all Your believers, those who are converted, bring them in with grace, where all the angels, always always sing out, All praise the Lord.

Paul Gerhardt 1607-1676


Passende Bibelstellen:

Vers 1: Psalm 103, 21-22
Vers 8: 2. Korinther 12, 9-10
Vers 10: Offenbarung 22, 12

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Paul Gerhardt's Testament

Paul Gerhardt prepared his "testament" his 70th birthday for his son. It offers insight into this important Lutheran writer of many great chorales..

Now that I have reached the 70th year of my life and also have the joyful hope that my dear, holy God will soon rescue me out of this world and lead me into a better life than I have had until now on earth, I thank Him especially for all His kindness and faithfulness which, from my motherâ?Ts womb until the present hour, He has shown me in body and soul and in all that He has given me. Besides this, I ask Him from the bottom of my heart that when my hour comes He would grant me a happy departure, take my soul into His fatherly hands, and give my body a peaceful rest in the ground until the dear Last Day, when I, with all of my [family] who have been before me and also may remain after me, will reawake and behold my dear Lord Jesus Christ face to face, in whom I have believed but have not yet seen. To my only son whom I am leaving behind I leave few earthly goods, but with them I leave him an honorable name of which he will not have to be ashamed.

My son knows that from his tender childhood I have given him to the Lord my God as His possession, that he is to become a servant and preacher of His holy Word. He is to remain now in this and not turn away from it, even if he has only few good days in it. For the good Lord knows how to handle it and how sufficiently to replace external troubles with internal happiness of the heart and joy of the spirit.

Study holy theologiam in pure schools and at unfalsified universities and beware of the syncretists [those who mix religions or confessions], for they seek what is temporal and are faithful to neither God nor men. In your common life do not follow evil company but rather the will and command of your God. Especially: (1) Do nothing evil in the hope that it will remain secret, for nothing is spun so small that it is not seen in the light of day. (2) Outside of your office and vocation do not become angry. If you notice that anger has heated you up, remain still and speak not so much as a word until you have first prayed the Ten Commandments and the Christian Creed silently. (3) Be ashamed of the lusts of the flesh, and when you one day come to the years in which you can marry, then marry with God and with the good advice of pious, faithful, and sensible people. (4) Do good to people even if they have nothing with which to repay you, for the Creator of heaven and earth has long since repaid what humans cannot repay: when He created you, when He gave you His beloved Son, and when He accepted you in Holy Baptism as His child and heir. (5) Flee from greed as from hell. Be satisfied with what you have earned with honor and a good conscience, even if it is not all too much. But if the good Lord gives you something more, ask Him to preserve you from the burdensome misuse of temporal goods.

In summary: Pray diligently, study something honorable, live peacefully, serve honestly, and remain unmoved in your faith and confessing. If you do this, you too will one day die and depart from this world willingly, joyfully, and blessedly. Amen.

The Twenty-sixth Sunday after Trinity

The Twenty-sixth Sunday after Trinity

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bethany-lutheran-worship

Bethany Lutheran Worship, 8 AM Phoenix Time

The Hymn # 511 Duke Street
The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19
The Epistle and Gradual 2 Thess 1:3-10
The Gospel Luke Matthew 25:31-45
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #376 Toplady

By Works or By Faith

The Hymn #314 by Jacobs Herr Jesu Christ, dich
The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn #401 by Kingo Freu dich sehr

KJV 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed ) in that day.

Or

KJV 2 Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

KJV Matthew 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Twenty-Sixth Sunday After Trinity
O almighty, eternal and merciful God, who by Thy beloved Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, hast established the kingdom of grace for us, that we might believe the forgiveness of our sins, in Thy holy Church on earth, since Thou art a God who hath no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live: We beseech Thee, graciously forgive us all our sins, through the same, Thy Son Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

By Works or By Faith

Matthew 25 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

One of the chief values of appointed readings is to provide portions of the Scripture we might overlook if congregations only chose favorite passages. With so many doing whatever is right in their own eyes, vast numbers are failing to get proper training in the Word.

This Gospel lesson seems to be exactly the opposite of justification by faith. The Parable of Last Judgment does not mention faith but emphasizes good works. Jesus does not even mention building churches or sponsoring a Praise Band. Everything mentioned would be recognized by anyone as humane acts – feeding, clothing, and visiting people in prison.

In fact, this issue, faith and works, has been the trap of many Christians. One former Protestant wrote a gigantic work (as a Catholic) on justification by works.

First, we have to set aside any notion that there is a way to reconcile justification by faith and the Roman Catholic teaching of faith plus works (fides formata).

The Savior and the Apostles taught justification by faith. Paul was especially insistent in his letters because he was so Law-oriented before his conversion. Likewise, Augustine and Luther emphasized the grace of God because of their previous slavery to the Law.

Recently, someone tried to convince me (again) that the whole world was justified when Jesus rose from the dead, quoting this passage:

KJV Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Now, let’s look at the whole chapter in general and the context of this verse in particular. Romans 4 is a chapter about faith. Granted, our chapters and verses were applied much later, but the thematic breaks are clear and we call these breaks and important transitions chapters.

KJV Romans 4:1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

The opening statement in this chapter on faith is clearly one of justification by faith. Paul was unique in his training and his ability to negate any concept of works-righteousness. People are reckoned or counted forgiven through faith. That does not exclude God’s grace but glorifies God’s grace. Faith—or trust in the Word—receives the forgiveness promised in the Gospel.

The Gospel message is simple, clear, and compelling: the Son of God died innocently on the cross, paying for the sins of the world. We call that redemption because He paid the price for our sins. He paid this price, once for all time, so Jesus is properly called the Redeemer of the world.

This treasure of forgiveness lies in one heap, as Luther said, until the Holy Spirit distributes it through preaching and teaching the Word. When Jesus rose from the dead, He manifested his sinlessness. He did not die from sin, as we all must, but died for our sins.

Now let’s look at the end of Romans 4, in context.

KJV Romans 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Abraham was strong in faith. He believed the Promises of God. Because of this he was counted as righteous (reckoned righteous, imputed to him). We are also counted righteous if we believe in Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.

So the last verse was clearly written to include the Atonement and Resurrection, contrasting and parallel phrases – delivered for our sins, raised for our justification.

Lest there be any confusion about justification by faith, read from the ending of Romans 4 to the beginning of Romans 5. I will repeat some verses to show how Romans 5 strengthens the previous message about justification by faith.

KJV Romans 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

KJV Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

This is the same message as Jesus’

John 3 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Works and Faith
This Gospel selection is one of many aimed against carnal security. That may be a new term for some, especially since carnal security is taught rather than taught against.
Carnal security is represented by such phrases as, “I am thankful I belong to an orthodox church body.”

The better informed will say, “I am thankful I belong to an orthodox circuit.”

The well informed will say, “Are there any Lutheran congregations left?”

Carnal security places trust in membership or family patriarchs or the size and age of a congregation. Believe it or not, pastors say things like, “This is true because my father was a district president.” They are quite so blatant, but the message is clear. Or, “My father was president of the seminary.”

A woman we met was asked about a congregation. She said, “It’s OK, but they worship every stone in that church.” She was talking to one of the stone-worshipers, which made her laugh later. In Pennsylvania and other areas--where Lutherans are especially dense--they produce booklets about the building.

Carnal security means refusing to visit others because “we are saved by faith, not by works.”

Some laity run around like kamikaze pilots, happy to visit destruction on churches, in the name of something or other. They claim to have faith, but there is no connection between their professed love and their actions.

Many pastors are extremely kind and generous to their friends and to those who can promote them, give them a call to that exotic or plush location they covet. They talk Gospel but they live for their careers. They reap what they sow. They may cluck about how bad their synods are, but they are the spineless ones who create the apostasy.

Luther recognized that many building projects glorify man, not God. We have to wonder when someone gives money for a building, names it after himself, and poses for a picture dedicating the building. In Luther’s time, a church building meant time reduced from Purgatory. In our time, it means a wealthy man can leave his wife, marry another man’s wife, and be preached into heaven by three synods at once – ELS, WELS, and Missouri.

Luther emphasized helping people rather than building another church.

This parable is an antidote to carnal security because it reminds everyone about the connection between the tree (Gospel) and the fruit (works of love). Genuine faith in Christ produces the fruit of the Spirit. If that fruit is lacking, we should look at the sincerity of our faith.

False teachers want to start with the fruit and preach the fruit. So they say, “Look at how friendly we are. We are so happy.” Oddly enough, they seldom do much for others. Most of this is self-glorying.

Gardeners and farmers do not look for the fruit; they look for good stock and good seed. They know that God does 99% of everything to produce the results. The great joy of gardening is to see how our little effort is leveraged by all the forces of Creation, from the bug-eating of birds, to the pollination of bees, to the watering and nitrogen fixing of the rain.

A Lutheran pastor was writing about his garden crop. He mentioned cold weather crops. I cannot grow them. People may forget that cold areas are ideal for certain crops, such as peas and spinach. God makes them thrive in the cold. In fact, a cold snap improves many of these, such as carrots and Brussels sprouts. I actually dug through snow in Midland to harvest kale, which is very nutritious. It lasts so well in the snow because its chemistry is designed for the cold. It also has the texture and flavor appeal of Kevlar, but there are those who love it.

This passage means – sow the seed, the pure Word of God, and the results will follow.

And if you doubt the value of good works – Jesus says, “You are doing all this for Me when you help your neighbor.”

We need more of this faith-centered approach in everything. What we do for our children is also for Christ. There is so much neglect of children in favor of being busy and making money. How many parents sacrifice the happiness of their children in the name of success?

There will be ample opportunity to help people in the next two years. People will need clothing, food, extra cash to make it past the bumps in the road. It should be our greatest joy to share God’s bounty with others. Gardeners always have plenty and to spare. They love to share their extra produce with others, knowing better than city people, “God did this.”

Time with people is the best gift of all: parents with children, children with elderly parents. Few people visit the sick, shut-in, and hospitalized. Some will say, “I was not thanked.” That is not done in the right spirit if a reward is expected. The joy comes from the giving not from the receiving.

Quotations "#305. Why do you say in this article: I believe in the Forgiveness of Sins? Because I hold with certainty that by my own powers or through my own works I cannot be justified before God, but that the forgiveness of sins is given me out of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also true justification. Psalm 130:3-4; Psalm 143:2; Isaiah 64:6; Job 25:4-6 (Q. 124)." Kleiner Katechismus, trans. Pastor Vernon Harley, LCMS, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1901, p. 164ff.

"Hence, too, the lack of emphasis, even in the best of Reformed preaching, upon the divine Word as the vehicle of regenerating grace and on the Sacraments. The office of the Word, then, is merely to point to the way of life, without communicating that of which it conveys the idea. The Word and Sacraments are declared to be necessary; their office in the Church is a divine institution; but they are only symbols of what the Spirit does within; and the Spirit works immediately and irresistibly." "Grace, Means of," The Concordia Cyclopedia, L. Fuerbringer, Th. Engelder, P. E. Kretzmann, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1927, p. 298.

"Concerning the article on the justification of the poor sinner in God's sight, we believe, teach, and confess on the basis of God's Word and the position of our Christian Augsburg Confession that the poor, sinful person is justified in God's sight--that is, he is pronounced free and absolved of his sins and receives forgiveness for them--only through faith, because of the innocent, complete, and unique obedience and the bitter sufferings and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, not because of the indwelling, essential righteousness of God or because of his own good works, which either precede or result from faith. We reject all doctrines contrary to this belief and confession." Jacob Andreae, Confession and Brief Explanation of Certain Disputed Articles, Robert Kolb, Andreae and the Formula of Concord St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1977, p. 58.

"Indeed, it has been proved more than sufficiently from the Scriptures of the prophets and apostles in the Old and New Testaments that the righteousness which avails in God's sight, which poor sinners have for comfort in their worst temptations, cannot and should not be sought in our own virtues or good works; nor will it be found there, as was proved above against the papists. Instead, it should be sought only in Christ the Lord, whom God has made our righteousness and who saves all believing Christians and makes them righteous through knowledge of Him." Jacob Andreae, The First Sermon, On the Righteousness of Faith in God's Sight, Robert Kolb, Andreae and the Formula of Concord St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1977, p. 67.

"'Just git the spirit started,' said a Methodist to C. P. Krauth, 'and then it works like smoke.' 'Very much like smoke, I guess,' answered Krauth." F. Bente, American Lutheranism, 2 vols., The United Lutheran Church, Gen Synod, Gen Council, Un Syn in the South, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1919, II, p. 77.

"For the papalists understand the word 'justify' according to the manner of the Latin composition as meaning 'to make righteous' through a donated or infused quality of inherent righteousness, from which works of righteousness proceed. The Lutherans, however, accept the word 'justify' in the Hebrew manner of speaking; therefore they define justification as the absolution from sins, or the remission of sins, through imputation of the righteousness of Christ, through adoption and inheritance of eternal life, and that only for the sake of Christ, who is apprehended by faith." Martin Chemnitz, Examination of the Council of Trent, trans., Fred Kramer, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1971, I, p. 467.

"And, in short, the meritum condigni is the Helen for which the Tridentine chapter concerning the growth of justification contends. For they imagine that the quality, or habit, of love is infused not that we may possess salvation to life eternal through this first grace but that, assisted by that grace, we may be able to merit eternal life for ourselves by our own good works. For concerning the meritum condigni Gabriel speaks thus: 'The soul shaped by grace worthily (de condigno) merits eternal life.'" [Kramer note - Scholastics taught that the good works of the unregenerate had only meritum congrui; the good works of the regenerate rewarded as meritum condigni, merit worthy with being rewarded with eternal life.] Martin Chemnitz, Examination of the Council of Trent, trans., Fred Kramer, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1971, I, p. 541. see Baker, Fundamentals, III, p. 78

"But because not doubt but faith justifies, and not he who doubts but he who believes has eternal life, therefore faith teaches the free promise, which relies on the mercy of God for the sake of the sacrifice of the Son, the Mediator, and not on our works, as Paul says in Romans 4:16: 'Therefore it is of faith, that the promise might be sure according to grace.'" Martin Chemnitz, Loci Theologici, 2 vols., trans. J. A. O. Preus, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1989, II, p. 507. Romans 4:16

"How is a person justified before God? This occurs solely by faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ; that is, freely, not because of any works or merits of one's own but only because of the one Mediator, Jesus Christ, who became the sacrificial victim and propitiation on our behalf. By this sacrifice, man obtained forgiveness of sins and became righteous; that is, God-pleasing and acceptable. His righteousness was imputed to man for Christ's sake, and man becomes an heir of eternal life when he believes with certainty that God gives him these blessings for the sake of His Son." David Chytraeus, A Summary of the Christian Faith (1568), trans., Richard Dinda, Decatur: Repristination Press, 1994. p. 105.

"Christian righteousness is the forgiveness of sin, the imputation of the righteousness of Christ and acceptance to eternal life. It is free, not the result of any virtues or works but is given solely because of Christ, the Mediator, and apprehended by faith alone." David Chytraeus, A Summary of the Christian Faith (1568), trans., Richard Dinda, Decatur: Repristination Press, 1994. p. 106.

"What is the difference between Christianity and paganism? Paganism has no sure Word of God and no true faith in Christ. It is unsettled. In place of the one true God, pagans worship various factitious deities and countless idols with ceremonies, works and sacrifices selected according to human judgment. They imagine that they compensate for their sins with this worship, pacify their gods and make them gracious and purchase, as it were, blessings from them." David Chytraeus, A Summary of the Christian Faith (1568), trans., Richard Dinda, Decatur: Repristination Press, 1994. p. 19.

"What is the position of The Lutheran Confessional Synod in regard to what is known as the 'Church Growth Movement?' It is the belief of the LCS that the Holy Spirit works only [italics] through the Means of Grace: The Word and the Sacraments (see Doctrinal Statement VI). Therefore, anything that detracts from, or in conflict with, the preaching and teaching of the inerrant Word of God and the proper administration of the Sacraments, is not permitted." Bishop R. L. DeJaynes Questions and Answers about The Lutheran Confessional Synod, Decatur, Illinois: LCS, 1996, p. 7.

"It is indeed a precious truth, that this Word not only tells me what I must do to be saved, but it also enables me to do it. [enables me to do it in italics] It is the vehicle and instrument of the Holy Spirit. Through it the Holy Spirit works repentance and faith. Through it He regenerates, converts, and sanctifies." G. H. Gerberding, The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church, Philadelphia: Lutheran Publication Society, 1887, p. 132.

"The same divine Saviour now works through means. He has founded a Church, ordained a ministry, and instituted the preaching of the Word and the administration of His own sacraments. Christ now works in and through His Church. Through her ministry, preaching the Word, and administering the sacraments, the Holy Spirit is given. (Augsburg Confession, Article 5.) G. H. Gerberding, The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church, Philadelphia: Lutheran Publication Society, 1887, p. 30.

"The entire Scripture testifies that the merits of Christ are received in no other way than through faith, not to mention that it is impossible to please God without faith, Hebrews 11:6, let alone to be received into eternal life. In general, St. Paul concludes concerning this [matter] in Romans 3:28: Thus we hold then that a man becomes righteous without the works of the Law--only through faith." Johann Gerhard, A Comprehensive Explanation of Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper, 1610, ed. D. Berger, J. Heiser, Malone, Texas: Repristination Press, 2000, p. 165. Hebrews 11:6; Romans 3:28

"Even though the water which is used for holy Baptism continues to retain its natural essence and natural attributes after Baptism, it is nevertheless not just lowly [plain] water, but it is formulated in God's Word and combined with God's Word. Thus it is a powerful means through which the Holy Trinity works powerfully; the Father takes on the one who is baptized as His dear child; the Son washes him of his sins with His blood; the Holy Spirit regenerates and renews him for everlasting life." Johann Gerhard, A Comprehensive Explanation of Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper, 1610, ed. D. Berger, J. Heiser, Malone, Texas: Repristination Press, 2000, p. 56.

"Aus dem allen folgt die Verwerflichkeit des schwarmgeistlichen Grundsatzes, dass der Geist wirke ohne die Schrift. Geist nicht ohne Schrift, Schrift nicht ohne Geist, das is gesunde Lehre. (From this follows the repudia- tion of Pentecostal principles, that the Spirit works without the Scriptures. Spirit not without the Scripture, Scripture not without the Spirit - that is sound doctrine.)" Adolf Hoenecke, Evangelische-Lutherische Dogmatik, 4 vols., ed., Walter and Otto Hoenecke, Milwaukee: Northwestern Publishing House, 1912, IV, p. 17.

"Thus the Holy Spirit works only through the Word. But the Word of the Gospel comes to man in two different modes." Henry Eyster Jacobs, Elements of Religion, Philadelphia, Board of Publication, General Council 1919 p. 161.

"The Holy Spirit works through the Word and the Sacraments, which only, in the proper sense, are means of grace. Both the Word and the Sacraments bring a positive grace, which is offered to all who receive them outwardly, and which is actually imparted to all who have faith to embrace it." Charles P. Krauth, The Conservative Reformation and Its Theology, Philadelphia: The United Lutheran Publication House, 1871, p. 127.

"An age of darkness is a creedless age; corruption in doctrine works best when it is unfettered by an explicit statement of that doctrine." Charles P. Krauth, The Conservative Reformation and Its Theology, Philadelphia: The United Lutheran Publication House, 1871, p. 215.

"This Word works in the Thessalonians what Paul states in 1:3; it came to them with the power of the Holy Spirit and much assurance (1:5); it turned them from the idols to the living God, to Him who raised up Jesus from the dead, the Savior from the wrath to ccome (1: 9, 10). This effect, wrought by the Word, convinces all believers, all who experience this blessed effect, that this is, indeed, God's Word." R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of Thessalonians, Columbus: The Wartburg Press, 1937, p. 261. 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 9, 10

"The Gospel shows the Father's grace, Who sent His Son to save our race, Proclaims how Jesus lived and died That man might thus be justified. (2) It sets the Lamb before our eyes, Who made the atoning sacrifice, And calls the souls with guilt opprest To come and find eternal rest. (3) It brings the Savior's righteousness Our souls to robe in royal dress; From all our guilt it brings release And gives the troubled conscience peace. (4) It is the power of God to save From sin and Satan and the grace; It works the faith, which firmly clings To all the treasures which it brings. (5) It bears to all the tidings glad And bids their hearts no more be sad; The heavy laden souls it cheers And banishes their guilty fears." Matthias Loy, 1863, "The Gospel Shows the Father's Grace" The Lutheran Hymnal, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941, Hymn #297. John 3:16.

"The apostle says 'our,' 'our sins;' not his own sin, not the sins of unbelievers. Purification is not for, and cannot profit, him who does not believe. Nor did Christ effect the cleansing by our free-will, our reason or power, our works, our contrition or repentance, these all being worthless in the sight of God; he effects it by himself. And how? By taking our sins upon himself on the holy cross, as Isaiah 53:6 tells us." Sermons of Martin Luther, ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VI, p. 180. Hebrews 1:1-12; Hebrews 1:3;

"His gifts and works in His Church must effect inexpressible results, taking souls from the jaws of the devil and translating them into eternal life and glory." Sermons of Martin Luther, ed. John Nicolas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VIII, p. 220. Tenth Sunday after Trinity, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11;

"...God here directs and works wonderfully by making the first last and the last first. And all is spoken to humble those who are great that they should trust in nothing but the goodness and mercy of God. And on the other hand that those who are nothing should not despair, but trust in the goodness of God just as the others do." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John N. Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, II, p. 106. Matthew 20:1-16

"Now in this way Christ strikes a blow first against the presumption (as He also does in today's Epistle) of those who would storm their way into heaven by their good works; as the Jews did and wished to be next to God; as hitherto our own clergy have also done. These all labor for definite wages, that is, they take the law of God in no other sense than that they should fulfil it by certain defined works for a specified reward, and they never understand it correctly, and know not that before God all is pure grace." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John N. Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, II, p. 108. Matthew 20:1-16; 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:5

"Faith receives the good works of Christ, love bestows good works on our neighbor." In the first place, our faith is strengthened and increased when Christ is held forth to us in his own natural works, namely, that he associates only with the blind, the deaf, the lame, the lepers, the dead and the poor; that is , in pure love and kindness toward all who are in need and in misery, so that finally Christ is nothing else than consolation and a refuge for all the distressed and troubled in conscience. Here is necessary faith that trusts in the Gospel and relies upon it, never doubting that Christ is just as he is presented to us in this Gospel, and does not think of Him otherwise, nor let any one persuade us to believe otherwise." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, I, p. 109f. Third Sunday in Advent Matthew 11:2-10.

"In order to keep your faith pure, do nothing else than stand still, enjoy its blessings, accept Christ's works, and let him bestow His love upon you. You must be blind, lame, deaf, dead, leprous and poor, otherwise you will stumble at Christ. That Gospel which suffers Christ to be seen and to be doing good only among the needy, will not belie you." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, I, p. 110. Third Sunday in Advent Matthew 11:2-10.

"And such false teachers have the good fortune that all their folly is tolerated, even though the people realize how these act the fool, and rather rudely at that. They have success with it all, and people bear with them. But no patience is to be exercised toward true teachers! Their words and their works are watched with the intent of entrapping them, as complained of in Psalm 17:9 and elsewhere. When only apparently a mote is found, it is exaggerated to a very great beam. No toleration is granted. There is only judgment, condemnation and scorn. Hence the office of preaching is a grievous one. He who has not for his sole motive the benefit of his neighbor and the glory of God cannot continue therein. The true teacher must labor, and permit others to have the honor and profit of his efforts, while he receives injury and derision for his reward." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VII, p. 110f. Second Sunday before Lent. 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9. Psalm 17:9.

"In the second place such teachers are disposed to bring the people into downright bondage and to bind their conscience by forcing laws upon them and teaching works-righteousness. The effect is that fear impels them to do what has been pounded into them, as if they were bondslaves, while their teachers command fear and attention. But the true teachers, they who give us freedom of conscience and create us lords, we soon forget, even despise. The dominion of false teachers is willingly tolerated and patiently endured; indeed, it is given high repute. All those conditions are punishments sent by God upon them who do not receive the Gospel with love and gratitude." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VII, p. 111. Second Sunday before Lent. 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9. John 5:43.

"The second class of hearers are those who receive the Word with joy, but they do not persevere. These are also a large multitude who understand the Word correctly and lay hold of it in its purity without any spirit of sect, division or fanaticism, they rejoice also in that they know the real truth, and are able to know how they may be saved without works through faith...But when the sun shines hot it withers, because it has no soil and moisture, and only rock is there. So these do; in times of persecution they deny or keep silence about the Word and work, speak and suffer all that their persecutors mention or wish, who formerly went forth and spoke, and confessed with a fresh and joyful spirit the same, while there was peace and no heat, so that there was hope they would bear much fruit and serve the people." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed. John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983 II, p. 116. Sexagesima. Luke 8:4-15 (par. Mark 4: Matthew 13:)

"All the prophets met death for accusing the people of the sin of ungodliness. No one believed the prophets. No one of the people thought himself guilty of such sin. They judged themselves by their feelings, their intentions and works; not by God's Word, not by His counsel delivered through the prophets." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VI, p. 118. Christmas Eve, Titus 2:11-15 [righteous = doing good works and reconciling God]

"But now comes the Holy Spirit and says: No so. You err and are mistaken. Your judgment is wrong. Therefore there must be another judgment. You should judge thus: Everything your reason concludes is erroneous and false, and you are a fool and a simpleton." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p. 119. Fourth Sunday after Easter John 16:5-15.

"Godly and believing persons know their sins; they bear all their punishment patiently, and are resigned to God's judgment without the least murmur; therefore, they are punished only bodily, and here in time, and their pain and suffering have an end. Unbelievers, however, since they are not conscious of their sins and transgressions, cannot bear God's punishment patiently, but they resent it and wish their life and works to go unpunished, yea, uncensured. Hence, their punishment and suffering are in body and soul, here in time, and last forever beyond this life." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p. 131. Fourth Sunday after Easter, Second Sermon John 16:5-15.

"It breaks in not piecemeal on certain works and actions, but reduces to nothing and condemns everything that reason and worldly wisdom propose. In short, He convicts and censures them in and for the very things they do not wish to be convicted in, but rather praised and lauded, as teaching and doing well and right." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p. 138. Fourth Sunday after Easter, Third Sermon John 16:5-15.

"But the fact is, all Christian doctrines and works, all Christian living, is briefly, clearly and completely comprehended in these two principles, faith and love. They place man as a medium between God and his neighbor, to receive from above and distribute below." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VI, p. 145. Early Christmas Morning Titus 3:4-8

"But the fact is, all Christian doctrines and works, all Christian living, is briefly, clearly and completely comprehended in these two principles, faith and love. They place man as a medium between God and his neighbor, to receive from above and distribute below. Thus the Christian becomes a vessel, or rather a channel, through which the fountain of divine blessings continuously flows to other individuals." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VIII, p. 145. Sixth Sunday after Trinity, Romans 6:3-11

"Take note, God pours out upon us in baptism superabundant blessings for the purpose of excluding the works whereby men foolishly presume to merit heaven and gain happiness. Yes, dear friend, you must first possess heaven and salvation before you can do good works. Works never merit heaven; heaven is conferred purely of grace...The true Christian's whole life after baptism is but a waiting for the manifestation of the salvation already his." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VI, p. 151. Early Christmas Morning Titus 3:4-8

"Good works are to be performed without any thought of merit, simply for the benefit of one's neighbor and for the honor of God; until the body, too, shall be released from sin, death and hell." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VI, p. 151. Second Christmas Sermon Titus 3:4-8

"How beautifully the apostle in these strong words extols the grace of God bestowed in baptism! He refers to baptism as a washing, whereby not our feet only, not our hands, but our whole bodies are cleansed. Baptism perfectly and instantaneously cleanses and saves. For the vital part of salvation and its inheritance, nothing more is necessary than this faith in the grace of God. Truly, then, are we saved by grace alone, without works or other merit." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VI, p. 154. Early Christmas Morning Titus 3:5

"But the only thing that was taught and advocated was: Invoke the Virgin Mary and other saints as your mediators and intercessors; fast often and pray much; make pilgrimages, enter cloisters and become monks, or pay for the saying of many masses and like works. And thus we imagined when we did these things we had merited heaven." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, V, p. 191. Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity, Matthew 22:34-46

"But the fanatics soon torment us with works, and profess to have a nobler spirit; they urge and insist upon our doing something first of all, and permit faith and love to be overlooked. This of course is not of the Holy Spirit. Christ first takes possession of the conscience, and when it is right in faith toward God, then He also directs us to do works toward our neighbor. But He first highly extols faith and keeps works in the background.: Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, V, p. 200. Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity, Matthew 9:1-8

"But the fanatics soon torment us with works, and profess to have a nobler spirit; they urge and insist upon our doing something first of all, and permit faith and love to be overlooked. This of course is not of the Holy Spirit. Christ first takes possession of the conscience, and when it is right in faith toward God, then He also directs us to do works toward our neighbor. But He first highly extols faith and keeps works in the background.: Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, V, p. 200. Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity, Matthew 9:1-8

"We have now sowed a little of the Word, and this the devil cannot stand, for he never sleeps; the worms and the beetles will come and infect it. Yet so it must be, Christ will prove His Word, and examine who have received it and who not. Therefore let us remain on the right road to the kingdom of Christ, and not go about with works and urge and force the works of the law, but only with the words of the Gospel which comfort the conscience: Be happy, be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, V, p. 201. Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity, Matthew 9:1-8

"Workrighteous people have not this glory, for they have not the Word; but as the work is, so is the praise, they urge and compel us to depart from the Word to human work. But the Holy Spirit urges us from our works to the Word. The former boast of their works, the latter, where the Holy Spirit is, rejoice internally in the heart with God, that He has done this work, and they remain clinging to grace, and attribute nothing at all to their works." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, V, p. 203. Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity, Matthew 9:1-8

"But, as has often been said, faith changes the person and makes out of an enemy a child, so mysteriously that the external works, walk and conversation remain the same as before, when they are not by nature wicked deeds." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, I, p. 210. Third Christmas Day John 1:1-14.

"Such a divine kingdom con be governed, built up, protected, extended and maintained only by means of the external office of the Word and Sacraments, through which the Holy Spirit is powerful and works in the hearts etc., as I have often said in speaking on this theme." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, V, p. 238. Twentieth Sunday after Trinity, Matthew 22:1-14

"Firstly, we read that this was the disciple whom Christ loved. This means that faith alone makes the truly beloved disciples of Christ, who receive the Holy Spirit through this very same faith, not through their works. Works indeed also make disciples, but not beloved disciples: only temporary hypocrites who do not persevere. God's love does not uphold and keep them, for the reason that they do not believe." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, I, p. 250. Day of St. John the Evangelist John 21:19-24.

"Learn then from this Gospel what takes place when God begins to make us godly, and what the first step is in becoming godly. There is no other beginning than that your king comes to you and begins to work in you. It is done in this way: The Gospel must be the first, this must be preached and heard. In it you hear and learn how all your works count for nothing before God and that everything is sinful that you work and do. Your king must first be in you and rule you. Behold, here is the beginning of your salvation; you relinquish your works and despair of yourself, because you hear and see that all you do is sin and amounts to nothing, as the Gospel tells you, and you receive your king in faith, cling to him, implore his grace and find consolation in his mercy alone." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, I, p. 26. First Sunday in Advent Matthew 21:1-9.

"What is said there concerning the servant is true here concerning the pupil. Paul employs the two figures to teach us the office of the Law and what it profits. We must, therefore, again refer to the Law and its works, to the fact that works are of twofold origin. Some are extorted by fear of punishment or prompted by expectation of pleasure and gain; others are spontaneous, cheerful and gratuitous, not performed to escape punishment nor to gain reward, but inspired by pure kindness and a desire for what is good. The first class are the works of servants and pupils; the second class, of children and free heirs." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VI, p. 267. New Year's Day, Galatians 3:23-29

"Here again is an admonition for Christians to follow up their faith by good works and a new life, for though they have forgiveness of sins through baptism, the old Adam still adheres to their flesh and makes himself felt in tendencies and desires to vices physical and mental. The result is that unless Christians offer resistance, they will lose their faith and the remission of sins and will in the end be worse than they were at first; for they will begin to despise and persecute the Word of God when corrected by it. Yea, even those who gladly hear the Word of God, who highly prize it and aim to follow it, have daily need of admonition and encouragement, so strong and tough is that old hide of sinful flesh." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VIII, p. 305. Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Ephesians 4:22-28

"Is not this a perverted and blind people? They teach we cannot do a good deed of ourselves, and then in their presumption go to work and arrogate to themselves the highest of all the works of God, namely faith, to manufacture it themselves out of their own perverted thoughts. Wherefore I have said that we should despair of ourselves and pray to God for faith as the Apostle did. Luke 17:5 When we have faith we need nothing more, for it brings with it the Holy Spirit, who then teaches us not only all things, but also establishes us firmly in it, and leads us through death and hell to heaven." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, IV, p. 306. Ninth Sunday after Trinity Luke 17:5.

"Nor have we as yet arrived at the point where our flesh and blood will joyfully and gladly abound in good works and obedience to God as the spirit is inclined and faith directs. Even with the utmost efforts the Spirit scarce can compel our old man." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VIII, p. 306. Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Ephesians 4:22-28

"Secondly, it is shown here that this Word precedes, or must be spoken beforehand, and that afterwards the Holy Spirit works through the Word. One must not reverse the order and dream of a Holy Spirit who works without the Word and before the Word, but one who comes with and through the Word and goes no farther than the Word goes." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p. 329. Pentecost, Third Sermon John 14:23-31.

"If sin terrifies my conscience and preachers of the law come and want to help me with their works, they will accomplish nothing. Christ alone can help here and no one else." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, V, p. 331. Twenty-fourth Sunday after Trinity, Matthew 9:18-26

"There are the infants, bare and naked in body and soul, having neither faith nor works. Then the Christian Church comes forward and prays, that God would pour faith into the child; not that our faith should help the child, but that it may obtain a faith of its own. If it has faith, then after that whatever it does is well done, whether it suckle its mother's breast, or whether it soil itself, or whatever it may please to do." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, IV, p. 378. Twelfth Sunday after Trinity Mark 7:31-37.

"Behold this good inclination or comforting trust, or free presumption toward God, or whatever you may call it, in the Scriptures is called Christian faith and a good conscience, which man must have to be saved. But it is not obtained by human works and precepts, as we shall see in this example, and without such a heart no work is good...But here you observe what a thoroughly living and powerful thing faith is. It creates wholly a new heart, a new man, who expects all grace from God. Therefore it urges to walk, to stand, makes bold to cry and pray in every time of trouble." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, V, p. 65f. Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity, Luke 17:11-19

"To turn water into wine is to render the interpretation of the Law delightful. This is done as follows: Before the Gospel arrives everyone understands the Law as demanding our works,that we must fulfill it with works of our own. This interpretation begets either hardened, presumptuous dissemblers and hypocrites, harder than any pot of stone, or timid, restless consciences. There remains nothing but water in the port, fear and dread of God's judgment. This is the water-interpretation, not intended for drinking, neither filling any with delight; on the contrary, there is nothing to it but washing and purification, and yet no true inner cleansing. But the Gospel explains the Law, showing that it requires more than we can render, and that it demands a person different from ourselves to fulfil it; that is, it demands Christ and brings us unto Him, so that first of all by His grace we are made in true faith a different people like unto Christ, and that then we do truly good works. Thus the right interpretation and significance of the Law is to lead us to the knowledge of our helplessness, to drive us from ourselves to another, namely to Christ, to seek grace and help of Him." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, II, p. 67. Second Sunday after Epiphany, John 2:1-11.

"Observe, God and men proceed in contrary ways. Men set on first that which is best, afterward that which is worse. God first gives the cross and affliction, then honor and blessedness. This is because men seek to preserve the old man; on which account they instruct us to keep the Law by works, and offer promises great and sweet...But God first of all terrifies the conscience, sets on miserable wine, in fact nothing but water; then, however, He consoles us with the promises of the Gospel which endure forever." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, II, p. 69. Second Sunday after Epiphany, John 2:1-11.

"See, this is what James means when he says, 2:26: 'Faith apart from works is dead.' For as the body without the soul is dead, so is faith without works. Not that faith is in man and does not work, which is impossible. For faith is a living, active thing. But in order that men may not deceive themselves and think they have faith when they have not, they are to examine their works, whether they also love their neighbors and do good to them." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, V, p. 71. Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity, Luke 17:11-19; James 2:26

"Why does God do this and permit His own to be persecuted and hounded? In order to suppress and subdue the free will, so that it may not seek an expedient in their works; but rather become a fool in God's works and learn thereby to trust and depend upon God alone." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed. John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p. 79f. Third Sunday after Easter John 16:16-23

"I would much rather have people say that I preach too sweetly and that it hinders people from doing good works (even though my preaching does not do that), than that I failed to preach faith in Christ, and there was no help or consolation for timid, fearful consciences." Sermons of Martin Luther, The House Postils, 3 vols., ed. Eugene F. A. Klug, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996, II, p. 115. Ascension Day Acts 1:1-11

"The deeper a person is sunk in sadness and emotional upheavals, the better he serves as an instrument of Satan. For our emotions are instruments through which he gets into us and works in us if we do not watch our step. It is easy to water where it is wet. Where the fence is dilapidated, it is easy to get across. So Satan has easy access where there is sadness. Therefore one must pray and associate with godly people." What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, III, p. 1243. 1532

"Wherever this Gospel is truthfully and purely preached, there is the kingdom of Christ; and this mark of the church or the kingdom of Christ cannot deceive you. For wherever the Word is, there the Holy Spirit is, either in the hearer or in the teacher. External works can deceive, since after all they are found even among the heathen." What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 264.

"For you do not find Him; He finds you. For the preachers come from Him, not from you. Your faith comes from Him, not from you. And everything that works faith within you comes from Him, not from you." What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 345. Matthew 21:1-9.

"The will does nothing. It is rather the substance (causa materialis) in which the Holy Spirit works also in those who resist, as in Paul. But working on the will of him who resists He moves the will to consent." What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 347.

"We, too, say that a faith without works is vain and good for nothing. But papists and enthusiasts understand this to mean that faith does not justify without works, or that faith, however genuine it may be, is unable to achieve anything if it does not have works. This view is wrong. Yet faith without works, that is, a fanatical notion, a mere empty boasting (vanitas) and dream of the heart, is a false faith and does indeed not justify." What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 494. Galatians 2:18.

"That the Holy Spirit works in the heart is true; nevertheless He intends ordinarily and usually to do so in no other way than through the spoken Word. St. Paul says that a man cannot believe unless he has previously heard (Romans 10:14)." What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, II, p. 664. Romans 10:14.

"If the article of justification is lost, all Christian doctrine is lost at the same time. And all the poeple in the world who do not hold to this justification are either Jews or Turks or papists or heretics; for there is no middle ground between these two righteousnesses: the active one of the Law and the passive one which comes from Christ. Therefore the man who strays from Christian righteousness must relapse into the active one, that is, since he has lost Christ, he must put his confidence in his own works." What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, II, p. 703. Galatians lectures, 1531 Galatians.

"In justification faith and works exclude each other entirely." What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, II, p. 712. 1522 Galatians 3:23-29. "The Lutheran Confessions take a decisive stand against 'enthusiasts,' who teach that the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of men without the Word and Sacraments (SA-III VIII 3-13; LC II 34-62; FC Ep II 13)." John T. Mueller, "Grace, Means of," Lutheran Cyclopedia, Erwin L. Lueker, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1975, p. 344.

"In order to offer and convey to men the merits which Christ has secured for the world by His death on the cross, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:18, God employs certain external, visible means through which the Holy Spirit works and preserves faith and thus accomplishes the sinner's salvation." John Theodore Mueller, Christian Dogmatics, A Handbook of Doctrinal Theology, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1934, p. 441. 2 Corinthians 5:21; Rom 5:18.

"In reconciling the world unto Himself by Christ's substitutionary satisfaction, God asked no one's advice concerning His singular method of reconciliation. In like manner, without asking any man's advice, He ordained the means by which He gives men the infallible assurance of His gracious will toward them; in other words, He both confers on men the remission of sins merited by Christ and works faith in the proffered remission or, where faith already exists, strengthens it. The Church has appropriately called these divine ordinances the means of grace, media gratiae, instrumenta gratiae; Formula of Concord: 'Instrumenta sive media Spiritus Sancti' (Triglotta, p. 903, Solid Declaration, II, 58). They are the Word of the Gospel, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, as will be shown more fully on the following pages." Francis Pieper, Christian Dogmatics, 3 vols., trans., Walter W. F. Albrecht, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1953, III, p. 103.

"There is but one way by which the Reformed theology can escape the doctrine of works--by accepting Lutheranism. And the Reformed actually take this step when they, including Calvin, at the last direct those who are troubled by grave doubts of their election to the universal grace as it is attested in the means of grace." Francis Pieper, Christian Dogmatics, 3 vols., trans., Walter W. F. Albrecht, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1953, III, p. 169.

[Marks of the Antichrist: the falling away, apostasia, verse 3; seat in the temple of God, verse 4; acts godlike, verse 4; works have the power of Satan (also see John 8:44); will remain until Judgment Day, verse 8.] Francis Pieper, Christian Dogmatics, 3 vols., trans., Walter W. F. Albrecht, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1953, III, p. 463f. 2 Thessalonians 2:3ff.

"The elite are assembled in the cloister to earn salvation or themselves by observing the consilia evangelica, devised by man, and to obtain a surplus of good works (opera supererogationis) for the benefit of others. However, since this process does not give full assurance (Trid., Sess. IV, canon 14, 9), they look to purgatory to complete their 'sanctification' (Trid., Sess. VI, canon 30)." (Footnote - "See Luther on the 'blasphemous fraud of purgatory, by which treacherous deception they have made fool of all the world' St. Louis edition, XVI:1653f.") Francis Pieper, Christian Dogmatics, 3 vols., trans., Walter W. F. Albrecht, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1953, III, p. 64.

"But Christ was given for this purpose, namely, that for His sake there might be bestowed on us the remission of sins, and the Holy Ghost to bring forth in us new and eternal life, and eternal righteousness [to manifest Christ in our hearts, as it is written John 16:15: He shall take of the things of Mine, and show them unto you. Likewise, He works also other gifts, love, thanksgiving, charity, patience, etc.]. Wherefore the Law cannot be truly kept unless the Holy Ghost is received through faith...Then we learn to know how flesh, in security and indifference, does not fear God, and is not fully certain that we are regarded by God, but imagines that men are born and die by chance. Then we experience that we do not believe that God forgives and hears us. But when, on hearing the Gospel and the remission of sins, we are consoled by faith, we receive the Holy Ghost, so that now we are able to think aright." Apology Augsburg Confession, III. #11. Love Fulfilling of Law. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 159. Tappert, p. 125. Heiser, p. 42.

"Truly, it is amazing that the adversaries are in no way moved by so many passages of Scripture, which clearly ascribe justification to faith, and, indeed, deny it to works. Do they think that the same is repeated so often for no purpose? Do they think that these words fell inconsiderately from the Holy Ghost? But they have also devised sophistry whereby they elude them." Apology Augsburg Confession, IV. #107. Justification. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 153. Tappert, p. 122. Heiser, p. 41.

"James, therefore, did not believe that by good works we merit the remission of sins and grace. For he speaks of the works of those who have been justified, who have already been reconciled and accepted, and have obtained remission of sins. Wherefore the adversaries err when they infer that James teaches that we merit remission of sins and grace by good works, and that by our works we have access to God, without Christ as Propitiator." Apology Augsburg Confession, IV. #125. Justification. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 189. Tappert, p. 142. Heiser, p. 53. James 2:24.

"And just as the Word has been given in order to excite this faith, so the Sacrament has been instituted in order that the outward appearance meeting the eyes might move the heart to believe [and strengthen faith]. For through these, namely, through Word and Sacrament, the Holy Ghost works." Apology Augsburg Confession, XXIV (XII), #70. The Mass. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 409. Tappert, p. 262. Heiser, p. 123.

"Of Civil Affairs they teach that lawful civil ordinances are good works of God, and that it is right for Christians to bear civil office, to sit as judges, to judge matters by the Imperial and other existing laws, to award just punishments, to engage in just wars, to serve as soldiers, to make legal contracts, to hold property, to make oath when required by the magistrates, to marry a wife, to be given in marriage." Augsburg Confesion, XVI. #1-2. Civil Affairs. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 51. Tappert, p. 36f. Heiser, p. 14.

"Of Repentance they teach that for those who have fallen after Baptism there is remission of sins whenever they are converted; and that the Church ought to impart absolution to those thus returning to repentance. Now, repentance consists properly of these two parts: One is contrition, that is, terrors smiting the conscience through the knowledge of sin; the other is faith, which is born of the Gospel, or of absolution, and believes that, for Christ's sake, sins are forgiven, comforts the conscience, and delivers it from terrors. Then good works are bound to follow, which are the fruits of repentance." Augsburg Confession, Article XII. Repentance. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 49. Tappert, p. 34f. Heiser, p. 13.

"Also they teach that men cannot be justified before God by their own strength, merits, or works, but are freely justified for Christ's sake, through faith, when they believe that they are received into favor, and that their sins are forgiven for Christ's sake, who, by His death, has made satisfaction for our sins. This faith God imputes for righteousness is His sight. Romans 3 and 4." Augsburg Confession, IV. Justification. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 45. Tappert, p. 30. Heiser, p. 12f. Romans 3; Romans 4

"That we may obtain this faith, the Ministry of Teaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments was instituted. For through the Word and Sacraments, as through instruments, the Holy Ghost is given, who works faith, where and when it pleases God, in them that hear the Gospel, to wit, that God, not for our own merits, but for Christ's sake, justifies those who believe that they are received into grace for Christ's sake. They condemn the Anabaptists and others who think that the Holy Ghost comes to men without the external Word, through their own preparation and works." Augsburg Confession, V. #1-2. The Ministry. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 45. Tappert, p. 31. Heiser, p. 13.

"Also they teach that this faith is bound to bring forth good fruits, and that it is necessary to do good works commanded by God, because of God's will, but that we should not rely on those works to merit justification before God. For remission of sins and justification is apprehended by faith, as also the voice of Christ attests: 'When ye shall have done all these things, say: We are unprofitable servants.' Luke 17:10." Augsburg Confession, VI. The New Obedience. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 47. Tappert, p. 31f. Heiser, p. 13. Luke 17:10.

"Our teachers are falsely accused of forbidding Good Works. For their published writings on the Ten Commandments, and others of like import, bear witness that they have taught to good purpose concerning all estates and duties of life, as to what estates of life and what works in every calling be pleasing to God." Augsburg Confession, XX. #1-2. Good Works. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 53. Tappert, p. 41ff. Heiser, p. 15.

"Therefore God, out of His immense goodness and mercy, has His divine eternal Law and His wonderful plan concerning our redemption, namely, the holy, alone-saving Gospel of His eternal Son, our only Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, publicly preached; and by this [preaching] collects an eternal Church for Himself from the human race, and works in the hearts of men true repentance and knowledge of sins, and true faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. And by this means, and in no other way, namely, through His holy Word, when men hear it preached or read it, and the holy Sacraments when they are used according to His Word, God desires to call men to eternal salvation, draw them to Himself, and convert, regenerate, and sanctify them. 1 Corinthians 1:21: 'For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.' Acts 10:5-6..." Formula of Concord SD II. #50. Free Will. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 901. Tappert, p. 530f. Heiser, p. 246. 1 Corinthians 1:21; Acts 10:5-6.

"Therefore, before the conversion of man there are only two efficient causes, namely, the Holy Ghost and the Word of God, as the instrument of the Holy Ghost, by which He works conversion. This Word man is [indeed] to hear; however, it is not by his own powers, but only through the grace and working of the Holy Ghost that he can yield faith to it and accept it." Formula of Concord, Epitome, II, Of the Free Will, #19, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 791. Tappert, p. 472. Heiser, p. 219.

"For when man is justified through faith [which the Holy Ghost alone works], this is truly a regeneration, because from a child of wrath he becomes a child of God, and thus is transferred from death to life, as it is written; When we were dead in sins, He hath quickened us together with Christ, Ephesians 2:5. Likewise: The just shall live by faith, Romans 1:17; Habakkuk 2:4." Formula of Concord, SD III. #20. Righteousness of Faith. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 921. Tappert, p. 542. Heiser, p. 251. Ephesians 2:5; Romans 1:17; Habakkuk 2:4

"Here belongs also what St. Paul writes Romans 4:3, that Abraham was justified before God by faith alone, for the sake of the Mediator, without the cooperation of his works, not only when he was first converted from idolatry and had no good works, but also afterwards, when he had been renewed by the Holy Ghost, and adorned with many excellent good works, Genesis 15:6; Hebrews 11:8. And Paul puts the following questions, Romans 4:1ff.: On what did Abraham's righteousness before God for everlasting life, by which he had a gracious God, and was pleasing and acceptable to Him, rest at that time? Formula of Concord, SD III. #33. Righteousness of Faith. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 927. Tappert, p. 545. Heiser, p. 252. Romans 4:3; Romans 4:1ff; Genesis 15:6; Hebrews 11:8

"We believe, teach, and confess also that at the time of confession [when a confession of the heavenly truth is required], when the enemies of God's Word desire to suppress the pure doctrine of the holy Gospel, the entire congregation of God, yea, every Christian, but especially the ministers of the Word, as the leaders of the congregation of God [as those whome God has appointed to rule His Church], are bound by God's Word to confess freely and openly the [godly] doctrine, and what belongs to the whole of [pure] religion, not only in words, but also in works and with deeds; and that then, in this case, even in such [things truly and of themselves] adiaphora, they must not yield to the adversaries, or permit these [adiaphora] to be forced upon them by their enemies, whether by violence or cunning, to the detriment of the true worship of God and the introduction and sanction of idolatry...Galatians 5:1." Formula of Concord, SD X. #10-11. Adiaphora. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 1055. Tappert, p. 612. Heiser, p. 284. Galatians 5:1.

"For few receive the Word and follow it; the greatest number despise the Word, and will not come to the wedding, Matthew 22:3ff. The cause for this contempt for the Word is not God's foreknowledge [or predestination], but the perverse will of man, which rejects or perverts the means and instrument of the Holy Ghost, which God offers him through the call, and resists the Holy Ghost, who wishes to be efficacious, and works through the Word, as Christ says, 'How often would I have gathered you together, and ye would not!' Matthew 23:37." Formula of Concord, SD XI. #41. Election. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 1077. Tappert, p. 623. Heiser, p. 290. Matthew 22:3ff.; 23:37.

"For good works do not precede faith, neither does sanctification precede justification. But first faith is kindled in us in conversion by the Holy Ghost from the hearing of the Gospel. This lays hold of God's grace in Christ, by which the person is justified. Then, when the person is justified, he is also renewed and sanctified by the Holy Ghost, from which renewal and sanctification the fruits of good works then follow." Formula of Concord, SD, III 41, Righteous of Faith before God, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 929. Tappert, p. 546. Heiser, p. 253.

"Lastly, it is nothing else than the devil himself, because above and against God he urges [and disseminates] his [papal] falsehoods concerning masses, purgatory, the monastic life, one's own works and [fictitious] divine worship (for this is the very Papacy [upon each of which the Papacy is altogether founded and is standing]), and condemns, murders, and tortures all Christians who do not exalt and honor these abominations [of the Pope] above all things. Therefore, just as little as we can worship the devil himself as Lord and God, we can endure this apostle, the Pope, or Antichrist, in his rule as head or lord. For to lie and to kill, and to destroy body and soul eternally, that is wherein his papal government really consists, as I have very clearly shown in many books." Smalcald Articles, Part II, Article IV. #14. The Papacy. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 475. Tappert, p. 301. Heiser, p. 141. 2 Thessalonians 2:4.

"Without faith it profits nothing, notwithstanding it is in itself a divine superabundant treasure. Therefore this single word (He that believeth) effects this much that it excludes and repels all works which we can do, in the opinion that we obtain and merit salvation by them. For it is determined that whatever is not faith avails nothing nor receives anything." The Large Catechism, Part Fourth, Of Baptism. #34. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 741. Tappert, p. 440. Heiser, p. 207.

"Therefore, if you cannot feel it {the works of the flesh, Galatians 5:199ff. above}, at least believe the Scriptures; they will not lie to you, and they know your flesh better than you yourself...Yet, as we have said, if you are quite dead to all sensibility, still believe the Scriptures, which pronounce sentence upon you. And, in short, the less you feel your sins and infirmities, the more reason have you to go to the Sacrament to seek help and a remedy." The Large Catechism, Sacrament of the Altar. #76-78. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 771. Tappert, p. 455. Heiser, p. 214.

"For where He does not cause it to be preached and made alive in the heart, so that it is understood, it is lost, as was the case under the Papacy, where faith was entirely put under the bench, and no one recognized Christ as his Lord or the Holy Ghost as his Sanctifier, that is, no one believed that Christ is our Lord in the sense that He has acquired this treasure for us, without our works and merit, and made us acceptable to the Father. What, then, was lacking? This, that the Holy Ghost was not there to reveal it and cause it to be preached; but men and evil spirits were there, who taught us to obtain grace and be saved by our works." The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III, #43-44, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 689. Tappert, p. 416. Heiser, p. 194f.

"But outside of this Christian Church, where the Gospel is not, there is no forgiveness, as also there can be no holiness [sanctification]. Therefore all who seek and wish to merit holiness [sanctification], not through the Gospel and forgiveness of sin, but by their works, have expelled and severed themselves [from this Church]." The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III, #56, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 693. Tappert, p. 418. Heiser, p. 195.

"I am also a part and member of the same, a sharer and joint owner of all the goods it possesses, brought to it and incorporated into it by the Holy Ghost by having heard and continuing to hear the Word of God, which is the beginning of entering it. For formerly, before we had attained to this, we were altogether of the devil, knowing nothing of God and of Christ. Thus, until the last day, the Holy Ghost abides with the holy congregation or Christendom, by means of which He fetches us to Christ and which He employs to teach and preach to us the Word, whereby He works and promotes sanctification, causing it [this community] daily to grow and become strong in the faith and its fruits which He produces." The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III. #53. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 691f. Tappert, p. 417. Heiser, p. 195.

"On the contrary, any observance or work that is practised without God's Word is unholy before God, no matter how brilliantly it may shine, even though it be covered with relics, such as the fictitious spiritual orders, which know nothing of God's Word and seek holiness in their own works." The Large Catechism, The Third Commandment, #93. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 607. Tappert, p. 377. Heiser, p. 175. Exodus 20:8-11.

"Note, therefore, that the force and power of this commandment lies not in the resting, but in the sanctifying, so that to this day belongs a special holy exercise. For other works and occupations are not properly called holy exercises, unless the man himself be first holy. But here a work is to be done by which man is himself made holy, which is done (as we have heard) alone through God's Word. For this, then, fixed places, times, persons, and the entire external order of worship have been created and appointed, so that it may be publicly in operation." The Large Catechism, The Third Commandment, #94. Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 607. Tappert, p. 378. Heiser, p. 175. Exodus 20:8-11.

"Now it is evident that fruits do not bear the tree, not does the tree grow on the fruit, but the reverse--trees bear fruits, and fruits grow on trees. As there must be trees before there can be fruits, and as the fruits do not make the tree either good or corrupt, but the tree produces the fruits, even so man must first be either good or corrupt before he does good or corrupt works. His works do not make him either good or corrupt, but he does either good or corrupt works." Martin Luther, St. L. XIX, 1003f. C. F. W. Walther, The Proper Distinction between Law and Gospel, trans., W. H. T. Dau, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1928, p. 306. Matthew 7:18.

"Why do so many people in our country fall in with the preachers of fanatical sects? Because these sects spread the glamor of great sanctity about themselves. Alas! man regards the works of God as trifling, but esteems the works of men highly. That is nothing but one of the sad results of man's fall into sin." C. F. W. Walther, The Proper Distinction between Law and Gospel, trans., W. H. T. Dau, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1928, p. 372.