Wandani at St. Marcus - Epicenter of Church and Change

Mark Jeske, Stealth Televangelist, has adopted the same type of programs ELCA spawned, good works without religion.

News Story:

Wandani. The word doesn’t seem to belong in inner city Milwaukee. It means companions in Swahili, say the organizers of Wandani Youth Outreach, a program sponsored by St. Marcus Lutheran church and school located at the corner of Palmer Street and North Avenue.

Wandani's mission is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the inner city of Milwaukee and to assist urban youth to prepare for lives of positive service to their communities, according to the program’s literature.

So it is perhaps appropriate that the word wandani varies its meaning depending on context: in addition to companions it also means allies or followers.

For us this is a Christian ministry, says Peter Fraser, Wandani's director.

Of course behind it is the Christian faith. We don't force that down people’s throats, he says. We try not to proselytize.

Wandani started modestly with a grant from the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) in 1997. Funding has also come from the Christian Stewardship Foundation and the Kid Brothers of St. Frank.

From an evangelical community study group meeting once a week, the program grew to include Bible study, arts and crafts, karate and open gym. In 1999, Fraser and two others took over Wandani and it started to assume its current shape.

Today there are Wandani activities every day of the week except Friday, including the recently added girls’ night and liturgical dance. Basketball is still the biggest hit, with junior and senior high open gym Monday and Wednesday respectively, and Wandani Wolves club games Thursday and practice on Saturday.

Most of the parents are really grateful there's a safe place for their kids to go, Fraser says.

It's About God (And Basketball)

The program provides a surrogate family for urban youths an explicitly religious family, and one both its leaders and participants say helps develop a sense of discipline and respect for authority.

It's about God, says Daron Evans, 15, a Wandani regular for Monday night basketball. It's just like roots, like our house rules and stuff: Don't cuss, don't yell, don't argue with your brothers and sisters, cause one time you're going to need them.

A three-year Wandani veteran tells a similar story. Before I came here I didn't want to listen to anybody, says Tim Groce, 14. Now he says he listens and uses respectful language.

Both boys say they think they would be in trouble if not for Wandani.

Leaders cite an altercation that almost happened as evidence of the values Wandani instills.

There was going to be a fight, but one of our guys stepped up and made it stop,” says Brian Davison, St. Marcus staff minister who supervises basketball Monday and Thursday. It looked like it was going to be a gang fight right here in our gym.

Davison says he was later told, You know, Brian, the only reason nothing happened tonight is we respect what you do.

Wandani alumni have also stepped up as program leaders.

One of them is Marvell Dean Jewell, 20, now a paid staff member who referees basketball games.

Jewell has since joined St. Marcus church. He says he can relate to kids because he was in their position.

The biggest thing is respect. Good sportsmanship. Knowing how to carry yourself, Jewell tells his little brothers.

And at the same time kids are having a good time, Jewell says, they're learning about God.

During each Wandani session, a leader reads a Bible passage and interprets it. Kids in gym shorts roll their warm-up basketballs away and gather at mid-court to sit and listen silently to the Bible, as Davison tells them about heaven and hell everyone will be judged, he says, but you must be a believer to enter heaven. After this devotion, the teenagers take the court.

Trotters in the Trough: Church and Chicanery Piglets Learn How To Eat High on the Hog

This would be a good gift item to sell at Christian Life Resources. Call it, "Church and Chicanery Sow Teaches Piglets Grantsmanship."

Todd Wehr Foundation:

Here are a few contributions listed for 2007:
Garden Homes Lutheran School - Milwaukee $100,000
Risen Savior Lutheran School - Milwaukee $50,000
St Marcus Lutheran School - Milwaukee $100,000
Siloah Lutheran School -Milwaukee $100,000
(Those listed above are all WELS)

Contributions in 2006:
Garden Homes - $50,000
Risen Savior - $75,000

Contributions in 2005:
Garden Homes - $50,000
St Marcus - $50,000
Siloah - $50,000

Contributions in 2004:
Garden Homes - $50,000

Much More To Come

Watch as Church and Chicanery partisans improperly use Matthew 18 and the Eighth Commandment, slipping a little slander in, for good measure.

All the denominations have become dependent upon foundations for extra loot, but that has not helped them.

WELS Church and Chicanery leaders at The Love Shack view foundation/Thrivent money as their own, to spend as they choose.

When people actually became upset about the Snowbird Conference, which I published in Christian News, the WELS excuse was, "We had to spend their money or they would have given it to the liberals."

In fact, the church bureaucrats negotiate the kind of grants they will get, so the designations fit the foundation/Thrivent rules and the denomination's shortfalls. The propaganda says that the money is for extra programs, so two purposes are served. One is getting something undeserving funded. The other is providing some cash flow where normal giving is weak.

A third effect is never considered. When people know about millions from outsiders, they are not inclined to give their pittance. In the long run, the pittance matters a lot more than the special projects.

When St. Marvin of Schwan reached room temperature and gave all his money to WELS-ELS-LCMS, but mostly to WELS, I figured it was the death-knell for greedy WELS. Sure enough, WELS spent itself into bankruptcy while getting the largest single charitable gift in history. WELS spent it all and then borrowed, that is--skimmed--even more from designated funds. WELS lost the interest earned from those funds, went into debt in regards to those funds, and had nothing to show for it. All that was done under the dream candidate for the conservatives - Gurgel. Wayne Mueller and his network ran the show.

In posts to follow I will show you how staggering amounts of money have been given. Where did it all go?

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "How To Blow Through $300,000 from Thrivent":

All I see are pet projects and ego trips for some very needy leaders.

WELS and Thrivent, 2004

WELS CGM has 9 lives, because its flops are well funded.

WELS receives $412,500 grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

APPLETON, Wis. (March 31, 2004) -- The Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation has awarded a $412,500 Churchwide Grant to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) to help offset the cost of a variety of projects.

Through the Churchwide Grant Program, the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation provides funds to national church bodies to help fund extraordinary projects and events that impact its mission and ministry.

WELS will use a majority of the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation grant for North American outreach with an emphasis on grass roots participation. Funds will also be used for programs such as an urban ministry experience project, a program to assist Lutheran schools in accreditation and a historical institute to preserve the WELS experience digitally.

“We are grateful that Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation have the ability to benefit the Lutheran church and its members,” said Tim Schwan, the vice president of church and community engagement for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

“We know that the WELS’ leaders will put these funds to good use to have a positive impact on their ministry,” he said.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation Churchwide Grant Program was created to help Lutheran church bodies pursue general and extraordinary projects that impact and support grass roots and results-oriented projects are encouraged.

The program supports projects:

·Sponsored by church body units and that impact the health and vitality of congregations.
·That include church-body events.
·That are considered extraordinary.
·That serve mission congregations or fast-growth congregations

How To Blow Through $300,000 from Thrivent

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation approves grants totaling $310,000 to WELS
MINNEAPOLIS (Aug. 14, 2003)

-- The Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation has approved 11 grants totaling $310,000 to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), Milwaukee, Wis. The grants support the following WELS projects:
* New Directions in Stewardship ($65,000). This grant supports the enhancement of the resources and implementation of stewardship education at the congregational level.
* English Language Outreach Model ($50,000). This grant supports onsite training for English as a Second Language (ESL) program to be used as a model for congregational mission and outreach.
* World Missions Promotion Program ($50,000). This grant supports implementation of the new WELS Mission Partners Program.
* Pilot Program for Master of Education Degree Program ($45,000). This grant supports the development of graduate-level course curriculum to address the leadership training needs of WELS teachers and administrators.
* Facing Freedom ($25,000). This grant supports the development of resources for the WELS prison ministry that will assist prison chaplains and the newly released prisoners.
* Providing Cultural Diversity at Martin Luther College ($24,000). This grant supports cultural diversity training seminars and immersion experiences for faculty and students so they are more effective in their ministry to minority cultures.
* WhatAboutJesus.Com Web Site ($20,500). This grant supports the effectiveness of the Witness Web site through professional consultation and the development of new materials.
* Parish Care Committee Training ($10,000). This grant provides resources and training for lay leaders in the congregational support of their called workers and families.
* WELS 2003 National Convention ($10,000). This grant provided funding to support the synod’s 2003 national convention, held July 28-31, 2003, at Luther Preparatory School, New Ulm, Minn.
* Babies, Bottles and Baptism ($4,400). This grant supports a pilot program advertising local congregations by promoting baptism through fliers distributed in sports bottles targeting new parents in the community.
* Mental Health Sensitivity Training at WELS Schools ($6,100). This grant supports mental health training seminars for college students and staff.

“The task of developing and enhancing ministries and outreach by the Church is never finished,” said Jim Yagow, vice president of the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation Grants Committee. “Thrivent Financial is pleased to support these Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod initiatives, and we believe they represent tremendous opportunities to expand the ministries and growth of WELS.” The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is an association of 1,239 congregations in the United States, Canada, Antigua and St. Lucia. The Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation is a private foundation funded by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. As a 501(c)(3) organization with its own board of trustees, the foundation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary and education purposes and makes grants and gifts to 501(c)(3) exempt organizations. The Foundation does not provide grants to individuals. To learn more about the Foundation and its programs, visit: www.thrivent.com/fraternal/foundation.

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "How To Blow Through $300,000 from Thrivent":

All I see are pet projects and ego trips for some very needy leaders.

Another Eyebrow Raising Grant

At one point Fleischmann had a $2 million endowment, but I cannot find his current figures. This is an old grant.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans provides $20,000 grant to WELS for Christian Life Resources

MINNEAPOLIS (Sept. 10, 2002) – Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has issued a $20,000 grant to Christian Life Resources of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The grant will be used by the synod to hire a consultant to develop a strategic plan that improves the administrative efficiency and effectiveness of Christian Life Resources outreach.

“Christian Life Resources has grown into a large and diverse ministry,” said Ruth Soby, Thrivent Financial manager of national Lutheran grants. “We are delighted to assist the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod in strengthening the impact of Christian Life Resources through enhanced strategic planning, project management and communications.”

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is the new organization that was formed from the merger of Aid Association for Lutherans and Lutheran Brotherhood on

How Peter Pan Spends $50,000 From Thrivent Insurance

Peter Pan-denominational Chaplain
Announcement:



We received some very exciting news this week! St. Paul’s has just received a $50,000 grant designed to generate thousands more in financial gifts to St. Paul’s. The grant will be used to implement a two-year stewardship emphasis entitled “Plant a Seed.” The first year will focus on current giving and funds for capital expansion. The second year will highlight planned giving and the development of a St. Paul’s Legacy Society. The grant is one of 62 awarded by the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation as part of its $4 million Charitable Gifting Initiative program. The 2007 Charitable Gifting Initiative grants ranged from $7,000 to $100,000. The 62 grants are expected to generate a total of more than $177.6 million in immediate or deferred monetary gifts to Lutheran churches, schools and charitable organizations.

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Join us on Saturday, January 24, 8:00 to 10:15 a.m. in the Grace Room for our next Gathering Around the Five Purposes. We will hear a report from our ministerial team about the Simple Church concept - how we can focus our efforts to serve God's people who are already part of St. Paul's family and to reach out into our community. All are invited. Register your attendance by contacting congregation president Joel Nelson.


the simple church real. simple. church.
Designated by the simplicity even in our name, The Simple Church exists for those of us who are tired of religion getting in the way of knowing who God is. We exist to make a place for all walks of life to come together for support, relationships, help, and most importantly, to answer questions about a God who loves us.

We have a very simple philosophy, love God and love people. We do not judge here. We “simply” say, come as you are. No more red tape to get to God. It’s simple here, because that is who we are…"

simple baptism
What is baptism? 
An expression of faith: 
Baptism does not make you a believer. It is simply an obedient response and expression of your faith and commitment to Christ. Every example we see in the Bible demonstrates that first a person comes to believe in Christ then he or she is baptized as an expression of that belief.

An identification: 
Baptism is the means by which followers of Christ are identified. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His followers: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”

A lifelong commitment: 
The Bible makes it very clear that baptism is a part of our commitment to Christ. Additional commitments when you become a Christian include:

•Realizing your need for Christ (Romans 3:23; 6:23)
•Putting your faith in Christ (John 3:16)
•Turning from your sins (Acts 2:38)
•Verbalizing your trust and commitment by confessing Christ (Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32)

What is the significance of baptism? 
An illustration of Christ’s burial and resurrection: 
In Romans 6:1-11, the apostle Paul explains how baptism by immersion identifies the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Going under water signifies Christ’s death and coming up out of the water illustrates His resurrection. Baptism symbolizes your commitment to enthrone Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life.

A symbol of your new life as a Christian: 
When you come to faith in Christ, an inner change takes place. Baptism is the outward symbol of the inward commitment you have made to Jesus Christ. It is the first step of obedience in your journey with Jesus and a public statement of your faith. But the waters of baptism do not save you. The Bible tells us we are saved by the mercy and grace of God.

Am I ready for this? 
Baptism is for believers: 
A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for salvation. Believers realize that their sin separates them from God and that only Christ’s death on the cross bridges the gap between them and God. If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized. It is your way of demonstrating the internal miracle, in an external way, to the outside world.

Why be baptized? 
The New Testament offers the following reasons to be baptized:

•To follow Christ’s example (Mark 1:9).
•To follow Christ’s commandment (Matthew 28:19).
•To demonstrate your faith (Acts 18:8).
How are we to be baptized? 
The New Testament gives us a clear picture of baptism:

•Jesus was baptized by being immersed in water (Matthew 3:16).
•Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water (Acts 8:38-39).
•The word “baptize” literally means “to dip or immerse under water.”
•It is the best way to illustrate a burial and resurrection.

Who should be baptized? 
Every person mature enough to make a personal decision to follow Jesus Christ should be baptized. Baptism follows an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for salvation (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 10:47-48).

What about infant baptism? 
In the Bible, parents often brought their children to Jesus. He held them, prayed for them, and taught us all to welcome them. But, He did not baptize them or tell anyone else to baptize them. The New Testament records the baptisms of adult believers only. Baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation.

Parents will often baptize a baby or child intending that their child will one day become a follower of Christ. If you were baptized as a child, then your baptism as an adult can be viewed as a fulfillment of your parent’s wishes. In no way does it renounce your baptism as a child.

When should I be baptized? 
As soon as you have decided to fully receive Christ into your life and have begun walking in a new direction, you should be baptized (Acts 8:35-38).

Is baptism necessary to become a member of The Simple Church? 
Yes, and this means baptism by immersion. Our heart’s desire is to simply obey the clear teaching of God’s Word. So even if you were baptized as an infant, your baptism today represents an obedience to Christ’s command for all who come to faith in Him.

Can my family all be baptized together? 
Yes, provided each family member understands the meaning of baptism and has placed his or her faith in Jesus Christ. Children under twelve years old are asked to attend our Starting Point 4 Kidz class before proceeding with baptism. To register, or for more information on child and youth baptisms, please call our office at 318-752-6134.

When do baptisms take place? 
We baptize every couple of months. We have special baptism parties in various locations. This is a very fun time and we encourage you to invite family and friends to attend. Pre-registration is required, so if you would like to be baptized, please call 318-752-6134.

What should I wear for my baptism? 
You should wear dark clothing; a tee shirt and knee length shorts. We will provide towels and a place to change out of your wet clothes. Bring a plastic bag to hold your wet clothing after you change. We suggest that you wear your baptism clothes to the service and then change into your dry clothes following your baptism.

What should I expect? 
When it is your turn to be baptized, you will enter from one side of the baptism pool. In the middle of the pool a pastor will ask you about your decision to accept Christ. For example, “Mary, have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior?” After you say “Yes,” the pastor will say, “Based on your confession, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Then he will baptize you. It is quick. You won’t be underwater long. Afterwards, you will exit the pool at the opposite side from where you entered. You can change into your dry clothes and participate in the remainder of the service. The pastor will baptize one person at a time and each person will be photographed. You will receive your picture and Certificate of Baptism by mail in a few weeks.

Where do I go on the day of my baptism? 
We will send you the information that you will need to make sure you know exactly where to go. We use various locations and we will provide you and your family directions to the appropriate location.




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GJ - The Simple Church for simpletons. It is simply Babtist. I thought Thrivent gave money to Lutherans. Peter Pan is a Babtist.

Laughter and Sadness

KJV Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

KJV Psalm 126:1 When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. 3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. 4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. 5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

KJV Psalm 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

KJV Psalm 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

KJV Psalm 132:9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

KJV Isaiah 51:11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

KJV Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. 3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

KJV Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

KJV John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

KJV John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

KJV Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

"You have as much laughter as you have faith."
Martin Luther, What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, II, p. 692. Erin Joy Psalm 126:5.

"But if you possess faith, your heart cannot do otherwise than laugh for joy in God, and grow free, confident and courageous. For how can the heart remain sorrowful and dejected when it entertains no doubt of God's kindness to it, and of his attitude as a good friend with whom it may unreservedly and freely enjoy all things? Such joy and pleasure must follow faith; if they are not ours, certainly something is wrong with our faith."
Martin Luther, Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VI, p. 146. Second Christmas Sermon. Titus 3:4-8.

"In the eyes of the world, and even in her own estimation, she has not the appearance of a prosperous and well ordered organization; rather she is a scattered group of poor, miserable orphans, without leader, protection or help upon earth. All the world laughs at her and ridicules her as a great fool in thinking that she is the Church and comprises the people of God. Furthermore, each individual is so burdened and oppressed in his need and suffering as to feel that no one else lies so low or is so far from help as he."
Martin Luther, Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p. 304f. Pentecost, Third Sermon. John 14:23-31.

(Luther makes the following general comment on Romans 2:6-10): "Patient continuance is so altogether necessary that no work can be good in which patient continuance is lacking. The world is so utterly perverse and Satan is so heinously wicked that he cannot allow any good work to be done, but he must persecute it. However, in this very way God, in His wonderful wisdom, proves what work is good and pleasing to Him. Here the rule holds: As long as we do good and for our good do not encounter contradiction, hatred, and all manner of disagreeable and disadvantageous things, so we must fear that our good work as yet is not pleasing to God; for just so long it is not yet done with patient continuance."
Martin Luther, Commentary on Romans, trans. J. Theodore Mueller, Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1976, p. 55. Romans 2:6-10.

"If we would be Christians, we must surely expect and count on having the devil, together with all his angels and the world, as our enemies. They all will bring misfortune and sorrow on us For where the Word of God is preached, accepted, or believed, and where it produces fruit, the dear, holy cross cannot be wanting."
Martin Luther, What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 357. Large Catechism

"When you preach or confess the Word, you will experience both without, among enemies, and also within, in yourself (where the devil himself will speak to you and prove how hostile he is to you), that he brings you into sadness, impatience, and depression, and that he torments you in all sorts of ways. Who does all this? Certainly not Christ or any good spirit, but the miserable, loathsome enemy...The devil will not bear to have you called a Christian and to cling to Christ or to speak or think a good word about Him. Rather he would gladly poison and permeate your heart with venom and gall, so that you would blaspheme: Why did He make me a Christian? Why do I not let Him go? Then I would at last have peace."
Martin Luther, What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, II, p. 928.

"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."
Martin Luther, What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, III, p. 1243. 1532

"It is not the devil's aim to plague us physically; he is a spirit who is always thirsting for the tears and the drops of blood that come from our hearts. He wants us to despair and to perish from sadness. This would be his joy and delight. But he will not succeed."
Martin Luther, What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, III, p. 1244. John 15:19.

"In view of their spiritual meaning the psalms are really lovely and sweet; for they are comforting to all depressed, wretched consciences, who are in fear of sin, the anguish and agony of death, and all sorts of trouble and misery. To such hearts the Book of Psalms is a sweet, comforting, lovely song, because it sings and preaches the Messiah, although one merely reads or recites the words without notes. Nevertheless, the use of notes or music, as a wonderful creation and gift of God, helps greatly to produce this effect, especially when the people sing along and do so with fine devoutness...Thus David, too, often dispelled, or at least checked or weakened, the evil spirit for Saul with his minstrelsy (1 Samuel 16:17ff.). For the evil spirit is not at ease when one sings or preaches God's Word in true faith. He is a spirit of sadness and cannot stay where a heart is spiritually joyful (joyful in God and His Word.)"
Martin Luther, What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed. Ewald M. Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, II, p. 981. 1 Samuel 16:17ff.

"Joy is the natural fruit of faith. The apostle says elsewhere (Galatians 5:22-23): 'The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control.' Until the heart believes in God, it is impossible for it to rejoice in Him. When faith is lacking, man is filled with fear and gloom and is disposed to flee at the very mention, the mere thought, of God. Indeed, the unbelieving heart is filled with enmity and hatred against God. Conscious of its own guilt, it has no confidence in His gracious mercy; it knows God is an enemy to sin and will terribly punish the same."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VI, p. 93. Fourth Sunday in Advent, Philippians 4:4-7; Galatians 5:22-23.

"Satan torments you until you conclude that you are lost and ruined, that heaven and earth, God and all the angels, are your enemies."
Martin Luther, Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p. 247. Exaudi Psalm 6:7-8.

"Not only is Christ hidden from the world, but a still harder thing is it that in such trials Christ conceals himself even from His church, and acts as if he had forgotten, aye, had entirely forsaken and rejected it, since He permits it to be oppressed under the cross and subjected to all the cruelty of the world, while its enemies boast, glory and rejoice over it, as we shall hear in the next Gospel."
Martin Luther, Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p. 67. Second Sunday after Easter John 10:11-16.

Art Thou Worthy, Ichabod, To Receive a Comment from Mike?

Yes, worthy enough for a comment from Mike Geiger.

Mike has left a new comment on your post "Waves of Nausea Swept Over Me - Church and Change":

I debated whether this blog was worthy of a response, but for one who speaks so freely and with seeming "authority", you seem free to sin against those of whom you write by publishing comments that are neither accurate or substantiated. I can only speak for myself, but what happened to Matthew 18 and approaching the person before making an issue public? Before you post my pictures and assumptions about me, my vicar year, and my wife that are inaccurate at best, I would have appreciated you calling me. I invite you to do so and ask that you do the same for all the people you mention in your blog. For one who seemingly wants to promote the truth of the Word, this practice is anything but godly.(919) 465-4400 - if you wish. Mike Geiger.

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GJ - Typical WELS Church Growth - a string of vague and unsubstantiated accusations plus a command to phone. But did Mike Geiger phone me?

At this point it is fair to assume that any speaker for Church and Chicanery is firmly in their doctrinal grip.

Mike, you should read your Book of Concord. As Luther explained in the Large Catechism, public error does not require private admonition. Church and Change has been promoting its doctrinal errors in public for some time now.

Anyone in Lutherdom is free to criticize the substance of Ichabod. I noticed that the Church and Chance list-serve was quite verbose about me when Joe Krohn asked, "Are we really inviting a Baptist, Ed Stetzer, to speak at our next conference?" Apparently Krohn did not believe Stetzer's twitter, Stetzer's blog, or Stetzer's published schedule. So Church and Change answered Joe by attacking me, not addressing a pertinent question from one of their most devoted disciples. A few more exchanges like that and Joe may drop his bass guitar in favor of a Triglotta. Think of the loss, Mike!

I think the odious Don Patterson Network has decided to fight back.